warriors
TBC-2.Template "What does that mean? If you try really hard, do you think you could be a bit more obscure?"

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Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

This page contains Shadowstar's personality and relationships. It contains conjecture due to being based off of general novel themes, and all statements must be sourced.

Personality and traits

Intelligent yet guarded and stoic, Shadowstar was one of the first leaders in their new territories.

Intelligent yet guarded and stoic, Shadowstar was one of the first leaders in their new territories.

"Gray Wing was impressed by how noble and dignified she looked, confident in herself as their leader."
―Gray Wing's thoughts on Tall Shadow Thunder Rising, page 25
Prior to leaving on the Sun Trail, Shadowstar, then Tall Shadow, was considered quiet. Gray Wing, a close friend of hers, described her reserved.[1] He remarked to himself that she hardly ever spoke; but when she did, she was always worth listening to. Gray Wing also made a comparison between her and her littermate Moon Shadow, asking himself how one litter could produce one intelligent cat and one fuzz-brain.[2] Shaded Moss recognized this quality: Shadowstar served him as a second-in-command while the group was traveling on the Sun Trail.[3] Following Shaded Moss's death, Shadowstar, despite her grief, took charge of the group, leading the rest of the cats to their destination.[4] She continued to serve as their chief as they made their camp in the new territory.[5][6][7]
During her tenure as leader on the moor, Shadowstar was wary of outsiders.[8] She remained suspicious and a little cold of Wind and Gorse despite her succinct politeness; Gray Wing realized that it would take a lot to change her mind about outsiders.[9] Although she hesitated to integrate them and asked Gray Wing for his opinion (to his great surprise), she ended the conversation in a sharper tone, saying that her instincts say they shouldn't be too hasty about letting other cats live with them for the time being. She began to develop an insecurity about her leadership: she held doubts about her way of guiding others and her decisions, confiding in Gray Wing that she wished Shaded Moss were still among them because he would know what to do.[10]
It worsened after several cats began to prefer Gray Wing to lead them, criticizing her for staying back guarding the hollow while dogs attacked them, for lacking courage and not listening to them.[11] Her authority was further weakened after that she hadn't clearly managed the situation with Bumble unlike Wind.[12] After that, the injuries her brother Moon Shadow sustained during a fire completely devastated her. She entrusted the management of the group to Gray Wing, stating that she must take care of Moon Shadow. But during the discussion, Shadowstar admitted to being tired, no longer having the strength to lead, and aware that the others no longer want her as their chief.[13] Subsequently, she refrained from intervening in decision-making discussions, leaving Gray Wing to try to maintain his authority against Wind Runner.[14] After her brother's death and following Bumble's passing, Shadowstar calmed the group's tensions. Gray Wing was relieved to see her regain her leadership abilities and offered his support. Afterward, the two cats discussed the situation privately: Gray Wing asked Shadowstar for advice and whether she wanted to become their chief again. Shadowstar agreed to share the responsibilities with the tomcat, revealing that she wasn't bothered by Wind Runner's initiatives and that she thought welcoming Gorse Fur and his mate was a good idea. Gray Wing was pleased to see that she was becoming less distrustful of others.[15] Observant, Shadowstar was in the habit of solemnly watching the surroundings to warn her group of impending dangers, constantly perched on her rock.[16]
Shadowstar sets off to establish a new camp in the pine forest, charmed by the location;[17][18] she quarreled with Gray Wing, disliking that he continues to give orders despite his diminished strength. She also asserted her place as a leader, since it was she who brought them to this place.[19] When the tomcat decided to join Wind Runner's group, she worried it's because of their argument. The two cats parted on good terms, Shadowstar assuring him that she will protect this territory that has become hers.[20]
Shadowstar was also short-tempered, easily getting annoyed and would snap at others should they push her patience.[3][21][22][23][24][5] Quiet Rain remarked that Shadowstar got her temperament from her late father.[25] It is noted that she looked noble and dignified.[26] She was wise, thoughtful, cautious and diplomatic, often finding the right words to soothe, communicate her thoughts or convey a message subtly.[27][28] Therefore, her word was respected by others.[29] She was recognized as being brilliant in strategy.[13] Despite her natural reserve, Shadowstar remained friendly and considerate towards those she has come to know.[30][31][32][33] Shadowstar was apparently the first to suggest that each young cat should have their own trainer for better learning.[34]

Relationships

Gray Wing

Gray Wing: "Are you sure?"
Tall Shadow: "Can't you see why I have to do this? The other cats don't want me as leader any longer. Even Wind thought it was okay to take over when Bumble wanted to join us. Where was I when it came to true leadership during the fire? Cowering behind the flames. If it wasn't for Thunder and Jackdaw's Cry, I would be dead."
Gray Wing: "That was because you wouldn't leave Moon Shadow. How would you feel now, if you'd left him to burn? You've been a good leader. You've always been brilliant at strategy, and you helped lead us down from the mountains. You were the obvious choice to take over when Shaded Moss was killed."
Tall Shadow: "That was then. Can't you see how tired I am? The only thing I've had strength for is watching over the camp. No, this is the right time. Gray Wing, you should take over. Just don't rub my nose in it, okay?"
Gray Wing: "You should know me better than that. I would never dream of hurting you."
—Tall Shadow abdicating leadership for Gray Wing Thunder Rising, pages 158-159
Gray Wing and Shadowstar were close, and could arguably be considered best friends. Having known one another since kithood, both cats held a strong friendship together, often confiding in their doubts and thoughts.[10] Gray Wing thought highly of her, considering her intelligent and always worth listening to[2] as well as brilliant at strategy.[13] When Shadowstar, then Tall Shadow, mentioned that Shaded Moss appointed her as his successor to lead the group, Gray Wing doubted she would lie. Their friendship strengthened as Clear Sky and Moon Shadow, the two cats' brothers respectively, left to live in the forest. Tall Shadow asked for Gray Wing's opinion on them, revealing to him that she was considering letting Wind and Gorse, two rogues, join their group. A statement that surprised Gray Wing, as he knew she was wary and suspicious of outsiders. She also admitted to him that she wished Shaded Moss were still leader, as he always knew what to do. Gray Wing told the black she-cat that they should trust their instincts, advice that Tall Shadow took sharply.[10] After Clear Sky rejected his son Thunder, Gray Wing brought the kit to Tall Shadow. The green-eyed she-cat was unsure to let the young kit stay. Gray Wing told his leader that if she would not accept Thunder, then she will lose him too. Tall Shadow was shocked and assured him that there was not any need for that, clearly not willing to lose her friend, and ultimately decided to let Thunder stay.[35]
When Shattered Ice and Hawk Swoop admitted their preference for Gray Wing to lead the group, Gray Wing silently pleaded for Tall Shadow to stand up for herself, despite the black she-cat too angry and appalled to comment on the revelation. Gray Wing defended her from Shattered Ic; but the gray-and-white tom refused to back down, still vouching for Gray Wing, which further enraged Tall Shadow. As she stalked off from the argument, she flashed Gray Wing a look of accusation, which hurt the dark gray tom. Gray Wing continued to defend his friend's leadership, refusing to let her be undermined and reminding the group that she had led them since Shaded Moss's death. Though, he did wish that she had not stormed out of the conversation so early, as she could have listened to some of the ideas and complaints from other cats.[11] Despite Gray Wing's best attempts to assure Tall Shadow he had no intention of wanting to replace her, the damage had been done. Tall Shadow began to develop insecurities about how she led, confiding in Gray Wing, who noticed that she did not seem to be able to trust herself to make the right decisions anymore. She went on, apologizing for being distant with him, but admitted that it was hard to speak with him knowing that other cats want him as leader instead. She said that she would not blame him if he was dissatisfied with how she runs the camp. She told him that perhaps she should let others take over, seeing how many cats were already displeased with her own leadership as it was. Gray Wing denied any intention of replacing her, although he felt some doubts because of a dream sent by Stoneteller and Tall Shadow's lack of firmness towards Bumble. Unconvinced, Tall Shadow asks him to leave her alone with her thoughts.[12] She loses self-confidence to the point that she eventually passes on leadership outright to Gray Wing in the aftermath of the fire in the forest; an event that severely injured Moon Shadow, and Tall Shadow felt it was her duty to help him. Gray Wing tried to protest, arguing that she was the most qualified and had led them before, Tall Shadow asked if Gray Wing cannot see how tired she is, and simply asked her friend to not rub her nose in the fact.[13]
Upon realizing that Moon Shadow was dying, Gray Wing tried to comfort Tall Shadow, claiming that he would get better. Tall Shadow told him to not say that. Later that night, Moon Shadow died, and Gray Wing stayed at his friend's side, helping her carry his body out for burial. Gray Wing made a brief eulogy for the tom, but was disappointed to see that Tall Shadow had already stalked off, not hearing his words. Then, however, Gray Wing's son Owl Eyes went missing, he asked the black she-cat for help. Tall Shadow immediately accepted, refusing to let her friend's adopted kit possibly die.[36] She refrained from intervening in any important conversations, leaving Gray Wing to try to maintain his authority over Wind Runner.[14] After Moon Shadow's death, Gray Wing is relieved to see her regain her leadership abilities and to find her once again capable of calming tensions: he asks her for advice and if she wishes to become leader again. The two friends agreed to lead the group together, recognizing the threat in Clear Sky and that they were stronger together. Gray Wing is pleased to notice her being less suspicious of strangers, as she seems more open to welcoming Wind Runner and Gorse Fur.[15]
More Coming Soon

Moon Shadow

"How could one litter produce one intelligent cat and one fuzz-brain?"
―Gray Wing about Tall Shadow and Moon Shadow The Sun Trail, page 93
Moon Shadow was Tall Shadow's brother. They were very different from one another—while Tall Shadow is quiet and intelligent, Moon Shadow is more immature and outspoken.[37] Tall Shadow was quick to rush in and help her brother when he was being attacked by vicious kittypets.[38] When he boasted about catching two squirrels, Tall Shadow scolded him for going out hunting alone, and he snapped back at her.[3] Later on, he challenged her authority again because he wanted to hunt in the woods, claiming all she ever does is order them around.[39] Tall Shadow grew frustrated with him for arguing again and again.[40] When the group held a vote and Moon Shadow was among the few wanting to leave the territory to hunt elsewhere, Tall Shadow was saddened and told him he could come back whenever he wanted.[41]
Tall Shadow helped put out the flames that had caught Moon Shadow during the forest fire. She was terrified for him, but tried to keep him safe from further damage. When he failed to properly respond to her, Tall Shadow attempted to comfort him and nuzzled him affectionately.[42] She stuck by his side even as he ordered others to jump over the wall of fire and escape. When Gray Wing and Thunder urged her to flee so they could help Moon Shadow, she made them promise to save him.[43] She entrusted Gray Wing with leadership, tired of the reproaches from their campmates and wishing to watch over Moon Shadow.[44] She was essentially glued to his side, and she grieved for him when he succumbed to his injuries and helped bury him.[36]

Shaded Moss

Coming Soon

Turtle Tail

Coming Soon

Thunderstar

Coming Soon

Skystar

Coming Soon

Windstar

"If Tall Shadow agrees, it will look as if Wind is in charge. And if she doesn't agree, it might mean finding an excuse for Bumble to stay."
―Gray Wing's thoughts when Wind Runner asserts her authority over Tall Shadow and Bumble Thunder Rising, page 119
Coming Soon

Riverstar

Coming Soon

Sun Shadow

Coming Soon

Quick Water

Coming Soon

Raven Pelt

Coming Soon

Pebble Heart

Coming Soon

ShadowClan

Coming Soon
End of spoiler warning

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 8
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 7
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 191
  4. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 12
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 15
  6. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 16
  7. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 23
  8. ↑ Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 6
  9. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 20
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 21
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 7
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 9
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 14
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 25
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 26
  16. ↑ Revealed in A Forest Divided, chapter 1
  17. ↑ Revealed in The Blazing Star, chapter 9
  18. ↑ Revealed in The Blazing Star, chapter 14
  19. ↑ Revealed in A Forest Divided, chapter 6
  20. ↑ Revealed in A Forest Divided, chapter 24
  21. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 3
  22. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 10
  23. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 13
  24. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 14
  25. ↑ Revealed in A Forest Divided, page 220
  26. ↑ Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 2
  27. ↑ Revealed in The First Battle, chapter 18
  28. ↑ Revealed in The Blazing Star, chapter 1
  29. ↑ Revealed in Path of Stars, chapter 3
  30. ↑ Revealed in A Forest Divided, chapter 4
  31. ↑ Revealed in A Forest Divided, chapter 23
  32. ↑ Revealed in Path of Stars, chapter 6
  33. ↑ Revealed in Path of Stars, chapter 16
  34. ↑ Revealed in Path of Stars, chapter 8
  35. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 26
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 21
  37. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 93
  38. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 146
  39. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 199
  40. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 205
  41. ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, chapter 17
  42. ↑ Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 10
  43. ↑ Revealed in Thunder Rising, chapter 11
  44. ↑ Revealed in Thunder Rising, page 158