The Ginger Cat

Cats of all shapes and sizes are found across Otherverse. Wheresoever humans have ventured, then cats will invariably be found. Adored by some, hated by others, cats are everywhere.

The Travellers, those who can access the High Path between worlds and pass through it, share stories amongst their kind whenever they meet. And more often than not they will speak of encountering a seemingly ordinary ginger cat either lounging around the pathways between worlds or passing by. It is a friendly appearing creature, like all its kind, yet dangerously unpredictable. It may allow a stranger to pat or stroke its head or chin. It may roll over to expose it luxuriously soft belly, though its a fifty-fifty chance of a violent reaction to those seeking to stroke its underside. The cat may accompany the Traveller or it may simply carry on along its own path, tale held high and walking with utter confidence. Sometimes when Travellers gather they find a familiar looking ginger cat close by, cleaning itself and watching with an intensity that some find off-putting. It is considered good luck to offer food to the ginger cat in such events.

Then there are those who find themselves in the High Path without meaning to. Whilst rare it is not that rare and these unfortunates may be lost forever in that strange reality whilst others will escape only to find themselves in a hostile and alien place. But there are a few such unfortunates who claim to have been led to safety by a ginger cat, that this strange feline guided them unerringly to safety, loudly calling out to them and purring with considerable satisfaction once they were out of the High Path and back home, or least close enough.

Quite how this cat, and there is some debate over whether or not it is just one cat or many, can travel the High Paths with such ease. It is no ordinary cat that much is undeniable. It does not talk, it walks like a cat, purrs like a cat, is dangerously unpredictable like a cat and if ignored will make as much noise and cause as many problems as it can like a cat. Yet those cold hearted and cruel enough who try to hurt it simply cannot. It dodges kicks and thrown objects with a preternatural speed. Those who manhandle it will be hurt by its claws and teeth whether they be of mortal flesh or not.

So then, what is it? Is it a God? One of the Elder gods perhaps? It is an Ascendant, one of those powerful beings who were once mortal yet become something more? Perhaps it is a being of great power wearing the guise of a simple ginger cat? Or perhaps it is merely that. A simply ginger cat.

Those who know of the legend and have encountered it cannot agree to a suitable name for this strange ginger cat. So they simply call it the Ginger Cat. Or simply The Cat. The Travellers consider it a good omen to see The Cat and so will give it the attention it wants, offer it up a treat and tell the cat loudly how wonderful it is. They agree its foolish. A silly superstition. But they do it anyway.

Just. In. Case.