Mooncat Network
The Mooncat Network, or MCN, is a Hilaelean organization devoted to keeping stray cats fed throughout the year. Cats are, mythologically speaking, magical creatures able to bring good or bad luck to those that take care or harm them. They’re closely associated with clerics and many temples have loosely adopted cats they worship; these temple cats will often be named and included during prayers as cats are most active during dawn and dusk.
Hilael’s deity, Deshret, is known as the moon and much like the lunar phases, doesn’t have a stable form. Because Deshret’s true form would be too much for the human mind to comprehend, there are many stories where Deshret comes to aid and answer one’s prayer in the form of a cat. Many people consider cats to be Deshret’s eyes on the ground; harming one is an offense punishable by death. Neglecting one is just as bad, and that’s where the Mooncat Network comes in.
After the Lunar Tower in Tahwil was named the new pilgrimage site, clerics in the area began to consolidate and spread the old customs to nearby Hilael kingdoms. Taking care of cats was one of those customs. There are now members of this group in each kingdom of Hilael, broken up by region and neighborhood. Usually a temple will oversee the logistics of food and feeding spots, but volunteers of all kinds are encouraged to help. Designated local scribes archive and keep track of known cats, their birthdays (day found), when and where they were last seen, along with any information on possibly injured cats.
They're blessings of moonlight and Deshret's power. Wealthy nobles will often take in these cats, dressing them up in jewels and feeding them chicken, lamb, and fish like bonafide royalty. It’s rare to see these cats as strays since they’re quick to be adopted as displays of faith. Solid Black Cats
They're stealthy and indistinguishable from night. They represent the day the lunar cycle resets and empty, starless skies. If a black cat chooses to follow you around, it's a sign that you are trustworthy and good things will come your way. On the other hand, a black cat that turns it's back on you or crosses your path may be a more ominous sign: black cats can signify a loss of faith, new beginnings, or impending judgment. Despite their double-sided connotations, younger devotees have taken a liking to them. It's not uncommon to see these strays. Calicos
They represent the time when the sun and moon were still on good terms. During rare times where one can see both the sun and moon in the sky, it’s said that the calicos must be at work. They’re a symbol of peace that is long gone– one that many Hilaeleans believe cannot be brought back amidst the growing war. Temples and clerics tend to officially adopt these cats as their own more than others. Solid Orange Cats
Seeing an orange cat by chance while it is dark out is bad luck. They signify remnants of daylight that lurk in the sun’s name. Of course, if one adopts an orange cat, it is no longer a chance occurrence. Some believe taking in a cat so bright is like bringing bad luck into the house anyways, so these cats have a tendency to be neglected by followers of Hilael. The Mooncat Network spends the most time taking care of orange strays because they're the least likely to be taken in, but any stray is their responsibility to care for. Adherents that help out the network must acknowledge both the origins of such myths and their ability to look past them.
Philosophy
The Mooncat Network makes a point of helping cats of all kinds. Since cats are closely tied to luck, mythology directly affects the ratio of cats that tend to get adopted and cats that tend to be strays. Notably: Black and White CatsThey're blessings of moonlight and Deshret's power. Wealthy nobles will often take in these cats, dressing them up in jewels and feeding them chicken, lamb, and fish like bonafide royalty. It’s rare to see these cats as strays since they’re quick to be adopted as displays of faith. Solid Black Cats
They're stealthy and indistinguishable from night. They represent the day the lunar cycle resets and empty, starless skies. If a black cat chooses to follow you around, it's a sign that you are trustworthy and good things will come your way. On the other hand, a black cat that turns it's back on you or crosses your path may be a more ominous sign: black cats can signify a loss of faith, new beginnings, or impending judgment. Despite their double-sided connotations, younger devotees have taken a liking to them. It's not uncommon to see these strays. Calicos
They represent the time when the sun and moon were still on good terms. During rare times where one can see both the sun and moon in the sky, it’s said that the calicos must be at work. They’re a symbol of peace that is long gone– one that many Hilaeleans believe cannot be brought back amidst the growing war. Temples and clerics tend to officially adopt these cats as their own more than others. Solid Orange Cats
Seeing an orange cat by chance while it is dark out is bad luck. They signify remnants of daylight that lurk in the sun’s name. Of course, if one adopts an orange cat, it is no longer a chance occurrence. Some believe taking in a cat so bright is like bringing bad luck into the house anyways, so these cats have a tendency to be neglected by followers of Hilael. The Mooncat Network spends the most time taking care of orange strays because they're the least likely to be taken in, but any stray is their responsibility to care for. Adherents that help out the network must acknowledge both the origins of such myths and their ability to look past them.
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