Original characters (OCs) are a cornerstone of many fandoms, and the Warrior Cats series is no exception. For fans seeking to expand the world of their favorite feline clans, creating Warrior Cat Ocs offers a rich avenue for creativity and storytelling. Today, we’re diving into the world of two particularly compelling OCs: Briarfrost and Ivyshade of ShadowClan. These aren’t just any fan-made cats; they are deeply developed characters with intricate backstories, complex personalities, and a relationship that adds depth to the ShadowClan narrative.
Briarfrost holds the esteemed position of deputy within ShadowClan. She is depicted as a highly intelligent and calculating she-cat, unafraid to use manipulation to achieve her goals. Despite projecting a sweet and sisterly demeanor to many, Briarfrost is guarded and pragmatic, willing to make morally gray choices to get what she believes is necessary. Her dedication to ShadowClan is undeniable; she is hardworking, sometimes to a fault, and her perfectionistic nature can make her seem overbearing. However, her clanmates recognize her competence and acknowledge her as an excellent deputy.
Family is a central theme for Briarfrost. Orphaned as an apprentice alongside her brother Sparrowstrike, she views the entire clan as her family and is fiercely protective of them. Beneath her composed exterior, Briarfrost is a dreamer with radical ideas that challenge traditional clan life. These ideals remain hidden to maintain her standing among the senior warriors, revealing a strategic mind constantly at work. It’s only in the company of a select few—Ivyshade, Sparrowstrike, and her former loner mate Thomas—that Briarfrost feels truly herself, hinting at layers of vulnerability beneath her ambitious facade. Her past actions include killing, a testament to her capacity for ruthlessness when deemed necessary.
Ivyshade, the medicine cat of ShadowClan, presents a contrasting yet complementary personality. She is described as snarky and mischievous but possesses an underlying positivity. Her backstory is unique: adopted into ShadowClan as a kit after being taken from her kittypet life by an owl. While grateful for her clan life, Ivyshade harbors a curiosity about her past and the life she might have led as a kittypet. Initially training as a warrior apprentice, Ivyshade’s sensitivity to violence led her to switch paths to become a medicine cat, showcasing adaptability and self-awareness.
Ivyshade is portrayed as sneaky and a gossip, and like Briarfrost, she is not averse to manipulation, though she is more open about it. Her resourcefulness extends to her interactions with other medicine cats, even resorting to blackmail when needed, as illustrated by an anecdote involving the RiverClan medicine cat. Later in her story, Ivyshade connects with her blood sister Luna, adding another layer to her personal history and exploring her kittypet origins.
Briarfrost and Ivyshade’s relationship is a key element of their character arcs. They began as playful rivals during their apprenticeship. However, Ivyshade’s change in training caused a drift between them. Their reconnection occurred during a severe leafbare marked by a greencough outbreak in ShadowClan. This crisis, during which Ivyshade’s mentor tragically perished, became a turning point. Facing the illness of Ivyshade’s adoptive mother and kits, as well as Briarfrost’s own brother, Briarfrost defied her leader and embarked on a perilous journey to find catmint. This journey led her to Luna and ultimately averted the crisis, strengthening the bond between Briarfrost and Ivyshade. This shared experience fostered a deeper friendship that eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship, something that felt inevitable given their long-standing, unspoken feelings for each other.
Briarfrost and Ivyshade are compelling examples of Warrior Cat OCs because they are not simply defined by their clan roles. They possess intricate personalities, detailed backstories, and a dynamic relationship that resonates with readers. Their story highlights the potential for depth and complexity within Warrior Cat OCs, inspiring fans to develop their own unique characters and narratives within the beloved world of the clans.
