At first glance, the typical Waterclanner appears to be little different from an average Valley Cat. They are large, it is true, but when considered alongside Stoneclan and Treeclan they are little more than the middle trait; cats not quite small or short enough to be outclassed by Treeclan Birds, but not large enough to outclass Stoneclanners or Treeclan Boars. Many – particularly Waterclan themselves – have theorised that this has resulted from the ‘especially high’ diversity of body types and clan origins that comprised their founders, but it is more likely the consequence of their increasingly sea-faring lifestyles, and the subsequent selection of ‘ocean-friendly’ traits.

Excluding the decidedly streamlined structure of almost all Waterclan bodies, these ocean-friendly traits are of a subtler nature than feline size. The most obvious and widespread of the clans adaptations is a double fur layer, noticeable as an unusually thick, wiry coat and a seemingly permanent sheen. It is for this that the clan is most widely known and recognised, and to this that their affiliation with water is commonly attributed. However, even the youngest of Waterclanners know that the fur is only part of the story – little more than the temperature control to support the underlying mechanisms. The real treasure is the Waterclan paw; appendages that often appear a little too big for their owners, and conceal the increasingly common (and pronounced) webbing between Waterclan toes.

Without these traits, the cats of this clan would likely still be limited to the rivers and ocean surf, and be at the mercy of their frequently limited terrestrial prey. Instead they are able to collect the majority of their fresh kill from the rivers and ocean shallows, and frequently scorn both terrestrial prey and those who hunt it. This coincides with the development of their aquatic traits, and the increasing number of Waterclan cats who now brave the deeper water beyond their shores; ground that offers rich hunting for those who know how to use it, but also a significantly increased chance of injury and death.

Fortunately for Waterclan, few outsiders are aware of the dangers involved with their oceanic hunts, or realise how few of their number can risk the depths. To the rest of the Valley they are all masters of sea and surf, and as a consequence they tend to be viewed with a certain amount of awe – not to mention a degree of weariness for their legendary tempers. These are felines to be cautious of, for though they are oft ‘finicky, prissy little surf-dancers’, they are also perfectly capable of putting up a fight, and as volatile as the ocean itself.