Name: AMBERHAZE
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Why are you interested in this position?: I am arguably the most active in Shadowclan both ICly and OOCly and I would also say it's currently the one I favor the most out of all the options on site! I currently play Amberhaze alone without any plans to introduce new characters into Shadowclan alongside him within the foreseeable future, meaning that as of now he is at the forefront of any posts that I have been writing. He is my most actively played character as it stands and is my main priority, meaning that there would be little issues in the way of him being played frequently and consistently. Beyond this, I adore the variety of characters seen in this clan, all of which are extremely unique in their own right and have been extremely fun to explore ICly alongside Amberhaze, making for valuable connections between myself and others as well as our characters which can be used to strengthen those important character based relationships that a deputy would need in order to uphold the status as a trusted authority figure. The extensive less than ideal lore behind the clan is one that I am quite enamored with, especially the concept of this inexplicable curse placed upon them by unexplainable and unfair reasons that seems to be believed by many, Amberhaze included. I am consistently creating new scenarios, plots and ideas in my head, some of which I do and do not disclose, however I always hope to put these personal plots to good use should it be allowed and should it make sense within the clan's current setting ICly. I would love to have the opportunity to perhaps share these ideas clanwide and make something that could be enjoyed by everyone as a collective whether it be by means of clanwide events or simply interpersonal between Amberhaze and those he surrounds himself with which would impact not only them but those around them by extension, both in negative and positive ways. I have always been excited to contribute to the clan in whatever way that I can and so far I have been greatly enjoying interacting with everyone in the server and on site, however if there was ever a chance for me to be able to take the extra steps towards something beyond just casualties and dive into something that requires a bit more responsibility I would be very glad to have the opportunity!
Why would y/c make a good fit?: I believe that despite Amberhaze's crippling anxieties and paranoid nature, he would do surprisingly well in a leading position! Although it could be considered generally unhealthy to contemplate and expect the worst outcome of anything at all times, it could also be seen as an asset when navigated properly. Amberhaze is very innovative and thinks outside what would be considered the norm when it comes to problem solving, oftentimes having a set plan in motion for events that may or may not end up becoming a genuine issue in the foreseeable future. He prioritizes anything that would see him and his clan through the harshest of circumstances, and will oftentimes go above and beyond to ensure that they do not fall short of what is needed to keep them all alive- for example, things such as herbs, food, nesting materials, and the like.
As far as more formal duties go, he would definitely prioritize things such as border checks, regular patrols around the territory, hunting, and despite his own shortcomings in combat, routine group training sessions as to ensure that the clan is as safe as it can be as well as keeping their claws and minds sharp enough to fend off any potential threats looming over them. Due to Ternstar's new implementation of allowing outsiders into the clan under specific circumstances, Amberhaze would want to ensure that this kindness does not turn into something others intend to abuse nor would he want to unintentionally invite trouble on to their loosened borders. He would believe that a strict schedule of routine border checks and marking renewals are of the utmost importance at this time while also ensuring that those who do not pose any genuine threat have a fair chance at being welcomed into the clan.
From a social standpoint, it's no secret that Amberhaze isn't the most skilled when it comes to interacting with others, however this doesn't mean he's entirely incapable of it. Putting his nervous stutter and voice cracks aside, he is actually quite the diplomat, oftentimes preferring to take more peaceful routes when it comes to dissolving conflict. He's a great listener and values the consideration of issues from multiple angles, allowing for every side to speak their peace before coming to a definitive decision himself. He is a pacifist and things such as violence and war would be the very last resort in any high stakes situation, and would do everything in his power to prevent devastation from occurring during moments of high tension as the risk of such a thing could mean a horrible outcome for his clan. Of course, he is also aware that sometimes the only option for peace begins with hardship, and in the case where he is unable to settle disputes between themselves and others with words, he will have little issue with unsheathing his claws. Extremely protective of what he cares for- namely Shadowclan and its resources- he would never turn down an invitation to fight for what he believes is worth preserving despite his inherent fear of conflict. Although he is not the best in the realm of physical combat, he is still capable of fending off enemies efficiently should it be required of him, oftentimes his motivations for doing so coming from outward sources such as the struggle of those close to him and his instinctual desire to protect them.
Personality wise, Amberhaze may very well be Ternstar's polar opposite. He is timid, gentle, shy, considerate, and friendly towards others. Although he has trouble reading the expressions of others at times and unintentionally misreading a room, he is not one to openly spread judgement or malice towards anyone for any reason unless they provide a reason to do otherwise. He is highly opinionated, however he will typically keep them to himself and share them with those who he deems to be the most trustworthy or those he has a more tight knit personal bond with. Generally, he gets along just fine with his clanmates and treats outsiders similarly, but this does not mean he is not cautious when times call for it. He does not run his mouth nor directly participates in idle gossip and knows when secrets should remain hidden for the good of his clan or himself, meaning that he is quite reliable with sensitive information. Amberhaze is a hard worker, oftentimes being one of the first to volunteer for anything that needs to be done at any point in time, and is always eager to assist others with whatever it is they may need. Very openly skittish and easy to scare, it can be difficult for those around him to break past that initial barrier, however if they do, they will find a very committed cat beneath the surface who only ever wants to be in the good graces of others. He is a bit of a pushover, but not to the extent that he would allow himself to be completely walked over- he hates to feel as though he is not in control of himself, at the very least- and he can recognize when its time for him to put his foot down and stand firmly beside himself and what he wants or doesn't want.
Extra/Trivia info:
— Unfortunately, Amberhaze's paranoid and delusional nature would remain present despite his potential promotion. He has always been a firm believer of the "Shadowclan curse" and is very susceptible to things pertaining to conspiracies or omens whether or not they have appropriate means of proof to back it up. Paired with Ternstar's own deluded beliefs of things that make little to no sense, things might get a little crazy!
— Amberhaze would be in support of the new death penalty implementation should the crime be serious enough to warrant it. He does not enjoy killing himself, however in his eyes the eradication of any kind of danger by means of violence ensures that they will be forever safe from that particular threat. Safety is something he seeks out obsessively and endlessly, and the extermination of something that could harm him or his clanmates would do well to ease his mind.
— He is quite the Ternstar supporter, believing her to be a promising leader given her headstrong and dedicated nature, however there are certain things that she has implemented which he does not particularly agree with. Namely, the opening of borders to those who are considered to be "in need." Although Amberhaze holds little to no resentment to outsiders or those looking to join Shadowclan's ranks, his immediate thought towards anything new or unfamiliar is that it could be dangerous. Not everything is as it seems, and to him, just because one seems vulnerable does not necessarily mean they are...looks are deceiving, after all. He would not directly argue with Ternstar about this decision, however it would be apparent in the way he obsessively patrols the borders upon it first being implemented that it has him rattled. With time, this fear about this particular matter will ease, however it will always be present in the back of his mind and he would always navigate situations involving newcomers with immense caution.
— Generally, Amberhaze would be of the belief that Ternstar knows more than him when it comes to what would and wouldn't be best for the clan and himself. This is due to his low self confidence and self esteem, and although he would do well to take charge on his own in Ternstar's absence and maintain the duties required of him, when she is around to handle things herself he will more often than not be floating somewhere at her side and allowing her to be the forefront of the clan's decision making. If she encourages him to be more outspoken about his opinions and should she ask for his input on general and important matters, he would provide his own input, but not before. This could be something he works past however, given Ternstar asks or encourages him to speak his mind when he sees fit if it means the potential betterment of the clan...or if she simply wants to hear from him.
— Not the most eloquently spoken in the clan by any means, Amberhaze can sometimes be a bit of a chore to speak with. He is prone to fumbling over his words, oftentimes speaking with a stutter, breaking apart his sentences, or trailing off entirely. This will be present even during more heated or important situations, as it is something he could never truly break the habit of. He is very physically expressive, oftentimes wearing his perpetual stress upon his face in the form of a grimace, and his anxieties plainly set in the way he seems to be constantly twitching. This may cause him to be a bit of a distraction at times, and could even be seen as a liability or sign of weakness when faced with the scrutiny of other clans. Of course, his own clan and Ternstar are aware of his capabilities, however if you're looking to intimidate it may be best to leave him to watch over camp!
— Amberhaze thrives on positive reinforcement and will oftentimes push himself towards doing something difficult by his standards so long as he is receiving the appropriate amount of encouragement for it. If he is told one has confidence in him, chances are it would be enough to get him to suck up his fear and take the plunge into new territories. Typically, once he braves something that he is unfamiliar with, he will have a much easier time doing it again in the future until that too becomes something that he is fully capable of carrying out. It is, of course, not a requirement and he is entirely capable of hyping himself up when need be, but the effects are much more immediate should they come from outward sources. (This is because he doesn't always trust his own judgement.)
Are you interested in the possibility of holding the position long-term?: Yes
Other: If I happen to be picked for the position I must ask for your patience as I learn! I have never been an HP before so this would all be completely new to me but I would be so happy to learn and to share the experience with everyone else on the team. <3 There's also a chance I may come back to edit this should I think of anything new to add, I've just been working on it for a day or so by now so I'm a bit tapped out.