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RiverClan's leader succession crisis

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Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
"It takes time for a Clan to lose faith in its leader, and I don't think any Clan has ever been without true leadership for as long as RiverClan has been now. Mistystar's death, and then Reedwhisker's death so soon afterwards, left no obvious cat to succeed to the leadership. And then for a while they were under the control of ShadowClan...Cats will cling to the belief that Splashtail will revive their Clan, because that is what they've wanted for so long. It's hard to reject that which you have dreamed of."
— Harestar about Splashtail in Wind, page 242

RiverClan's leader succession crisis was a period of several moons when RiverClan was without clear leadership following the sudden deaths of Mistystar and Reedwhisker.[4] It served as the main plotline in the A Starless Clan arc.

Summary[]

Premise[]

«RiverClan needed a different leader. A leader who would finally sever StarClan's hold on the cats he was destined to rule. A leader like Splashtail.»
—Splashtail's thoughts about turning on Curlfeather Wind (book), page 8
Mistystar's sudden death prompted a downwards spiral in RiverClan

Mistystar's sudden death prompted a downwards spiral in RiverClan

Curlfeather approached Splashtail during his apprenticeship about questioning the Clan's reliance on StarClan. Believing that Mistystar was close to death, Curlfeather and Splashtail plotted to kill the deputy Reedwhisker so Curlfeather could succeed him. She tasked Splashtail with the job of murdering him, though Splashtail secretly wanted power for himself.[9] During a hunting patrol with Reedwhisker, Splashtail, Curlfeather, Podlight, and Fognose,[4] Splashtail ambushed Reedwhisker next to the gorge, shoving him to his death.[10] At the same time, Mistystar abruptly died in camp.[4] The hunting patrol returned without Reedwhisker, suspected that the deputy had returned to camp on his own,[11] and the deputy was assumed missing.[12]

Overview[]

"This is the new RiverClan. A greater, stronger, more powerful Clan than it has ever been before. No longer will we wait for the approval of dead cats to do what we know needs to be done. We will do whatever it takes to make RiverClan the strongest Clan, the richest in prey and territory, and the more influential...We will enjoy our living seasons to the fullest, and not worry about what lies beyond. And I will take you there!"
―Splashtail to RiverClan Wind, page 278
With Reedwhisker missing for several days, the Clan agrees to allow their medicine cats, Mothwing and her apprentice Frostpaw, to temporarily lead the Clan until Reedwhisker can be found.[12] RiverClan's connection to StarClan solely rests on Frostpaw's inexperienced shoulders. Unbeknownst to Frostpaw, her mother Curlfeather manipulated her into believing her dreams were visions from StarClan.[13] After Reedwhisker's body is found in a ravine,[14] Frostpaw and Splashtail head to the Moonpool to ask StarClan who their new leader should be.[15] Splashtail's purposeful placement of a small white, curled feather near the Moonpool spurs Frostpaw into believing her mother Curlfeather should be their new leader.[13][15] However, Splashtail betrays Curlfeather,[16] leading dogs to the moor to kill Curlfeather before she can reach the Moonpool.[17] Because of her involvement in killing Reedwhisker, Curlfeather is sent to the Dark Forest.[13]
Continuing to believe she has a connection to StarClan, Frostpaw dreams of her mother Curlfeather advising that she should "look beyond the obvious choices" for RiverClan's new leader,[18] potentially prompted by Splashtail's earlier conviction that the obvious choice isn't always the right one.[19] She chooses Owlnose to be their new leader, though his lack of confidence causes some of his Clanmates to doubt his ability to lead.[20] He chooses Splashtail to be his deputy to balance his indecisiveness. However, StarClan does not appear to Owlnose at the Moonpool,[21] and Owlnose's inability to lie creates chaos at the Gathering. SkyClan sends Fidgetflake to RiverClan to guide Owlnose for his leadership ceremony.[22] However, Owlnose abruptly steps down from leadership before they arrive to the Moonpool, and Frostpaw begins to doubt the legitimacy of her visions.[23][24]
Recognizing the danger a leaderless Clan might pose on ShadowClan, Tigerstar forcibly takes control of RiverClan until they can find a new leader,[8] making RiverClan part of ShadowClan.[25] He appoints his deputy Cloverfoot and the senior warrior Icewing to co-lead while he commutes between the two camps.[26] Tensions between to violently rise between RiverClan and the ShadowClan warriors imposed in their camp.[27][28] While training with her new mentor Harelight, Frostpaw receives a real vision from StarClan of Reedwhisker's apparent murder.[29] Upon Splashtail's encouragement, Frostpaw travels to WindClan to speak with Whistlepaw about her vision,[28] though is brutally attacked by Splashtail before she can arrive.[10] She is rescued by Whistlepaw, who brings her to Smoky and his Twolegs for treatment.[30] Riverstar instructs Frostpaw to go on a journey to save RiverClan with the ThunderClan warrior Nightheart.[31] They travel to the Cats of the Park, where Riverstar originated, for Frostpaw to learn about meditation. Frostpaw realizes that Splashtail plotted with Curlfeather to kill Reedwhisker and he was the one who attacked her.[10][13]
At the lake, Tree mediates the tensions between RiverClan and ShadowClan, eventually leading to ShadowClan withdrawing from RiverClan's camp. RiverClan appoints Duskfur to be their temporary leader, with Splashtail as her deputy.[32] Conspiring with Splashtail,[33] Podlight claims to have received a dream from StarClan signifying that Splashtail should be their new leader.[34] Now exiled from RiverClan, Frostpaw is determined to save her Clan from this false leader.[35] Despite revealing that Splashtail never received his nine lives, WindClan and SkyClan accept Splashstar as the rightful leader of RiverClan.[36] His own warriors begin to doubt his claims to leadership, however, resulting in Mothwing, Icewing, and Duskfur fleeing the Clan. Splashtail calls for their deaths,[37] and he kills his deputy Harelight when the white tom proposes otherwise.[38]
Splashtail set his sights on taking over the other Clans. He coerces his Clanmates by holding his younger siblings hostage.[39] After marooning Tigerstar on the island,[40] RiverClan assaults ShadowClan's camp, hoping to find Mothwing, Icewing, and Duskfur.[41][42] ShadowClan concedes after RiverClan threatens their kits as collateral,[42] though Berryheart is killed when she attempts to usurp Splashtail.[43] Fognose and Sneezecloud attempt to steal kits from SkyClan, but they instead capture Nightheart.[44] Frostpaw manages to recruit WindClan[42] and ThunderClan to help ShadowClan.[45][46] ShadowClan, WindClan, ThunderClan, SkyClan, and some RiverClan rebels take the battle to RiverClan's camp,[46] though they are quickly defeated. Splashtail attempts to escape with Floatkit, though he is eventually killed in a confrontation with Frostpaw.[5] Frostpaw lingers in a coma until Icewing returns from her journey, where she is chosen as RiverClan's new leader.[47]

Succession[]

Leader(s) Book Notes
Mothwing and Frostpaw[48] River Co-leaders until Reedwhisker's body was found
Curlfeather[49] River Killed by dogs on way to the Moonpool
Mothwing and Frostpaw[50] Sky -
Owlnose[51] Sky Deputy was Splashtail; stepped down from leadership
Tigerstar[52] Shadow Supervising leader
Cloverfoot and Icewing[53] Shadow Co-leaders appointed by Tigerstar
Duskfur[54] Thunder Deputy was Splashtail; appointed by RiverClan temporarily under ShadowClan's rule
Splashtail[55] Wind Deputies were Harelight and Berryheart; appointed by Podlight's dreams from StarClan
Icestar[56] Star Chosen by Frostdawn and accepted by StarClan

Description[]

Reedwhisker's disappearance[]

"Very well. If we never find Reedwhisker, and if we ever find ourselves in the terrible situation of being leaderless, Frostpaw and I will lead the Clan until StarClan guides us to a new leader."
―Mothwing about leading RiverClan River, pages 126-127
The sudden death of Mistystar and Reedwhisker's mysterious murder resulted in turmoil for RiverClan for moons

The sudden death of Mistystar and Reedwhisker's mysterious murder resulted in turmoil for RiverClan for moons

Reedwhisker is still missing the day after Mistystar's vigil, and RiverClan's warriors debate on what they should do. Duskfur and Mallownose suggest that the medicine cats should temporarily leader, but others, such as Podlight and Shimmerpelt, suggest that they themselves should lead. Frostpaw finds a star-shaped dock leaf on her nest, and RiverClan believes it to be a sign from StarClan that the medicine cats should co-lead until Reedwhisker is found.[12] At the half-moon meeting, Leopardstar tells Frostpaw that Reedwhisker is in a shadowy place within their territory.[57] While RiverClan organizes search parties, Curlfeather and Splashtail meet in secret. Splashtail's worries that someone might find Reedwhisker's body, but Curlfeather insists that she will just tell Frostpaw that his death was an accident.[13] Frostpaw, Splashtail, Curlfeather, and Gorseclaw locate Reedwhisker's body at the bottom of the ravine. Frostpaw notes how the wounds on his back resemble a badger's claws, though Curlfeather insists that he must have died from the fall. With Reedwhisker confirmed to be dead, RiverClan waits for StarClan to send them a sign who their new leader should be.[14]
At the Gathering, Mothwing lies that Mistystar and Reedwhisker are ill with whitecough.[58] Meanwhile, Frostpaw and Splashtail head to the Moonpool for the medicine cat apprentice to speak with StarClan.[15] While Frostpaw attempts to communicate with StarClan, Splashtail places a small, white curled feather nearby.[13] Frostpaw interprets it as a sign from StarClan that her mother Curlfeather should be RiverClan's next leader. She later dreams of tiny feathers covering the Moonpool hollow, solidifying her belief in the sign.[15] Curlfeather is accepted by the Clan as their new leader.[17] However, Splashtail leads dogs to the moor,[59] resulting in Curlfeather's death while on her way to the Moonpool. Before dying, she warns Frostpaw to not trust any cat.[17]

A reluctant leader[]

"I can't. I don't think I'm supposed to be leader. I just want to be an ordinary RiverClan warrior. I'm not going to the Moonpool."
―Owlnose about stepping down Sky, page 255
Mothwing (pictured) temporarily lead the Clan twice when her Clanmates turned to her for directions

Mothwing (pictured) temporarily lead the Clan twice when her Clanmates turned to her for directions

Following Curlfeather's death, Mothwing resumes organizing patrols. The other warriors are lost in their grief to want to volunteer for leadership.[19] At the Moonpool, Frostpaw dreams of her mother telling her to "look beyond the obvious choices,"[18] though this turns out to be dreamt up by Frostpaw.[60] After reflecting over each of her Clanmates, Frostpaw chooses Owlnose after she couldn't think of a reason not to pick him. Surprised, Owlnose accepts, and the Clan welcomes their new leader. However, Owlnose lack of confidence causes some of his Clanmates to doubt him.[20]
StarClan does not arrive at the Moonpool to grant Owlnose his nine lives. RiverClan reasons that previous leaders, such as Onestar, had to wait awhile before receiving their nine lives, and StarClan's silence does not necessarily mean their disapproval. Owlnose chooses Splashtail as his deputy, despite his Clanmates' disapproval that he was too young and hadn't mentored an apprentice.[21] During an emergency Gathering called by Tigerstar to discuss the catmint shortage, Owlnose poses as Owlstar, the new leader of RiverClan, with Splashtail as his deputy, and claims that Mistystar and Reedwhisker both died of greencough. However, Owlnose reveals that he has not received nine lives after other Clans continue to press him for clarification. Realizing that RiverClan is floundering and their only connection to StarClan is an apprentice, Tigerstar suggests that he should temporarily lead RiverClan until they find a true leader. This choice is challenged by all the Clans until Leafstar suggests sending Fidgetflake to RiverClan to help Owlnose receive his nine lives.[22]
While cleaning through their neglected herb storage, Fidgetflake discovers that RiverClan had a forgotten supply of catmint—enough to cure Mistystar and Reedwhisker from greencough and potentially save Rowankit, Tigerstar's son who died from the lack of catmint. Fidgetflake, Mothwing, Frostpaw, and Owlnose head to the Moonpool. While crossing WindClan's territory, Fidgetflake mentions how WindClan found prey bones nearby where Curlfeather had died, positing if they were used to lure the dogs here. While Frostpaw struggles with the thought of someone murdering her mother, Owlnose abruptly decides that he is not meant to be RiverClan's leader and he heads back to camp.[23] Frostpaw attempts to communicate with StarClan at the Moonpool, but to her horror, the young medicine cat apprentice realizes that her dreams were never real.[24]

ShadowClan's invasion[]

Main article: Battle for RiverClan (ASC)
"I don't want to invade any Clan. Certainly not for revenge. Wherever you got the notion, it was wrong. RiverClan is in trouble, and if I can do something to help them, then I will. I don't blame any Clan for what happened to Rowankit. I only want to protect ShadowClan. And that may mean helping RiverClan. [...] What affects RiverClan affects us. Look how fast ThunderClan's turmoil spread to every Clan after the impostor took over. If they'd been honest about what was happening, we could have helped before it threw all of us into chaos."
―Tigerstar to Berryheart Sky, pages 296-297
RiverClan was incorporated into ShadowClan after Tigerstar forcibly took control of their Clan

RiverClan was incorporated into ShadowClan after Tigerstar forcibly took control of their Clan

After learning about RiverClan's forgotten catmint supply, Tigerstar leads a patrol to RiverClan to assume leadership, and his campaign only furthers when he discovers that Owlnose did not receive his nine lives. Harelight and Icewing posit that they should accept Tigerstar's offer, though their Clanmates accuse them of being traitors.[61] A battle breaks out, though ShadowClan's warriors quickly overwhelm the smaller Clan.[8] Immediately after the battle, Tigerstar assumed leadership of RiverClan, appointing his deputy Cloverfoot and the RiverClan senior warrior Icewing as co-leaders, as well as leaving a ShadowClan presence in RiverClan while Tigerstar returns to his own camp.[26] At the emergency Gathering, Icewing explains to the other Clans how Mistystar suddenly died and Reedwhisker died in an apparent accident, resulting in turmoil for their Clan with Frostpaw as their only connection to StarClan. Leafstar questions Tigerstar's takeover of ShadowClan and vows to reconsider ShadowClan's invasion at the next Gathering.[62] Tigerstar imposes RiverClan as temporary ShadowClan cats,[25] and he frequently travels between both camps to perform ceremonies.[63]
RiverClan grows tiresome of the ShadowClan warriors stationed in their camp, with pairs rotating every two days.[64] Tensions continue to rise between the two Clans in the same camp, to the point of destroying Cloverfoot's nest[27] and placing thorns in prey for unsuspecting ShadowClan warriors to eat.[28] Splashtail, Mallownose, and Duskfur meet with Berryheart, Snowbird, Yarrowleaf, and Whorlpelt in secret to discuss restoring RiverClan's freedom from ShadowClan, with Splashtail implying to manipulate some cat into becoming RiverClan's next medicine cat.[65] While fishing with her new mentor Harelight, Frostpaw receives a vision of Reedwhisker's death at the gorge, realizing that the former deputy was murdered by a member of their own Clan. Reedwhisker's spirit warns Frostpaw of a darkness in RiverClan.[29] At the next Gathering, Leafstar questions ShadowClan's future in RiverClan and is intent on using force to drive ShadowClan away, though Bramblestar and Harestar disagree.[27] With tensions rising in RiverClan, Tigerstar appoints more warriors to live in RiverClan full-time.[66]
Whistlepaw, the WindClan medicine cat apprentice, saved Frostpaw's life after Splashtail attempted to kill her

Whistlepaw, the WindClan medicine cat apprentice, saved Frostpaw's life after Splashtail attempted to kill her

Frostpaw tells Splashtail about her vision, and he encourages her to speak with Whistlepaw of WindClan to verify her vision.[28] However, she is brutally attacked by Splashtail while on her way to WindClan.[67][10] Whistlepaw finds Frostpaw left for dead on the moor and takes her to Smoky at the horseplace.[59] Whistlepaw's struggles to treat her injuries, and Smoky calls for his Twolegs to help.[25] After the Twolegs treat her wounds, Frostpaw receives a dream from Riverstar telling her to make a journey to become stronger to help her Clan.[68] Nightheart accompanies her, and the pair travel to the Cats of the Park, where Riverstar originated, to learn about meditation.[31] Frostpaw accepts that it was Splashtail who attempted to kill her, as well as planting the curled feather by the Moonpool.[10] To her greater horror, she learns that her mother Curlfeather plotted with Splashtail to kill Reedwhisker. Realizing what qualities RiverClan's new leader will require, Frostpaw returns home with Nightheart, Waffle, and Wasp.[13]
Back at the Clans, Owlnose and Splashtail visit the other Clans to search for Frostpaw,[69] and Whistlepaw lies that Frostpaw was killed on the moor. With the death of their medicine cat, Squirrelstar suggests that Tree should find a peaceful solution between ShadowClan and RiverClan by mediating.[70] While Tree meets with the leaders and RiverClan representatives at the island over the next moon, Tigerstar eventually agrees to slowly withdraw his cats out of RiverClan. The Clan leaders agree that Duskfur should temporarily lead RiverClan during the peace talks, and RiverClan agrees. She appoints Splashtail as her acting deputy.[32]

Splashtail's Clan[]

Main article: Battle against Splashtail
"I am a true leader. And you and the other leaders would do well to note who it is that speaks against me: a disgraced RiverClan exile, and the medicine cat from the Clan who invaded my Clan and tried to take us over! There's no doubt in my mind that the more upheaval he can cause in RiverClan, the better Tigerstar will like it. I am Splashstar, and unless you leaders know otherwise, you had better treat me with the respect my new name deserves. After all, what is the point of these Gatherings if the leaders can't even agree on who holds a rightful place in their Clan as leader or medicine cat?"
―Splashtail at the Gathering Wind, page 180
After gaining his Clanmates' favor, Splashtail demanded absolute loyalty and threatened to harm kits to force his warriors to attack the other Clans

After gaining his Clanmates' favor, Splashtail demanded absolute loyalty and threatened to harm kits to force his warriors to attack the other Clans

At the next Gathering, Duskfur announces that Podlight has received dreams from StarClan and will be their new medicine cat apprentice. Podlight declares that Riverstar told him that Splashtail should be their new leader.[34] Frostpaw declares that Splashtail is lying and previously killed Reedwhisker, Curlfeather, and nearly killed her. However, Splashtail lies that he originally knew of Curlfeather's plans but not their full extent. With Frostpaw's claims causing uncertainty, RiverClan welcomes Splashtail as their new leader. Tigerstar withdraws all his warriors from RiverClan, and Splashtail exiles Frostpaw from RiverClan, claiming she she is trying to pull the Clan apart.[35] He appoints Harelight as hie deputy.[36]
Splashtail prepares his warriors for battle in retaliation against ShadowClan, though he puts off receiving his nine lives from StarClan,[71] believing that he does not need them.[16] Frostpaw receives a vision of a shadow destroying the river, though the medicine cats are skeptical about its true meaning.[72] Podlight and Mothwing eventually convince Splashtail to visit the Moonpool, though Mothwing stays behind due to Havenpelt, Splashtail's mother, giving birth to her new litter. The two linger near the Moonpool long enough for their Clanmates to believe that Splashtail gained his nine lives. Unbeknowst to the RiverClan cats, Puddleshine and Frostpaw spy from above the Moonpool. Riverstar's spirit appears, though Splashtail and Podlight cannot see him. The RiverClan founder's message is clear: Splashtail and Podlight are impostors.[33] However, SkyClan and WindClan accept Splashstar as RiverClan's leader.[36]
Some RiverClan cats begin to doubt Splashtail's claims to leadership, including Duskfur, Icewing, and Mothwing.[36] However, ThunderClan, ShadowClan,[73][37] and WindClan[74] agree to only intervene if RiverClan decides to resist Splashtail. At some point, Mothwing, Duskfur, and Icewing flee RiverClan, Splashtail rallies his remaining warriors to kill them as traitors.[37] When his deputy Harelight suggests otherwise, Splashtail kills him, appointing Berryheart as his new deputy.[38] Nightheart finds Mothwing, Duskfur, and Icewing near the greenleaf Twolegplace,[75] and he, Sunbeam, and Frostpaw take them to ShadowClan.[76] When Tigerstar returns in the morning from an emergency Gathering to discuss Whistlepaw's strange prophecy from StarClan and plans to send a joint-Clan patrol to fulfill it. Icewing volunteers for RiverClan.[40]
Splashtail killed his deputy Harelight to coerce RiverClan into obeying his every word

Splashtail killed his deputy Harelight to coerce RiverClan into obeying his every word

Splashtail plans on taking over the other Clans, first with ShadowClan in retribution for their earlier takeover. To coerce his Clanmates to fight, Splashtail imprisons Mosspelt, Havenpelt, and her newborn kits, and he threatens to kill Floatkit, Rapidkit, and Troutkit.[39] Instead of hunting, Splashtail instead prioritizes constant battle practice, leaving the camp in disarray.[44] Berryheart and Brackenpelt trick Tigerstar with a ploy that RiverClan has overthrown Splashtail on their own accord, though several are greatly wounded. Tigerstar leads his strongest warriors, Whorlpelt, Gullswoop, Stonewing, and Lightleap, and Puddleshine and Frostpaw to help RiverClan defeat Splashtail. As they are lured on the tree-bridge that leads to the island, the ShadowClan warriors are ambushed by Minnowtail, Nightsky, Lizardtail, and Brackenpelt from beneath the lake. Unable to swim, Tigerstar and his warriors are trapped on the island while Gorseclaw and Brackenpelt stand guard.[40]
With Tigerstar gone, Splashtail launches an assault on ShadowClan's camp, vowing that merging their Clans will benefit everyone and echoing Tigerstar's claims when he originally took over RiverClan. While Sunbeam leads Duskfur and Mothwing out of camp, RiverClan's warriors desperately attack the nursery[39] and the elder's den.[41] Despite Sunbeam returning with the border patrol, ShadowClan is defeated, and Sunbeam urges Nightheart to flee to help Duskfur and Mothwing.[41] With ShadowClan now under Splashtail's control, he demands obedience by threatening to harm Cinnamontail's kits if they rebel. Berryheart attempts to convince her former Clanmates that she did all of this to get rid of Tigerstar, though Owlnoes ousts Berryheart for her betrayal. Splashtail orders her death, and Owlnose, Lizardtail, and Nightsky attack. Berryheart eventually takes a blow meant for Sunbeam, and she dies.[43]
While crossing SkyClan's territory, they find Sneezecloud and Fognose stealing Duskkit and Ridgekit, two SkyClan kits. Nightheart helps the kits escape and offers himself as their prisoner instead.[44] Frostpaw manages to swim across the lake to WindClan's territory. Harestar agrees to help ShadowClan,[42] and they visit ThunderClan the following morning. ThunderClan agrees to fight, and they formulate a plan to rescue Tigerstar and ShadowClan.[45] ThunderClan, WindClan, and SkyClan attack ShadowClan's camp to rescue the imprisoned cats, and the remaining RiverClan guards are quickly defeated. While some warriors want to drive out Splashtail and RiverClan, Hawkwing reaffirms that there must be five Clans. Podlight challenges Hawkwing's intentions, resulting in a fight. Owlnose agrees to help the other Clans drive out Splashtail.[46]
The other Clans walk into RiverClan's camp where Splashtail is waiting for them. He is unfazed by Harestar's threats. When his warriors refuse to fight, Splashtail threatens to kill Troutkit, prompting RiverClan to attack. The battle soon turns against his favor, and Splashtail retreats into the river with Floatkit.[46] Frostpaw confronts Splashtail on the shore, and with her mentor's wisdom she manages to defeat Splashtail. She lands a fatal blow, and Splashtail shortly dies. However, Frostpaw collapses from her own wounds.[5]

A different kind of RiverClan[]

"I want [RiverClan] to be a Clan that can weather any storm. I want our Clanmates to have a depth of honor that means that whatever they face, they will always behave like true warriors. RiverClan has been struggling for a long time. But if I've learned anything from my time away from the Clans, it's that being a true warrior is something that happens in your heart. It can't be learned through rules. It can't be taught through training. It must be felt first."
―Icewing to Frostdawn Star, page 312
Frostdawn eventually chose Icewing to become RiverClan's new leader, who wanted a different kind of RiverClan to flourish

Frostdawn eventually chose Icewing to become RiverClan's new leader, who wanted a different kind of RiverClan to flourish

With Splashtail gone and Frostpaw unconscious, RiverClan struggles to unify after Splashtail's betrayal. Splashtail's greatest supporters, Breezeheart and Fognose, are exiled by their peers.[6] As the days past and RiverClan is still without a chosen leader, some cats decide to join other Clans; Lizardtail and Gorseclaw attempt to join ThunderClan,[2] Nightsky joins WindClan, and Mistpaw and Graypaw seek out SkyClan.[3] The other Clans send warriors to help RiverClan rebuild their camp, though Frostpaw's condition continues to worsen. Many RiverClan cats worry about their Clan's future if Frostpaw does not wake up and choose their new leader.[2] At the Gathering, Frecklewish and Kestrelflight share a message from StarClan implying that RiverClan will disappear if Frostpaw dies.[3]
Meanwhile, Frostpaw floats on the edge of consciousness. At one point, her mother's spirit from the Dark Forest to comfort her, but Frostpaw instead argues about her mother's betrayal. Curlfeather insists she was doing it for RiverClan and did not mean for Splashtail to hurt her.[77] Later, Riverstar warns her that RiverClan's future is still uncertain despite Splashtail's death. He urges her to wake up to help save the Clans, though Frostpaw is exhausted from continually fighting for her Clan.[78] Eventually, her father Jayclaw arrives to guide her to StarClan. However, Tree convinces Frostpaw to return to her body. Her Clanmates sing a song to guide her to come back home, and Frostpaw is joyously reunited with her family and friends, including Icewing.[47] A quarter-moon later, Frostdawn guides Icewing to the Moonpool for her leadership ceremony, with both she-cats vowing to change RiverClan for the better. Icewing is granted her nine live as Icestar, and she chooses Owlnose as her deputy. The new RiverClan leader urges her Clanmates to forgive one another as they set forth towards a new dawn.[7]

Characters[]

Splashtail[]

"They don't understand! Only I can protect us. I sacrificed everything to become leader! Because RiverClan needed me! [...] I'm going to protect them as long as I have claws and teeth, and you can't stop me! Nothing you say will change what's going to happen!"
―Splashtail arguing with Curlfeather's apparition Star, chapter 10
Splashtail.silhouette
Splashtail was a young RiverClan warrior. Splashtail agreed to help Curlfeather overthrow RiverClan's current leadership. Having grown up during the reign of the impostor, Splashtail felt like RiverClan's adherence to StarClan was futile. While he agreed with helping Curlfeather, Splashtail felt he was better equipped to lead RiverClan.[79] He helped Curlfeather fake signs to convince Frostpaw to choose her as leader, though Splashtail eventually betrayed Curlfeather by leading dogs to kill her.[13] Splashtail turned to Frostpaw, Curlfeather's daughter, and became one of her biggest supporters as she struggled to pick the new RiverClan leader.[15][19] Splashtail's first taste of leadership was when Owlnose picked him as deputy,[21] and his decisiveness balances Owlnose's insecurities.[23] When ShadowClan forcibly took over RiverClan, Splashtail remained a staunch opposer against Tigerstar's reign and ShadowClan's occupation,[26][25][64] even going as far as to secretly meet up with Berryheart of ShadowClan, who was also displeased with Tigerstar's actions.[65]
When Frostpaw received a dream of some cat killing Reedwhisker, Splashtail knew she had to go.[28] He followed her to WindClan's territory and attempted to kill her.[67][59] In Frostpaw's absence, Splashtail attended meetings on the island to negotiate with Tree about RiverClan's freedom from ShadowClan. When Duskfur was chosen by her peers to be their temporarily leader, she chose Splashtail as her deputy.[32] Close to achieving his goal, Splashtail conspired with Podlight, Curlfeather's brother, to serve as his medicine cat and relay fake messages from StarClan. Podlight claimed that Riverstar told him that Splashtail should be their leader, and he was accepted by their Clan.[34] Splashtail used his success of driving out ShadowClan to fearmonger his Clanmates that the other Clans could not be trusted and they must strike first.[71][80] He killed or threatened death to those who opposed him.[37][38] He grew more paranoid as Curlfeather's spirit continued to berate and taunt him.[80][81] Eventually, Splashtail plotted to take over the other Clans, starting with ShadowClan as retribution. He forced his Clanmates to fight by threatening his younger siblings.[39] Even when faced with imminent defeat, Splashtail attempted to flee with Troutkit to start RiverClan elsewhere anew.[46] However, he was eventually killed by Frostpaw.[5] While some cats still supported Splashtail's leadership, others were remorseful to follow him.[6]

Frostpaw[]

"Cats can only thrive with the help and support of others. We should accept that. We must help each other and share what we have instead of competing over land and prey. It needs to be part of our way of life. I want RiverClan to be like that. To be something new, something different, something better. That's why choosing the right leader is so important."
―Frostpaw to Nightheart about choosing the next leader Thunder, page 290
Frostpaw was tasked with the monumental responsibility of deciding RiverClan's new leader near the start of her apprenticeship

Frostpaw was tasked with the monumental responsibility of deciding RiverClan's new leader near the start of her apprenticeship

As her Clan's sole connection to StarClan, Frostpaw was tasked with the monumental responsibility of choosing RiverClan's new leader following the deaths of Mistystar and Reedwhisker.[12] Unbeknownst to Frostpaw, her mother Curlfeather was manipulating her into choosing her as Mistystar's successor,[13] and Frostpaw witnessed Curlfeather's traumatic death from dogs on their way to the Moonpool.[17] Despite this, her Clanmates urged her to go back to the Moonpool to learn from StarClan who should be their new leader, though Frostpaw struggled to find the courage.[19] Curlfeather also led Frostpaw to believe she had a connection to StarClan,[13] causing Frostpaw to falsely believe she received a message from her mother to "look beyond the obvious choices."[18] Frostpaw interpreted this to be Owlnose,[20] though he later stepped down from leadership.[23] Frostpaw began to realize that she never had a connection to StarClan.[24] Against the wishes of Mothwing, Frostpaw tells Icewing and Tigerstar about her false visions, and Tigerstar transitioned her training to Harelight.[25] Relived to be free of her heavy responsibility, Frostpaw flourished under Harelight's training, though several of her Clanmates were displeased about Frostpaw's choice.[82] Later, she received a real vision from StarClan of Reedwhisker's murder.[29]
Upon Splashtail's suggestion, Frostpaw attempted to speak to Whistlepaw about her vision, though she was brutally attacked on the moor.[67] Whistlepaw saved Frostpaw's life by taking her to Smoky's horseplace for treatment,[30] and, once she recovered, Frostpaw was prompted by Riverstar to take a journey to grow stronger to help her Clan.[68] Together with Nightheart, Frostpaw traveled to the Cats of the Park, the origins of RiverClan, where she learned to mediate and finally found her peace. She realized that it was Splashtail who attempted to kill her and he had been working with Curlfeather.[13][10] After gaining the strength she needed to save her Clan, Frostpaw returned to the Clans and was outspoken against Splashtail's leadership. Her Clanmates, however, did not believe her, and Frostpaw was exiled to ShadowClan.[35] Frostpaw did not easily give up; she continued to advocate against Splashtail despite the other Clans accepting his leadership,[33] eventually earning the trust of Mothwing, Duskfur, and Icewing.[36] She volunteered to help save RiverClan in the final battle against Splashtail[45] and managed to kill him.[5] Her endeavors exhausted Frostpaw, and she was almost willing to enter StarClan until her Clanmates rescued her.[78][47] Frostpaw chose Icewing to be RiverClan's new leader, and she accompanied her new leader to receive her nine lives.[7]

Owlnose[]

"I'm sick of cats using RiverClan for their own ends. I'm sick of watching my Clanmates die so that traitors can live. I regret the day I turned back from the Moonpool. I should have taken responsibility. I should have agreed to be RiverClan's leader. If I had, none of this would have happened."
―Owlnose to Sunbeam after killing Berryheart Star, chapter 8
Owlnose was originally chosen by Frostpaw to become RiverClan's leader

Owlnose was originally chosen by Frostpaw to become RiverClan's leader

Owlnose was a RiverClan warrior. Frostpaw chose Owlnose to become RiverClan's new leader after receiving a cryptic message from her mother's spirit.[18] However, Owlnose lacked the confidence to lead his Clanmates,[20] and his confidence slid further when StarClan did not appear to him at the Moonpool.[21] Owlnose eventually stepped down from leadership, believing it was a mistake.[23] His decision left RiverClan vulnerable for Tigerstar to take over, and some of his Clanmates blamed him for this decision.[26] When Splashtail became leader, Owlnose initially felt he made the right decision.[6] However, Owlnose came to regret his decision to step down, even while obeying Splashtail's cruel orders.[43] He sided with the other Clans to free RiverClan and fought valiantly against Splashtail.[46] When Icestar became leader, she specifically chose him because of his wisdom in stepping down from leadership.[7]

Icewing[]

"Splashtail would have killed any cat who stood between him and power. But Splashtail no longer concerns me. It is the cats standing before me who I care about. You were all used. Your actions and words were twisted by a skilled manipulator. He used your loyalty and courage against you. He threatened the vulnerable and exploited the weak. He made you believe that not supporting him would destroy the Clan when the opposite was true. We must forgive one another, and we must forgive ourselves."
―Icestar to her warriors Star, page 323
Icewing was a senior warrior in RiverClan. After Mistystar, Reedwhisker, and Curlfeather's abrupt deaths, Icewing and other senior warriors were hesitant to take leadership.[19] When Tigerstar arrived to take charge of RiverClan, Icewing attempted to reason with her Clanmates.[61] After the battle, Tigerstar appointed Icewing and Cloverfoot as co-leaders, though Icewing's leadership was challenged as she used to be a temporary ShadowClan cat.[26] Icewing was sufficient with her duties,[27] though she was unable to properly control her Clanmates when they rebelled against their ShadowClan guards.[28] Icewing was eventually replaced by Duskfur.[32] She, Duskfur, and Mothwing eventually believed Frostpaw's warnings about Splashtail and attempted to convince their Clanmates to rebel.[36] However, Splashtail caught on to their plans, and he ordered their deaths.[47] Nightheart, Sunbeam, and Frostpaw helped them escape to ShadowClan,[76] though Icewing eventually left to participate in a mission from StarClan. She felt confident that Frostpaw would be capable to save RiverClan in her absence.[40] During her journey, Icewing became more determined to save her Clan from Splashtail.[83] She returned just in time to help sing Frostpaw back to life, her voice the loudest of all.[47] Icewing was chosen as RiverClan's leader, and she fostered a new era in RiverClan.[7]

Curlfeather[]

Frostpaw: "Don't you understand what you've done?"
Curlfeather: "I tried to make my Clan strong!"
Frostpaw: "You turned me into a liar! You turned Splashtail into a murderer and he tried to murder me! Aren't you even sorry that I nearly died because of you?"
Curlfeather: "I'm not responsible for Splashtail!"
Frostpaw: "Do you feel responsible for anything you've done?"
Curlfeather: "I'm only responsible for wanting RiverClan to be stronger."
Frostpaw: "You destroyed it!"
Curlfeather: "I'm sorry things ended up the way they did. I'm sorry I trusted Splashtail. I'm sorry for hurting you."
Frostpaw: "But aren't you sorry for murdering your deputy?"
Curlfeather: "I told you! Splashtail murdered—Whoever killed him, Reedwhisker had to go. He needed to make way for a better RiverClan."
—Frostpaw confronting her mother's spirit Star, pages 231-232
Curlfeather plotted with Splashtail to kill Reedwhisker so she could succeed Mistystar as RiverClan's leader

Curlfeather plotted with Splashtail to kill Reedwhisker so she could succeed Mistystar as RiverClan's leader

Curlfeather was Frostpaw's mother. When Curlfeather discovered that her daughter was having special dreams, Curlfeather began to manipulate Frostkit so she would be chosen as Mothwing's new apprentice. She aspired to manipulate her daughter to convince Mistystar that she should be deputy.[79] Curlfeather plotted with Splashtail to kill Reedwhisker, ordering him to kill the RiverClan deputy and planting small white feathers around the Moonpool.[13][15] However, Splashtail betrayed Curlfeather by leading dogs to the Moonpool.[17] Curlfeather's spirit began to haunt Splashtail in the living world, mocking him for his failures and for causing her death.[81][80] While she was unconscious, Frostpaw confronted her mother's spirit for her actions, though Curlfeather refused to take responsibility for her actions.[84]

Mothwing[]

"I can see your point, Icewing, but think what will happen if we do tell Tigerstar we have no connection to StarClan. ShadowClan will dig their claws in here, maybe for good! The best thing that could happen then would be that the other Clans come and fight them off, but how likely is that? It's only Leafstar who is keen for battle. And do we really need more blood to be spilled? No more cats should be hurt over this if we can avoid it."
―Mothwing to Icewing Shadow, chapter 4
Mothwing struggled between her loyalty to RiverClan and saving her Clan by rebelling against Splashtail
Mothwing struggled between her loyalty to RiverClan and saving her Clan by rebelling against Splashtail
Mothwing is RiverClan's senior medicine cat. Due to her lack of faith in StarClan, she does not have the ability to communicate with their ancestors. This placed the responsibility of speaking with StarClan solely on her new apprentice, Frostpaw.[85] Following Mistystar's abrupt death, Mothwing had to rely on Frostpaw to interpret signs from StarClan about their new leader. A star-shaped dock leaf signified that Mothwing and Frostpaw should co-lead until Reedwhisker could be found.[12] She represented RiverClan at the Gathering, lying that their leaders were ill.[58] Mothwing was fiercely defensive of her Clan[24][86] and wanted to keep their problems a secret from the other Clans.[26] Following Curlfeather's death, Mothwing reassumed organizing patrols as the Clan struggled to continue their normal routine without a proper leader again.[19] When Frostpaw realized her visions were false,[24] she stepped down from her training to train as a warrior.[25] Mothwing resented Frostpaw for telling Icewing and Tigerstar the truth about her visions.[29] Later, she was appointed as Podlight's mentor when he claimed to have dreams from StarClan. However, he was incapable as a healer, and Mothwing didn't trust him to properly care for their Clanmates.[71] Mothwing believed Frostpaw about Splashtail's cruelty, and she attempted to convince their Clanmates with Duskfur and Icewing.[36] However, they were exiled by Splashtail,[37] and Mothwing suffered an infected wound by Gorseclaw.[75] Nightheart, Sunbeam, and Frostpaw brought them to ShadowClan,[76] and Nightheart helped them escape to ThunderClan when RiverClan attacked.[44] After Splashtail's defeat, Mothwing returned to RiverClan and worked tirelessly to save Frostpaw's life.[6][3][87] She requested aid from the other Clans to help rebuild their camp.[2]

Duskfur[]

Tigerstar: "Do you want to die?"
Duskfur: "I would always choose death to save RiverClan!"
Tigerstar: "Will you let them die too, just to save your pride?"
Duskfur: "This isn't pride. This is survival."
Tigerstar: "We're here to help you."
Duskfur: "Is killing us part of your plan?"
Tigerstar: "I gave you a choice."
Duskfur: "Surrender or die? Is that a choice?"
Tigerstar: "Sometimes cats need to be shown when they need help."
—Tigerstar and Duskfur in the battle Sky, pages 333-334
Duskfur is a RiverClan senior warrior. Duskfur was pleased when her daughter Curlfeather was chosen by Frostpaw to be the new RiverClan leader.[17] However, while Duskfur was initially supportive of Owlnose becoming their new leader, she was skeptical of her daughter's cryptic and vague message to Frostpaw.[20] When ShadowClan's occupation of RiverClan turned into a battle, Duskfur was the last to yield to Tigerstar.[8] She was a fierce and outspoken opponent of Tigerstar's occupation,[26][25][27][28] and she participated in Splashtail's secret meeting with Berryheart to overthrow Tigerstar.[65] During mediating discussions with Tree, Duskfur was chosen by her peers to become RiverClan's temporary leader with Splashtail as her deputy.[32] When Podlight announced that StarClan had chosen Splashtail to be their leader, Duskfur stepped down for him.[35] However, Duskfur later realized that Frostpaw was right about Splashtail, and she, Mothwing, and Icewing tried to convince their Clanmates to rebel.[36] However, Splashtail discovered their plans and exiled them,[37] resulting in the three she-cats seeking refuge in ShadowClan.[76] Frostpaw resented Duskfur for not believing her soon.[40] Duskfur and Mothwing later shelter in ThunderClan, and Duskfur helped to organize the fight against Splashtail.[72][45] Duskfur helped to sing Frostpaw back to consciousness when she was on the brink of death.[47]

Tigerstar[]

"Splashstar has convinced them that if we don't control the other Clans, the other Clans will control us. He told them that Tigerstar's occupation was only the start. It was just an excuse to make RiverClan part of ShadowClan. He said that the other Clans let him do it because they want to be rid of RiverClan too. New borders will give them extra land."
―Havenpelt about Splashtail Star, page 125
Tigerstar's decision to occupy RiverClan was heavily criticized, eventually leading to Splashtail's rise

Tigerstar's decision to occupy RiverClan was heavily criticized, eventually leading to Splashtail's rise

Tigerstar is ShadowClan's leader. When RiverClan lied about Mistystar's and Reedwhisker's deaths, Tigerstar was adamant about helping RiverClan by any means necessary. However, his offer to temporarily lead RiverClan was met with heavy criticism.[22] When Tigerstar learned that RiverClan had accidentally overlooked a supply of catmint that could have saved his son Rowankit, Tigerstar led a patrol to RiverClan's camp to assume leadership. A battle broke out, though RiverClan was quickly defeated.[61][8] He chose Cloverfoot and Icewing to co-lead the camp,[26] later consolidating RiverClan into ShadowClan.[25] ShadowClan's occupation of RiverClan was challenged only by SkyClan.[62] Tigerstar stationed warriors in RiverClan's camp, causing tensions between the two groups.[25][64][27][28] Several RiverClan warriors frequently protested against ShadowClan's occupation,[27] though Tigerstar only withdrew his warriors after Tree mediated and Splashtail was chosen as their leader.[35] Splashtail's ability to drive out ShadowClan made him popular with his Clanmates,[6][46] and he rallied them using fear that Tigerstar will return to take over RiverClan.[80] Because of this, Splashtail targeted Tigerstar first in his revenge, trapping the ShadowClan leader on the island.[40]

Quotes[]

"Then everything will change. RiverClan will become the strongest Clan again. We'll stop taking advice from dead cats and focus on the present."
―Curlfeather to Splashtail Wind, page 5


Splashtail: "Are you sure you want to do this without the other medicine cats?"
Frostpaw: "No. I have to. I have to do this for our Clan."
Splashtail: "You're right, but it's tough."
Frostpaw: "Well, until we work on how we can choose a new leader, we can't let any cat in the other Clans know what's going on. It's up to me to speak with StarClan and find out who our new leader should be. Only...what if I can't do it? What if StarClan does send me a message, but I get it wrong? I'm only an apprentice, and what I say could affect the Clan for seasons."
Splashtail: "You should have faith in yourself. You're a bright, talented medicine-cat apprentice, and StarClan wouldn't guide you wrong."
—Splashtail and Frostpaw River, pages 212-213


"More than anything, RiverClan needs stability and strength, and naming a great leader like you would help. I just hope it all goes well. The sooner you receive your nine lives, the better."
―Frostpaw to Curlfeather River, page 242


Frostpaw: "Why is Mothwing organizing patrols?"
Splashtail: "No other cat wants to."
Frostpaw: "Not even Duskfur?"
Splashtail: "Nope."
Frostpaw: "What about Shimmerpelt or Icewing? I thought they'd want to take charge."
Splashtail: "Me too. Especially Shimmerpelt. She's been a warrior forever. And Icewing leads patrols better than any cat in camp. Mallownose sounded like he might volunteer after Mistystar and Reedwhisker died. Perhaps he's in shock. Perhaps they're all in shock. Curlfeather's death might have been one death too many. It could have scared them."
Frostpaw: "But surely some cat has the courage to take charge."
Splashtail: "We've lost our leader and our deputy. Which means whoever takes over will have to make all the decisions. It's a lot to take on."
Frostpaw: "Would it really be so hard for some cat who's been a warrior for moons? Warriors with experience, like Duskfur or Shimmerpelt, seem like the obvious choice. Why won't one of them step up?"
Splashtail: "I guess being a warrior isn't the same as being a leader. Experience might have taught them that the obvious choice isn't always the right one."
—Splashtail and Frostpaw Sky, pages 36-37


See more
Mothwing: "When Willowshine died, I thought my grief would never ease but, at some point, it does. It has to be. Life needs to get back to normal."
Frostpaw: "Do you call this normal? A Clan without a leader or a deputy? Whose next leader was killed before she could get the blessing of StarClan? There's no normal. Not anymore. There's nothing to get back to. Why even try?"
Mothwing: "Because our Clanmates are relying on us. Because no matter how bad you feel, they need you, and they'll keep needing you. And if you let them down, then everything you've worked for until now—everything Curlfeather worked for—will be wasted."
—Mothwing and Frostpaw Sky, pages 38-39


«She was wondering if she'd made the right decision after all. Look beyond the obvious choices. Was that the only reason she'd chosen Owlnose? Because he seemed the least likely choice? Was that really what was best for RiverClan? What had made her so sure that he was the cat StarClan had wanted her to pick?»
—Frostpaw's thoughts about Owlnose Sky, pages 151-152


"He's just new to this, that's all. And so am I. Owlnose will be a great leader once he learns how to deal with the senior warriors, and I'm going to get better and do everything I can to help him."
―Splashtail to Frostpaw about helping Owlnose Sky, page 247


«Frostpaw felt the chill of the night air even more sharply as Owlnose walked away. Shadowed by heather and with the stream glittering in the moonlight beside him, the brown tabby tom looked suddenly stronger and more confident than he had in days, no longer a leader but a warrior. Frostpaw felt a rush of respect for him. It must have been hard to admit he wasn't cut out to be RiverClan's leader. Now he was going home to explain his decision to his Clanmates. They might approve. She hoped they'd at least be kind. But it didn't solve RiverClan's problems. They had no leader now, not even a leader they didn't entirely believe in.»
—Frostpaw's thoughts about Owlnose Sky, 302


Duskfur: "This is all your fault. If you had done your duty at the Moonpool, we would have a leader by now, and we could tell Tigerstar and his mange-ridden warriors to get their tails off our territory!"
Icewing: "That's not fair. Sure, we need a leader, but we don't want one who knows in his heart that it's wrong for him to lead. Owlnose has done something very brave and good for the Clan by choosing to step down."
—Duskfur and Icewing about Owlnose Shadow, chapter 1


"I swear on the spirits of my warrior ancestors that I have no designs on RiverClan's territory, and no intention of keeping a ShadowClan presence in RiverClan for any longer than I have to. But until they sort out their leadership problems, RiverClan needs our help."
―Tigerstar about RiverClan at the Gathering Shadow, chapter 3


"I'm not going to get caught up in looking for signs all over the place. StarClan will choose a new medicine cat for RiverClan very soon. And if that doesn't happen, well...I'm sure that we can help them along."
―Splashtail to Berryheart about RiverClan's new medicine cat Shadow, chapter 12


"Then in that case, RiverClan has no way to select a new leader. And it seems as if there's no foreseeable end to ShadowClan's occupation of RiverClan."
―Leafstar about ShadowClan's rule of RiverClan Shadow, chapter 17


Finchlight: "Tigerstar's agreed to take most of his cats out of RiverClan. But he'll do it slowly, one cat at a time, until there are only one or two left to keep an eye on them."
Sunbeam: "Why is he saying he will leave now when he was so determined to stay before?"
Finchlight: "The leaders are appointing someone to head RiverClan."
Sunbeam: "They've found a leader?"
Finchlight: "Not a leader. Just some cat to organize things."
Sunbeam: "You mean Icewing?"
Finchlight: "No. Duskfur."
Sunbeam: "But she's an elder now, isn't she?"
Finchlight: "That's why every cat agreed she'd be a good choice. They figure an older cat will be less hotheaded."
Sunbeam: "And Tigerstar agreed, too?"
Finchlight: "He likes Duskfur. And RiverClan approves."
Sunbeam: "Even the young warriors?"
Finchlight: "Splashtail's going to be acting deputy. He can speak for them."
Sunbeam: "Why did Tigerstar agree to let Splashtail be deputy?"
Finchlight: "He's not going to be a real deputy. But I guess Tigerstar realizes how much influence Splashtail has among his Clanmates. Giving him a voice will defuse a lot of tension."
Sunbeam: "I'm surprised Splashtail has agreed to be part of any compromise."
Finchlight: "I guess being deputy—even an acting deputy—is an offer he can't refuse."
Sunbeam: "I don't trust any cat who changes his mind so easily."
Finchlight: "Tree has turned out to be a very skillful negotiator. He seems to have satisfied every cat. All the leaders have given their word that no blood will be shed over this before the next Gathering. There'll be peace."
—Finchlight and Sunbeam about RiverClan Thunder, chapter 18


Duskfur: "I don't understand how it could have changed so much. Mistystar must be horrified to see what's happened. Whoever thought RiverClan cats would turn on one another? How could a RiverClan warrior be so greedy for power, and so ruthless?"
Frostpaw: "Do you mean Curlfeather?"
Icewing: "Of course she doesn't! Curlfeather was her daughter."
Duskfur: "I meant Splashtail."
Frostpaw: "But Curlfeather was part of it. [...] I don't know how you can eat when your Clanmates are suffering."
Icewing: "I know you're upset, Frostpaw. We all are. But there's no need to be rude to your elder. Duskfur is perfectly entitled to eat. She needs to eat, and you do too."
Frostpaw: "She shouldn't have brought up Curlfeather."
Icewing: "She didn't."
Duskfur: "Can't we get along? We're all on the same side."
Frostpaw: "Then stop going on about RiverClan having changed. I tried to stop it. I tried to warn you and you did nothing!"
Icewing: "We didn't do nothing. We've been risking our lives trying to persuade our Clanmates to get rid of Splashtail."
Frostpaw: "You wouldn't have had to if you'd believed me in the first place. Why couldn't you have just accepted what I said and chased Splashtail out instead of making him leader? If you had done that, Harelight wouldn't be dead now."
—Frostpaw bickering with Duskfur and Icewing Star, chapter 2


"It's for your own good. You'll see, in time. Once I'm the leader of both RiverClan and ShadowClan, everyone will be happier."
―Splashtail echoing Tigerstar's words when he takes over ShadowClan Star, page 77


Nightheart: "Why are you doing this?"
Lizardtail: "We have no choice. Splashstar already killed my son, Harelight. Now Gorseclaw is the only kin I have left! I have to protect him! Splashstar is holding the kits and Havenpelt hostage. If we don't fight, he'll kill them one by one. He says he'll start with the kits."
Nightheart: "But the kits are his kin!"
Lizardtail: "If he's prepared to kill his own kin, what else is he prepared to do? I have to fight you! I'm sorry."
—Lizardtail and Nightheart in the battle Star, chapter 4


"Wait! Didn't I tell you already what would happen if you tried to fight us? It's not just you and your warriors who will pay. Every scratch you inflict on my warriors will be carved into your kits."
―Splashtail to ShadowClan Star, chapter 8


"Help? The Clans have driven us to this. If they'd left us alone, none of this would have happened. We will never back down again! We'll make you sorry you tried to destroy us! You've brought this on yourselves."
―Podlight to Hawkwing Star, page 172


Owlnose: "We thought he was going to fix everything. It wasn't until later that we knew he was dangerous. By then it was too late."
Minnowtail: "We were scared. We'd lost Mistystar and Reedwhisker and then found out we had no connection with StarClan. And then Tigerstar brought warriors into our camp."
Owlnose: "We just wanted to feel safe. We thought Splashtail would protect us."
Minnowtail: "He got Tigerstar's warriors out of our camp."
Graysludge: "He was okay to start with. Then he started to make us train with our claws unsheathed."
Minnowtail: "Then he killed Harelight. After that, he threatened to kill the kits, and we had to protect them."
Graysludge: "We wanted to stop things from getting worse."
—RiverClan after Splashtail's defeat Star, chapter 13


End of spoiler warning

See also[]

Notes and references[]

  1. ↑ Revealed in River, page 1
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 16
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 17
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Revealed in River, chapter 5
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Revealed in Star, chapter 12
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Revealed in Star, chapter 13
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Revealed in Star, chapter 22
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Revealed in Sky, chapter 22
  9. ↑ Revealed in Wind, pages 1-8
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 16
  11. ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 8
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Revealed in River, chapter 11
  13. ↑ 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 13.11 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 19
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Revealed in River, chapter 17
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Revealed in River, chapter 20
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Revealed in Wind, page 7
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 Revealed in River, chapter 23
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Revealed in Sky, chapter 6
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 Revealed in Sky, chapter 3
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 Revealed in Sky, chapter 9
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Revealed in Sky, chapter 12
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Revealed in Sky, chapter 13
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 Revealed in Sky, chapter 15
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 Revealed in Sky, chapter 19
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6 25.7 25.8 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 4
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 26.6 26.7 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 1
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 27.6 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 17
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 28.6 28.7 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 19
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 16
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 4
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 8
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 18
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 Revealed in Wind, chapter 10
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 22
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 Revealed in Wind, chapter 1
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 36.6 36.7 Revealed in Wind, chapter 13
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 37.5 Revealed in Wind, chapter 21
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 Revealed in Wind, chapter 23
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 4
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 Revealed in Star, chapter 3
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 Revealed in Star, chapter 5
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 6
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 Revealed in Star, chapter 8
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 7
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 9
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 46.6 Revealed in Star, chapter 11
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 47.4 47.5 Revealed in Star, chapter 21
  48. ↑ Revealed in River, page 127
  49. ↑ Revealed in River, page 240
  50. ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 38
  51. ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 141
  52. ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 335
  53. ↑ Revealed in Shadow, page 12
  54. ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 249
  55. ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 336
  56. ↑ Revealed in Wind, page 320
  57. ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 14
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 Revealed in River, chapter 19
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 1
  60. ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 296
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 Revealed in Sky, chapter 21
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 3
  63. ↑ Revealed in Shadow, chapter 7
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 8
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 65.2 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 12
  66. ↑ Revealed in Shadow, chapter 23
  67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 67.2 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 22
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 7
  69. ↑ Revealed in Thunder, chapter 5
  70. ↑ Revealed in Thunder, chapter 9
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 Revealed in Wind, chapter 4
  72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 Revealed in Wind, chapter 7
  73. ↑ Revealed in Wind, chapter 20
  74. ↑ Revealed in Wind, chapter 19
  75. ↑ 75.0 75.1 Revealed in Star, chapter 1
  76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 76.2 76.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 2
  77. ↑ Revealed in Star, chapter 15
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 Revealed in Star, chapter 18
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 Revealed in the prologue of Wind
  80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 80.2 80.3 Revealed in Star, chapter 10
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 Revealed in the prologue of Star
  82. ↑ Revealed in Shadow, chapter 13
  83. ↑ Revealed in Ivypool's Heart, chapter 25
  84. ↑ Revealed in Star, chapter 14
  85. ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 2
  86. ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 12
  87. ↑ Revealed in Star, chapter 19
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