The Black Cat - One-Time Box Purchase

In October 2024, subscribers met the Black Cat.

Pont Lacuna, also known as the City of Canals, is rumored to be unmappable. Its waterways are a tangle of turns and blind alleys. Mapmakers climb to the top of the city’s towers to sketch its islands and landmarks. They pool their efforts, each working quickly on a section of a larger map in order to assemble a full picture of the landscape. 
 
But by the next day, the currents change direction. A building or two slips beneath the surface. New bridges are fashioned from stacked tables, doors, boughs, or ropes. Even the locals get turned around in the twisting, mutable streets, especially when the mist creeps in. 
 
The Black Cat knows the city’s secrets:  gardens, humming with Bees and Dragonflies; walltops warmed by autumn sunbeams; the route to reach the Island of Spirits.  He pads confidently along his path, pausing to greet certain shopkeepers as he makes his rounds.

The Black Cat Box includes an abundance of beautiful objects; hints and additions to expand the story; a mysterious document; and a lore card.  

Some items are available for individual purchase.

• Mysterious Document
• An instructional document is augmented with marginalia which will help you interpret clues.  It is available only in the Black Cat Box.

• Lore Card
• The Black Cat are introduced in a full-color collectible 4x6 inch lore card.  The artwork for this month's lore card was created by Joanna Rzepecka, a Warsaw, Poland-based illustrator. She says, "My work is inspired by biodiversity, mainly animals. Through my work, I'm trying to capture moments where nature is untouched by humans. Peaceful scenery, colors, and rough textures are some things that I enjoy the most."

• Map of Pont Lacuna
• In the City of Canals, visiting one’s neighbor across the watery street may require a roundabout path down a set of stairs, through a different neighbor’s ground-floor hallway, over a bridge, and along a bright green ribbon strung up to lead you to the correct door. Because the city’s streets are so confusing, maps of Pont Lacuna are in great demand. However, they are immediately outdated.

• Dozing Cat - Tealight Holder
• In Birdmoss, it is believed that Black Cats perceive things that others cannot. It makes sense that one would see through the city’s tricky changes. You spot a glossy Black Cat napping on a chair in an outdoor café. By the time you reach the café’s blue-and-white tiled terrace, he is gone.

• Stone of Sight - Tumbled Tiger’s Eye
• Glancing around, you see a black tail disappear into a shadowy alley.  Peering into it, you see the glint of his yellow eyes.  However, when you approach, you find – not the Black Cat – but a glimmering yellow stone.  In Birdmoss, tiger’s eye is used to increase powers of sight and seeing.

• Tasty Fish - Dark Chocolate Treat
• Rounding a corner, you look again for the Cat.  He is visiting a fishmonger across the square. He stands on his hind legs to examine the fish on offer, points to one, and trots off with his chosen fish. You make your way to the fishmonger and ask about the Cat.  “Yes, he comes every day to get his treat. But you’re lucky; today I have something for you, too.”

• Payment for the Gondolier - Joss Paper Boat
• Twilight falls, and the air grows colder. You wander the city’s bridges and squares, then pause to gaze at a row of gondolas bobbing in the seawater surrounding the city. The Black Cat hops in one and is ferried away. You approach another, but the Gondolier stops you: “I need payment first.” You offer her your golden stone. “My bones are the only stones I need.” You offer her your shiny fish. “Fish and food are no good to me.” You turn away, wondering how you will follow the Cat. A woman peddling candies, flowers, and gilt paper catches your arm. “O, dearie! You need to reach a loved one, don’t ye? Try this.” She gives you a bit of golden paper folded into a boat-like shape. The Gondolier accepts your offer. 
• Joss paper is burned as an ancestral offering in several Asian cultures. If you choose to burn it, make sure to do so in a well-ventilated area on a fire-safe surface. 

• Black Cat Talisman
• You arrive at the Island of Spirits in darkness and fog. The Gondolier steadies the boat so you can climb out, but you can’t see any part of your surroundings. You stand still, afraid that if you move, you will tumble into the frigid water. Then you feel something rub up against your leg. It is the Black Cat. He gives you a talisman which has been quickened in the sunlight to shore up your own perceptive powers.

• Bright Lantern - Orange Seed Pod
  • When you fasten the talisman around your neck, you immediately see a line of bobbing orange lights on the horizon. They are lanterns made of papery seed pods.  They are so light that even the Spirits can carry them as they approach a seawater-fed pool.  Add yours to your altar, an offering for the Spirits, or your Halloween decorations.

• Flowers for the Spirits - Paper Marigolds
  
  • Send a message to an ancestor by marking the center of your marigold with a word or sigil. Fold all the petals inward to cover your mark, so the flower resembles a closed bud. Float it upon water, and the petals will unfurl, sending forth your message.
  • Marigolds traditionally are included in Día de los Muertos observances. Many believe that their color and scent attract spirits to the offerings prepared for them.

Photo props are not included.