With half of Treeclan’s warriors specialising in battle it should be of little surprise that the clan is in possession of a sizeable repertoire of attacks, and that its Boars are well versed in most, if not all, of the tactics known to the clan. However, it is a carefully kept secret of Boars that no new tactics have been added to the pool for generations, and that many have in fact been lost as consequence of the Valley’s peacefulness. This has made Treeclan’s Boars all the more determined to preserve those that remain in their knowledge, and now no Boar apprentice is given their warrior name until they have demonstrated a sound understanding of all the battle tactics the clan owns. In addition, full Boar warriors are expected to practice these tactics regularly throughout their lives so that they might come as close to mastery as possible, and will be in a strong position to teach them to future apprentices.

This page details the fighting, defence, and body-language-based tactics that exist within Treeclan’s repertoire, and makes note of those few tactics that are actively taught to Birds. It should be noted that additional defence/fighting tactics may be known to those of Foreign birth, but it is also important to note that Treeclan has unfortunately grown so concerned with the preservation of its existing tactics—all passed from mentor to apprentice from The Four—that its warriors tend to be dismissive of such ‘foreign methods’, and may even react hostilely should they find them being taught to its apprentices. It is partly due to this attitude that the development of new tactics has been stalled for so long.


Note: This page is heavily based on the Warriors books, and was put together using a variety of online sources. None of the tactics laid out here are unique to TCE, but all are well known to Treeclan’s Boars.

Bushing Fur

A simple intimidation tactic. Used to make oneself appear larger, and discourage the enemy from attacking.

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Slicking Fur Down

A tactic used to make oneself seem weaker.

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Play Dead

A tactic to be used in particularly tight situations – usually when pinned. Stop struggling and fall limp until opponent relaxes their grip, then push upwards and go straight back on the attack.

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Unbalancing Act

A defence against the forepaw slash, upright lock, or any attack that requires the opponent to rear onto their hind legs. Roll towards enemy’s hind legs to unbalance them, either forcing them to abort the attack or knocking them to the ground.

Drop & Kick

A defence against the upright lock. Quickly slither under the enemy when move into the upright lock position (reared with both paws raised to strike) and kick upwards with back legs. Must be performed quickly and powerfully.

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Duck & Twist

A basic defence move. Duck and twist aside to avoid attacks and gain distance from enemy.

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Attack Crouch

A basic offensive move. Crouch down and leap up/forwards to attack enemy and/or latch onto their back.

Back Kick

Surprise attack that can be aimed at any part of the enemy’s body. Lash out with back legs, taking weight onto front paws.

Front Paw Strike / Forepaw Slash

Slice one or both paws down at the body or face of an opponent. Particularly effective when aimed at the eyes.

Unbalance

A basic offensive/defensive tactic. Strike at the enemy’s legs and shoulders to make them stumble and, if possible, knock them to the ground. Can be done with kicks, paw strikes, headbutts, and any other method one might think up.

Notes:

This section details the battle tactics that are taught to, and used by, the clan’s Boars. It deals mainly with tactics designed for the approach of enemies and first moments of battle, and for those tricks that may help to give a warrior an advantage over their opponent. Whilst certain defence tactics may be taught to Treeclan’s Birds, the same cannot be said of these battle tactics; in fact, these methods are known exclusively to Boars, and are guarded almost jealously by many of their number.

The ability to describe and perform these tactics is a crucial part of a Boar apprentice’s training, and, as is the case with Treeclan’s defence and fighting tactics, apprentices must have a sound grasp on the majority of these methods before they will be granted their warrior name. However, unlike the defence and fighting tactics these areas are often practiced in a more ‘enjoyable’ manner, with Treeclan’s Boars arranging mock battles specifically for their use. During these battles a small number of Boars (namely: any Boar who may wish to participate, along with their apprentices) organise themselves into a ‘defending’ and ‘attacking’ team, and then attempt to outwit each other within the forest. The game ends when the ‘attackers’ enter camp or when the ‘defenders’ manage to make them surrender, and many Boars leap at the chance to participate. Unfortunately, its also common for Boars to grow a little over-zealous during these games, with cats almost always landing themselves a visit to the Medicine Cats by the time it ends.


Note: This page is heavily based on the Warriors books, and was put together using a variety of online sources. None of the tactics laid out here are unique to TCE, but all are well known to Treeclan’s Boars.

Approach

Keep upwind to mask patrol’s scent Communicate using tail-signals, not words. Travel quietly; try not to break twigs, rustle plants, or startle birds. Keep low to the ground, and, if pelt is lightly coloured, keep to the thickest cover. Watch for freshly broken twigs, overturned leaves, fur caught in brambles, and prey remains. Keep mouth open to track unfamiliar scents. Remember that if there’s no breeze, the enemy may be much closer than assumed.

Gain Higher Ground

Attacking from the higher position of a hill, or the top of a small incline, allows cats to direct their attacks downwards and can potentially add greater force to blows, and greater speed to charges. Also forces enemies to expend more energy in reaching defenders, maintaining balance, and warding off blows.

Use Sunlight

Cats should keep the light behind them, and force their enemy to look directly towards the sun. This can dazzle enemies in any fight, but may be particularly useful in Greenleaf, when light is strongest, and leafbare, when the sun hovers closer to the eyeline and may prevent enemies from seeing attacks from any direction.

Use Wind Direction

Stay upwind when approaching enemy cats, as this may help win the element of surprise (and, for smaller patrols, provides a safer opportunity to judge the size and strength of the enemy force). In battle, cats should keep stronger winds at their backs so that any dust/debris in the air will be blown into the enemy’s face.

Conceal Size of Force

Keep patrol tightly bunched when approaching enemies, as this will make the patrol seem smaller and may encourage the enemy to make poor strategic choices. Alternatively, spread patrol out in a single-file line to create the impression of a solid barrier; this may unnerve enemy forces enough to make them retreat, or hesitate in their attack.

Attack Both Ends of Enemy Line

If possible, attack enemy groups from both sides at once, and aim to defeat the outlying cats as quickly as possible. This will leave the central cats facing a fight on two fronts, and will a: make them more vulnerable, and b: likely rob them of further will to fight.

Keep Warriors in Reserve

If possible, avoid involving all cats in the clan/patrol in the initial attack. Keep a good number of warriors in reserve, ready to replace tired/injured fighters, launch a secondary attack should the enemy attempt to encircle the main force, or fend off surprise attacks. If the battle is going in clan’s favour, these reserve warriors can finish It quickly by moving in to surround the enemy.

Feigned Retreats & Ambush

Split forces, with one strong group confronting the enemy, whilst another group hides within holes/dips out of the enemy eyeline. The confronting group should charge and retreat until the enemy gives chase, then lead the enemy cats towards their concealed forces. Concealed warriors attack from behind as soon as the enemy passes them, and confronting warriors turn to attack from the front.