Ethereal Cat
Valance cringed as the dagger bit into his side, but he never cried out in pain. Spinning he saw a snarling foe, the wizard Stork.
Nysser the elf thief released something from a leather pouch at his side. A ball of fur raced across the cold stone floor and attacked Stork. The wizard himself grimaced and howled in rage as he seemed to become transparent. Chalk and Koram appeared from hiding.
“He’s on the Ethereal!” Nysser shouted to the latecomers.
Koram grinned as he drew his Crystal Sword and Chalk began muttering a spell. Stork’s blurry image seemed to waver momentarily and then the wizard began running through the Ethereal Plane.
Vistis the Blue Mage stepped from the shadows and aimed a twisted oaken staff at Chalk.
Ethereal Cat
No. Enc.: 1 (1d4)
Alignment: Neutral (Chaotic tendencies)
Movement: 120′ (40′)
Armor Class: 7
Hit Dice: 3
Attacks: 1
Damage: 1d4+2 (bite or scratch) and see below
Save: MU4
Morale: 10
Hoard Class: XIX
X.P.: 300
Ethereal Cats are creatures that look mostly like cats and inhabit the blurry area between the Prime Material and Ethereal Planes. Fairly intelligent, these creatures can communicate with a wide variety of creatures via Empathy (as per the spell, at will) and sometimes act as mercenaries or mischief makers. On a successful attack, in addition to damage, the bite or scratch of an Ethereal Cat may send any who fail a save versus spells at -2 to be shifted to the Ethereal Plane for 1d4+2 rounds. Those on the Ethereal Plane can see and be seen by those on the Material Plane, but may not harm anyone on the Material Plane unless possessing a weapon or spell that will allow an attack from the Ethereal. Likewise, anyone on the Prime Material may not attack a person bitten or scratched and sent to the Ethereal Plane unless they have a magical weapon or a spell that effects Ethereal creatures.
Ethereal Cats are very independent (like regular cats) and sometimes deviate from a plan with one individual to do something else on a whim, unless paid handsomely, usually in food. Any treasure possessed by an Ethereal Cat is kept in its lair on the Material Plane although these strange animals are at home in either place.
I have a hard time believing that even an empathetic cat could easily be encouraged to attack someone on command, but then I’ve known too many snobbish cats. On the other hand, a cat that’s protective of it’s chosen person, that I could see.
I would tend to agree with your first sentiment (especially having three cats) however some breeds, like the Siamese are very protective of their owners. Although, do cat really have owners?
Reminds me of the Doctor Who story Survival. The planar shift works for me.
Thank you for the comment, Porky! I haven’t seen that Doctor Who, but I am hoping to start catching more episodes soon.