- STAGHEART-

SHELL OF RIVERCLAN

"WE CAN'T CHANGE THE PAST... WE CAN ONLY MOVE ON."

Name: Stagheart (Stagpaw, Stagkit)
Meaning: Stag- a male deer with tall antlers; symbolizes the gentler, honorable side of him, yet not without defense.
-heart - heart for his Clan and those he loves; the spirit of a stag; father's namesake.
Nickname(s): Stag, Stags, Stag-dad, The Thing From the River, The Wall™
Rank: Shell Warrior (previous warrior, warrior apprentice, kit)
Age: ~69 moons
Gender: Tomcat (male)
Orientation: Straight
Song: Unshaken - D'Angelo | That's the Way It Is - Daniel Lanois
Voice Claim: Arthur Morgan - Red Dead Redemption 2
Creation Date: January 19th, 2024
- Shell as of: X
Purrks: Just a Scratch | Killer Aptitude T3 | Dreamwalker | Reinforced Claws T1
Description: Very large, muscular, & scarred light brown tabby tom with stark blue eyes and a torn ear. Bigger than most with a scar on his chin, shoulder, flank, legs, and the bridge of his nose. Smells of wood-smoke and pine-like musk. Lumbering gait, surprisingly fluid in battle. Has a stoic, calm, almost charming demeanor, but an imposing presence; speaks in a gravelly drawl from smoke-damaged lungs.

[ † = Deceased | * = Missing ]Residence: RiverClan (Clanborn)
Previous Residence: None
Mentor(s): None
- (Previously: [Unnamed Warrior] for warrior training)
Apprentice(s): Caterpillarpaw (Caretaker)
- (Previously: Daisylight (Caretaker), Willowtail, Falconflight, Baneberrypaw*)Father: Wolfheart †
Mother: Orchidmoon †
Siblings: [Unnamed Litter] † ; all died during birth.Mate: N/A
- (Previously: Nightshiver [ShC])
Kits: Knows he has secret, biological kits in ShadowClan, not sure who.
- Adopted kits: Berrystar, Willowtail, Daisylight, Weepingpaw †
Crush(es): N/A
- (Previously: Nightshiver [ShC], Owlstar)Scent: Woodsmoke and pine-like musk
Quirk(s): Often talks low/clears his throat due to his lungs that were damaged from breathing in too much smoke during a fire many moons ago. Breathing problems or occasional wheezes, especially when the air is too thick/too dry. His laugh is particularly gruff.Likes: RiverClan, his family; hunting, training, mentoring the younger generation; combat/battle training; spending time enjoying nature off on his own or relaxing in camp, making sure all is safe.
Dislikes: Dishonor & disloyalty; cowards and instigators; fire (bad past experiences); being beaten by an opponent; enemy Clans encroaching on RiverClan.(+) Positive Traits: Courageous, steadfast, always willing to help Clan; heart of gold underneath the surface. Soft spot for kits/apprentices.
(=) Neutral Traits: Strong, stoic, independent, Loyal to a fault, rough around the edges, gruff, hardened by years of battle/hardships - makes him more resilient, but can be detached.
(-) Negative Traits: Abrasive, cold, can be quite angry & ruthless if pushed. Doubts his own worth outside of his loyal service to RiverClan.

Stagheart grew up as a pure-blooded RiverClan cat, the only one out of his litter to survive due to his mother's health complications. He was named Stagkit for his resilience and, hopefully, living an honorable life to his Clan. His mother, Orchidmoon, died young shortly after. His father, Wolfheart, was eventually executed by an enemy Clan, causing the young Stagkit to be orphaned by apprentice age. He latched onto his mentor, an old wise cat who taught him just about everything he knew: pragmatism mixed with the skills to survive in the cruel world.Stagpaw's values were instilled by this mentor, pledging loyalty to his Clan and finding purpose in it. He grew to believe in StarClan and became quite the prodigy when it came to battle; while his large, lumbering body struggled to be graceful when it came to hunting or stealth training, he found that he excelled on the battlefield. Thus Stagpaw embraced this aptitude and trained all that he could, honing in his skills to become quick-thinking, powerful, and a force to be reckoned with.When he completed his warrior training, he was named Stagheart for his devoted heart of gold buried underneath his rough surface; it's hard to come by, but when it shows, you can really see it. What stands out most notably is his heart for his Clan, devoted till the end of his days. Stagheart has spent many moons diligently serving RiverClan without complaint.One day he stumbled upon a small, mewling kit while he was out hunting. Perplexed, Stagheart noticed that she had no other trace of scents on her, Clan or otherwise; the poor young thing was helpless and shivering. It was, as he likes to put it, like she was "dropped from StarClan itself". Moved to pity, the warrior took her into RiverClan. Not many at the time wanted to take on a non-Clanborn cat, especially not their own; by sheer necessity, Stagheart took on the responsibility of raising the young she-cat despite not wanting it. He named her Berrykit in honor of the berry bush he'd found her in that fateful day. Stagheart knew next to nothing about being a father, let alone a good one. But he tried his best, finding that he'd grown to love this little kit like his own, as much as he'd hate to admit it.The 3v1 raid that drove RiverClan into exile set a deep grudge within Stagheart's heart; while he's not prone to revenge (not like he used to be as an angsty younger cat), he never quite forgot what the other three Clans did to them. Because of that, he remains wary and watchful, ready to put his life on the line should any more dangers come up.As Berryshine grew to become the medicine cat, he picked up a few others along the way. Willowtail was once Willowpaw, his apprentice and young cat who lost all of her family; she and her brother, Weepingpaw, were taken under Stagheart's wing. Eventually their mother, Brightnight, birthed Daisylight (the Clan's current Head Caretaker that he'd trained). Though he'd never imagined himself a father, Stagheart then found himself caring for all these cats in simple but profound ways. Eventually, Weepingpaw tragically died due to illness. Daisylight and Willowtail clung to Stag during these hard times, and even more when Willowtail lost her mate, Nightshadepelt. Now Nightshadepaw, a "grandkit" of sorts to him, lives to carry on the legacy.There was once a more... secretive part to Stagheart, one that filled him with both shame and something foolish akin to love. He'd met a she-cat by way of a stumbled dream, one that lived across a border he swore to never cross. RiverClan is the most important thing to him — but sometimes, other things find a place in your heart that you'd never expect. And that's exactly how Stagheart fell for Nightshiver, ShadowClan's forever queen. They had only met a few times in secret, Stagheart eventually cutting it off due to the convictions of his loyalty... but it was enough to start something deeper, unbeknownst to him.Later, Stagheart started growing close to Owlstar. He began to feel a similiar twinge as he had with Nightshiver. As he bonded with the leader as friends, he'd begun to entertain the possibility of opening himself up to that once more... and this time, with someone he could be with. However, Owlstar soon died, tragically losing both of her lives to the Red Death that'd plagued RiverClan for moons. Devastated, it was only shortly after that Stagheart learned that Nightshiver had died, too; her starry form visited him the night of this event, telling him something that'd shaken him to his roots: she loved him still, and that she had born kittens. Some of which she knew were his... especially given one that looked just like him.Stagheart has not yet told a soul about this. Terrified guilt and tentative hope war in his heart, wanting to know these kits but fearful of what he might find. He almost wishes he never knew this, even if it was his right; should he tell them? Will it ruin their lives? Could it ruin his, if it got out more? And yet, at a future Gathering... he will not be able to stop himself from searching the sea of ShadowClan pelts for one that might be his mini. If only just to prove to himself... but will this secret die with him?Nowadays as a senior warrior promoted to Shell (a social rank under Lionheart that guards dens), you can find Stagheart participating in events, mentoring apprentices-in-training, and leading patrols to ensure that RiverClan is active, strong, and formidable to other Clans. Loyal to a fault, he does his best to abide by the Clan's leadership and strives to make them proud through consistent service. He'll often overlook their flaws due to this bias, knowing that his purpose is found here — and no where else. He'd fight for this Clan any day, and he'd gladly die for it; it's the most real thing to him.

+ POSITIVE +

  • BERRYSTAR - "I'm real proud to see how she's grown. Thinkin' 'bout how I found her, as a helpless lil' thing in that bush all them moons ago... if I'm honest, I were a bit nervous that she weren't gonna make it too far in the Clan with how fearful she was. Seems StarClan's plans are far wiser than I 'n led 'er right where she needs to be. 'Bout scared me half to death when she rose up as leader; ain't never imagined lil' Berry in such a place. I'm worried it's too much for 'er. But StarClan trusts 'er, 'n I've seen the changes... so I've got faith. Hope she knows I'm there for 'er, even if the Dark Forest were to swallow us whole. I'll protect her wit' my life."

  • WILLOWTAIL - "I hadn't meant to take on another helpless lil' thing back then, but Willowtail was dropped right inta my paws. As my 'pprentice, she were a fiery 'n excited thing. As she's grown, she's become a lot calmer 'n wiser. The kid's been through a lot. Losin' a mother like that, on top of what the Clan went through... then her brother, her mate, 'n some of her kits. Tragedy follows 'er. I just hope I can give 'er some solace by lettin' her know she's got someone watchin' her back. It's nice to see how close she 'n Berry have gotten — I think it's good for both of 'em. 'Sides, I don't always get she-cats, so... at least they can talk about whatever it is they do."

  • DAISYLIGHT - "Sorta adopted this one, too, when Brightnight died durin' the raid. Poor kit was the only survivor of her litter. Willowtail was just a 'paw at the time, so I guess I was the only one really there to look after 'em. 'Specially since that fox-heart in WindClan that's their 'father' is.... well, I have choice words for 'im. Still, this one's got Willow's spunk 'n drive, though her condition makes her vulnerable. I'm real glad Stormstar never sent 'er to the Twolegs 'n that Owlstar gave 'er a special role. She's done real good as a Caretaker. Earnin' her name after so long was well deserved. She's a gem, 'n I'll try to keep 'er safe, too."

  • WHISPERINGROSE - "Good kid. Berry made a fine choice. Now Whisperin'rose is our full-time medic, 'n I ain't seen better paws in awhile. Earned that full name of hers. Real glad Berry had her; she was a light when most else was changin' or bein' lost. Heh... calls me Stag-dad, too. Guess I got another one. Would be proud to call this one my real daughter, so... I ain't mind."

  • IRISDREAM - "When Shells was doin' posts out in the territory, she was my partner fer it. Always good company, never causin' no problems. Nice, too. Real shame Duskleaf disappeared; I had to be the one holdin' 'er up when she went into labor on our shift. She's a strong one, though; ain't had to worry how she held up. Now that Duskleaf's back, he better shape up — she's a real fine warrior."

= NEUTRAL =

  • JAYFROST - "Always liked 'im as a warrior, was sad to see 'im go back then. But comin' back to the Clan was a real surprise. He's a lil' different now, though I ain't too sure why — Berry said it was some bad business with Twolegs, 'n left it at that. Them creatures are strange. Glad to see 'im more active again, though... I know he took some things harder than the rest of us had ta."

  • CHASMFIRE - "The night shift ta my day, far as the Shell thing goes. Seems competent 'nough. Should talk to 'im more, figure what he's like."

  • BOULDERBOUNCE - "Me 'n him was on a team for some silly rock-stackin' event. Dunno why I even bothered — neither of us were any good at it. But I 'spose it were fun; haven't laughed that much at myself in awhile. He was a good sport 'bout it, too. Ain't a bad cat to be 'round; nice guy, really."

  • SUNHEART - "The way he went out... it weren't fair. Thought this one was gonna be Owlstar's heir for sure. But that cursed sickness that plagued our Clan got to 'im, too. He ain't deserved that. Now he's back 'n the whole Clan's shaken up from it. Dunno what Berry's gonna do to handle all this, but 'spose I'm glad she has 'im again. He was always lookin' out fer her; 'preciated that 'bout 'im."

  • FRIGIDFLIGHT - "Uh... this kid is a pawful, 'n a half. Talks in the third person 'n has enough energy to rival an entire nursery o' kits. But he's got the spirit, 'n is smarter than he seems — some of those ideas of his surprised me, I'll admit. If I can help wrangle 'im, I think he'll be a good one someday. Just, uh... if I can understand all his yappin'."

- NEGATIVE -

  • WOLFHEART [NPC] † - "(sigh)... y'know, I wish I had more to say 'bout my Pa. He was as ruthless as he was smart, 'n as cold as he was skilled. Taught me how to fight 'n survive from the moment I could walk. Maybe I owe 'im for it, maybe I don't. Don't know if he really loved my mama, 'n there weren't much leftover for me. He were more shadow than cat. Still... part of me carries 'im, wherever I go. Didn't wanna go down the same path he did, 'n hope I've veered off enough. Still catch myself in that darkness sometimes 'n his voice can haunt the shadows of my dreams. Sad to say it, but, well... when he went... it weren't soon enough for us."

  • WATERTAIL [WC] - "Y'know, I don't say this lightly, 'cause I've got plenty a list to make of dirt-faces out there. But this tom might just take one of the top spots. Had the 'pleasure' of runnin' into 'im at a Gatherin' after only hearin' about 'im from Willowtail. The fox-heart didn't even care 'bout her or her growin' family, 'n just about sneered in her face. One look I gave 'im had 'im shrinkin' in his fur. Don't know if he's dead or just smart enough to not show his face 'round me again, but whatever it is, he better just stay outta our fur. If he ever tries hurtin', talkin', or even lookin' at Willow too much again... or Daisy, fer that matter...

  • (SQUIRRELJUMPER) - "All of 'em jumpin' 'round from trees like squirrels 'cause they cain't face us head on, then guess what? He clawed my rear. Ain't ever forgettin' that."

< EXILED, DEAD, OR MISSING >

  • NIGHTSHIVER † - "Er, well, uh... she's... a real fine lady. Pretty, too. Kind, carin', soft-spoken... hardly thought much 'bout her till that one dream. Then, well... ah... she... she's sorta special, in a way. Can't seem to get 'er off my mind. It's nice, talkin' to her... she ain't like anyone I ever met. But I know it can't go on too much longer; I'm treadin' in some choppy waters here. If I find myself much deeper in this, I guess I'll play the fool all over again."

  • OWLSTAR † - "She's a goodin', 'n I think Stormstar did real good in choosin' her. We ain't talk too much personally, but I think she knows she can rely on me, 'n it's good to feel. She's about my age, 'n it hurts my mind to think of havin' to lead a whole Clan, 'specially after all we've gone through recently. But she's reasonable, fair, 'n got my support — 'n I'd follow her lead anywhere. Tough as stone, too. Did ya see her against those otters!?"

  • WEEPINGPAW † - "Poor kid didn't deserve what happened to 'im. He was strugglin' there for awhile, but I really coulda seen 'im becomin' a good warrior someday. He was 'bout gettin' as tall as me, too. I know his death hit the girls hard, losin' a brother... he didn't need me as much as Willow 'n Daisy did, but he still seemed to 'ppreciate me bein' like a father to 'em. Berry blames herself for it, I know she does. I hope she don't still carry that around. Weepin'paw's probably doin' much better up there than down here, but I'll miss 'im."

  • STORMSTAR † - "Y'know... I always respected her, 'n her wit' me. Even if I were never a Lionheart (gotta keep them faces young 'n fresh, no doubt), she'd still come to me at times 'n ask for help 'n advice. I think she knew I'd do just 'bout whatever she asked. Her loss was... a rough one, for us. 'Specially since she was finally bringin' around that stability we were hopin' for. But I still think she did wonders, despite her past mistakes, and I woulda followed her till the end. Hope she's findin' some good, well-earned rest up there — her time were too soon, if y'ask me, but I'm happy wit' how Owlstar's leadin' us. Anyway... feels like I lost a friend, inna way. Dunno if we could've called ourselves that, but it felt like it. Never quite got the nerve to return your nickname game, but, uh... I'll see ya around, Storms."

  • ORCHIDMOON † - "I ain't one to admit that I was a mama's boy, but maybe I was. I dunno. My Pa weren't really the role model type. Anyway, I don't remember too much 'bout her that ain't fuzzy, since she died all them moons ago... when I was just old enough to become a 'paw. But she was kind, 'n lovin', 'n... well, I just hope she's doin' alright up there. 'N that she ain't laughin' at me too much, watchin' me tryin' to play the game of being a 'father' to a buncha she-cats who just fell into my paws like a mouse-brain. Just hope I'm doin' alright, in her eyes."

  • NIGHTSHADEPELT † - "A shame, this is. I only met the kid once, really, when Willowtail introduced 'im to me as her mate. Seemed like an alright guy, once I scared the fleas outta him. Heh. Just didn't want 'im messin' with Willow's heart. What happened to 'im was... well, I just know it's heavy on Willowtail, 'specially since she's carin' for his kits. They won't know their father till they meet 'im in StarClan. But they won't be without somebody lookin' out for 'em. Eh... guess that makes me a sorta grandfather? Is my muzzle grayer than usual today?"

  • COBWEBSTORM [E] - "Never spoke much to 'er myself, though I know how close she was with Berry. Real shame what happened to her, 'n only gives me more reason ta be wary of ThunderClan. Still, hopin' she comes back one day — whether she was fit fer the role or not, I ain't think she deserved what happened to 'er, nor for her to blame herself. Poor Berry was torn up 'bout it, though she's better now."