Pictured: Jenovefa, a Paolig of Naoned

Classification: Sidhe

Physical Attributes:

Paolig possess 2 forms. The first is that of a bipedal humanoid with feline features, standing atop digitigrade paws. Paolig typically possess long tails to assist with balance and are convered entirely with fur.
Additionally, Paolig can take a form similar to that of a domestic housecat, retaining the colouration and fur patterns of their other form. Paoligs in this form are typically indistinguishable from their mundane counterparts, save for the intelligence in their eyes and the ability to speak.

Habitat and Geographical Distribution:

Paolig are found across Alvez in both Faerie and Bedouar, thriving in all manner of terrains and biomes. Paolig typically associated themselves with other species, particularly the Bediz, Tuatha de Danaan and Fomorii, establishing themselves at the outskirts of population centers or seeking the patronage of individuals with their contracts (See Customs). Unattached Paolig tend to live in small communities, either as individuals or more rarely, small families, operating within other people's cultures rather than their own clans or troupes. As a result of these associations, Paolig are typically found in more developed regions, or living a nomadic lifestyle along the Imperial roads or trade routes. Isolated rural populations are rare, and even these are typically associated with smaller settlements rather than existing on their own.

Paolig Culture:

Paolig are solitary sidhe, rarely forming communities of their own, instead living as nomadic wanderers or attaching themselves to the patronage of another creature. As such, Paolig lack the intricate social structures of other faerie peoples, generally regarding each other without any special hierarchy or privilege, placing the wishes of their patrons over those of other Paolig. The exception to this is the Clowder, an informal gathering space for Paolig travelers, typically found in large metropolitain areas. The first recorded clowder, Le Chat Noir, an underground complex of flophouses, gambling dens and watering holes was created in the Montsang District of Per-Ys, catering to wayward Paolig who arrived at the Gallian capital as a stopover to other regions. Similar organizations quickly popped up in Naoned, Roazhon, Rouan and Port de Lune, operating as gathering spots, entertainment venues and shelters for the Paolig. Frequently linked, not always fairly, to criminal activity, these tend to operate in the slums and other overlooked places in urban areas.

Paolig have a reputation for cleverness, even among the fae, excelling at unorthodox problem solving and quick thinking. They tend to be easily bored and distractible, however, and generally do not do well in more focused academic pursuits, although some individuals break this trend, apprenticing to arkanists, scholars and alchemists to great effect.

A common role of the Paolig in popular culture, one they have frequently supported the spread of, is assisting their patron in the goal of capturing the attention of a romantic partner. This in turn, has pressed the Paolig to adopt clever, often dramatic and complex methods of courtship themselves. Grand, often public displays of affection are common among the Paolig, as are jealous rivalries over the affections of a potential partner. Paolig typically court other Paolig, but it is not unheard of for a Paolig to fall in love with other peoples as well. Their intense loyalty to their patron may prove a double-edged sword if they develop affection to or jealousy of their patron or the object of their patron's advances. The Paolig do not take rejection well, often lashing out with passive or active aggression.

Paolig Customs:

Ar c'hazh arc'hant (Money Cat)
Paoligs have become associated with a particular type of ere-hud, often called a crossroads deal or kalvar contract, these names referring to their common place of formation, which take place at crossroads at the edge of settlements under the shadow of the Kalvar. A contract is formed when a single drop of blood, taken from the forefinger is dropped into a crystal vial. Once formed, a contract grants the service of a Paolig for the duration of the contract. If well cared for, a Paolig will return each morning with a pouch, carried around their neck, containing nine gold coins in the local currency. The Paolig carries out tasks for its contractee, ranging from simple errands to more complex tasks like intelligence gathering or diplomacy. In exchange for these services, a Paolig demands a task to be fulfilled in exchange. These can be quite esoteric or even seemingly impossible, such as weaving a tapestry of gold and silver from the sand of a particular beach by moonlight. Those who fail to fulfill their contract are punished, typically with escalating bad luck. In some cases, a breacher will be transformed into a feline form and made to serve as an indentured apprentice to the Paolig, becoming a paolig themselves upon the payment of their debt. "Ownership" of the Paolig can be transferred 8 times, but the ninth must bear the consequences of their contract without exception.

Cat Out of the Bag
If one brings a dead hen in a linen sack to a 5 road crossroad at midnight, one may be able to capture a paolig. The bag must be secured by string and carried to one's homestead, never deviating from the most direct route or looking behind, no matter what sounds occurred. Auditory hallucinations, created by the Paolig and their allies, aim to distract a kidnapper. Once inside the protection of a home, the Paolig can be transferred to an Oaken chest and locked inside. In exchange for freedom, the Paolig will offer to fill the chest with gold or fulfill a single task for their captor.

Enneaphile
Paolig have a fascination bordering on obsession with the number nine. Most Paolig contracts will revolve around the number in some way, which extends to many smaller aspects of their behavior.

History:

Paolig claim that they originated it the Fortunate Isles, on the twin islands of Pif and Paf, a location that has never been verified by any reputable Bediz or Fae source outside of the Paolig themselves, leading many to believe this origin is a fiction. Many scholars instead posit that the Paolig may have originated in the Northern Highlands of Albia or on Shadowsisle. Following the purges of Boermerzh in Albia under Macsen Wledig, the Paolig fled to the Armorican Peninsula taking refuge in the plains of Poher, in what would eventually become the Meneziou Are mountain range making alliances with rogue arkanists and outlaws as Conan Meriadoc, High King of Letha, brought Macsen's campaign to the region. Unlike the Korrigan, the Paolig did not join with King Gradlon in the War of the Two Brothers, remaining a neutral force throughout the Empire of Ys, mistrustful of Meriadoc's sons. Thus driven to the outskirts of society, the Paolig gained a reputation for antisocial behaviour, equated with demons and witches, a reputation furthered by the mercenary aspects of their dealings. Frequently blamed for misfortune, the Paolig adopted a largely nomadic tradition, spreading outside of the Meneziou along the Imperial Roads and shipping routes, using their shapeshifting and glamour to further their wanderings disguised as ship's cats or bediz sailors. It was during this geographical spread that tales began to spread of loyal cats bringing fortune to their patrons through cleverness and mischief. Paolig were soon found throughout both Kornôgel and Alkebulan.

Marie's Personal Notes:

I don't know many Paolig personally. Contracting with a Paolig is officially frowned upon in Gallia, a position championed by the Southern Church. However, it was an open secret that some nobles and merchants had Paolig agents working in the shadows of the noble courts, having them take the form of cats, or disguise themselves with glamour. Paolig were considered thieves, spies or witches, untrustworthiness being their primary trait. They were the stuff of rumors and shadows. A string of luck, good or bad, was typically blamed on these suspected agents, whether or not there was any proof of their involvement. I only met one Paolig in Époisses, to my knowledge. His master, a minor noble from the Crownlands, had called at the farm while heading to the City. He traveled with a Paolig, a dashing rogue in fine boots and Cavalier hat with the feather of a great Ellén Trechend in it. I learned his companion had been a peasant, the son of a miller, but had accomplished great deeds to obtain his current position. The Paolig's stories kept us on the edge of our seats while the adults dined and met in the other rooms. While I have my suspicions that it was the teller, not the subject, who had accomplished some of the adventures he regaled us with. I stayed awake listening the entire night, even as my brothers and sisters fell asleep. I have yet to meet a better storyteller.

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