character remodelling.

onyxfeather. cunning, overly analytical, strategic, adaptable, stoic, unconventional, reserved, controlled, disciplined, predatory.

onyxfeather's personality is like that of a shattered mirror, each glistening shard revealing but a small fragment of the creature on the other side, yet never truly revealing the entire picture. with each passing moment, the tom is an evolving organism, adapting to the situation at hand. he is neither warm nor cold, brave nor cowardly, noble nor deceptive. onyxfeather is in fact the true neutral.

to the outsider - reveal nothing to the enemy.
onyxfeather is not known for his warmth nor welcoming nature. first glances and newfound impressions depict a stoic tom whose lanky stature and night-like appearance carry no heart within. the tom is not welcoming to strangers, this much is evident in his stone-cold expression and reserved nature. he reveals very little of the inner workings of his mind and can come across exceptionally standoffish. perhaps this is for the better, for should he voice his inner demons, jaded perceptions of outsiders, and personal biases, allegiances would most certainly become a concept of legend.

it is in these moments, in the presence of outsiders, that onyxfeather is on his highest alert. he is careful to reveal nothing, yet eagerly drinks in whatever information he can summon. all of this, of course, stemming from the need for secrecy. onyxfeather believes he is truly among the enemy during gatherings, encounters with rival patrols, or in dealings with foreign trespassers. his strategic and overly-analytical tendencies allow him the grace to pick up on small cues, or delve into the inner workings of the foreign conscious, should the opportunity arrive. he is very much an opportunistic predator, even the most civil of encounters are an opening into the soft tissue and workings or enemy weaknesses. it is for this very reason, that the deputy does not have a strong or personable presence in the face of outsiders, for he becomes but a mere stone-like shadow, a silent observer.

to the comrade.
among friends, the dark tom becomes a very different entity. he is a character of clever wit and a dark sense of humour. when it comes to leadership and command, onyxfeather doesn't exactly have a very hands-on approach. when dealing out patrols, the deputy allows his clan mates to act in their own volition and agency, before insisting on direct order. he takes careful note of those that volunteer their efforts for the betterment of shadowclan, and is especially mindful of those who shirk their duties. it is only when it lenience is abused, does the tom enforce direct authority.

that being said, do not assume the ebony tom is relaxed or lenient with his expectations. having been raised with an exceptionally strict and unbending mentor, adderfang instilled many of these expectations into onyxfeather. the deputy is a strong advocate of the warrior code and demands it to be upheld by his warriors. in this regard, onyxfeather is extremely strict. he has very little tolerance for betrayal, or breakers of the warrior code. once that trust is broken, the betrayer is now equated to that of the enemy. 

to the apprentice.
when it comes to his apprentices, onyxfeather is nearly unbending. he can be exceptionally harsh and strict in his training: a product of adderfang's grooming on him. the deputy expects nothing but the best from his apprentices, obedience and failure is simply not an option. onyxfeather has a tendency to hold his apprentices to a higher standard than the others, while it might not be fair, he sees it as the building blocks to a strong and efficient warrior. 'tough love' is not an uncommon strategy for the ebony tom.

onyxfeather is also rather unconventional. if that much was not noted his the way he conducts his duties, it can also be seen in the way he conducts other activities. the deputy is more likely to sit back and let his clan mates work out problems themselves, to grow from it, and struggle through it - a strategy where he, too, and learn through the observation of it. the deputy is more likely to employ action in the face of confrontation, than lecture. for example, if two apprentices are quarrelling with one another, it is very unlikely onyxfeather will employ a "talk" to spark a friendship. in fact, it is quite the opposite. it is not uncommon for the deputy to square two apprentices up to one another, whom struggle through their differences. a little friendly (or not so friendly) combat never hurt anyone. in this way, the apprentices are tasked to work out their personal aggression to one another in a controlled environment, one where onyxfeather is the ring master on a level playing field. some might argue that this would only breed animosity between the apprentices, yet he sees it no different than a friendly competition, they are merely establishing their places along the pecking order.

to the enemy.
this is where onyxfeather's moral principle becomes blurred, and his definition of the 'true neutral' comes to light. the deputy acts for one thing, and one thing only, and that is in the name of shadowclan. every fibre of his being, every action, and even decision he makes is for the betterment of shadowclan, to the best of his belief. his one and only concern is that shadowclan both survives, and thrives. where onyxfeather sways from his morals, however, is in how shadowclan attains these goals. every clan is responsible for their own survival, in his opinion, and as such, must act accordingly to ensure that. if it takes expanding territory, war, or radical change for shadowclan to survive, then so be it. onyxfeather will stop at nothing to grant shadowclan's success.

in this regard, onyxfeather is exceptionally ruthless. the deputy will step on, walk over, or trample whatever entity it takes to see to it that shadowclan comes out on top. he has no inherent quest for power, or conquest, however this could be easily mistaken to the outsider. onyxfeather has the potential to be incredible dangerous to rival enemies, because when it comes down to it, shadowclan will always come above all else. if annihilation is the only way to ensure the survival of his clan, then so be it.

that being said, onyxfeather is not actively blood thirsty, or battle hungry. he's an incredibly strategic tom. in times of warfare, the ebony tom is especially prone to psychological warfare. he will wear his enemies down emotionally before he truly strikes with force. the deputy is tactical - he will think ideas through and weigh his options long before he will act. onyxfeather is extremely self-disciplined (something he also expects from his clan mates), and so he is not prone to impulsive action or emotion-fueled retaliation. onyxfeather will strike when it is advantageous, even if that means giving up some ground along the way. while he regards all outsiders of shadowclan as the enemy, he understand that alliances with other clans are sometimes necessary. while reluctant (and proud), he will always choose what he believes is right for the clan (even though his beliefs may sometimes be misguided). alliances are an act done tactfully, and even though it may be advantageous to shadowclan, the deputy is mindful that at the end of the day, the alliance is still with the enemy, and should be kept at an arms length.