Rowanclaw/History

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This page contains the detailed history for Rowanclaw.

History

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In The Prophecies Begin arc

A Dangerous Path

Rowanpaw is a ShadowClan apprentice and his mentor is Jaggedtooth.

In The New Prophecy arc

Midnight

Rowanpaw is now a warrior with the name of Rowanclaw. He also has his own apprentice, a tom named Talonpaw.

Dawn

Rowanclaw is one of the cats traveling to the new territories by the lake.

Starlight

Rowanclaw attacks Brambleclaw after the ThunderClan warrior accidentally crosses the new scent markers. He is stopped by Tawnypelt, who says they shouldn't be fighting so soon. He then calls her a half-Clan warrior, and disloyal to her Clan. Later, he and and another warrior attack Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight, but end up retreating.

Twilight

His apprentice, Talonpaw, is badly wounded by two kittypets called Susan and Jacques. He manages to drag himself back to the camp but along the way he dies due to his wounds. When he leads a patrol to take revenge, Susan and Jacques' Twolegs defend them and throw things at the warriors, one of which strikes Cedarheart's leg, injuring him. Brambleclaw offers help against the kittypets along with Squirrelflight, and Blackstar, rather oddly but reluctantly, agrees.

Sunset

When a ShadowClan patrol with the inclusion of Rowanclaw place their scent markers in ThunderClan territory, they are caught by a patrol. The ShadowClan patrol has the ThunderClan patrol outnumbered, but a ThunderClan apprentice brings ThunderClan reinforcements, and they fight the ShadowClan cats back. The ShadowClan cats lose, and they flee back to their camp. Later, at the Gathering, Rowanclaw is seen with Cedarheart, fighting against Dustpelt and Thornclaw. Brambleclaw tries to break them up, but Firestar yowls at them to stop.

In the Power of Three arc

The Sight

Rowanclaw now has a new apprentice named Ivypaw.

Dark River

Rowanclaw has become Tawnypelt's mate, and the two cats have become parents of three new kits: Tigerkit, Flamekit, and Dawnkit. While the other Clans react with doubt when Tigerkit is mentioned, Squirrelflight offers her congratulations to Rowanclaw, ignoring the fear of the other cats present. Rowanclaw bluntly replies to Squirrelflight that he is the proud father of three Clanborn kits, putting emphasis on them being completely of ShadowClan blood. Rowanclaw's comment is a barbed jab at ThunderClan, who has recently allowed so many non-Clanborn cats into their Clan.

Outcast

His apprentice, Ivypaw, is now a warrior named Ivytail. When Tawnypelt, his mate, gets into an argument with Russetfur about whether or not she is loyal, he steps in to defend her. Rowanclaw says they should be grateful to the Tribe for the help they supplied in the past, and that it should be an honor to help them now. He tells Tawnypelt that he is proud of her for going to help the mountain cats, and Rowanclaw promises to help keep an eye on their kits. Snowbird, another queen, temporarily nurses Tigerkit, Dawnkit, and Flamekit in Tawnypelt's absence. Tawnypelt thanks Snowbird and Rowanclaw, and then proceeds to leave ShadowClan to begin her journey.

Eclipse

When Lionpaw, Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Sol arrive at ShadowClan's camp, Rowanclaw is seen guarding the entrance by himself. He stares at them in surprise, but Russetfur, the ShadowClan deputy, simply pushes past him to talk to their visitors.

Sunrise

Rowanclaw is present during the Gathering, along with the rest of ShadowClan.

In the Omen of the Stars arc

The Fourth Apprentice

Rowanclaw leads a patrol when Toadfoot calls out a greeting. Despite this acknowledgment, the patrol does not approach him or answer.

Fading Echoes

Rowanclaw and Russetfur flank Blackstar during their battle with ThunderClan over a small patch of territory. During the battle, which eventually turns deadly, Rowanclaw attempts to take on Lionblaze, although is unsuccessful in his challenge, as he is overpowered and defeated by the ThunderClan warrior.

Night Whispers

After the death of Russetfur, Rowanclaw has been chosen as ShadowClan's new deputy. When he goes to say goodbye to Russetfur at her burial, he mentions events of her life and says that while she came to ShadowClan as a rogue, she died as a brave warrior of her Clan.

Tigerheart and Dawnpelt are arguing about which one of them would be a better deputy. Rowanclaw interrupts them, saying that he wants to be deputy for a moon or two before retiring to his kits. He then asks Flametail, his other son, if he wanted to be the deputy of ShadowClan as well. When Flametail says he's happy being a medicine cat, Rowanclaw mews that Flametail's choice is a good one because he isn't sure that he could take on all three of his kits at once. Rowanclaw appears to have a very close bond with all three of his children.

While the Clan is discussing what they will do in the next battle against ThunderClan, Rowanclaw says that they should arrange the line differently, and put the more experienced warriors next to the younger cats; if they break the line again, each part will be strong. He then reminds Pinepaw that she was knocked aside by Hazeltail in the last battle. He tells her that she should roll over the next time another cat attacks her.

Flametail goes to the Moonpool to speak with StarClan. When he comes back, he discusses what he saw with Blackstar and Littlecloud. When Blackstar doesn't fully believe Flametail, he complains to Rowanclaw. Rowanclaw tells him that Littlecloud has been a medicine cat longer; it's not surprising that he has friends in the other Clans. Flametail points out that Blackstar won't listen to what he has to say, but Rowanclaw disagrees and takes Blackstar's side, telling him not to underestimate their leader.

At the Gathering, Blackstar mentions that Rowanclaw is the new deputy, and also adds that it was not Russetfur's time to die. Sometime after the Gathering, Rowanclaw leads a patrol consisting of himself, Shrewfoot, Tigerheart, and Crowfrost. His son, Flametail, has an accident where he falls through the ice on the lake. Although Jayfeather tries to help, the ThunderClan medicine cat is unable to rescue Flametail, and the ShadowClan cat soon sinks to his death, having taken on too much water and unable to swim to the surface. Flametail was trapped under the ice, just as StarClan had prophesied.

The Forgotten Warrior

Rowanclaw is one of the cats who agree with Dawnpelt when the cream-colored she-cat accuses Jayfeather of being responsible for Flametail's death. Rowanclaw says that Jayfeather drowning Flametail is possible, nodding his head in agreement.

The Last Hope

He is at a Gathering next to the deputies of the other Clans. Rowanclaw agrees that there were strange scents on ShadowClan's territory. During the battle with the Dark Forest cats, he stands over Blackstar as the ShadowClan leader loses one of his nine lives. After making sure his leader is okay, he goes to help in battle. He meets Lionblaze by the entrance to ShadowClan's territory. He asks the golden ThunderClan warrior who the unfamiliar spirits are, not knowing they are the ancient cats who originally formed the Clans.

In the A Vision of Shadows arc

The Apprentice's Quest

At Alderpaw and Sparkpaw's first Gathering, Molewhisker uses his tail to point out Rowanstar, who he explains to be ShadowClan's leader, climbing the Great Oak. Alderpaw looks up at the powerful ginger tom who settles in the fork between two branches and gazes around commandingly, and the apprentice thinks that he doesn't look like a cat he would want to cross. Molewhisker goes on to show Onestar, who is on the branch just above Rowanstar.

Rowanstar is the cat who begins the Gathering as he calls out to the cats of all the Clans. He stands tall and proud on his branch, welcoming the cats to the Gathering, and lets Mistystar speak first. The RiverClan she-cat dips her head, and when finishes her report, she bows her head again to Rowanstar. The ginger tom gestures to Onestar to speak next. After Onestar and Bramblestar both speak, Rowanstar steps forward and reports that the prey in ShadowClan is plentiful. However, Needlepaw is annoyed and quietly asks if any cat expects him to say anything else. She whispers that if they were starving they would say the same, and says that he must think they are all mouse-brains. Alderpaw is shocked that Needlepaw is speaking so disrespectfully of her leader, and he is sure that Rowanstar isn't lying. The ShadowClan leader goes on that Twolegs are still using the greenleaf Twolegplace on their territory, but haven't caused much trouble. He adds that as the weather gets colder over the next couple of moons, they don't expect to see much of them.

Rowanstar next announces that two of their apprentices, Stonewing and Wasptail, have been made warriors, and he glances down proudly, indicating a white tom and a yellow she-cat who stand closer together. Cats cheer for the new warriors, and when the clamor dies down, Rowanstar continues that four kits have been made apprentices; Beepaw, who is apprenticed to Dawnpelt; Sleekpaw to Tigerheart; Juniperpaw to Stonewing; and Strikepaw to Wasptail. However, a murmur of surprise arises from the cats, and Onestar looks sharply at the ginger tom, asking if ShadowClan is really giving their apprentices brand-new warriors as mentors. Rowanstar, with a faint suggestion of a growl in his voice, retorts that by the time ShadowClan cats are warriors they are ready for anything. He adds that other Clans need to stay out of his Clan's business. Needlepaw notes to Alderpaw that ShadowClan has lots of apprentices, and Rowanstar doesn't know what to do with all of them. Alderpaw feels that it is weird that an apprentice would talk about their leader in that way. By the time Alderpaw snaps out of his thoughts, the four Clan leaders have drawn close together in the branches of the oak tree and are speaking to one another in low tones. A moment later, Rowanstar steps forward again and announces that the medicine cats have something to say to all the Clans, that they have only discussed with their leaders so far.

Later, when Needlepaw meets the questing cats, Sandstorm says that she should not be out alone, and adds that she will be in a lot of trouble with Rowanstar when she gets back.

When Alderpaw gets back from his quest and discusses the futures of Twigkit and Violetkit with Bramblestar, Squirrelflight, and Jayfeather, Jayfeather says that they all know that ShadowClan will want the kits, even though the last thing that Rowanstar needs is two more young cats to keep track of.

At the Gathering, Mistystar begins the Gathering and starts to mention RiverClan's prey, but breaks off with an annoyed look as Rowanstar interrupts by rising to his paws and pacing to the end of his branch. he demands why they are starting like it is a regular Gathering when they know that Bramblestar has news to share. He turns to face the ThunderClan leader and gives him a hard stare, and Alderpaw worries that Needlepaw told Rowanstar about SkyClan. Rowanstar sarcastically continues that he might want to talk to them about the prophecy and some young cats, and Alderpaw is relieved that she didn't give away the secret. Bramblestar meows that Alderpaw went on a quest to find what lay in the shadows, and found the two kits on his way home, just outside their territories. Rowanstar objects that that isn't quite right, as Alderpaw and Needlepaw found the kits working together and Needlepaw saved Alderpaw's life on the quest, helping him to shore when he was drowning. Bramblestar agrees that it's true, but asks what Needlepaw was doing there, and if it is normal for ShadowClan apprentices to wander off by themselves. Rowanstar snaps that it is none of his concern, and Alderpaw can see that he is embarrassed by the question. The ShadowClan leader goes on that ShadowClan can look after its apprentices. However, he emphasizes that ThunderClan did not find the kits without help, and adds that the kits were brought to ThunderClan for urgent care from their medicine cats, but that the place where hey would permanently stay would be decided at the meeting.

Mistystar asks for an explanation of what had happened and Bramblestar recounts the journey, explaining that he thinks that the kits were what they would find in the shadows. Onestar grumbles that the kits can't be what they were meant to embrace, as they wouldn't know anything, but Rowanstar points out that they don't have to know anything and lashes his tail, irritated. He says that StarClan guided the kits to them, which is good enough for them, and Misystar nods in agreement. Bramblestar objects that they can't be sure about it, but that it is the Clans' responsibility to take care of them, but Rowanstar bares his teeth at the beginning of a snarl, responding that it doesn't mean that the kits need to stay in ThunderClan. He says that they might belong in ShadowClan with Needlepaw, who helped find and care for them, but Bramblestar argues that they are happy and safe now and that it would be cruel to move them. However, Mistystar and Onestar say that he would say that because it interests Bramblestar to keep the kits for ThunderClan, and Bramblestar accepts that ShadowClan has a claim to at least one of the kits. Mistystar suggests that ThunderClan keeps one kit and gives the other to ShadowClan, and Bramblestar agrees.

Mistystar declares the Gathering at an end, and Bramblestar and Rowanstar leap down from the Great Oak together and thrust their way through the clusters of cats until they reach the bush where Alderpaw and Sparkpaw wait with the kits. Bramblestar tells Rowanstar to choose a kit, and the leader hesitates. Alderpaw senses that he isn't happy about the solution, since he would protect the rights of ShadowClan against any cat but isn't cruel, and clearly understands that he is separating the kits. The ginger tom meows that he wants the black-and-white one and Alderpaw tells him that it is Violetkit, and requests that he looks after her. Rowanstar dips his head and promises that she will be taken care of in ShadowClan, and he gently lifts Violetkit by her scruff. The kits finally realize what is happening and Violetkit begins to wail, lashing out with her paws. Twigkit screeches that they can't take her and she flings herself against Rowanstar's leg, raking her claws through his pelt. Violetkit begs Alderpaw to help him, but he curls his tail around Twigkit and draws her back from Rowanstar, meowing that it is no use. Bramblestar snaps at Rowanstar to take her quickly, and the ShadowClan leader instantly swings around and heads away to where his own Clan are gathering ready to leave, Violetkit, dangling from his jaws, twists around so that she can still see his sister, and she keeps on calling out to her littermate until she vanishes from sight.

Thunder and Shadow

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Alderpaw thinks with disgust about how eager Rowanstar was to take Violetkit for his own, separating her from Twigkit. Shortly after, Graystripe peeks his head into the medicine den and tells the medicine cats that Bramblestar wants to see them. He adds not to keep him waiting, as Rowanstar is with the ThunderClan leader. Alderpaw wonders if he came because something had happened to Violetkit. He sees a hunting patrol pacing the clearing, and assumes they spotted the ShadowClan leader before they had a chance to hunt. Rowanstar is sitting on the Highledge next to Bramblestar.

More Coming Soon

Later, Violetpaw notes that Rowanstar had made Tigerheart deputy after Crowfrost's death. Rowanstar soon exits his den with Tigerheart, announcing to the Clan that the current apprentice's training needs to quicken, and sends out patrol. While doing this, Spikefur scornfully asks if Rowanstar is hunting. Rowanstar states that he will hunt if they Clan needs it, worrying Tigerheart. Soon after, Rowanstar declares the cats who are going to the Gathering. When he calls Scorchfur and Sparrowtail's names, the former announces that they aren't going, demanding new, strong leadership. Others pad to join the two, as Violetpaw notices Darktail and some of his companions peering into ShadowClan camp, with some of ShadowClan's former Clanmates.

Rowanstar asks if Scorchfur is suggesting to give the Clan to rogues, and tells Darktail that the rogue will have to kill him before getting the Clan. Darktail is satisfied, and leaps at him. Rowanstar tries to fight back, but Darktail matches his blows, and Tigerheart separates the two. Rowanstar turns to go to the Gathering, with only Tigerheart and Tawnypelt following him. At the Gathering, Rowanstar declares that the trio comes alone. Bramblestar notes that the ShadowClan leader had recovered from yellowcough, prompting Onestar to add that they didn't need the herb that StarClan had said they would. Rowanstar corrects him, commenting that Harespring and Kestrelflight have more compassion than WindClan's leader, and therefore gave up the herb. Kestrelflight shrinks into his fur after putting in that StarClan had approved.

Rowanstar credits Onestar about being right about the rogues, as he states that the rogues had taken over ShadowClan. Onestar states that Rowanstar had been a weak leader, but the ShadowClan tom retorts that if WindClan had given the lungwort, none of this would've happened, appeasing most of the cats. Bramblestar intervenes, offering refuge to Rowanstar and his kin. Rowanstar rears up on Onestar after the WindClan leader aims another barbed comment at the former, but hesitates, and thanks Bramblestar for the kindness the tabby had shown.

Shattered Sky

Rowanstar is seen by Twigpaw, and the ShadowClan leader agrees with Bramblestar, ThunderClan's leader when he announces it's time to take back ShadowClan's territory. His voice is heard as quiet and had no argument, and he stands at the front of the crowd of Clan cats, Tawnypelt at his side. He says that they must drive out the rogues once and for all. Onestar, WindClan's leader, glares at Rowanstar, and the two begin to argue. Rowanstar's neck fur bristles and his lips draw back in a snarl when the WindClan leader says he should stop issuing orders to clean up his mess. Mistystar intervenes, and Rowanstar turns aside, shaking out his pelt. He is heard screeching at the WindClan cats as they retreat, calling them traitors and cowards, while he tears up the grass with his claws, his fur noted to be bristling with rage.

Later, he pads behind Bramblestar as they leave for the Gathering with Tawnypelt and Tigerheart with him. He jumps up onto a branch on the Great Oak as they arrive, and then Sparkpelt asks Cherryfall if Rowanstar's even a Clan leader anymore in a whisper. Rowanstar and Onestar start arguing, and when Onestar retorts, his tail droops, but there is pride in his tone as he makes a reply. Mistystar interrupts, stating that because of the two leaders, they hadn't gotten closer to getting the rogues off Clan territory. Rowanstar leaves the Gathering with his Clan when the moon is covered by clouds.

After Bramblestar tells Rowanstar of SkyClan, the latter comments that Needletail should've told him this. Alderheart tries to defend his friend, but Rowanstar retorts that her first loyalty should be to ShadowClan. Later, as Violetpaw searches Oakfur for ticks, the elder states that since Rowanstar had left, no one showed the elders any respect.

In ThunderClan camp, Rowanstar and Bramblestar argue about what to do next. The former ShadowClan leader states that they must regain ShadowClan's old territory, but Bramblestar retorts that they can't without the other Clans, accusing Rowanstar of expecting ThunderClan to do everything for him. The dark ginger tom calls ThunderClan cowards. Bramblestar replies that Darktail's rogues probably wouldn't be there if Rowanstar and ShadowClan had driven them out earlier. Bramblestar then turns to his medicine cats, asking them to tell Rowanstar that ThunderClan is in no position to fight another battle. Alderhear repeats Bramblestar's message, stating that Rowanstar will have blood on his paws if he continues to vouch for another battle. Tawnypelt tries to settle the argument, but both leaders cut her off, calling it leader business. The she-cat silences them both, reminding them that she still has family in Darktail's camp.

Bramblestar calls a Clan meeting, giving Alderheart the opportunity to explain his vision. Rowanstar argues against this, stating that their real problem is with the rogues. The argument takes turns, but after Tigerheart agrees to join the patrol to bring SkyClan to the lake, Rowanstar is against this, though, luckily for them, Bramblestar ends the argument, stating that they will focus on the rogues in ShadowClan territory.

More Coming Soon

Darkest Night

Rowanstar sits on a branch of the Great Oak, waiting for the Gathering to begin. Icewing challenges Rowanstar's status as a leader, causing more cats to blame ShadowClan. Others state that their Clanmates' deaths are Rowanstar's fault. Trying to defend himself, Rowanstar states that ShadowClan suffered losses as well, with Tigerheart and Tawnypelt standing supportingly around him. Bramblestar ends the arguing, and offers for Rowanstar to remember the ShadowClan cats who had died. While the ShadowClan leader lists the names, Alderheart listens in shock of the numbers of cats ShadowClan had lost.

Rowanstar openly wonders what had happened to them. Some cats believe that they had followed Darktail's rogues, but ShadowClan cats state that they had tried to persuade most of them to come back. Mistystar still believes that Rowanstar had caused the death of her Clanmates, and Rowanstar hopes that StarClan and RiverClan will forgive him, causing more commotion. Harestar defends Rowanstar, and supports Bramblestar's statement of not blaming each other. Mistystar announces that RiverClan will not attend the next few Gatherings. Rowanstar tells her that things had gone wrong when WindClan closed their borders, but Mistystar does not listen, and RiverClan leaves the Gathering.

Leafstar joins the leaders on the Great Oak. Tigerheart proposes that ShadowClan give up some of their land to SkyClan, as they don't need a lot of land anymore. Rowanstar likes his son's idea, and gives up some of the land between ShadowClan and ThunderClan, remaining firm by his decision. Later, Violetpaw recalls her conversation with Rowanstar, telling him that she would join SkyClan to be with her kin. She remembers that Rowanstar had let her go, but she was unsure whether he was glad or unhappy.

More Coming Soon

River of Fire

Following ShadowClan's merge with SkyClan, Rowanclaw has become a warrior of SkyClan. His choice to disband ShadowClan has caused distress among the Clans, namely with the medicine cats. Many of the former ShadowClan cats hold resentment towards him for his decision, but Tawnypelt continues to support her mate and defend him.

Beenose, Needletail, Yellowfang, Blackstar, and Rowanclaw's daughter Dawnpelt are speaking their minds following ShadowClan's desolation. Dawnpelt defends her father, claiming that he could not deal with the treachery of his Clanmates, but Needletail hisses that it was all Rowanstar's fault, and then corrects herself, calling him Rowanclaw. Yellowfang rebukes Needletail's statement, reminding her that it was not just the former leader who misunderstood Darktail's true intentions, but all the ShadowClan cats, including Needletail herself. Needletail responds sarcastically, saying Yellowfang knows everything. Yellowfang continues, saying that she thought Brokenstar's leadership was bad enough, but now that she had seen Rowanstar's, she isn't sure. Blackstar admits that he trusted Rowanclaw to lead ShadowClan following his death, but asks what he could possibly have done when half his Clan betrayed him for a rogue. Dawnpelt dips her head in sadness and admits that they all made mistakes.

Beenose agrees with her, but Needletail bristles with rage. She claims that Rowanclaw alone failed ShadowClan, since he had returned his lives and stepped down as leader, and asks what cat could do that. Blackstar begins to defend the ginger tom, but cuts himself off and says that no cat should ever do it. Needletail hisses that now the former ShadowClan cats are suffering, and begins to spew an insult, but she is stopped as she sees a black she-cat hissing at them to stop. The cat is revealed to be Shadowstar, ShadowClan's founder and first-ever leader. The ancient she-cat reprimands Needletail for passing the blame to Rowanclaw so easily when she is as equally to blame and asserts that ShadowClan's demise is about much more than Rowanclaw's failure as a leader. The black she-cat tells the spirits that ShadowClan must be saved, as there have always been five Clans.

Leafstar calls a Clan meeting, and when all the cats are gathered, she asks Rowanclaw if he wishes to stand up on the branch with her. Rowanclaw denies and says that he is simply a SkyClan warrior, and reminds her that he is Rowanclaw, not Rowanstar. A groan from one of the former ShadowClan cats erupts after Rowanclaw finishes, and Leafstar politely dips her head to Rowanclaw. Leafstar begins issuing orders and asks Rowanclaw to lead a patrol to the former ShadowClan camp to scavenge for bedding and herbs. Tawnypelt, infuriated, says that her order was an apprentices' task, and Rowanclaw was a former leader. Leafstar assures her that it is not a slight on the ginger tom, and explains that she wanted him to do it because he knows the territory and can be trusted to do it right. Rowanclaw assures Tawnypelt that he does not mind, and wants to help in whatever way he can, but Violetshine notices that he avoids Tawnypelt's gaze, making Violetshine wonder that if either disbanding ShadowClan was Rowanclaw's biggest regret, or disappointing his mate. Leafstar thanks Rowanclaw for being understanding, and says he can take Tawnypelt and Violetshine as well. Hawkwing asks to go as well, and Leafstar allows him.

More Coming Soon

The Raging Storm

In StarClan, Firestar invites Clan leaders Blackstar, Crookedstar, Tallstar, and Bluestar to talk with him about what will happen to the Clans, while Rowanclaw is listening to them in the shadows. Firestar sees Rowanclaw's shadow move among the pines and the past ThunderClan leader asks him what he's doing here. Rowanclaw walks up to the five Clan leaders and tells them that if they came to talk about the Clan's future, he has a right to be there. Blackstar, a previous ShadowClan leader, sternly tells Rowanclaw that he is not a leader anymore. Angered, Rowanclaw tells him that he gave up his leadership so ShadowClan would survive. Blackstar retorts that he gave up his lives so that he would survive. Rowanclaw then tells him that that isn't true, ShadowClan is one again and Tigerstar, his son, has returned and will lead his Clan to greatness.

Bluestar finally speaks and asks them what the cost is because she knows that ShadowClan cats always want another Clan's land, and Rowanclaw narrows his eyes and tells her that his Clan must never be driven out again and that it needs its territory once more. Firestar's gaze drifts toward the trees of SkyClan's land and tells them that the Clan cannot lose its land once more. He pauses for a while and then says that SkyClan belongs in the lake territory. Bluestar's eyes meet Rowanclaw's and she asks if Tigerstar will let SkyClan stay. Rowanclaw tells him that his son will do anything to make ShadowClan strong again. Firestar agrees with the previous ShadowClan leader that ShadowClan must become strong and that they can't risk them being disbanded once more, however, every Clan must grow strong not by stealing each other's territory, but by learning to live with each other. He explains that if all the Clans, including SkyClan, cannot live together, then the darkness will destroy all of them.

A previous RiverClan leader, Crookedstar, tells them that the Clans have survived darkness before. Firestar disagrees with him and tells the RiverClan cat anxiously that they haven't survived darkness like this one and these young cats don't understand how greed can turn them apart. Blackstar snorts at Firestar's words and asks him if he thinks the Clans have learned nothing after Darktail. Firestar's eyes met Blackstar's and he explains that he thinks they haven't learned enough. He reminds him about how Darktail had split the Clans at a time they had needed to help each other. Rowanclaw tells Firestar that ShadowClan now has a new and strong leader.

Cautiously, Firestar replies to him, saying that Tigerstar is a young cat, who wants to prove his strength to his Clan. He explains that this is not a time for any battles, as SkyClan is still trying to settle in, and all the Clans must be fully acceptant of their arrival. He continues, telling the leaders if the Clans can't live together in peace, they cannot face what is to come. Rowanclaw and the others glance at each other, nervously. Bluestar points out that if the Clans fall, then so will StarClan. Tallstar recommends that they should warn the Clans, but Bluestar tells him they already have. Sighing, she says that she hopes that the Clans will find a way, as if they won't, there will be nothing left of them.

Rowanclaw is briefly mentioned by Tigerstar, who tells the Clans that Rowanclaw had many noble qualities, and not many leaders would have made the same decisions he had done for ShadowClan.

In the A Starless Clan arc

Sky

Lightleap mentions how Tigerstar returned to ShadowClan to succeed Rowanclaw when he gave up his leadership.

Shadow

Birchfall: "Bramblestar is stepping down because he feels that he isn't the best leader for ThunderClan anymore. So won't having Squirrelflight as leader make us stronger?"

Poppyfrost: "Just like it made ShadowClan stronger when Rowanstar did the same?"

^{Shadow, page 298}

As she escapes from Darktail, Berryheart promises that if Rowanclaw and her Clanmates forgive and let her rejoin the Clan, she would never let an outsider deceive her again. When Bramblestar decides to step down from leadership, his decision is compared to Rowanstar's.

Thunder

Coming Soon

Star

Coming Soon

In the Super Editions

Onestar's Confession

Coming Soon

Graystripe's Vow

Mousefur rushes into camp with news of Russetfur and Rowanclaw's imminent arrival to speak with Firestar. Graystripe, who is acting leader with Firestar and Sandstorm gone to restore SkyClan but doesn't wish to reveal this knowledge to the other Clans, orders his cats to resume their normal duties. Dustpelt and Brackenfur escort the two ShadowClan cats and they ask to speak with Firestar. Graystripe lies that Firestar is out hunting, and Rowanclaw insists they will wait. However, Graystripe presses that Firestar will probably take a while and he can pass along the information. The two bring news of BloodClan scents near the edges of their territory. Mousefur and a few others accuse them of lying, and Rowanclaw springs to his paws and bristles his shoulder fur. Graystripe diffuses the situation by thanking the ShadowClan cats for sharing the news, and asks Brackenfur and Mousefur to escort them to the border.

Crowfeather's Trial

At the Gathering after the battle with the stoats, Onestar commends the Dark Forest trainees who fought valiantly. However, Rowanclaw snaps that it doesn't matter since they have a lot to make up for. Lionblaze leaps up to confront him, shaming the deputy and saying that those cats were tricked into training in the Dark Forest and that it's been left in the past after an oath of loyalty. Rowanclaw glowers at him, but he sinks back onto the root of the Great Oak.

Bramblestar's Storm

Bramblestar leads a patrol to ShadowClan to ask why they found ShadowClan scent inside their border. Rowanclaw stood by Blackstar's shoulder as more cats of ShadowClan gathered around. Ratscar challenges Squirrelflight, yet Rowanclaw shoulders him back into the ShadowClan group.

There is an argument at the Gathering when Blackstar speaks for all the Clans. Mistystar and Onestar disagree with him. Rowanclaw tells them that each Clan faces new challenges and that nothing stays the same forever. The ginger tom declares that ShadowClan isn't weak and broken, but a proud Clan. He says to owe it to Blackstar, and Tawnypelt praises Rowanclaw for his statement. The ShadowClan deputy's speech ends the argument, surprisingly.

Bramblestar scents ShadowClan on their territory and spots Littlecloud and Rowanclaw. He explains that Blackstar lost his ninth life drowning and that he's now the leader of ShadowClan. Before leaving, he asks Bramblestar how ThunderClan is doing, and then heads for the Moonpool to receive his nine lives.

Bramblestar goes to the border with ShadowClan with a patrol made up of Spiderleg, Cinderheart, and Leafpool and asks to visit Rowanstar so he can welcome him as ShadowClan's new leader. Crowfrost answers, saying if that's what he really wants, they'll bring Rowanstar to him. Spiderleg argues, and Crowfrost relents and escorts them to ShadowClan's temporary camp. He tells the ThunderClan cats to wait at the entrance to the camp and brings Rowanstar out to them. Rowanstar appears, followed by Crowfrost and two or three other ShadowClan cats. He greets Bramblestar and thanks Crowfrost for bringing them, then adds that Crowfrost is his new deputy. Bramblestar congratulates him on receiving his nine lives, then compliments him on his choice of location for his new camp, saying he'll be a strong leader. Rowanstar nods and acknowledges that they've had to move, but that the water will soon go down. Despite these brave words, Bramblestar notices that there is panic in Rowanstar's eyes and that his flanks are tucked up, suggesting that he'd been offering his fresh-kill to his Clanmates.

Bramblestar doesn't challenge him about how much trouble he's in, knowing he'd never admit it. Leafpool then steps up to Rowanstar and asks if she can see Littlecloud. Rowanstar agrees to let her and asks Dawnpelt to go get him. When Leafpool sees him, she notices how frail she is and asks if she can help. Littlecloud says yes and thanks her, making Rowanstar's neck fur bristles slightly, but he doesn't protest. A few warriors struggling to haul bracken are about to accept help from the remainder of Bramblestar's patrol, but Rowanstar says that ShadowClan can manage. Bramblestar argues calmly, making Rowanstar's nostrils flare. Bramblestar beckons Rowanstar to a bramble thicket where they can talk in private and says that he knows that ShadowClan's been having trouble with kittypets.

Rowanstar instantly tenses up and asks where he got the information. As if on command, Tawnypelt appears from a patrol and Rowanstar calls her over and asks her if she was the one who told Bramblestar about the kittypets. When she replies that she did and pleads with Rowanstar to let ThunderClan help them, Rowanstar gets angrier and tells Bramblestar that he does not need any help with the kittypets. Bramblestar calls his patrol back, but Leafpool asks if she can stay because Dawnpelt is so close to kitting. Rowanstar calls her a mouse-brain, but she asks him if he wants a sick Clan.

Rowanstar later appears with a patrol to go hunt beyond their territory. They spot Bramblestar and he tells him that they did not need ThunderClan's help in defeating the kittypets. Bramblestar protests that Jessy, a kittypet, knew about the kittypets that had been attacking ShadowClan. Rowanstar remarks that it was because she was kittypet and that ThunderClan always invites the Twolegplace cats to live with them. He then calls to his patrol and they drive the ThunderClan cats back to their territory.

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Tigerheart's Shadow

As Tigerheart is running to find Dovewing, he recalls that Rowanstar, Tawnypelt, and he had been forced out of their Clan]. They had been driven out by the rogue Darktail. The dark brown tom had sought shelter with his father and mother in ThunderClan. He remembers his relationship with Dovewing, how they'd agreed to meet when they could; Tigerheart had told Rowanstar he was going to patrol. The lie was bitter because he shouldn't be dishonest, especially now.

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In the Novellas

Tigerclaw's Fury

Rowanpaw strikes a blow against Oakpaw during a training session, dancing out of the latter's way while taunting him about his speed. Oakpaw then launches himself at Rowanpaw, making him fall back with a grunt. Runningnose inquires if Rowanpaw was injured, and Tigerclaw insists that he was fine, and he would move quicker the next time. Before having a private conversation, the medicine cat and the warrior check to see if Rowanpaw and Oakpaw aren't killing each other. After Nightstar dies, Rowanpaw asks if StarClan has given up on ShadowClan, but Stumpytail hushes him by clouting him gently with a paw.

Blackfoot's Reckoning

After the battle against BloodClan, Runningnose and Littlecloud treat serious wounds of Tallpoppy and Oakfur. When Blackfoot checks they're okay, Rowanclaw says they're lucky, and Russetfur that they fought well.

Dovewing's Silence

The Great Battle is over, but there are still former Dark Forest trainees living among the Clans. Blackstar arrives at ThunderClan camp with Rowanclaw close enough behind that they are touching shoulders as if the deputy is holding Blackstar upright. Squirrelflight, ThunderClan's new deputy, exchanges a nod with him.

Blackstar is wheezing too much to talk, so Rowanclaw explains they have to come to talk about the former Dark Forest trainees. The Dark Forest attack was partly helped by some Clan cats. He glances over his shoulder, seemingly wanting to name those cats. He explains that some of them survived and they need to decide what to do with them. After Bramblestar agrees to hold a meeting with the other leaders, Rowanclaw dips his head to the new ThunderClan leader and guides Blackstar back to their own Clan.

Tawnypelt's Clan

Tawnypelt dreams of ShadowClan before the sickness and Rowanstar. She wishes for it to be real, but remembers how Rowanstar stepped down as leader to become Rowanclaw. She also notes how much of ShadowClan still blamed Rowanclaw for what happened despite dying to save Yarrowleaf's kits. Scorchfur growls at Tawnypelt that she was always more loyal to Rowanclaw than ShadowClan. Tawnypelt tries to argue back but is shocked by how much her Clanmates despite Rowanclaw.

Tawnypelt reflects how Rowanclaw used to step aside and seriously listen to Tawnypelt, and believes to hear his voice encouraging her to take Shadowkit to the Tribe of Rushing Water. When confronted by Tigerstar, Tigerstar insists ShadowClan died with Rowanclaw and he's trying to bring it back. Tawnypelt criticizes him for insulting his father.

When Tawnypelt considers staying in the Tribe because she felt like she didn't belong in ShadowClan anymore, Rowanclaw visits her in her dreams. He encourages her to let go of the old ShadowClan and himself, and to give Tigerstar a chance. He says that he loves her before disappearing.

Spotfur's Rebellion

Lionblaze tells Spotpaw that Rowanclaw was a good warrior, but a weak leader, and that contributed to ShadowClan falling apart.

In the Tigerstar and Sasha arc

Into the Woods

He is an apprentice of ShadowClan on patrol with Tigerstar, the leader, and his mentor, Jaggedtooth. When Tigerstar asks him what he can scent, he says he can scent a fox, and the three continue their patrol.

The next day, the three are patrolling again. Rowanpaw says he can smell the scent again, but Tigerstar says it's no threat since it's outside their borders. Tigerstar then scents prey and tells Rowanpaw to follow. When he scents a frog, he complains that frogs are disgusting, but Tigerstar replies that prey is prey, good or not. He pounces at it, but misses, due to Sasha catching it instead. When she is seen, he and his mentor both try to leap into battle, but Tigerstar sends them back to camp with the frog.

In the Stand-alone graphic novels

Winds of Change

Mudclaw and Hawkfrost gather six cats, including Rowanclaw, to discuss Firestar's apparent ploy to take over WindClan, just like Tigerstar did with TigerClan. Hawkfrost presses they must act soon before Onewhisker can't receive his nine lives, and Rowanclaw questions how it was Leafpaw, Firestar's daughter, who found the Moonpool. Hawkfrost insist that Onewhisker must die in order for their rebellion to stand a chance. The next night, they begin their assault on WindClan's camp. Rowanclaw attacks Ashfoot, but is stopped by Brightheart when ThunderClan brings reinforcements. Rowanclaw and the others flee when the battle turns against their favor.

In the Field Guides

Battles of the Clans

He is revealed to be Blackstar's new deputy. He welcomes Onestar and the kittypet visitors to ShadowClan's camp and explains their style of hunting and fighting. He says that ShadowClan specializes in stalking silently and staying hidden in the shadows, without giving any sign of their presence. Unlike the other Clans, he says, who use elaborate battle formations, ShadowClan fights to win and strikes quickly before vanishing into the night.

The Ultimate Guide

He is mentioned very briefly on Tawnypelt's page to have become her mate and fathered her kits, Flametail, Dawnpelt, and Tigerheart, and on Flametail's page to have been his father.

The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition

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