Bravetail

*Bravetail was once known as The Median.*

## Appearance & Personality

Bravetail is a small, sleek furred she-cat with big ears. Her fur is tri-layered; black on top, orange on the bottom, and white in between. She has yellow eyes, but what makes her especially alluring is her double pupil on her right eye.

Despite her deformity, she has a charming, trustworthy aura. Bravetail has a heart of gold, and is excellent at forging a false sense of bravery or confidence, even when she is hurt by the cats who distrust her. She only has genuine intentions.

## Brief History

Bravetail took on the name 'The Median' and forged a new backstory, per Sulfurstar's instruction. She said that she was born with the special ability to see all spirits and communicate with them indefinitely. She has a special connection to the afterlife and has lived within the Moongarden since she was young.

She caused the imprisonment of ThunderClan and shunning of Icestar and Softweb. She appointed Widowstar as SkyClan's leader after the death of Darkstar, who had no deputy. Once Widowstar was overthrown, The Median revealed that Sulfurstar had manipulated her by claiming that the Clans would kill her kit, Sandkit, if she didn't reform them for him. She apologized for her actions, regretting them deeply, and expressed that she wished to live within the Clans.

## Detailed History

Bravetail grew up as a rogue. Her mother, who raised her and her littermates by itself, taught all her kits to be independent, leaving them when they were just old enough to hunt for themselves. Currently unnamed, Bravetail wandered the territories, eventually coming across a strange sort of cave with large crystals and a pool at the end- the Moongarden. She took it as a temporary den, avoiding the Clan cats whenever they arrived and began to occasionally spend time there. She spent a short amount of time with a tom, and winded up pregnant. She gave birth in the Moongarden to a single son. She passed out from exhaustion after her ordeal, and found herself facing a tom she didn't know in a dark forest.

Bravetail was manipulated by Sulfurstar shortly after the birth of her kit, Sandkit, who he led to the Clans. He told Bravetail that her son would be killed by the Clans if she did not reform them, and so she agreed, deciding to become the oracle.

She introduced herself as The Median at the Gathering. She attempted to explain her gifts, and saved Icestar from being struck by lightning, giving the illusion of her foresight being undeniable. She told the tale of Icestar and Softweb’s lies and declared ThunderClan a ‘trespasser’s place.’ ThunderClan warriors loyal to StarClan were relocated throughout the 4 Clans. Those who had sinned had been confined to ThunderClan camp for repentance. They were under constant surveillance and were not allowed to exit the camp without an escort. The Median declared herself as the ‘oracle’ and supreme leader of the forest. A leader’s purpose became to merely keep order in the Clans. Deputies were abolished. The Median appointed 2 ShadowClan warriors, Honeyglow and Thunderfrost, as the first Overseers of ThunderClan. They ensured order and enforced new rules over the traitors. It was possible for trespassers to pledge their allegiance to The Median, by bringing a piece of prey to the Moongarden and discussing their enlightenment with her. The Median went around the Clans and made it clear that Medicine Cats would no longer have contact with the afterlife. She told them that they were too fragile and easily corrupted to be trusted with such important tasks any longer. For the safety of the Clans, a Medicine Cat’s only purpose became to heal.

At another Gathering, Littleoat - actually Glitch disguised as the fallen Council cat - spoke through The Median. Littleoat said this to the Clans: *StarClan is upset with your actions; but they are forgiving. All cats can be saved as long as they pledge full allegiance. If not, they must leave the Clans, else they will be removed.. with force.* The Median gave the Clans a new code to follow:

1. *Defend your Clan and the word of StarClan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from other Clans, but your loyalty must remain to your Clan, as one day you may meet them in battle. Do not hunt or trespass on another Clan's territory.*
2. *The strongest warriors will always eat before elders, kits, queens, and others. Prey is killed only to be eaten. Give thanks to StarClan for its life.*
3. *A kit must be at least six moons old to become an apprentice.*
4. *Newly appointed warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name. During this vigil, they must think of StarClan and what they do for the clans, then in the morning visit The Median and tell them what they thought about. Otherwise, they are not an official warrior.*
5. *When the leader dies, retires, challenges the word of The Median/StarClan, or is exiled, they will be replaced by a suitable candidate found by The Median.*
6. *A Gathering of all five Clans is held at the full moon. Nobody shall speak without being asked to speak by The Median first.*
7. *Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats.*
8. *No warrior can neglect a kit in pain or danger, even if the kit is from a different Clan.*
9. *Kits must stay in camp until they are apprenticed, and are not allowed to hunt.*
10. *The safety of the Clan as a whole is more important than the safety of one cat or idea.*
11. *The word of The Median is the warrior code. An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win their battles unless they are outside the warrior code or if it is necessary for self-defense.*
12. *Each Clan has the right to be proud and independent, but in times of trouble, they must forget their pride and turn to The Median. She shall guide them in the word of StarClan.*
13. *Medicine cats may not have contact with StarClan, as they are easily corrupted and fragile. Their sole duty is to heal. (They may take a mate or kits.)*
14. *All Clan cats must acknowledge that StarClan controls Clan life; to deny their existence would be to violate the warrior code.*
15. *A warrior rejects any life but the life of a warrior. Cats who do not follow this code are deemed trespassers and sent to ThunderClan to repent for their sins. They should be shunned by others, but not hated.*

After being appointed to leader by The Median, Widowstar made an address to her Clan. She revealed that Darkstar and Mellowbug were weak and plotting to destroy The Median.. though none of her accusations proved to be true with shallow digging. She declared she will not take a deputy, will no longer aid or take aid from other Clans, and that great change is coming to SkyClan. She wishes for the Clan not to attend the Gathering, but instead will go alone on the night of the full moon. The Median did not like this. After learning of the prophecy from Sulfurstar, Widowstar revealed The Median is not truly allied with StarClan to her Clan in a state of panic. She declared they will no longer have ANY contact with the outer Clans. Facing much uncertainty from her Clanmates, Widowstar made an example of Foxpaw. She gave him his warrior name and proceeded to slit his throat in front of the Clan.

The Median made a late appearance at her final event Gathering, prepared to defend herself from the Clans. As The Median prepared to speak, she was attacked by Widow, who was then attacked by Sulfurstar, leading the Gathering into chaos. The dead fought the living as Widow, Sulfurstar, and The Median tussled. As Widow prepared a killing blow, Rainbowstar snuck up behind her and gutted her. The Median was given a chance to explain herself and her actions to the Clans. She was being controlled by Sulfurstar all along, and acted as she did to save her son. The Median took refuge in RiverClan and became Bravetail.