Cat

As an urban species, cats are relatively prominent in Palimpsest. While some are kept as pets, there are also plenty feral cats in all above-sand levels of the city. Their sapient beastfolk counterpart, Catfolk, are one of the more privileged species of Beastfolk, and they are sometimes employed as servants or performers by the wealthier establishments in the city. However, for this reason, they are also frequently fetishised.
Some of the nobility are fond of cats: Viziera Andromeda Stargazer has a pet cat named Forecastle, and Subvizier Agamemnon Ironside sometimes retreats to a secluded Overgrown Garden on the Ironside Estate, which is home to several stray cats.

In Mythology

Cats are the sacred animal of the illicit Catfolk deity, Tybalt, the Prince of Orphans. Within Palimpsest, cats are thought to be self-sufficient, independent, agile and adaptable, which are all traits that are encouraged in the yarns told by the Prince's Wards in the orphanages and alleyways of the Undercity.

Material Origin

Urban (Palimpsest)

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Feline

Associated Deity

Tybalt, the Prince of Orphans

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Interview Excerpts: Are you a cat person or a dog person?

RESPONSES

Masons

"I tend to find both rather ungainly and ill-disciplined for my personal affairs."
-- Subvizier Aloysius Mason.

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Dargent-Laureats

"I… might like either, were they only less financially wasteful."
-- Vizier Victor Dargent-Laureat.
"Aw, I like both, but… cats, I think."
-- Viziera Satine Dargent-Laureat.

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Ironsides

"Pitted one of my hounds against a Dire Cat on the Plane of Fire once just to answer that very question! The dog won!"
-- Vizier Balthazar Ironside.
"Ironsides are dog people. I just happen to also know a lot of cats."
-- Subvizier Agamemnon Ironside.
"They’re both on paths that aren’t mine. I respect them both, intellectually and spiritually. My father has viscerally put me off dogs."
-- Katib Menelaus Ironside.
"Dad breeds dogs as a hobby. He’s got his own breed, the Ironside Molossus. My favourite is a big redhead named Atalanta who can kick trees in half."
-- Katiba Britomart Stargazer-Ironside.

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Stargazers

"I’ve grown sweet on my wife’s cat. Few encounters with Gnolls in my youth put me off dogs, mostly."
-- Vizier Leopold Stargazer.
"I have a cat. Her name is Forecastle."
-- Viziera Andromeda Stargazer.
"I feel like there’s a kinship between me and my mother’s cat, but I’ve learned more recently to appreciate the spectacle of a good hunting dog in action."
-- Subvizier Pollux Stargazer.
"Dad breeds dogs as a hobby. He’s got his own breed, the Ironside Molossus. My favourite is a big redhead named Atalanta who can kick trees in half."
-- Subviziera Britomart Stargazer-Ironside.
"I’ve always had an odd fondness for canines, though my lifestyle seems more suited to a cat."
-- Katib Castor Stargazer.
"I was always happy around my family’s dogs as a kid, but the trend in dogs these days has gotten weird."
-- Katiba Cassiopeia Stargazer-Greenskin.

"Both delicious."
-- Bartleby.

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Dargents

"No."
-- Vizier Richard Dargent.
"Are you a dog, Voltaire? Seems an impolite phrasing."
-- Viziera Guinevera Dargent.
"I… might like either, were they only less financially wasteful."
-- Subvizier Victor Dargent-Laureat.
"Aw, I like both, but… cats, I think."
-- Subviziera Satine Dargent-Laureat.
"Hmm, closer to a dog person than a cat person, anyway."
-- Katib Hugo Dargent.
"Kitties are cute! I like to talk to the servant kitties around the court when they’re not busy."
-- Katiba Scarlett Dargent.

"I used to be a snake person, but now I’m just a snake."
-- Lindie Asklepa.
"Why, w-what have have you heard? I mean, I don't w- Look can we… like, not talk about dogs or whatever? Please?"
-- Connie Furr.
"I can’t speak to cats, but most of the dogs are imbeciles."
-- Voltaire.

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Carterholds

"Dogs are sacred to the Poor Man. My house is always full of dogs. I like dogs."
-- Katiba Rouge Carterhold.

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Bakerstreets

"Some of the best detectives I know are dogs. I employ many. But a cat… a cat knows the city like no-one else. A cat has the brain of a thief but the heart of a beggar. I understand dogs, but I know cats."
-- Vizier Cobbler Bakerstreet.
"...[silence]..."
-- Subviziera Diana Bakerstreet-Underhand.
"Hey man don’t make me choose I’m not made of stone."
-- Katib Cody Bakerstreet.
"Dogs can sniff out almost anything, but cats… cats see everything and don’t let you know it. I’m a cat person."
-- Katiba Wiggin Bakerstreet.

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Underhands

"...[silence]..."
-- Katiba Diana Bakerstreet-Underhand.

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Baharats

"It would seem a betrayal to both noble creatures to choose a side. Even so, I must confess a greater personal affinity for the poise of a feline than the honesty of a dog."
-- Ex-Subvizier James Baharat.

"I love all animals, but I think cats are a bit too smart for me."
-- Beautiful Baharat Guard.
"No, I’m a bunny person. I get on better with most animals than many, but I’m still not very hot on carnivores."
-- Martini.

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Brasseyes

"If I had to take one, cats are slightly more interesting."
-- Katiba Grimoire Brasseyes.

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Darktusks

"Dog, I guess."
-- Mirze Rifi Darktusk.

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Greenskins

"I appreciate both. My father had dogs. I have two, but also a cat."
-- Vizier Kronk Greenskin.
"I was always happy around my family’s dogs as a kid, but the trend in dogs these days has gotten weird."
-- Subvizier Cassiopeia Stargazer-Greenskin.

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Jackalslicers

"I have a dog, although it is more for propriety than any personal passion. Most canines dislike goblinoids, but the menageries have been able to breed some that seemingly do not dislike us more than they do anyone else."
-- Viziera Atkin Jackalslicer.
"Dogs… don’t like goblinoids."
-- Katib Fennec Jackalslicer.

"No person. Only dog."
-- Stubby.

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Shajaras

"Never been one for dependants, but the servants do keep some cats around, and I respect them."
-- Vizier Hali Shajara.
"I prefer all my animals a bit more exotic. But I’ve summoned a hound or two before."
-- Viziera Cassilda Shajara.

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Brambleites

"Nay, but a rabbit! A duel to he that calls me a dog - so grave a besmirchment of my honour!"
-- Bugsby Cottontail.
"Why, w-what have have you heard? I mean, I- Look can we… like, not talk about dogs or whatever? Please?"
-- Connie Furr.
"It would seem a betrayal to both noble creatures to choose a side. Even so, I must confess a greater personal affinity for the poise of a feline than the honesty of a dog."
-- James Baharat.
"No, I’m a bunny person. I get on better with most animals than many, but I’m still not very hot on carnivores."
-- Martini.
"I mean [gestures to self]… I’m dog enough to frighten Connie."
-- Vulpix.
"Not really, no. Although dogs are less appreciated than cats."
-- Warren Furr.
"Dogs are not welcome in the warren. For good reason."
-- Winnie Furr.

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Patchwork Empire

"There are dire cats and hyenas still alive in some parts of the Screaming Desert, or there were. I can appreciate the power and tenacity of both, but I prefer my own playthings a little more sapient."
-- Pairaka.

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Undergazette

"My lifestyle isn’t so conducive to pets. I mean, I like cats. Who doesn’t?"
-- Krona Tailfeather.
"I used to be a snake person, but now I’m just a snake."
-- Lindie Asklepa.
"Mm, pretty sure I know this one, but could be a trick question."
-- Tito.

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Yvette & her Handmaidens

"I have thought about getting a little kitty before, but of course you know some of my many friends might be allergic."
-- Yvette, the Courtesan.
"Best of both worlds, I think."
-- Yvette Vixois.
"There are dire cats and hyenas still alive in some parts of the Screaming Desert, or there were. I can appreciate the power and tenacity of both, but I prefer my own playthings a little more sapient."
-- Pairaka.