orchid shade

Redwood clan

Small black she-cat with pale blue eyes

Orchidshade is a pure black she-cat with a small stature and frame. Her tail is medium-length and thin, and her paws are dainty and nimble. The size of Orchidshade's ears and belly are proportionate to the petite she-cat, though her eyes are particularly large and ominous. But, do not let her petite size fool you, this she-cat is as strong as leaf-bare winds.

The pelt of this medicine cat is a matte black, like an unpolished piece of flint. In contrast, her nose is shiny such as a piece of obsidian. The insides of the she-cats ears are black as well, only a small glimmer of silvered grey streak by the tufts of her ears. Spreading evenly from her jowls, Orchidshade's whiskers are thin, but glint like a tight spider's web.

Orchidshade received her name due to the indigo color of her large and blue eyes. In moonlight, the purple hues shine more vibrant. Additionally and perhaps due to age, small highlights of silver can be seen in appropriate lighting, though difficult to detect during normal circumstances. As the she-cat ages, more silver will consume her pelt until she is as dusted as star-clan.

Overall, Orchidshade's apperance is definitely an acquired taste and many cats have used adjectives to describe her such as eerie, startled, woeful, or solemn.

Orchidshade's smell is of lavender with hints of water-mint

As a medicine cat, Orchidshade's main priority is to heal. Although she isn't a warm and soft cat, she ultimately does absolutely everything necessary to assure her patients receive the best care. Inherently, she is altruistic. Orchidshade would never turn down a patient in critical need and is constantly evaluating their resources to prepare the best future for the most lives.

Though she doesn't voice her opinion much, Orchidshade is overall a cynical individual. She isn't unrealistically pessimistic, but usually tends to expect the worst of others. This can cause problems with trust between her and other clanmates. She doesn't typically bond with many cats, keeping to herself. The other clan cats struggle to be around her due to how guarded she is around them, failing to develop trust.

Orchidshade is mysterious; She has never fit in the with the masses. Since kithood she was obsessed with the dark caverns of nature and supernatural. In addition to her generally oddball interests, Orchidshade's face is a blank veil with ominous eyes that permanently plaster a vacant expression. Unless she extends some sort of gesture, Orchidshade is very difficult to read.

Orchidshade rarely speaks unless prompted. She is methodical, melodic in tone, and very thorough. However, this quiet cat's advice is typically unpleasant to hear and she is overly critical of herself and others. She has been known to flat-out ignore other cats, even when they are clearly speaking directly to her. The one exception is unless they are in need or she needs to convey an important message to her officials.

Even though Orchidshade feels an overwhelming sense of loss and hopelessness, she remains determined in her clan duties. She will always dedicate time into improving her skills in dressing wounds and collecting herbs. She is an exceptional medicine cat due to her time and dedication.

Orchidshade is fatalistic, believing that life is pre-determined and everything happens for a reason. This can provide a bit of hope to her dreary nature, but often times it can lead to negligence in improving her outlook.

Despite the honor that Orchidshade takes in her work, she was not always a medicine cat. At 24 moons of age, the young warrior traveled to accept Star-clan's grace in awarding her the place that was once her brothers.

Having been a loyal, but distant warrior, the she-cat was known for her dutiful sense of responsibility and agile, but powerful, fighting skills. However, she retired these days so that her brother may pursue his life of love and happiness. Like all medicine cats, he had been prohibited from fatherhood. However, because of Orchidshade's orientation, having a preference for she-cats, she accepted as early as apprenticeship her fate was never to be a mother.

After all, having a medicine cat was a dire necessity for all clans. Orchidshade had had her heart set on deputy since she could squeak, but it wasn't until her brother's internal conflict did she receive a message from Starclan. During these times, they had said, is when a cat with efficiency and dedication would be needed most. Though her brother was kind, his nurturing nature and soft-heart made critical calls cloud his sense of judgement. Although this was not a tragedy when delivering kits or collecting yarrow, every death took a toll on the tom and Orchidshade saw that his true passions lay elsewhere.

Having preferred her lonesomeness, Orchidshade found the transition to becoming a medicine cat pleasing. For one, she could work and train by herself, no need to patrols or battle-partners. Secondly, Orchidshade was able to accumulate skills and knowledge that was rare to come by, to be only available for those with star-guided veins. This in itself was as thrilling as a call to battle.

Shortly after Orchidshade finished her training, her brother Marsh-heart died leaving two nieces Silkfeather (Raven~ ), and Sleekfang fatherless. Orchidshade was devastated by her brother's death. The newly appointed medicine cat fell into a deep depression where she lay by her brother's body for days on end. Eventually, she was approached by Finchstar (rain ), who encouraged her to leave camp. Together they talk about rare herbs and lace Finchstar's den in lavender. This moment was pivotal, pioneering the glimmers of hope for their future together. 


When Orchidshade was in her first season of being a medicine cat, Finchstar attempted peace negotiations with Lichen Clan. Attending a patrol with the deputy Minkfur and the warrior Loudstorm (moony ), their goals failed after Minnowstar accused the other clans overridden with sin. Minkfur lost her composure, and war was declared.

Tension ebbed within the ranks of the Redwood Clan. Minkfur died, and in her place, the warrior Redfox became deputy. Orchidshade had trained beside Redfox. They had a competitive relationship, as Ochidshade always aspired to be deputy herself.

At the full moon gathering, Orchidshade ran into the Lichen Clan medicine cat, Cinderface (moony ), and her apprentice Briarpaw (Raven~ ). The tension was thick. In the middle of their congregation, a young tom interrupted. Rising against a murder of crows, the young cat Hemlock (wish ) claimed to be from a distant island. He cried for help that his tribe fell sick and was dying. Immediately, Minnowstar lashed out in fear, calling the newcomer a demon. Within the chaos, Finchstar agreed to bring back Hemlock to Redwood Clan. Orchidshade is intrigued but warns Finchstar that they are more vulnerable to a foreign illness; Her priorities rest with Redwood Clan.

Orchidshade traveled with Loudstorm (moony ), Finchstar, and Smallpaw to the tribe and to return Hemlock. There, she meets the Teller Creek and Stone-Guard Talon (Wolfie ). The young Hemlock took Orchidshade to his mother Maple That Burns at Dawn. There, Orchidshade provided a complete medical evaluation and determined the cause of their blight to be yellow cough. She denoted how catmint could alleviate their symptoms, but only precious lungwart could cure them. During their voyage, Finchstar tried to hint to Orchidshade that Smallpaw would make a good apprentice. Yet, in her stubbornness, Orchidshade refused to acknowledge taking on another apprentice.

When the patrol returned from the tribe, they came home to the bloodied earth of a warzone. In their absence, Lichen Clan attacked, looking for the demon Hemlock. Many cats were critically injured and killed. In her cold and icy rage, Orchidshade lashed out at Finchstar and Redfox, accusing them of neglecting their duties and the clan. Orchidshade truly sees the practical and pretty she-cat Shrewfur (kaz ) during this time. Orchidshade ordered Shrewfur and Smallpaw to work on preparations in the medicine cat's den, nodding to Smallpaw's acceptance as her medicine cat apprentice.

At half moon, Orchidshade met with the Thistle Clan medicine cat Ratwhisker (Egotistic ) and Cinderface. Orchidshade requested precious lungwort from Cinderface but she declined, cooly explaining that herbs were for clan cats, not strangers damned by starclan. On their way into the moonpool, the Lichen Clan warrior Lightwater (rain ), stopped the patrol. After pressure from the other guard, QuickStrike (Annie ), Ratwhisker and Orchidshade leave. Briarpaw followed the two medicine cats and showed them where the lungwart was. Ratwhisker helped Orchidshade collect and carry the lungwart to the Redwood Clan border. Though, unknowing to Orchidshade, when Ratwhisker returned to Thistle Clan he told Thievingstar of Redwood Clan's plans. Meanwhile, Orchidshade returned to Redwood Clan and immediately alerted Finchstar they could not access the mooncave. In reply, Finchstar told Orchidshade to prepare her herbs and that there would be an attack.

A small patrol was assembled to take the lungwart back to the tribe and cure them of yellow cough. Mousepaw, Rockjaw (Bandit ), and Shrewfur prepared to cross the sandbar path back to the tribe. However, their patrol was intercepted by Thistleclan warriors with orders from Thievingstar not to let them cross. A fight broke out, and Orchidshade fought with the patrol before thrusting the herbs to Mousepaw. Mousepaw made a break from the flurry of flying claws and eventually, the Redwood Clan patrol was able to break themselves free from the fight and make it across the path.

Safe on another island, Orchidshade delivered the herbs. Though, she was critical of Creek's leadership and acknowledged that the tribe is indebted to Redwood Clan. The patrol returns to the island, carrying the sickness on their pelts.

Finchstar launched an attack on Lichen Clan to retake the mooncave. Their efforts were futile, as the Redwood Clan leader lost a life, and the troops were forced to retreat.

Despite being barred from the mooncave, Orchidshade and Smallpaw received mysterious dreams. "Find us," They said, "Forever, one per moon," Smallpaw explained her vision, calling them to a lagoon. In her dream she was surrounded by darkness and damp air, in its belly water magically brilliant with blue light. At the gathering, Orchidshade searched for Ratwhisker, all the medicine cats divulged information about receiving various dreams. Orchidshade agreed to meet them again. But, before leaving, Ratwhisker requested that Orchidshade train him; She accepted the offer to which after they continued to meet.

They discovered that the sandbar path was gone on a patrol with Redfox, Shrewfur, and Barkpaw (fallenreaper ). The flood had devastated the bridge and the clans were once more cut off from the tribe. Around this time, Orchidshade also began spending more time with Shrewfur.

Once more, the medicine cats met again come half-moon. All of them discussed their dreams. Briarfall added that she received the vision to "go where thunder falls." Together they hypothesized and tried to make sense of their mysterious visions. Most of the medicine cats were optimistic, and hopeful to search for Starclan. The Thistle Clan medicine cat understood his dream as much more damning, fearful of the deep rolls of thunderous rumbling beneath his paws. Ratwhisker saw darkness and danger.

Cats began to fall ill. Although Orchidshade initially mistook it for the season green-cough, the sickness soon developed into the same pandemic which shook the tribe. Anguished by her negligence, Orchidshade worked tirelessly to save Redwood Clan to the best of her abilities. Yet, her apprentice fell ill and many cats died under her watch. She never forgave herself. 


In the season of 2021, Redfox died alongside all of Finchstar's children. In her place, rose the smooth-tongued deputy Icesong (captain). During this period, Orchidshade's apprentice Smallpaw died, falling sick to the yellow cough brought from the tribe. Together, Ruefeather (wish) and Orchidshade mourn the loss of her apprentice. Immediately the new day, a strange newcomer barged through Orchidshade's hollow. She recognized him as Bouncepaw (bombora), the son of Firepelt. The exuberant tom demanded a position as a medicine cat. With her apprentice dead and their herbs depleted, many still sick and recovering, Orchidshade reluctantly relented.

A patrol of Lichen Clan cats consisting of Briarpaw and Shadowface warned Finchstar and Icesong of Minnowstar's future attack. As Briarpaw was leaving, all the medicine cats began to hear the voices of starclan. Briarpaw left Shadowface to find Orchidshade and Bouncepaw, where together, they find the underground lagoon. There, a new form of the moonpool had manifested. They shared tongues with starclan where Egretfeather and Orchidshade met Briarpaw and reunited with Smallpaw. The medicine cats were sent an ominious warning about the strength of Dark Forest. Shadows of cats danced around the walls and the smell of blood wafted over them. It was a vision of death.

Redwood Clan began to develop a taste for war. Because of Briarpaw and Shadowface's warning, when Lichen Clan attacks, Redwood Clan was ready with an ambush. To save them from the horrors of Lichen Clan, Redwood Clan began taking in refugees from from Lichen Clan. Finchstar tried to form an alliance with Thistle Clan but was rejected.

Icesong formulated a plan for a pre-emptive strike on Lichen Clan, patrols mainly consisting of apprentices. Orchidshade warned them of her omen, apprehensive of the strike and encouraging them to wait after their victories. Finchstar sided with Orchidshade, and ultimately silenced her warning.

Orchidshade and the other medicine cats met for half-moon at the lagoon. There, Bouncepaw was officially accepted as a medicine cat. Shadepaw (fallenreaper), Thistle Clan's new medicine cat after Ratwhisker passed in the flood, was named Shadepool. Angry, Bouncepaw retaliated that he is deserving of his name despite being a much younger, inexperienced apprentice. Orchidshade became hostile to her apprentice as powerful, dark omens warned of ice and bloodshed. Frustrated with her regimen, Orchidshade continued to harbor resentment as she knew nothing good would come of the strike. The medicine cat's relationship with Icesong and Finchstar was fractured.

Ignoring Orchidshade's warnings, Icesong launched an attack. The pre-emptive strike revealed rogues on Lichen Clan territory and many were slayed in battle. Knocked unconscious, Icesong awoke in Orhcidshade's den. There, they break into a fight over the consequences of the strike.

After displaying their vulnerabilities, Lichen Clan launched an attack on Thistle Clan and Redwood Clan alike. The rogues helped attack Redwood Clan and take one of Finchstar's lives.

Their leader was disheartened. Together Finchstar traveled with Bouncepaw and Orchidshade to the lagoon. Orchidshade named Bouncepaw Bouncefire for his powerful passion, which like fire, could light or burn their way. Heatherstar visited Finchstar, and Marsh-Heart affirmed Orchidshade to relinquish her resentments. After this experience, Finchstar and Orchidshade began remending their relationship. Orchidshade was simultaneously spending more time with Icesong; Although their views were different, Icesong sought out Orchidshade and her knowledge of the stars. Though Icesong was unsatisfied with Orchidshade's philosophies, their relationship was taking a turn for the better.

At the end of the season Thistle Clan and Redwood Clan joined in an alliance. Orchidshade worked as an emergency medical support for the final war, treating cats wounded to return to battle and end Minnowstar's heretics once and for all.

At the celebration of Thornfall's death ceremony, Bouncefire interrupted the communal story telling and positive nature of the event to advocate for vengeance and war. Orchidshade was gravely disappointed, forcing him to stay back from the next half moon, and considered demoting him. During half-moon, the medicine cats Briarfall, Lilacpaw (lightning), Shadepool, Meadowpaw (sloth), and Orchidshade all received cryptic messages vastly different in nature: some involved water, others nothing but darkness. Orchidshade's specifically addressed massive floods wreaking havoc on the island the rise of small, a deep purple flower from the frosts of familiar forest.

A blizzard tormented the island. Shrewfur helped Orchidshade build a barricade, keeping the snow from her hollow.

Struggling as a pariah within the community, Bouncefire alerted Orchidshade that he'd be leaving. Her previous apprentice would be taking a journey to find himself and hone his carft, or whatever justifications he could muster which to Orchidshade meant little (and everything all the same). Bouncefire left Orchidshade the sole medicine cat as the blizzards subsided.