Soot

The Cat Who Walks Through Walls

Where the Black Lotus moves in silence, Soot vanishes altogether. To a tavern patron or rooftop sentry, he appears to be nothing more than a sleek black street cat with luminous amber eyes. But in the warded vaults and high spires of West Point, Soot is Vanessa’s most dependable scout, distraction artist, and confidant.

Rescued from the Iron Cage

Discovered in the underground laboratory of an arcanist studying the anatomy of shadow-creatures, Soot was freed when Vanessa breached the facility. Rather than bolting into the alleyways, the scarred feline pressed against her boots, weaving an unbreakable telepathic bond between master thief and shadow familiar.

Invisibility, Whispers, and Claws

Infused with elemental shadow essence, Soot can turn completely invisible at will, slipping through keyholes, murder holes, and ventilation grates past enchanted sentinels. Across city blocks, he projects dry telepathic whispers directly into Vanessa's thoughts, reporting guard patrols, hidden tripwires, and escape routes. And when cornered by lethal foes, this unassuming domestic cat can instantly warp his mass, expanding into a snarling, panther-sized shadow predator with obsidian claws.

The Sardonic Mind-Link

Despite his terrifying combat potential, Soot maintains the aloof haughtiness of a true feline. His telepathic banter is laced with deadpan critiques of Vanessa's companions, complaints about the lack of fresh fish, and dry commentary while enemy blades are inches from their throats.

Quote

“You call that an infiltration plan? My litter box has better strategic depth. But fine, I’ll take the high beam.”