Roach is a supporting antagonist in A Vision of Shadows arc and super edition Hawkwing's Journey, and a minor antagonist in the super edition Onestar's Confession from Erin Hunter's Warriors book franchise.
He is one of Darktail's most trusted cats and a high-ranking member of the Kin who assisted in driving SkyClan away from their gorge and taking over ShadowClan and RiverClan's territories, before fleeing upon the rogues' defeat.
Biography[]
A Vision of Shadows[]
Roach first appears during Needlepaw, Sleekpaw and Violetkit's visit to the rogues' camp. He distrustfully notes that Needlepaw said that she wouldn't come, but Rain brushes past and rebukes him, saying that she obviously did come in the end. When Sleekpaw, Needlepaw and the rogues begin criticizing the Clan ways, Roach turns his attention towards Violetkit, asking her if she is the kit that was mentioned to them. Needlepaw confirms this and introduces her friend to the rogues, but upon recognising the Clan scent on her fur, Roach points out that despite Needlepaw's claims of the black and white kit not being part of the Clans, she does smell like a Clan cat. Upon being explained that Violetkit has been living in ShadowClan, Needlepaw introduces the silver tom to her two Clanmates. Roach then listens as Darktail justifies the rogues' earlier attack on WindClan patrol and when a surprised Violetkit questions the idea of the rogues' staying in the lake territories, the silver rogue asks her why shouldn't they.
Some time later, he, Rain and Raven save Violetkit from an owl, when the small she-kit arrives to tell them that Needlepaw won't be able to come on another meeting. He teases the gray tom that Needlepaw must have had better things to do and couldn't make it, but Violetkit immediately replies that her friend had to stay in the camp. In the morning, Roach and Rain are called by Darktail to assist him in escorting Violetkit to her home. Upon arriving near the camp, Darktail insists on continuing forward to the Clan camp, with the two toms following him and Violetkit. He and Rain are signaled by Darktail to wait behind, while he explains the Clan that they brought Violetkit back. Although upon noticing that that Clan cats begin to argue between each other about the rogues, Darktail tells his cats to leave, as they seem to be causing an argument. Before they leave, Rowanstar thanks them for bringing back Violetkit, although also states that the rogues can't stay on the territory, much to Rain and Roach's silent amusement. The three of them are then escorted by a ShadowClan patrol, but not before Rain exchanges a quick glance with Needlepaw.
Several moons later, after many ShadowClan cats, including Needletail and Violetpaw, have joined Darktail's group, Roach is present in the camp, lounging. Upon noticing the return of Sleekwhisker, Rain, Needletail and Violetpaw, he says that his group has been back from the hunting patrol for ages.
After the formation of the Kin, Roach brings a trio of kittypets; Max, Zelda and Loki, into the Kin's camp, claiming to having invited them in hopes of them joining the rogues. He is present during Darktail's preparation of taking over RiverClan's territory and during the battle, he and Nettle are seen fighting together against some RiverClan warriors. After the battle is won and RiverClan's territory taken over, Roach is noted by Zelda to having liked the fish that they managed to catch, claiming to having been seen fighting over one with Nettle. Later, he is present when Darktail calls his closest followers for a feast, seemingly unaware that Violetpaw has just stuffed their food with poppy seeds. As the night falls, Violetpaw approaches Darktail's den, intending to enact her plan but comes across Sleekwhisker, who is revealed to be awake. The yellow she-cat pushes Violetpaw inside the leader's den, where Roach and Raven are present as well. The two rogues shove her further towards Darktail, who proceeds to interrogate the young she-cat, before revealing that Sleekwhisker managed to warn the rogues about Violetpaw's scheme earlier. Afterwards, Roach and Raven follow Darktail, Sleekwhisker and Needletail towards the lake, dragging Violetpaw with them. Once there, they witness Darktail torturing Needletail, much to their delight. When Needletail seemingly agrees to kill Violetpaw herself, Roach laughs in surprise, before pushing the young she-cat forward. However, the rogues' sadistic enjoyment is cut short when Needletail spins around and attacks the two. As Raven chases after escaping Violetpaw, Roach helps Darktail and Sleekwhisker in fighting Needletail, eventually killing her.
Roach is then present during the battle for WindClan, looming over Violetpaw with intention of killing her, but is stopped by Darktail's sudden call and retreats minutes after. During the final clash in ShadowClan's camp, Roach is seen fighting alongside Raven and Sleekwhisker, before escaping after Darktail's call for retreat, never to be seen again.
Hawkwing's Journey[]
Although unnamed, Roach poses as a leader of the small rogue group consisting of him, Raven and three other cats, who trespass on SkyClan's territory. Upon coming across a patrol consisting of Hawkwing, Darktail, Waspwhisker, Bellapaw and Sparrowpelt and being asked to leave, the rogue leader refuses, which causes a fight to erupt. Hawkwing spots Darktail fighting against the silver rogue leader, who then calls for retreat, much to Hawkwing's surprise.
During the attack on SkyClan's gorge, Hawkwing recognises Roach as the silver-pelted rogue leader from earlier. After Darktail kills Bouncefire and reveals his true intentions and identity as the real leader of the rogues, Roach attacks Hawkwing, before pinning him down as Darktail and Rain attack and overpower Sharpclaw, SkyClan's deputy and Hawkwing's father.
Onestar's Confession[]
During Onestar and Darktail's confrontation, Roach is present along with the other key members of the Kin.
Appearance[]
Roach is a ragged, silver-gray tom with green eyes.
Personality[]
Roach is shown to be a sadistic and cruel cat, much like majority of Darktail's rogues. He is arrogant and loyal to his leader, shown when he supported Darktail's idea of staying in the lake territories, questioning Violetpaw what would be stopping them from doing so and feeling entitled to do as he pleases.
