The Em-Purr-Ess

Also known as: The Queen of Claws, Lady Nine-Lives, Her Hissness

The Em-Purr-Ess is a feared and charismatic tabaxi hedge-witch who rules the criminal underworld of Emburn through her syndicate of were-creatures known as The Paws. She presents herself as a regal and untouchable monarch of the streets—feline grace matched with brutal cunning, all cloaked in the scent of jasmine and blood.

Her true name is unknown. Some say she once ruled one of the Noble Houses before being cast out for crimes unrecorded. Others whisper she was born in the gutters, raised by rats and revolution. All agree on one thing: she runs Emburn’s criminal ports like a shadowy queen, and none steal from her twice.
The Em-Purr-Ess is theatrical, ruthless, and unflinchingly stylish. Every appearance is choreographed. Every purr, growl, or extended claw serves a message. She believes in honor, her own kind of honor, and has no tolerance for betrayal. When wronged, she responds with calculated wrath: stolen goods vanish, boats sink, and entire crews disappear beneath the moonlit tide. She speaks of her underworld like a kingdom and rules it with an iron claw

She often makes use of experimental House Wheelnameitlater weapons, such as a firework launcher or House Grudge rune weapons, though how she acquires these is a mystery.

The Nyakuza-
Her lieutenants are an elite crew of were-rats, were-cats, and shifters who enforce her will from the secret ports dotting the hidden coast of Emburn and beyond. They move goods in and out of the province unseen by nobles, lawmen, or rival cartels. Their symbol, a scarlet claw, is often placed in hidden places such as sewers, basements or hidden caverns to mark her territory.

Each member is sworn to silence, speed, and loyalty. Those who falter are dealt with swiftly. Usually clawed, flayed, or tied to the prow of a cursed boat until the tides reclaim them.

Rivalry with Scalord K. Rool-
The Em-Purr-Ess’s most hated enemy is Scalord K. Rool, a rival crime lord of scaled blood who leads the Kremlins. He attempted to steal from her once—a miscalculation he paid for in gold, blood, and dignity. Since then, the streets of Emburn have run cold during their turf wars, with whispers of bloody ambushes, cursed coin-purses, and literal backstabbing.

Rumored Powers and Origins
Some say the Em-Purr-Ess is older than she appears, perhaps centuries old. A deal with darker forces may have granted her nine lives. Others claim she gained her powers by stealing relics from the vaults of forgotten gods. Some even claim that she is a rakshasa in elegant disguise

Regardless of truth, her enemies have yet to find a way to keep her down. “Test her nine lives,” the saying goes, “and she’ll take all of yours.”