merlinpaw

lichenclan

stocky, long-haired black classic tabby tom with amber eyes.

Aa BB CC DD ii ll mcmc ww XoY
11" Height - 13 lbs

Merlinpaw was the smallest in his litter, but certainly not the smallest in his clan. He stands quite tall, most of his mass being in his body. He has a broad build, most apparent in the face and shoulders. The stocky tom has a lot of heft to him as well. Black stripes sworl across Merlinpaw's rich brown pelt. His long fur is shaggy and full, most dense around his chest and tail. Merlinpaw has a wide, square shaped head with a broad muzzle and long ears. His eyes are a rounded almond shape and amber in hue. He has long whiskers that stretch far out past his jowls which is pretty cool I think. 

Merlinpaw may be a simpleminded apprentice, but he certainly isn't aimless. He longs to become a cat that his clan can confidently and proudly rely on and trust. He'd do absolutely anything to earn the approval of his comrades, performing most orders, favors, or even dangerous tasks with little thought. As long as it's pleasing someone, he doesn't care. Of course thoughts rarely come to Merlinpaw, the classic tabby usually lacking real judgment or sense. He just goes with the flow of things. Likewise, Merlinpaw struggles with the emotions of himself and others, not getting the sorrows or issues of surrounding cats. His own feelings are a blur to him and he's quick to brush off the odd feelings as weird and insignificant.

Despite his ignorant obedience, Merlinpaw is jaunty in demeanor. His cheerfulness is either refreshing or annoying to  the clan and his natural confidence propels his liveliness. Of course the tom is still prone to rowdiness and loves a challenge--even if he loses most fights. Merlinpaw is undoubtedly clumsy but eagerly fights his battles until he cannot anymore. His resolve is undeniable, and Merlinpaw hopes that this will be enough to show his clan--and mostly, his father--that he is capable. 

Merlinpaw was born aside his siblings Owlpaw and Shrikepaw to a noble tom called Volefur and a traitor. Yes, their mother had walked away from the glory of their leader and their blessed clan, but Merlinpaw had always been keen on not letting this define him. He was quick to take on to their fathers sudden shift in parenting after the traitors death, eager to show that he wasn't anything like his kin who had turned away from LichenClan.

His enthusiasm for LichenClan, StarClan, and approval was often rewarded by his father who payed careful attention to he and his brother. Volefur was quick to shape his sons(and sometimes the other she-cat) in the image of the clans noblest cats. Act as Minnowstar or Hemlockheart would, and always thank StarClan. Merlinpaw took part in his duty without question. However, he struggled to match the reserved nature that both of his idols and most of his clan shared, and was one of the only things his father often punished him for. Such chattiness was seen as sinful and was certainly unsightly in a future LichenClan warrior. Merlinpaw simply didn't get why StarClan craved this, but knew not to go against his ancestors will. He was silenced for the later half of his kithood, only returning to his jauntiness when Owlkit was his audience. 

Merlinpaw met apprenticeship with excitement, his ability to talk and be himself around his mentor motivating him greatly. He adores his new found freedom and longs to find ways that he can prove himself and truly shine in his clan.