Russetfur

"Yes. We can't let one Clan be driven out. There have always been four Clans. Onestar seems to have forgotten that. We will all be more vulnerable if one disappears. But should ShadowClan risk its warriors to fight ThunderClan's battle?"

— Russetfur questioning Hollypaw before the Great Battle in Eclipse, page 196

Russetfur
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.
Affiliations
Current:	StarClan
Past:	ShadowClan TigerClan LionClan Loner Rogue
Biographical information
Cause of death:	Killed by Lionblaze in battle
Names
Kit:	Red
Loner:	Red
Rogue:	Red
Apprentice:	Russetpaw
Warrior:	Russetfur
Deputy:	Russetfur
Refugee:	Russetfur
StarClan resident:	Russetfur
Kin
Mother:	Unnamed she-cat
Father:	Hal
Half-brothers:	Raggedstar, Scorchwind
Education
Mentor:	Featherstorm
Apprentice:	Cedarheart
Deputy position
Preceded by:	Blackfoot
Succeeded by:	Rowanclaw
Book appearances
Living	Exile from ShadowClan, A Dangerous Path, The Darkest Hour, Tigerstar and Sasha, Blackfoot's Reckoning, The New Prophecy, Power of Three, The Fourth Apprentice, Fading Echoes, Super Editions, Novellas, Battles of the Clans
Living	Exile from ShadowClan, A Dangerous Path, The Darkest Hour, Tigerstar and Sasha, Blackfoot's Reckoning, The New Prophecy, Power of Three, The Fourth Apprentice, Fading Echoes, Super Editions, Novellas, Battles of the Clans
Dead	Night Whispers, The Last Hope
Dead	Night Whispers, The Last Hope

Russetfur is a sleek, scrawny, dark ginger tabby she-cat with dark green eyes.

Russetfur was a ShadowClan deputy under Blackstar's leadership in the forest and lake territories. She was born as Red in the Twolegplace to Hal and an unnamed she-cat. After being impressed by the nobility of ShadowClan, Red and Boulder asked to join the Clan, with her being apprenticed to Featherstorm as Russetpaw. Once earning her warrior name, Russetfur dedicated the rest of her life to serving her Clan, mentoring Cedarheart and becoming Blackstar's first deputy. She was known for her sharp tongue and pride in ShadowClan. Despite her age, Russetfur managed to take a life from Firestar during a battle skirmish, before accidentally being killed by Lionblaze, and ascending to StarClan soon after.

Quick Answers

Who was Russetfur's mentor when she joined ShadowClan?

Upon joining ShadowClan, Russetpaw was mentored by Featherstorm.

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How did Russetfur contribute to ShadowClan after earning her warrior name?

Despite her father Hal's death by Raggedpelt, Russetpaw remained dedicated to ShadowClan, eventually earning her warrior name of Russetfur and becoming Blackstar's first deputy. She was known for her sharp tongue and pride in ShadowClan. She mentored Cedarheart, and Russetfur was respected for her battle courage and commitment to her Clan.

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Who were Russetfur's parents and siblings?

Born in the Twolegplace as Red, Russetfur's father was Hal and her mother was an unnamed rogue. Her half-brothers through Hal were Raggedstar and Scorchwind.

Provided by: Community

History

Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!

The New Prophecy

"ShadowClan can deal with fox traps, thanks. We've seen a couple of them in our territory, but we have the sense to stay clear of them."

―Russetfur growling at Stormfur ^{Sunset, page 118}

Russetfur is the deputy of ShadowClan under Blackstar's leadership. She helps lead her Clan during the Great Journey. While crossing the mountains, she tries and fails to save Smokepaw from falling. As ShadowClan settles in its new territory, two kittypets cause trouble for the Clan and kill an apprentice. Russetfur is outraged when Tawnypelt asks her brother, Brambleclaw, and ThunderClan for help and accuses her of being disloyal, but Blackstar begrudgingly accepts the help. She leads the assault on the kittypets and is impressed by Brambleclaw's intelligent plan.

Her patrol with Cedarheart and Oakfur discover Berrykit trapped in a fox trap and make no move to help him because of his loner heritage, breaking the warrior code. She leads another patrol with Cedarheart, Rowanclaw, and Oakfur to seize more territory after the badgers attacked ThunderClan. A ThunderClan patrol arrives with reinforcements, and Firestar defeats her, causing the ShadowClan deputy to order a retreat.

Power of Three

"Did Russetfur get any information out of you? She tried to from me, but fortunately Crowfeather had warned me not to give anything away."

―Heatherpaw to Mousepaw about Russetfur interrogating them ^{The Sight, page 137}

Russetfur interrogates other Clans' apprentices in hopes of gaining information from the naive cats. She leads another battle patrol to commandeer more territory from ThunderClan, seemingly leading all of ShadowClan in order to win. However, her Clanmates flail in the thick undergrowth and retreat again. Russetfur accuses Tawnypelt of being disloyal once again when she agrees to go with Brambleclaw to help the Tribe, despite nursing kits.

Russetfur catches Sol, Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw on ShadowClan territory and take them to Blackstar to be questioned. She continues to serve as ShadowClan's deputy despite Blackfoot denying his leader name after he stops having faith in StarClan; however, Russetfur transitions back into her roles when Sol is cast out. She once again catches Jayfeather, Hollyleaf, and Lionblaze on ShadowClan's territory and orders Firestar to control his cats.

Omen of the Stars

"That's not true! You just want extra hunting lands. Have your greedy warriors hunted the forest clean?"

―Russetfur to Firestar after he demands territory back ^{Fading Echoes, page 276}

She leads Toadfoot and Tigerheart to meet with the other cats chosen for the journey and irritably warns the group about stealing prey. She is noted to show signs of old age, but still remains steadfast to serve her Clan. She, Blackstar, and Littlecloud meet with Firestar, Brambleclaw, and Jayfeather to firmly stake their claim of land when Firestar demands it back. During the presiding battle, Russetfur firmly grips Firestar's neck as the Clan leader feebly retaliates, and Lionblaze throws Russetfur off him. This unexpectedly kills her, much to Lionblaze's dismay. ShadowClan retreats and hold a vigil for her. Yellowfang and Fernshade squabble about Russetfur's death before the latter brings her to StarClan.

Super Editions

This section summarizes Russetfur's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

In Yellowfang's Secret, Red is a young loner living in the Twolegplace when she meets Yellowfang and Raggedpelt seeking more information about the latter's father. After a battle, Red and Boulder visit ShadowClan asking to join, impressed by the Clan's battle skills and mercy. Cedarstar allows them to intermediately join as apprentices, and Red receives the name Russetpaw with Featherstorm as her mentor. Marmalade, Pixie, and other kittypets attempt to rescue their friends, believing they were kidnapped by ShadowClan. The two explain they joined ShadowClan on their own accord and wish to train as apprentices. When Raggedpelt kills Hal, Yellowfang attempts to comfort Russetpaw who reveals Hal was her father, but does not realize Raggedpelt and Scorchwind are her half-brothers. Moons later, she becomes a warrior named Russetfur.

Novellas

This section summarizes Russetfur's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

In Tigerclaw's Fury, Tigerclaw is impressed by Russetfur's skills despite not being Clan-born. She uneasily hunts on ThunderClan's territory with Tigerclaw and Ratscar. ThunderClan catches them, and they attack with Blackfoot bringing reinforcements. She remarks to the others how Tigerclaw killed Runningwind, and that Whitethroat's death would not be in vain.

Tigerstar and Sasha

Sasha is invited to go on a patrol with Russetfur, Blackfoot, and Jaggedtooth, nervously trying to do well. Russetfur eases her worries by telling Sasha how they used to all be rogues and how Tigerstar revived their Clan from destruction. The two bond during the hunting patrol, and Sasha thinks highly of Russetfur.

Moons later, Russetfur and her patrol encounter Sasha when she accidentally crossed the border. She tries to convince her Clanmates to let Sasha go, but one of them smells kits on her. Sasha lies that her kits died during the harsh leaf-bare, and Russetfur lets her go. Later, Russetfur tracks down Sasha's den and sees her kits, Hawk, Moth, and Tadpole, asking if they're Tigerstar's. Sasha begs the ShadowClan she-cat not to tell Tigerstar, but Russetfur explains mournfully how Tigerstar was killed in battle moons ago. Before leaving, she warns Sasha that she should leave and wishes her family well.

Character pixels

Main images

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Kit Version Loner Version Rogue Version Apprentice Version Warrior Version Refugee Version Deputy Version StarClan Version

Alternate images

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Kittypet Version Alternative Loner Version Alternative Loner Version Alternative Warrior Version Alternative Deputy Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Russetfur in Exile from ShadowClan Concept artwork for Russetfur Russetfur in Return to the Clans Russetfur in The Ultimate Guide Russetfur's icon on the Warriors family tree

Killed victims

This list shows the victims Russetfur has killed:

• Firestar (Eighth life)

Ceremonies

Russetpaw's apprentice ceremony
Cedarstar: Red, you have left your home in Twolegplace, and stated your wish to become a member of ShadowClan. From this time on you shall be known as Russetpaw. […] Featherstorm, you are a skillful Clan cat with an excellent knowledge of the warrior code. I know that you will pass this knowledge on to your apprentice. Reference: Yellowfang's Secret, pages 149-150

Russetfur's warrior ceremony

Cedarstar: These two cats came to us from the Twolegplace. At first many of us were afraid that they would not fit into Clan life. I'm pleased to say that we were wrong. Featherstorm, has Russetpaw learned the ways of the Clan and proven herself worthy of becoming a warrior? Featherstorm: She has. Cedarstar: I, Cedarstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Russetpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your own life? Russetpaw: I do. Cedarstar: Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Russetpaw, from this moment you will be known as Russetfur. StarClan honors your loyalty and courage, and we welcome you as full warrior of ShadowClan. Everyone: Russetfur! Boulder! Russetfur! Boulder! Reference: Yellowfang's Secret, page 289

Personality

Russetfur is a sharp-tongued, short-tempered she-cat. She is fearless in battle and has a deep pride in her Clan. She is brisk and has high expectations of others, and does well when it comes to keeping cats in line. She would do anything for ShadowClan.

Family

Main article: Russetfur/Family

Russetfur's parents are an unnamed she-cat and Hal. Her half-brothers are Raggedstar and Scorchwind. For more of Russetfur's family, click here!

Appearances

• Tallstar's Revenge
• Yellowfang's Secret
• Onestar's Confession
• Exile from ShadowClan
• Tigerclaw's Fury
• Into the Woods
• A Dangerous Path (First appearance; allegiance only)
• The Darkest Hour (Allegiance only)
• Blackfoot's Reckoning
• Firestar's Quest
• Graystripe's Vow
• Return to the Clans
• Midnight
• Moonrise
• Dawn
• Starlight
• Twilight
• Sunset
• Leafpool's Wish (Allegiance only)
• The Sight
• Dark River (Allegiance only)
• Outcast
• Eclipse
• Long Shadows
• Sunrise
• Hollyleaf's Story (Allegiance only)
• The Fourth Apprentice
• Mistystar's Omen (Allegiance only)
• Fading Echoes †
• Night Whispers
• The Last Hope
• Bramblestar's Storm (Mentioned only)
• Battles of the Clans
• The Ultimate Guide
• The Clans Decide
• Beyond the Code: Brightspirit's Mercy

Trivia

Interesting facts

• She has kittypet blood through Hal.
• She is from one of the few single-kit litters in the series.
• She has served under six leaders; Cedarstar, Raggedstar, Brokenstar, Nightstar, Tigerstar, and Blackstar.

Mistakes

• In Night Whispers, Fernshade mentions that she was Russetfur's mentor. However, it is revealed in Yellowfang's Secret that Featherstorm was her mentor.
• She was mistakenly described as tawny, russet, fox-colored, and dark red. She has also been shown as medium-colored with a white muzzle, underbelly, and paws.
• She has mistakenly been depicted with light green eyes.
• She was mistakenly referred to as a kittypet by the narrative, despite correcting Cedarstar a few pages later that she and Boulder are not kittypets.
• In the allegiances of A Dangerous Path, she is stated to have once been a rogue cat. However, in Tigerclaw's Fury, she is shown to have stayed in ShadowClan during the sickness.
• Despite Boulder being listed in the allegiances of Leopardstar's Honor, she is not, though she should be, as she was a member of ShadowClan at the time.

Continuity

The following information is from sources considered non-canon, retconned, or from adapted material.

• In The Clans Decide, Russetfur challenges Firestar when he comes to the ShadowClan border to help two injured cats, Pouncetail and Otterheart, from a RiverClan patrol that was stealing prey from ShadowClan. She, along with Smokefoot and Rowanclaw, say that the two cats are ShadowClan prisoners, although they are injured, but Firestar points out that they had stepped onto ThunderClan territory, so he takes them back to his camp to care for them. Russetfur is annoyed by this, but she lets them leave.
• On Vicky's Facebook, Russetfur mentored Nightwing and Fernshade.

Quotes

Red: "My name is Red, and this is Boulder. We want to join your Clan."

Nutwhisker: "Right! As if we'd swallow that!"

^{Yellowfang's Secret, pages 143-144}

See more

Cedarstar: "Very well. A Clan would be foolish to turn down the prospect of new warriors, especially when times are hard. More paws to catch prey will always be a valued addition. You may stay here for one moon. If you prove your loyalty during that time, I'll consider making you a part of ShadowClan."

Red: "You won't regret it."

^{Yellowfang's Secret, page 145}

"Every cat knows that ThunderClan ignores borders, but ShadowClan sticks to the warrior code."

―Russetfur to Squirrelflight ^{Sunset, page 115}

"Don't think you've won Firestar, ShadowClan will set a new border."

―Russetfur to Firestar after ShadowClan loses a fight for territory ^{Sunset, page 142}

Berrypaw: "Yeah, right! If I hadn't clamped my tail over your mouth you would have told Russetfur that Firestar was about to give up the land by the river before Firestar had a chance to announce it himself."

Mousepaw: "But she's the ShadowClan deputy! You can't just ignore her."

^{The Sight, page 132}

«He hadn't even scratched her. Only pulled her loose. How could she be dead?»

—Lionblaze's thoughts after he killed Russetfur ^{Fading Echoes, page 295}

"She had a reputation throughout the Clans for a sharp tongue and a short temper, as well as fearlessness in battle and deep pride in ShadowClan. She played a vital role in helping establish the new territory beside the lake when she took on the troublesome kittypets who lived in a Twoleg den amid the pine trees. Even as she got older and more frail, Russetfur remained the ShadowClan deputy, keeping younger warriors in line with her brisk words and high expectations. She was killed by Lionblaze in a battle over the clearing between ShadowClan and ThunderClan; her death was a shock to everyone, and there were suggestions that such an old cat should not have been allowed to fight. But it was the death Russetfur would have chosen for herself, bravely and in the midst of battle on behalf of her beloved ShadowClan."

―Narrator about Russetfur ^{The Ultimate Guide, page 79}

External links

• The Warrior Code: An Outdated Relic? on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Stand Together or Fall Divided on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• The Forest Map: ThunderClan on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• Exclusive! Onestar's Confession: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)