Whispershriek

**Name:** Whispershriek

**Age:** 25 moons

**Gender:** Male

**Clan:** CaveClan

**Rank:** Warrior

**Appearance:** Tall, long-legged, smoky black tom with subtle, mottled stripes on his flanks, several deep scars on his muzzle, and pale yellow eyes.

**Personality:** He relies heavily on body language and facial expressions (or even little paw signals or tapping sounds that appear to be some sort of code or secret language that he alone understands) in order to communicate with others - on his end, because he is actually incapable of speaking, and when dealing with others because he finds it easier to see the truth when he's listening to others' actions rather than their words. He doesn't seem particularly inclined to explain himself at any given time, unbothered by others' frustrations with not understanding him. He is a very levelheaded and cool individual, usually only responding to others' attempts at provocation with a small smile, as if he's amused by them, although he will narrow his eyes and possibly whack someone over the head if vexed enough. He is a very private individual, something that his muteness actually helps, not one to share secrets or spill his life story even to those he's friendly with. His private, almost secretive nature can make him seem sneaky - and he is quite good at being stealthy, really - but he isn't untruthful, and is a loyal cat to the bitter end. He likes puzzles and riddles, enjoying figuring out complicated or confusing things and understanding things that others don't. Before he lost his voice, he enjoyed giving others unusual nicknames, and still does so now, though he doesn't have many ways of sharing any of these nicknames with anyone, since he can't communicate verbally. He doesn't really care if other cats appreciate the nicknames or not, and does not often feel inclined to clarify to others what he means if they happen to be confused about who he's referring to - if they even manage to parse out his strange language of gesture, percussive sound, and half-mouthed words at all.

He tends to make other cats nervous; not only does his drifting, piercing silence unsettle some, but he's also fully capable of being quite intimidating and fierce, using his height and silence to his advantage in intimidating others. He's also pretty ruthless in battle, not caring much how badly he may injure someone else so long as he's protecting the cats that he cares about. He's very protective of his loved ones, and may get defensive over any threat to them, even if it's minor and not likely to be carried through. He's unerringly loyal to those that he deems worthy of his trust, care, or respect, and will do anything to keep safe those that he cares for, and go to great lengths to follow necessary instructions from them, even if the tasks he must perform are unsavory at best, immoral at worst. Though he's lost the ability to voice it, he's very sassy, often making sarcastic remarks when he still had his voice and cracking jokes at others' expenses without much (if any) remorse. He retains that sassiness even now, but usually expresses it via facial expression or gesture now, though his sharpest jabs remain unable to be voiced. He isn't one to complain or make a fuss over things, but as much as he brushes off others and acts confident in himself, he sometimes grows frustrated in his inability to communicate things verbally, especially if his actions towards others are misinterpreted. Nothing bothers him more than others assuming things about him or how he thinks without confirming with him first - or at least making an effort to, despite him not being able to verbally confirm. Overall, he may give off creepy vibes, but he's really quite the sweetheart, defending his loved ones fiercely and dedicating himself to them and the Clan wholly; he will provide any comfort, support, or advice that he is able to, though physical comfort is his forte (since he can't, you know, talk), and his own preferred method of consolation if he himself is upset.

**History:** He was born as Shadowkit, alongside his sister Brightkit. The pair grew up happy and healthy, and became apprentices together, always maintaining a close bond. However, one day, Brightpaw disappeared. Shadowpaw was nearly sick with worry for his sister, searching frantically for her for nearly a moon, before the Clan finally found her: already dead, body bloodied and broken. When her corpse was brought back to camp, Shadowpaw crouched by her body and let out a loud, piercing, unholy screech. His screaming went on and on no matter what anyone did, until he lost his voice completely. From that day forward, he was mute, incapable of making any other sounds. His warrior name was Whispershriek because of this event.

**Other:** His scent is that of dust, spiderwebs, and stale air.