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Rootspring

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"I'm just not ready. I'm so glad to step back for a cat who's truly worthy."
This article contains major spoilers for the recently released, Veil of Shadows. Please proceed at your own discretion.
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
"Even when the spirits of dead cats can't speak to those they love…They can still see us. They surround us all the time. How would they feel if they saw us turn on one another in their name?"
— Rootpaw at a Gathering in The Silent Thaw, page 268


Rootspring is a yellow tom[1] with blue eyes.[8]

Rootspring is SkyClan warrior under the leadership of Leafstar in the lake territories. He was born as Rootkit to Violetshine and Tree, along with his sister Needlekit. Upon becoming an apprentice named Rootpaw, Dewspring was assigned as his mentor. Rootpaw developed a crush on the ThunderClan warrior Bristlefrost after she rescued him from the lake, and discovered he could see ghosts after seeing the spirit of Bramblestar begging for help. Using his ability, Rootpaw informed the Clans that the cat leading ThunderClan was an impostor of Bramblestar. He earned his warrior name of Rootspring after rescuing Shadowsight and joined the rebels to defeat the impostor's rule.

History

Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!

The Broken Code

"Why should I care? Let Tree think what he likes. It doesn't matter to me. […] He tells me to be my own cat, but here he is, living under rules he doesn't believe in. Which of us is being more true to himself? I know it's wrong, but sometimes I wish I had a different cat for a father."
—Rootpaw's thoughts about Tree Lost Stars, page 60
Rootkit is the son of Tree and Violetshine, and his sister is Needlekit. He is apprenticed to Dewspring, and struggles to break free of his father's reputation, terrified he'll turn out like Tree. After being cajoled into the lake by Kitepaw and Turtlepaw, Rootpaw is rescued by the ThunderClan warrior Bristlefrost, whom he grows to admire. After Bramblestar is revived, Rootpaw discovers his spirit in the woods and runs away in fear as the ghost calls for help. Rootpaw discovers only he can see Bramblestar's spirit much to his displeasure. With the help of the ghost and Tree, Rootpaw convinces Squirrelflight, Bristlefrost, and ShadowClan that the cat ruling ThunderClan is an impostor. His father teaches Rootpaw how to make ghosts appear for others, and Rootpaw makes peace with his powers.
After his warrior ceremony is delayed, Rootpaw realizes Bramblestar's ghost is missing and grows fearful for Shadowsight following his disappearance. He briefly trains as a medicine cat apprentice because of his powers, but chooses to remain a warrior apprentice. A spirit leads Rootpaw to Shadowsight's injured body, and Dewspring and Rootpaw bring him back to SkyClan to recover. He earns his warrior name of Rootspring for his bravery and works together with the rebels to defeat the impostor. Rootspring and Bristlefrost admit their feelings for each other, and hope to one day be together.

Character pixels

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Official art

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Ceremonies

Rootpaw's apprentice ceremony
Leafstar: From this day forward, this apprentice will be known as Rootpaw. Dewspring, you are an efficient and loyal cat. You'll be Rootpaw's mentor, and I know you'll pass your excellent qualities onto him.
Everyone: Rootpaw! Rootpaw!
Reference: Lost Stars, pages 17-18


Rootspring's warrior ceremony
Leafstar: I, Leafstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Rootpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?
Rootpaw: I do.
Leafstar: Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Rootpaw, from this moment on, you shall be known as Rootspring. StarClan honors your strength and resilience, and we welcome you as a full warrior of SkyClan.
Everyone: Rootspring! Rootspring!
Reference: Veil of Shadows, page 173

Personality and Relationships

Main article: Rootspring/PR
Rootspring is sensitive, determined, and strives to prove himself of his father's unorthodox reputation. He develops a crush on Bristlefrost after she saved him from the lake, and is the only cat who can see Bramblestar's apparition. For more of Rootspring's personality and relationships, click here!

Family

Main article: Rootspring/Family
Rootspring's parents are Tree and Violetshine, and his sister is Needleclaw. For more of Rootspring's family, click here!

Appearances

Trivia

Interesting facts

  • Rootspring has Sister blood through Tree.[9]
  • His warrior name was decided by fans through a poll with the options Rootspirit, Rootspring, Rootfall, and Rootwing.[8] Rootspring was the winning name.[10]
  • Similar to his kin, he has the ability to see the spirits of dead cats.[11]
  • Rootspring is said to look like a tiny version of Tree.[12]

Author statements

Quotes

Rootpaw: "It's just…I just…I wish cats would take me a bit more seriously, that's all. Because our father's not a warrior or a medicine cat, just some weirdo who talks to dead cats—"
Needlepaw: "And the mediator for all five Clans. That's important."
Rootpaw: "Except there's been nothing to mediate lately. And the Clans have never had a mediator before. It's just one more way that Tree doesn't fit into regular Clan life, and another reason the other apprentices don't see us as true members of SkyClan."
Needlepaw: "Now, that is mouse-brained. Why would they think that?"
Rootpaw: "I can sort of understand it. When Tree is settling disputes, he's supposed to be impartial, and that means sometimes he'll rule against SkyClan. It's so frustrating! If other cats feel our father isn't a real Clan cat, it means I have to work twice as hard to convince them that I'm a loyal member of SkyClan. That's what set me off before, charging at Kitepaw and Turtlepaw."
Needlepaw: "I have the same father. But I just tell the other apprentices to keep their paws out of my business, and they leave me alone. They only tease you because you let them see it bothers you. […] You should try not to worry what your Clanmates think. If you're true to yourself, you'll prove them all wrong. I'm sure of it."
—Rootpaw and Needlepaw about their father and Clan gossip Lost Stars, page 65


Rootpaw: "Do you think I can do something about it? Because I can't. I'm not a medicine cat. I'm not even a warrior yet. I don't even know why you keep following me. There must be another cat who can help you."
Bramblestar's ghost: "I've tried to find one. But you're the only cat who can see me."
Rootpaw: "Why me?"
Bramblestar's ghost: "Perhaps you're the only one who can help me."
—Rootpaw speaking with Bramblestar's ghost The Silent Thaw, page 95


Squirrelflight: "Quick. I don't have long. Were you telling the truth about Bramblestar's message? Tell me!"
Rootpaw: "Y-Yes!"
Squirrelflight: "Why should I believe you?"
Bramblestar's ghost: "Tell her that after the battle with the Sisters, we sat here in this clearing, looking up at the stars, wondering which one was Leafpool. She said it didn't matter, because Leafpool would always be watching over ThunderClan."
Squirrelflight: "Don't just stare into space! Tell me why I should believe you!"
Rootpaw: "After the battle you...You were here with Bramblestar and you were looking at the stars, wondering which one was Leafpool, but it didn't matter because she would always be watching over you."
Squirrelflight: "He's really a ghost?"
Rootpaw: "He's here now. He can't get back into his body because some other spirit is there."
—Squirrelflight confronting Rootpaw about Bramblestar's ghost The Silent Thaw, pages 186-187


See more
"Of course I won't. It's hopeless. I'd never break the code, nor would Bristlefrost. But it doesn't stop me liking her. She's the bravest, most loyal warrior I know."
—Rootpaw about his feelings for Bristlefrost The Silent Thaw, page 274


Rootpaw: "What if I can't make it appear this time?"
Tree: "You'll be fine. Just do what I told you…"
Rootpaw: "What if I'm not strong enough?"
Tree: "You're stronger than you think. And it'll be easier this time. He's your ghost, and he wants to come. You just have to open the way."
—Tree encouraging Rootpaw to use his powers The Silent Thaw, pages 305-306


"[Shadowsight] didn't run away. Some cat tried to kill him. Now do you think challenging Bramblestar is worth the risk?"
—Rootpaw to Leafstar Veil of Shadows, page 144


"Rootpaw saved Shadowsight, the young medicine cat who had been missing for some time. And in doing that, he created a strong bond between SkyClan and ShadowClan. While we've had conflicts in the past, Rootpaw has given us a way to heal those divisions. He demonstrated bravery, strength, and clearheadedness in a time of great peril. Not only that, he showed wisdom in seeking help when he needed it. Because of this, I don't think it's necessary to give him a formal assessment. His actions speak for themselves."
—Leafstar about Rootpaw Veil of Shadows, page 172


Rootspring: "I'm sorry for doubting you. But I didn't know what to think. If I didn't like you so much, I wouldn't have felt so angry when it looked like you had turned on me and the others."
Bristlefrost: "You like me? Even after...?"
Rootspring: "I can't help it."
Bristlefrost: "You know why that could never happen, right? This whole terrible situation the Clans are in is because of codebreaking—and that includes cats from different Clans getting together. That's always been against the warrior code."
Rootspring: "Yes, I know. That's why I would never had said anything...Does that mean you...you like me, too?"
Bristlefrost: "Yes...yes, I do have feelings for you. But what can we do about it? Nothing. There's no way it can go anywhere."
—Rootspring and Bristlefrost admitting their feelings for each other Veil of Shadows, pages 250-251


"Being important is overrated, if you ask me. [...] Am I ever going to get to be just a normal warrior?"
—Rootspring's thoughts Veil of Shadows, pages 280-281
End of spoiler warning

External links


Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
  2. ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 74
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Revealed in Lost Stars, page 17
  4. ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 173
  5. ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 49
  6. ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, pages 68-71
  7. ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 48
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Warriors Fan Vote on the Warriors official website (backup link)
  9. ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow: Bonus Scene, page 11
  10. ↑ Warriors Fan Vote Results on the Warriors official website (backup link)
  11. ↑ Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, page 170
  12. ↑ Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, page 43
  13. ↑ Writing Lost Stars on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Author references

v • d • e
 Major Warriors characters
The Prophecies Begin Firestar • Graystripe • Yellowfang • Cinderpelt • Spottedleaf • Sandstorm • Cloudtail • Bluestar • Tigerstar
The New Prophecy Brambleclaw • Feathertail • Stormfur • Squirrelflight • Crowfeather • Tawnypelt • Leafpool • Hawkfrost • Mothwing
Power of Three Lionblaze • Jayfeather • Hollyleaf • Breezepelt • Rock • Sol • Ashfur
Omen of the Stars Dovewing • Ivypool • Lionblaze • Jayfeather • Cinderheart • Hawkfrost • Tigerstar • Firestar • Flametail
Dawn of the Clans Gray Wing • Clear Sky • Thunder • Tall Shadow • Wind Runner • River Ripple • Turtle Tail • Jagged Peak • Storm • Bright Stream
A Vision of Shadows Alderheart • Needletail • Twigbranch • Violetshine • Darktail • Tree • Rowanclaw • Tigerstar • Leafstar • Finleap
The Broken Code Bristlefrost • Rootspring • Shadowsight • Bramblestar • Squirrelflight • Bramblestar's impostor
Graystripe's Adventure Graystripe • Millie
Tigerstar and Sasha Sasha • Ken • Jean • Pine • Shnuky • Tigerstar
Ravenpaw's Path Ravenpaw • Barley
SkyClan and the Stranger Leafstar • Billystorm • Sol
Super Editions Firestar • Sandstorm • Leafstar • Skywatcher • Bluestar • Thistleclaw • Snowfur • Goosefeather • Crookedstar • Oakheart • Rainflower • Mapleshade • Sharpclaw • Echosong • Stick • Yellowfang • Sagewhisker • Brokenstar • Raggedstar • Tallstar • Jake • Sparrow • Bramblestar • Squirrelflight • Jessy • Moth Flight • Micah • Hawkwing • Tigerheart • Dovewing • Spire • Crowfeather • Breezepelt • Nightcloud • Ashfoot • Squirrelflight • Bramblestar • Moonlight • Graystripe • Gremlin • Fang
Novellas Hollyleaf • Fallen Leaves • Mistystar • Mothwing • Cloudstar • Tigerclaw • Leafpool • Squirrelflight • Dovewing • Bumblestripe • Mapleshade • Goosefeather • Ravenpaw • Pinestar • Spottedleaf • Thistleclaw • Thunderstar • Lightning Tail • Redtail • Tawnypelt • Shadowstar • Pebbleshine • Tree • Mothwing
v • d • e
Logo-skyclan.png SkyClan cats
Leader Leafstar
Deputy Hawkwing
Medicine cats Frecklewish • Fidgetflake
Mediator Tree
Warriors Sparrowpelt • Tinycloud • Sagenose • Mintfur • Nettlesplash • Rabbitleap (Wrenpaw) • Plumwillow • Macgyver • Harrybrook • Blossomheart • Bellaleaf • Dewspring • Reedclaw • Violetshine • Fringewhisker • Palesky • Gravelnose • Nectarsong • Quailfeather • Pigeonfoot • Sunnypelt • Kitescratch • Turtlecrawl • Needleclaw • Rootspring
Apprentice Wrenpaw
Queens N/A
Kits N/A
Elders Fallowfern
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