Stiffener Medick
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In Brian Jacques' fantasy world of Redwall, Stiffener Medick was an old hare living in the legendary mountain stronghold of Salamandastron during the time of Lord Stonepaw. He was the top fighter of Stonepaw's Stalwarts, and was first to be aware of the invasion planned by Wildcat Warlord Ungatt Trunn.
In the battle between Stonepaw's forces and Trunn's forces, Stiffener served as a commander. However, Stiffener and his forces were driven back to the upper levels of Salamandastron, where Stonepaw decided to make towards the cellars and go into hiding with the eighteen hares that have not been killed or captured. The group was able to survive in an underground cavern for a time, but food became scarce. When the hiding spot of Stonepaw and his followers was discovered, Stonepaw commanded Stiffener to lead an escape of the hares through a hole in the ceiling, and made him promise to free what hares had been captured by Trunn if any still survived. Stiffener reluctantly obeyed, and was the last to climb from the cavern, leaving Stonepaw to die in battle with Trunn's rats.
Upon the escape from Salamandastron, Stiffener befriended the otter Brogalaw, and the two planned to free the captured hares from Salamandastron. In a daring move, Stiffener scaled the mountain and managed to save Torleep, Sailears, and the other captives. With their numbers ever swelling, Stiffener established the Bark Crew, a disguised group of otters and hares who intercepted Trunn's scouts and foragers. However, Trunn became wise to the group and Stiffener found himself and the Bark Crew caught in a pincer movement laid by Trunn's forces. When all hope seemed lost, Lord Brocktree arrived with an army he had helped raise, and Stiffener was reunited with his grandsons, Southpaw and Bobweave.
Brocktree's army went on to assault the mountain of Salamandastron, and Stiffener was part of the group that infiltrated Salamandastron through the catacombs beneath the mountain. The group managed to take Trunn by surprise, and drove what remained of Trunn's forces out of the mountain. Stiffener was present when Brocktree challenged Trunn, and when the Wildcat attempted to have Brocktree assassinated, battle broke out on the shore and Trunn's forces were driven into the water, where those who were not able to climb aboard boats were drowned at sea. Stiffener survived the battle to see Brocktree become Badger Lord of Salamandastron.