Mudclaw (WC)/Main article

Mudclaw is a mottled, dark brown tabby tom.

Mudkit was born to Ryestalk and Shrewclaw of WindClan, along with his brother Tornear. He is first seen as a senior warrior of WindClan with an apprentice named Webpaw. He, along with his Clan, are driven off by Brokenstar and ShadowClan who greedily took over WindClan's territory. Mudclaw is viewed as hostile and overly belligerent towards cats from other Clans. He works hard to make WindClan strong again after they are brought back to the forest by Fireheart and Graystripe, but coldly asserts to Fireheart and the rest of ThunderClan that he does not owe them anything.

After Deadfoot is killed in battle, Mudclaw is appointed as the next deputy of WindClan by Tallstar. Mudclaw's aggressive and quick-tempered nature is balanced by Tallstar's calm and patient leadership approach, and the two cats tend to run the Clan well together. Mudclaw acquires another apprentice, Crowpaw. Mudclaw makes the Great Journey with the other Clans. During this journey, Tallstar becomes frail and sick, and Mudclaw slowly begins slipping into the leadership position and gives out orders to WindClan.

On Tallstar's death bed, the old leader tells Firestar, Onewhisker, and Brambleclaw that he made a mistake choosing Mudclaw as his deputy and could not allow him to become leader, as he could wage unnecessary wars with ThunderClan. Tallstar appoints Onewhisker as the new deputy of WindClan with his last breath and loses his final life. The other cats are shocked, especially Mudclaw. Mudclaw begins to plot a takeover with Hawkfrost to drive out Onewhisker and seize his leadership, but it ultimately fails and Mudclaw is killed by a falling tree. The tree is seen as a sign from StarClan that Onewhisker is the rightful leader of WindClan and it provides a bridge to the island for Gatherings.

Mudclaw, despite his actions, is revealed to be in StarClan. This was because he had a legitimate claim to leadership, and he truly believed he was the rightful leader of WindClan.

Detailed description

 * Mudclaw is a wiry, mottled, dark brown tabby tom.

Interesting facts

 * Mudclaw went to StarClan due to him having a legitimate claim to become WindClan's leader. Vicky also states that Mudclaw was not evil enough to go to the Dark Forest, and she felt bad for him losing his deputy rank moments before Tallstar died.
 * Kate said she liked the idea of Shrewclaw being Mudclaw's father, and Vicky later confirmed so.
 * He is a distant descendant of Windstar via Mistmouse.

Mistakes

 * Mudclaw is said to be a kit in the nursery when Tallstar became leader in Starlight, but in Tallstar's Revenge, he is shown as a warrior when Tallstar is going to receive his nine lives.