On the western outskirts of the sandy city of Heshgarat stands the Necanium. Easily the size of the city, these ancient cairns with high round domes contain the remains of the honored dead. The entrance of each is carved with multiple felines and statues of them line the pathways between the burial mounds. Local legends recognize cats as the guardians of the dead, and they are considered sacred in the Necanium and within the city’s walls. While all cats are revered, the Heshgarat cats that call the area home are especially so on account of their uncanny abilities and potency against the undead.

Locals grow catwort plants on the wide ledges that are popular on the city’s buildings, and most have feline figures embossed on them somewhere. Dozens of cats can be found in the streets and dogs, mice, and rats are conspicuous by their absence. Pestering a cat within the city results in stern looks from the locals, while hurting one usually results in being whipped and chased beyond the walls.

Each year the city holds a week-long celebration during the spring equinox, just before the rainy season begins: the Feast of Cats. Locals stake out cat-shaped frameworks covered in choice strips of raw meat and bowls of specially spiced milk. Thousands of cats appear at this time and even Heshgarat cats, typically only seen in the Necanium, can be found walking the streets.

Interactions with cats during the feast are considered signs of the god’s favor. As a consequence, many locals spend long hours sitting with food or milk on their laps, hoping to entice a cat to visit them and earn their blessings.

Game Mechanics

A Heshgarat cat is similar in size to a large lynx, with large rounded ears and thick black fur lined with silver and white stripes. Found primarily lairing in and around the cairns of the Necanium to the west of their namesake city, they are considered guardians of the dead.