Riverstar

"Thank you, river, for all you've done for me. If you help me again, one last time, and get me to the bank, I will stay beside you and praise you all my life."

— River Ripple to the river in Thunder Rising: Bonus Scene, page 22

Riverstar
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.
Affiliations
Current:	StarClan
Past:	RiverClan Rogue Cats of the Park River Ripple's camp Loner
Names
Kit:	Ripple
Cats of the Park:	Ripple
Early Settler:	River Ripple
Leader:	River, River Ripple, Riverstar
Loner:	River Ripple
Rogue:	River Ripple, River
StarClan resident:	River
Education
Mentor:	Arc
Book appearances
Living	Secrets of the Clans, Code of the Clans, Thunder Rising, The First Battle, The Blazing Star, Moth Flight's Vision, Thunderstar's Echo, Shadowstar's Life, The Ultimate Guide
Living	Secrets of the Clans, Code of the Clans, Thunder Rising, The First Battle, The Blazing Star, Moth Flight's Vision, Thunderstar's Echo, Shadowstar's Life, The Ultimate Guide
Dead	Long Shadows
Dead	Long Shadows

Riverstar, also known as River, is a sleek, long-furred, and silky, stocky, silver-gray tom. He has rippling stripes, thick, soft, silver belly fur, and green eyes.

As a young cat, Ripple lived with the other Cats of the Park, spending his days relaxing and meditating. He is guided by his mentor Arc who teaches him how to hunt. When Twolegs invade and capture the cats, Ripple is separated and falls into the river. He is swept away downstream until he reaches the forest. He thanks the river for saving his life, and renames himself River Ripple.

River Ripple lives near the river for many moons, enjoying his independent and care-free lifestyle, until the mountain cats appear. He first meets Gray Wing, Wind, Gorse, and Rainswept Flower. They find the silver tom nice and friendly, but odd. The mountain cats don't think much of River Ripple until he rescues Clear Sky's group from a fire. After the great battle, River Ripple appears at the end. Thunder asks why he didn't help them, but River Ripple has no interest in meddling with their affairs. When the spirit cats of the fallen visit the leaders, Clear Sky questions River Ripple's involvement since he is just a loner. Storm refutes this, saying River Ripple had plenty of experience and lived in the forest before the mountain cats arrived.

He creates his own camp near the river, and welcomes any cat who wanted to join. He participates in the fight against One Eye and Slash, though prefers to keep his distance and not get involved if necessary. However, he always welcomes any cat into his camp and is more than willing to offer his wisdom. Moons later, his group is renamed RiverClan and he receives his nine lives to become Riverstar. He appoints his long-time friend Night as deputy and Dapple Pelt becomes his medicine cat. Riverstar is remembered as the good-natured and wise cat he was, and his Clan became the first to implement the mentor training program.

History

In the Super Editions

Moth Flight's Vision

At a Gathering, River Ripple reports that, although, the river is still swollen from the snow-melt, the fishing is good. When Moth Flight announces that she had seen spirit cats, and they gave her a message: the "sky will split and later, stars will rise," lightning bolts shot through the sky at Fourtrees and ignite a fire. The flames of the fire burn out, and River Ripple urges Moth Flight on the Great Rock, saying that she was very brave to speak up. River Ripple announces that there can be no disagreement. 

Moth Flight tells the cats at the Gathering more of what she had heard from the spirit cats at Highstones, and River Ripple tells her not to be nervous when she backs away. He comments that the spirit cats chose her and this was her destiny. Moth Flight wonders if the spirit cats ever had shared with him, as he seems to be so wise. River Ripple asks if they are agreed on the idea of medicine cats.

When Micah and Moth Flight visit River Ripple's camp to talk to Dappled Pelt, RiverClan's first medicine cat, Pine Needle thinks the two are invaders and asks if he should warn River Ripple. River Ripple purrs that he was expecting them and tells the two medicine cats that he is glad they came. When Night snorts that they would not hunt for the two, River Ripple tells her that it does not matter what Clan they are from, their hunger is no different from hers. Drizzle almost drowns when she tries to catch a fish on her own, and River Ripple tells Dawn Mist to teach her how to swim when she is better, as no RiverClan kit is too young to learn how to swim. River Ripple praises Pine Needle for calling for help, saying that sometimes they cannot stop others from making mistakes, but they can help them when they do. Dappled Pelt comments that he is so good with kits; it is a wonder he does not have any of his own. She tells Moth Flight that River Ripple taught her to press water out of a cat's chest if they happened to swallow too much or appear unconscious after falling in the water. 

River Ripple brings a shrew to camp, giving it to Pine Needle and Drizzle to share.

After the new medicine cats realize that their leaders must be given nine lives, Dappled Pelt reports that River Ripple is now Riverstar.

Moth Flight gives one of her kits, Spider Paw, to Riverstar. Riverstar accepts him and thanks Moth Flight, stating that his Clanmates are excited to meet him.

In the Dawn of the Clans arc

Thunder Rising

River Ripple first appears when Wind, Gorse, Gray Wing, Turtle Tail and Rainswept Flower are eating a pigeon and discussing the tensions between Tall Shadow's camp and Clear Sky's camp. When Gray Wing warns Turtle Tail to remember the tension, River Ripple questions this, sitting in the river. Rainswept Flower asks what cat would do this as River Ripple makes his way over to them. He introduces himself, and Gray Wing asks if he is a rogue. He replies that he has no labels for himself and that the only thing any cat must know is that he lives near the river. After introducing himself and the others, Gray Wing lets him eat the remains of the pigeon. Turtle Tail comments that she has never seen someone eating as delicately as River Ripple, and Gray Wing agrees. River Ripple says that he is full of surprises and leaves with a flash of his tail. Gray Wing tells everyone back at camp about their meeting with River Ripple and the dogs.

River Ripple later helps the group when the forest catches on fire. He encourages Thunder to jump the flames; despite Tall Shadow telling him not to, Thunder does as he is told and meets the silver cat on the other side. River Ripple introduces himself to the young cat and praises him. After all the cats have gotten through the fire, River Ripple tells Thunder and Jackdaw's Cry to soak themselves again, as there are sparks in their pelts. Thunder thanks him and asks how they should get out.

Gray Wing watches the two converse for a few moments, thinking about Thunder's actions during the fire. He tries to speak, but River Ripple does first, telling him that most cats would be too afraid to jump over fire and would wait too long. Tall Shadow thanks him and formally introduces herself, before asking if he can get them home. River Ripple says that he can, though he needs their trust. Tall Shadow rebukes him when he heads for the stream, telling him that her cats will not be able to swim, and that Jackdaw's Cry and Thunder had no choice in the matter when they went into the water. River Ripple keeps going, and when Thunder says that he is walking on the river, he turns back and explains that he is only walking on stones under the surface.

Gray Wing does not want to leave yet, saying that he wants to look for Clear Sky. River Ripple asks him if he believes Clear Sky and his cats cannot take care of themselves, and Gray Wing replies that he can. River Ripple returns to him and tells him that he must be strong for the others, as Tall Shadow is struggling. He then says that they must get to safety first before thinking about helping Clear Sky and his cats. Gray Wing agrees, and River Ripple leads the group away. Once they reach the other side, Tall Shadow once again thanks him. River Ripple joins Gray Wing as he calls for his brother, and eventually, Clear Sky answers them, still close to the fire.

He helps bring Clear Sky's group across and out of the river. When Tall Shadow offers for him to leave with them to camp, River Ripple refuses, wishing them all the best before leaving them.

Later on, he appears with another cat while Thunder and Clear Sky are on a patrol. Thunder does not want to chase the two away, as they owe River Ripple. He and the she-cat follow as Thunder confronts a black tom, who had chased him off a distance. As the other two leave, River Ripple tells Clear Sky that he cannot keep telling other cats what they can and cannot do. Clear Sky argues that he can do what he wants, silencing Thunder when he tries to speak. River Ripple encourages him to continue, wanting to hear what he has to say. Clear Sky hisses that his son does not have an opinion to share, which hurts Thunder. River Ripple sends Thunder a hard glare before leaving. Thunder questions his actions and wonders where River Ripple and the other two cats are going.

In the bonus scene, the Call of Awakening wakes him up, and he admires his surroundings as the other cats in the Park welcome the day along with him. They all begin to wash, and Ripple recites the order in his head. As he rushes over for his Morning Meal, he finds his mentor, Arc and greets him. Arc brings on a dark mood as he reminds Ripple to thank the sun and earth for their treatment, and when Ripple says that he does, he tells him that he should not let it make him soft, as life can be hard for them. After he finishes eating the food Twolegs put out for the cats, Arc tells him it is time for Morning Meditation. He says they will practice hunting later as he enters the meditation position. Ripple copies him, thinking that their good life in the Park will never change.

As Ripple is relaxing, Arc's yowl brings him to attention. Arc panics as Twoleg monsters begin destroying the Park, and Ripple asks what is going on. As the two race through the Park in a panic, Ripple looks all around him, seeing nothing but destruction. They spot several cats, including Dart, Shine, and Arc's sister, Flutter being taken by Twolegs. Arc leads him up onto the wall, but a loud noise from one of the monsters startles Ripple, and he falls into the river. He gets onto a log and tries to lunge for the bank when Arc calls to him, but he is unable to reach it and returns to the log. He watches until Arc and his home vanish out of sight, and the river carries him past Twoleg gardens. He thinks that he might be able to get home once he finds shore, and his life will go back to normal.

When the log runs into Twoleg rubbish, he wonders if he can jump to the shore. He sees multiple Twolegs and, thinking that they may help him, calls out to them. However, instead of helping him, the Twoleg kits make his situation worse by throwing rocks at him. He falls into the water while trying to dodge one rock, and he dislodges the log from the debris and gets back on it. Ripple crouches as he passes by a Thunderpath and under another. Black-and-white animals watch Ripple as he passes by fields on either side of him. Night begins to fall, and Ripple starts to get hungry, thinking that, if he could reach the bank, he could catch a mouse. He spots fish under the surface of the water and thinks about how different it is here.

He tries to catch a fish, but he fails, feeling as though they were mocking him. Eventually the log snags on a stick caught on the riverbank. As Ripple tries to free it, a splash surprises him, and he turns to see brown creatures swimming in the current. After they finish eating a fish, they head for Ripple, seeming angry. He tries to warn them off, but this only angers them more, and he decides that he has to fight them. But the leading one accidentally knocks his log free, taking him away, and the two animals do nottry to follow. Ripple thinks of how the creatures he meets try to harm him, and how he is hungry.

Ripple refuses to sleep, fearing that he will fall off his log and drown. He finds several more fish, and he manages to catch one when it lands in front of him. As he eats his prey, he realizes that, just as the sun and earth do, the river has protected him, and he gives thanks out loud before going to sleep. He awakens later on to find that the sun is rising, and he craves its warmth. He remembers that there will be no morning caterwauling, and he wonders what happened to Arc and the others. Despite his wanting for it, the sun gives off no warmth due to it being covered by clouds. He hears a distant roar, and he is confused until the log topples down a waterfall.

He struggles to stay on the surface, but the water drags him down constantly. Eventually he finds his bearings and begins to swim, soon coming across a boulder. He climbs up onto it and lays down, falling asleep. He later awakens to the sun's warmth, and he soon spots a mouse. Its closeness to him makes his stomach act up again as he drinks from the river. After several failed attempts, Ripple teaches himself to fish and manages to catch one. He thinks about his old home and admires his surroundings, fighting a decision as to whether not he should try to swim to shore. After remembering the river's help, he thanks it again before swimming across the river to the bank.

He meets a black-and-white she-cat and greets her, asking if she and her group will allow him to stay. She tells him that she has no group, and that the cats there hunt alone. Ripple becomes lonely at the thought of hunting alone, and the she-cat tells him they can hunt together, and she will let him meet her brother. Ripple agrees as she tells him they can give each other tips before asking his name once she gives hers, Night. Looking back at the river and reminiscing on all it had done for him, he realizes he is no longer a Cat of the Park, but a Cat of the River, and tells her his name is River Ripple.

The First Battle

River Ripple approaches Thunder and Jackdaw's Cry, carrying a lizard. The two question why he is here, and he responds that he wants to see how far the fog goes, adding that it has overflowed their camp. Jackdaw's Cry asks if his prey is a gift, and he says that he had caught it earlier, wanting it for later. He offers it to them, but they refuse it. River Ripple comments that it is quiet, and Thunder asks how he can eat the lizard. He replies that he will eat what he can, adding that it is not much with Clear Sky taking all of the prey. Jackdaw's Cry tells him that they are going to Clear Sky's camp, and the silver tom asks if that is the reason his fur is pricking. Shaking it out, he says that it is just damp. River Ripple questions their motives, and Thunder answers that they are going to confront him over his taking more and more territory.

River Ripple wishes them luck and asks if they really do not want any of the prey. Again they say no, and he stands up, saying that he will use it to attract other prey. Thunder questions this, and he replies that small prey will bring bigger prey. Jackdaw's Cry warns that he has to be careful on the moor with that tactic. As he is leaving, River Ripple tells them to let him know if they get Clear Sky to stop taking land, though he does not think he will hear anything of it.

When Lightning Tail falls into the river, River Ripple helps Thunder drag him out. Thunder asks if he is dead, and River Ripple replies that he is not as he pumps out the water. Lightning Tail coughs up the liquid and gets to his paws. River Ripple says that the tom will be fine, and Thunder thanks him, asking what he would have done otherwise. River Ripple replies that he would have have to learn to swim or die trying. Lightning Tail thanks the silver tom as he shakes the water out of his pelt, soaking Thunder. River Ripple purrs that they really do not like being wet and asks what they do in the rain. They then discuss Turtle Tail's kits, who were taken away by their father. After River Ripple confirms that he smelled Turtle Tail, and she had been at Twolegplace, he agrees to help them find the kits and Turtle Tail.

After leading them away, River Ripple tells them that they are close to Twoleg dens. Thunder tells Lightning Tail that he can go back, but he refuses, as does River Ripple, saying that they will need him if they have not been around Thunderpaths. River Ripple leads them to a gorge between two nests, comforting Thunder on the way. Thunder checks up on Lightning Tail, who confirms that he is fine. Thunder asks if he thinks they came here, and he replies that he has not caught their scents. River Ripple tells them that the way they are going is the way most kittypets use, as it is easiest. Thunder spots a monster and asks if it is one, and River Ripple says that it is asleep.

River Ripple takes them to the monster and says that they must check all the nests along the Thunderpath and that there are more to search if Turtle Tail and the others are not here. When a Twoleg gets into the monster, River Ripple leads them away in a panic as it comes to life. He says that they should probably keep from monsters. A few moments later, they find Turtle Tail dead on the Thunderpath. River Ripple tells them that a monster had killed her, explaining her claws. Thunder tells Lightning Tail that she is dead, but he refuses to believe it. River Ripple carries her body to the bush outside a nest and asks them to help him get her hidden. Lightning Tail refuses at first, but Thunder helps anyway.

After discussing how to find the kits, River Ripple tells them there is a kittypet named Flower who could help. He leads them to Flower's nest and beckons her out, telling the two to keep out of sight so they do not frighten her. River Ripple explains the situation to her, and she is horrified. She becomes scared as Lightning Tail and Thunder come out of hiding and express their urgency. Flower leads them to a few nests, where she claims Tom lives. She leaves in fear of angering Tom, and they find the nest Tom is keeping the kits in. They can hear the kits' complaints of hunger and Tom's claims that food will come. After lying about Turtle Tail knowing they are here, he tells them to hide when a Twoleg comes.

River Ripple questions why Tom is hiding the kits, and when the Twoleg pours round pellets into a stone, Lightning Tail asks if it is food, and River Ripple says it is and that it tastes horrible. The three prepare to steal the kits, and after a long argument, Lightning Tail takes Thunder back to River Ripple, a plan in mind. He wants to distract the kittypet and while he tries to figure it out, River Ripple stays silent, grooming his belly. Soon he speaks up, asking why they should make it a choice between parents when it is really between kittypet and the wilderness, adding that it is not hard to make the kits see that a kittypet is not a good life to live. Lightning Tail agrees as River Ripple goes back to grooming himself.

They agree that he will distract Tom while Thunder and River Ripple talk the kits into leaving. River Ripple agrees to help them, and he and Thunder begin talking to the kits as Lightning Tail distracts Tom. Thunder tells them that he knows Tom will teach them to hunt, and that they will miss the kits. River Ripple asks if the Twolegs will give them different names, like Tom's. Tom wants them to stop, but the kits want to say goodbye. Lightning Tail goes up to the Twoleg when it comes back. River Ripple and Thunder watch on in sheer confusion and bewilderment, questioning Lightning Tail's actions. Tom gets jealous and demands him to stop, but Lightning Tail suggests that they might want him to stay. Thunder tells the kits they will have to let the Twolegs touch them if they stay as well, and they refuse.

Eventually, seeing the true life of a kittypet from their father makes the kits want to back to the moor. River Ripple leads the kits away, planning to take them to the crossing stones. Later on, after the fight with Tom is over, Thunder and Lightning Tail find River Ripple and the kits at the river. River Ripple praises Lightning Tail's bravery as the kits drink from the water, and Lightning Tail returns it. Thunder thanks him as well, and River Ripple says goodbye to the kits before leaving.

Much later, River Ripple arrives when the Great Battle has just ended. He says that he had watched the battle, and Thunder asks why he did not help. He replies that the battle was not his to share, and asks Clear Sky if leaving the mountains was just to find something to fight over, adding that he brought death upon the forest. Clear Sky argues that he wanted prey for every cat, and River Ripple replies that there will be enough now, looking down at Fircone's body; he says that the battle is done.

When the spirits of the dead cats arrive, River Ripple is seen shaking his head. Turtle Tail thanks him for finding the kits, and he replies that Thunder could have done it alone, just that it would have taken longer. Turtle Tail tells the other cats that River Ripple is more than just a rogue, that he has been here long before the mountain cats, and that he has seen a lot of life, enough that he can imagine what he has not seen. She then asks him if he imagined their coming, and he asks who would. A few moments later, Storm, Thunder's mother, asks him if he knows their message, and he replies he does. He starts by saying that the fighting has to end, but Clear Sky angrily interrupts him, telling him he is not one of them and does not belong. This comment infuriates Storm and she retorts at Clear Sky angrily. Once the spirits go away, River Ripple asks if the dead walked with them in the mountains. Tall Shadow answers that only Stoneteller saw their ancestors, and he says that maybe they have not needed to.

The Blazing Star

River Ripple pads forward with Gray Wing and Wind Runner, giving their consent about Tall Shadow's statement on how they should bury the cats who died in the Great Battle. Tall Shadow asks if they can all promise to keep peace with each other and looks at Gray Wing, expecting his answer. Gray Wing tells Tall Shadow that Thunder had earned his rightful spot as leader alongside River Ripple, Wind Runner, Tall Shadow, and Clear Sky. Thunder accepts his position, and all the cats split into separate groups, in which they would want to live. River Ripple offers his home to any cat who would want it.

The next moon, River Ripple spots Gray Wing sitting in the clearing of Fourtrees. He meows sadly that he has never seen as much death as he had this moon. He adds that next moon, the hollow will be sheltered by wildflowers. He tells Gray Wing that he should not keep returning to the burial ground, and Gray Wing asks how he knows what he was doing. River Ripple chuckles, asking Gray Wing if he had learned nothing. He tells the gray-furred tom that, although, he might be a loner, he knows more than any other cat. He tells Gray Wing to stop tormenting himself and go to the cats who love and care for him. Gray Wing tells River Ripple that he cannot bear leaving the spirits alone, and River Ripple counters him, stating that they are not alone. Gray Wing thanks him for being kind and asks if he was sure he did not want to come live in the hollow with him. River Ripple declines his offer politely, reminding him that it was not what the spirit cats had in mind. He tells Gray Wing that he would be too curious to stay away from Fourtrees the next moon when the spirit cats gives them their next message. River Ripple light-heartedly tells Gray Wing that if he catches him near Fourtrees again, he would demand prey from his next hunt. Gray Wing bounds away, stating he would have to catch him first. 

At Fourtrees the next moon, all of the groups had gathered, and it is noted that they look much more comfortable than before. Wind Runner expresses her worry that the spirit cats would not appear, and River Ripple tells her that they will indeed appear; however, the spirit cats do emerge and warn the cats to spread and grow like the Blazing Star, and all of the leaders are confused, trying to decipher the message.

River Ripple sees Gray Wing, who is thinking that no cat really needs him. He pads towards him near Fourtrees, and River Ripple comes and presses himself against him. River Ripple tells Gray Wing that he thought he had told him to stay away from there. He adds that it is not doing anything good for him and invites the dark tom to come to his island home. Gray Wing is startled that the independent, wise loner is offering his home to him. River Ripple starts to pad away, then asks Gray Wing if he is coming or not. Gray Wing replies that he is and follows River Ripple to his home.

There is another meeting at Fourtrees to discuss the sickness that had infested the forest and the moor, and River Ripple is there, along with Gray Wing. Gray Wing tells Thunder that he needs time to think and is staying with River Ripple for the time being. River Ripple reports signs of the sickness in his territory, and after much debate, they decide that the best way to fight the sickness is to stay in their respective groups - except for Gray Wing, who will continue to stay with River Ripple. Back at the island, Gray Wing feels guilty about how River Ripple and his campmates have provided him with food while he had not hunted for them. Gray Wing suggests that he goes hunting for them, and River Ripple tags along. They come across Dew, who is leaning among a mouse that has the same sickness that is ravaging the forest. Dew returns to camp, and Gray Wing asks River Ripple if they can hunt voles underneath the tunnels. They end up finding several voles and catch a few. The rest start to surround them, and River Ripple urges Gray Wing away, stating they do not need this much prey. Gray Wing follows him away, saying he just wanted to help contribute to the prey pile. River Ripple tells Gray Wing that he did not have anything to prove, as he had already seen everything he had done and how he leads his cats. He tells Gray Wing that any cat could see that he is hurting, and he was glad to give him a place to retreat to. River Ripple pushes one of the voles they had caught towards him, asking if he knows some kits who would like food. Gray Wing is surprised by River Ripple's wisdom. He tells River Ripple that he thinks it is time to go home, and River Ripple nods in understanding, adding that he wondered how long it would take for him to realize that. He tells Gray Wing that if he ever needed refuge, he knows where he is. Gray Wing feels bad to leave a cat who had become such a good friend to him and asks if he is sure he does not want to come back to the moor with him. River Ripple denies the offer once more, stating that it was not what they agreed upon at Fourtrees, and he could not imagine any other home other than his island by the river. Gray Wing touches noses with River Ripple, thanking him for everything he had done, and that he would never forget that. 

Due to One Eye, a heartless rogue, being a threat in the forest that would possibly prevent the cats from retrieving The Blazing Star, a plant that might prove useful in healing the sickness that has killed so many, the cats at the moor camp devise a plan to get rid of him. Gray Wing states that he will ask River Ripple for his help. Lightning Tail and Thunder go to River Ripple's camp, commenting that he is a tad weird for living on water. They explain Gray Wing's plan, and River Ripple notes that if Gray Wing is involved, he will indeed help. He warns the two that they will have to kill One Eye if they want him to leave him alone. As Thunder and Lightning Tail walk away, River Ripple warns Thunder to be careful. Thunder is confused, but River Ripple tells him that Thunder knows what he was talking about, as he told Gray Wing, he knows everything.

When it is time to ambush One Eye, River Ripple leaps from his hiding spot along with the other cats from the moor and forest; however, the plan goes terribly wrong when they realize that One Eye had knew of their intents all along, thanks to his daughter, Star Flower, who had betrayed Thunder by telling One Eye what was going to happen. One Eye's rogues back him up, destroying the plan, which was supposed to be an ambush on One Eye alone. They are separated from Clear Sky, who had been attacking One Eye alone. River Ripple leads Tall Shadow, Gray Wing, and a few others through the tunnel that leads into the moor in which the battle was taking place, in order to rescue Clear Sky. Although, the plan had gone wrong, it eventually works out in the end, killing One Eye. Star Flower begs to say goodbye to him and calls him a true ray of light. River Ripple adds that he will be missed by the cats who loved him, and Thunder thinks his words are clever, although, it is missing a lot. When Star Flower walks away, River Ripple murmurs to Thunder that there will be others, although, Thunder is not quite sure as he liked the golden tabby she-cat.

In a dream, River Ripple, Tall Shadow, Clear Sky, Thunder, Wind Runner, and Gray Wing are all together. They are greeted by Turtle Tail and Rainswept Flower, who continue to urge the cats to grow and spread. Thunder, exclaiming loudly, calls the dream to a halt, irritating Gray Wing. They decide to go to Fourtrees to discuss the dream, and River Ripple is already there, stating that they should be lucky that they were the chosen ones. The cats think that spreading out might work, but even if they were apart, they would work together. They all agree to unite, and Thunder looks to River Ripple, wondering if the rogue would also agree, as he had helped them so much. River Ripple adds that he will unite, and he had done so ever since the day they had first arrived from the mountains. Thunder tells him that the only difference was that their survival depended on his help; however, the leaders still do not understand what "grow and spread like the Blazing Star" meant; Gray Wing thinks he might understand. 

A Forest Divided

In a dream that the founding leaders share with the spirit cats, Clear Sky notices River Ripple pushing his way through the frosty stems, his thick gray pelt turned silver by the moonlight. While Clear Sky is talking with Storm, he gazes around and notices that River Ripple is sharing words with Fox, Petal, and Frost who are crowded around him. 

At Tall Shadow's camp, they decide to choose where they want to live once and for all. Tall Shadow cuts out circles for places to live: the moor, the pines, Clear Sky's territory, and River Ripple's territory. Both Shattered Ice and Dappled Pelt decide to join River Ripple's camp, much to the moor cats' surprise. Dappled Pelt wonders if River Ripple will teach them how to fish and is afraid he might send them out. Shattered Ice tells her that they will choose another group if River Ripple does not allow them to join.

After establishing his own group, Thunder comes across two foreign cats in his territory, Quiet Rain and Sun Shadow. Thunder takes them to Tall Shadow's camp, but goes towards River Ripple's territory, wanting to avoid his father. River Ripple catches up to them and asks them why they did not go through the woods. Thunder lies that he thought the moor would be quickest to cross. Thunder introduces the two to River Ripple, explaining that Sun Shadow was Moon Shadow's son. River Ripple dips his head, commenting that Moon Shadow was a fine cat. Thunder tells Sun Shadow that his father had died in a forest fire, and unfortunately, Thunder has to break the news of more deaths to her. Quiet Rain is shocked, asking how they could ever come to a place that was responsible for so many lives. River Ripple tells her that this is a place where prey is rich and greenleaf is warm. He adds that Hawk Swoop had given birth to a litter of kits as well, and when Thunder is confused on where to find Tall Shadow's camp, River Ripple tells him that it is deep in the woods. They reach Tall Shadow's camp, and River Ripple states that he must go, as the others at the island will be missing him. Tall Shadow asks if he had welcomed Dappled Pelt and Shattered Ice in their group, and River Ripple says that he had. 

When Quiet Rain passes away, Star Flower suggests that River Ripple should be at her burial. Clear Sky asks her why, and Star Flower reminds him that River Ripple is a leader, just like him, as they are all petals of the same flower. Star Flower says that she will go get River Ripple.

River Ripple arrives at Fourtrees with Star Flower, solemnly stating that he is sorry to hear that Quiet Rain had died. Thunder tells him that it was her time. They look at the ground, trying to wonder the best way to bury Quiet Rain. They find a rock which they can bury her under, but River Ripple states that they need to loosen it first. He offers to help, grabbing a stick to loosen the rock. After they pay their respects to Quiet Rain, the spirit cats emerge to greet them, telling them to choose a new beginning. After they deliver their message, Thunder asks River Ripple if he saw them. He purrs, saying of course. Clear Sky tries to convince them to join together once more, but they still deny his offer, explaining that it was not what the spirit cats meant. When it is time to leave, Gray Wing thanks River Ripple for coming. Tall Shadow says goodbye to River Ripple, telling him to inform Dappled Pelt and Shattered Ice that they are missed. River Ripple says that it was hard to believe he once lived alone on the island, and cannot imagine his life without his campmates.

Path of Stars

Clear Sky goes to Thunder's camp to ask his son for help in taking back Star Flower from Slash, another ruthless rogue. Thunder declines his help, stating that he cannot give prey away just to save Star Flower. Sparrow Fur tells Clear Sky that River Ripple would know what to do, as he would not mind giving some of his prey away. After Clear Sky leaves Wind Runner's camp, he tells her that he needed to ask for River Ripple's help. At Fourtrees, River Ripple appears with the other leaders. Slash emerges, asking Clear Sky if the other leaders care if Star Flower never returned. Clear Sky tells him that he brought them due to Slash's commands, and Slash snorts, saying he just wanted to see if they appeared. Wind Runner asks Slash what he would have done if Clear Sky hadn't brought them, and Slash simply tells her that he would have found another way to deal with Star Flower and make the leaders share their prey, angering Thunder. Thunder demands how dare he threatens them, and Slash asks if he really wants to argue with him. Thunder asks Slash what makes him so sure that they will share their prey, and Slash tells him that he wouldn't want to see Clear Sky lose his kits, which frightens Clear Sky. River Ripple warns Clear Sky not to let Slash rile him, and he needs to keep a clear head.

River Ripple asks Slash why he cannot hunt elsewhere, and Slash tells them that he would not need to as they will give him their prey. River Ripple bluntly tells Slash that their campmates will not go hungry to feed him. Clear Sky is distraught when Slash leaves, firmly believing that he will kill Star Flower. Wind Runner tells him that they do have hearts, and they have something to show him.

Along with the other leaders, River Ripple runs into Gray Wing, who has rescued Star Flower. He tells them that Star Flower is kitting early. River Ripple does not join them, stating that too many paws at a kitting will get into the way and asks them to send a message as soon as they find out if Star Flower is okay. River Ripple hopes that the stars will be on their side, as early kits rarely survive. 

At the next meeting at Fourtrees, they discuss how prey had been taken from them. River Ripple reports that no cat has stolen his fish, and offers to share it with the other leaders. They are thankful for his generous offer, but know that all of his fish will not feed them. 

After Thunder rescues cats from Slash's camp, the cats decide to join new groups. Wind Runner calls another meeting, asking how the cats are getting along with their new members. River Ripple tells the leaders that it is not surprising that they are wary of their new campmates, as they had hurt them in the past. He adds that every cat makes mistakes.

Thunder is worried how River Ripple might deal with possible traitors in his especially small group, reflecting on how Bee betrayed Wind Runner. He decides to go and check with River Ripple along with Violet. Thunder asks him how the new rogues are getting along in his group, and River Ripple replies that they are getting along well, and they are learning how to swim. He asks Thunder if Ember still hunts alone, and Thunder confirms so. River Ripple tells him that if Ember can not hunt alongside his campmates, he should not be apart of his group.

The leaders bring the new rogues to Fourtrees to formally welcome the new rogues into their group, which was River Ripple's idea. River Ripple welcomes his own rogues, asking if they will hunt for them, fight for them, and protect them while they are weak and stand by them while they are strong. They agree, in which they take new names: Pine becoming Pine Needle, Dawn becoming Dawn Mist, and Moss becoming Moss Tail. Drizzle asks River Ripple if she can be just Drizzle, and River Ripple accepts. 

When Gray Wing is slowly succumbing to his asthma, he comes up with the idea of naming their groups Clans. Black Ear suggests that River Ripple's group be called RiverClan.

In the Novellas

Thunderstar's Echo

Lightning Tail tells Apple Blossom that Riverstar has given him fish once before. He also mentions Riverstar again in his story of rescuing Owl Eyes from Tom. Lightning Tail explains that he fell into the river and that is where they met Riverstar. If it was not for him, Lightning Tail would not be alive.

During a Gathering, Skystar mentions that he can hear RiverClan and smell fish. Thunderstar notes that Riverstar is a generous and wise cat but his Clan’s diet left them with a distinct odor. In a few heartbeats, the RiverClan leader joins the other leaders on the Great Rock. Thunderstar announces his kits and Riverstar mentions that he is very happy for the new father and knows all of his Clan is too. Thunderstar explains how he sat vigil over Lightning Tail's body after his death and Riverstar asks if it gave him peace. Thunderstar replies it did and Riverstar nods, stating it is a good idea to respect the dead. It is noted that Riverstar's deputy is Night and the leader absolutely trusts her.

Shadowstar's Life

Coming Soon

In the Power of Three arc

Long Shadows

River meets with Shadow, Thunder, and Wind to discuss the loner, Sol, with the badger that helped save the Clans from destruction, Midnight. River is described as if he was made of rain. River didn't want to come to the meeting in the first place, asking why they are here. He continues to complain about why they should be the ones to discuss the loner.

In the Field Guides

Secrets of the Clans

He is the founder and the first leader of RiverClan, working with Thunder, Wind, Shadow, and presumably Sky, who is not mentioned, to develop the Warrior Code. It is suggested that he is the cat who thinks up a mentoring program for training the apprentices. He is known to be generous and warm-hearted with his own Clan, but not interested in the other Clans' troubles, even skipping Gatherings when possible.

Code of the Clans

River is mentioned briefly, along with Thunder, Wind, Shadow, and Sky, after the great battle at the dawn of the Clans. The spirits of those killed in the battle compel the remaining cats to be at peace. He, along with the other four new leaders vow to create their Clans and find ways to stop the fighting.

The Ultimate Guide

River Ripple is briefly mentioned on Thunder's page to have helped the cats get to safety when the fire raged through the forest. He is also mentioned on the page shared between Dappled Pelt and Cloud Spots. Dappled Pelt had become good friends with River Ripple and was happy when she found many herbs by the river. She later joined River Ripple and his cats and became RiverClan's first medicine cat.

River Ripple has his own page. He likes being by the river the most. He was a loner when the mountain cats first came and, though he was friendly with them, he preferred his independence and kept alone. The cats were grateful when River Ripple showed them the way to safety through the forest fire. Before the mountain cats arrived to their homes, he was a part of another group. Despite his independence, he followed the role the spirits of dead cats set him to and he became RiverClan's founder. Always willing to offer his wisdom and experience to other cats, River Ripple was the one to introduce the mentoring program. This willing expression of knowledge may have been his best legacy.

Trivia

Interesting facts

• When he was born at the Park, Riverstar was named Ripple for the movement of the river water.

Author statements

• Kate has expressed an interest in writing more about Riverstar, saying "there's something mysterious and secretive and he's a lovely character."

Mistakes

• In an Erin Hunter Chat, Vicky revealed that Thunder, Shadow, River, Sky, and Wind did not take "-star" on the end of their names, because the tradition had not yet been established in their time.
  • This, however, contradicts information in Secrets of the Clans, which shows the founders of the Clans to have the "-star" suffix. Also, this information is supported by Moth Flight's Vision, which shows that all leaders did, in fact, take "-star" as the suffix of their name.
• He has mistakenly been called “River Rippled“ twice.
• Despite being listed as a leader of his own group in The Blazing Star, he calls himself a loner in the same book.
• Kate imagines Riverstar as pale gray with some mottling on his fur. However, she thinks Cherith may imagine him differently.
• He was mistakenly described with amber eyes.

Character pixels

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Cats of the Park Version Alternative Cats of the Park Version Rogue Version Loner Version Alternative Loner Version Early Settler Version Riverstar.es.alt.png Alternative Early Settler Version Leader Version Alternative Leader Version StarClan Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Riverstar in Secrets of the Clans Riverstar in The Ultimate Guide

Quotes

"There are younger cats than us in StarClan. Why bring us back from the very beginning?"

―River at a discussion about Sol ^{Long Shadows}

"The sun and earth have protected me all my life. Just like the river has taken care of me, over and over again. It gave me a soft landing when I fell from the wall. It carried me away from the danger that was destroying the Park. It saved me from those fierce creatures, it fed me, and now it has brought me to what could be a wonderful new home. Maybe it will help me to get to the bank, if I can just trust it."

―Ripple's thoughts on the river ^{Thunder Rising}

"I'm not the young Cat of the Park anymore. Not really. I'm something else now, something more - a Cat of the River. And I should honor my protector."

―Ripple about himself ^{Thunder Rising}

"I'll do anything I have to. That kittypet has caused nothing but grief. He deserves some grief of his own."

―River Ripple about Tom ^{The First Battle}

"Who would I have helped? This battle was not mine. Why did you leave the mountains? Did you need something to fight over so badly? Before you came, we hunted and slept and lay in the sun. We fought over prey, but no cat ever killed another. You brought death here."

―River Ripple to Clear Sky ^{The First Battle}

"You think of River Ripple as just a rogue. But he is more than that. He has an old soul. He walked this land before the mountain cats arrived. He has seen more of life than you think--and what he hasn't seen, he has the power to imagine."

―Turtle Tail to the cats about River Ripple ^{The First Battle}

"They're not buried beneath the earth; they are running with the stars."

―River Ripple, talking to Gray Wing ^{The Blazing Star}

"They must see that peace and sharing and honor are good for the group, and that what's good for the group is good for the individual. We find trust in trusting, and learn kindness by being kind."

―River Ripple ^{Path of Stars}

"StarClan brought peace. They see things we cannot. Do you think you know better than they do?"

―River Ripple to Willow Tail ^{Moth Flight's Vision}

Leader info

Deputies
Name From To Night Before Thunderstar's Echo Before Finders Keepers