Overview
The Non-Earth, colloquially known by many other names, is a world parallel to Not-Earth. It is a land that can only be entered and escaped by accident, often through strange portals that open up in the geometry of either world. To the unassuming not-cat, these portals are an intriguing curiosity, one oft ventured into. However, one cannot leave through the same rift they entered. Rifts like these do not appear often. While some fortunate not-cats may spend only a few minutes within the Non-Earth, countless more spend the rest of their lives travelling its foggy woods. And for many, far-less-fortunate not-cats, those lives end swiftly after arrival; for the Non-Earth is not kind to not-cats. Where Earth was uncaring, and Not-Earth hospitable, the Non-Earth is considered actively hostile towards its feline residents. From the things that prowl the surface to the ravenous gloam, this text serves as the wary observer's guide to understanding and surviving Non-Earth and its countless challenges.

Table Of Contents
Vol 1 - Anomalies
Vol 2 - Things in the Fog
Vol 3 - Lands Distant

Badges & Graphics

Non-Earth is host to many strange things, some of which mirror qualities of Not-Earth we have come to know and trust. It is imperative for new survivors to know the differences between between what they knew then, and what is now. For the sake of combining these stray features into convenient exposition, many not-cats have begun calling these "anomalies."

Substance & Nature
Non-Earth is host to countless unique materials, the vast majority of which are not outlined in this text. These are the most crucial few, those of which all Non-Earth residents will be familiar. Most Non-Earth villages contain an array of unique creatures and materials that are native only to their local geography.

Non-Fog
Non-fog, also known as mist or haze, is the preferred medium of many Non-Earth's threats. Non-cats are particularly notorious for this association. Furthermore, the density of non-fog makes it impossible to see more than a few paws in front of one's own face. Hidden dangers such as steep cliffs and traps become much more devastating without a flame to use as a guide. Such flames are the only known method of combating the non-fog. As the haze persists every hour of every day, letting up only slightly during rainfall, and seeps into places regular fog would normally never reach (such as deep caves and sealed dwellings), most long-term settlements are positively surrounded by controlled fires. Keeping these fires lit, and the non-fog at bay, is a full-time job for not-cats of Non-Earth.

Non-Trees
Usually just called "trees," the woods of Non-Earth appear dead by all practical definitions. The trees, barren of leaves and warped into blackened, gnarled spears, cannot be used for construction. They cannot even be used to burn. The wood and bark of Non-Earth's trees is papery and frail, splintering at the slightest disturbance and dissolving in high heat. It also molds really, really fast, and the burnt emissions of this mold can be dangerous to not-cats.

Godfur Oak
It is known that healthier, sturdier trees exist out there... somewhere, as allied non-cats will sometimes retrieve twigs, planks, and logs of these mystery trees for their not-cat families. These trees are sometimes accompanied by fallen leaves, rich and velvety in texture and gilded in color. Dubbed "Godfur Oak," these mystery trees are subject to many Non-Earth legends. They make comparatively-splendid building materials and burn with a sweet, honeyed aroma. Burning them outside of emergency or celebration is, however, considered a waste. Homes built with Godfur Oaks are treasured for the feelings of immense safety and comfort they provide their residents, as well as their resistance to non-fog, weathering, and (ironically) fire.
They are a symbol of hope to not-cats, together with the belief that paradise exists within Non-Earth. They just have yet to find it. Fragments of the gilded leaves are often carried by not-cats leaving their respective colonies in the hopes that they will help the not-cat return to Not-Earth.

Wax Elysium
Wax Elysium, also known as Elysium Wax, Non-Earth White Wax, or cool sparkly bee snot, is a product of Elysium Flies cultivated by not-cats of Non-Earth. A common alternative to gas lamps, torches, and tallow, this wax is used as a rich, long-lasting fuel for the candles not-cat civilizations rely on. Wax Elysium is milky-white in color with small, golden flecks remnant from the trees it was made from. It also tends to produce a smell as it burns, although no one can really decide on what it actually smells like. Strangely, Elysium Wax produces little to no smoke.

Wax Tartarus
Wax Tartarus, also known as Tartarus Wax, Non-Earth Tar Tallow, or "Guardians-ABOVE-that-reeks-I-don't-care-what-you-call-it-just-take-it-away," is a product of Elysium Flies cultivated by not-cats of Non-Earth. Wax Tartarus beholds much of the same properties as Wax Elysium, it burns similarly and suffices as an efficient and cost-effective burning material. Where it differs is the color, the effect, and the smell. Wax Tartarus is created when the product of Elysium Flies is fouled (accidentally or purposefully) by adding the bark of regular Non-Earth trees to their feeding grounds. Their wax becomes viscous and black like ink, and its properties change. Producing too much Tartarus Wax can negatively impact a colony of Elysium Flies, as it is mildly poisonous both to them and not-cats. Wax Tartarus has the strange ability to attract non-cats when burned, usually sporting a dim red flame and doing no harm to the foggy-furred beasts while still deterring the non-fog. While this has its uses, lighting Wax Tartarus also means putting up with the rank stench it produces. Described as anywhere between rotting flesh, wet fur, mire muck, and moldy fabrics, the scent of Wax Tartarus is decidedly unpleasant.

Weather
The weather patterns of Non-Earth are predictable and languid. Almost every day is just as foggy and still as the last. The sky is cloaked in non-fog, unreachable by the efforts of most candles, making it difficult to tell the time of day or direction one is facing. Wind is also rare, reserved for the high altitudes Attendants often travel. A little breeze has become a sign of good luck and positive change on Non-Earth. The land rarely sees rain as well, although the local climates maintain their native humidity and moisture despite this.
When it does rain, it is considered a miracle. The non-fog lightens, the gloam retreats, and the sky becomes visible once more. In a welcome subversion of the trope, rainy days are widely celebrated by the not-cats of Non-Earth.
The sky above the non-fog remains a cloudy white at all times, lit distantly by hints of sunlight. The night sky, on the other hand, is host to mesmerizing display of foreign stars and winding auroras. Meteors are frequent throughout Non-Earth's atmosphere.

Gloam
Gloam, also known as the Insatiable Dark, is considered a relative of non-fog. Pools of shadows grow, move, and vanish across Non-Earth, especially among ruins. These pools are often compared to tar pits, enveloping all unlucky to come into contact with its sinking, sticky mass. The primary difference between the two is that tar does not chase its prey.

Aspects
Non-Earth is host to very few aspects. Although Not-Earth's aspects can still be channeled through Non-Earth (albeit very weakly), its natives almost exclusively express Non-Earth aspects. Rarely, not-cats born on Non-Earth can express these aspects as well.


Violence
This aspect allows the host to express their passion, feelings, and energy into an all-consuming action. Usually acts of violence, as the name entails. Creatures using this aspect's magic are easily unified with those of the same aspect and work well in tandem with each other. Violent aspect spells and enchantments are most frequently seen on the battlefield or as fuel on long journeys and arduous tasks. The single-minded, all-consuming focus Violence can provide is actually one of the most versatile tools a mage can have on Non-Earth though. It is especially useful in producing lots of equipment and materials very, very fast. But overuse of this aspect will quickly drain the user, requiring long, thorough breaks for the safety of the host.


Desire
This aspect allows the host to impart the needs, wants, and goals of themselves and others onto the world around them. It is a very delicate power, one that requires great understanding and skill to wield in its fullest potential. Cats bearing this aspect make great leaders, both big and small, and can use the aspect of Desire to influence their allies towards one unifying ambition- or tear their enemies apart at the very seams. Although Desire-influenced spells cannot mind-control a cat, per se, they make certain feelings and objects in the world around them more apparent. Whether these thoughts be pleasant or unpleasant, important or negligible, lies in the fickle paws of the user.


Psyche
This aspect allows the host to project the thoughts and imagination of themselves and others onto the world as illusions. While it's easy to see the practicality of this ability as an offensive tactic, whether to hunt prey or thwart enemies, it is difficult to understate the utility of these illusions in the aide of everyday life. Projected thoughts and images may serve as safe spaces for the user or villagemates, or visual representation of ideas and feelings that others may struggle to express through physical mediums or words alone. It is also useful for communicating in absolute privacy, leaving no paper trail or dialogue to overhear. Unfortunately it is quite difficult for Psyche users to combine their powers, and most find themselves working in isolation, or in the company of an Agency-aspect user.


Agency
This aspect allows the host to control the movement of inanimate (or unconscious) structures. Cats imbued with the aspect of Agency may find themselves adapting to interacting with their world through a medium- usually plants -in order to achieve things normal cats cannot. Agency spells are not terribly diverse, but what they lack in diversity they make up for tenfold in potency. Many Agency-aspect users have a preferred "puppet," a type of object they are familiar with and can manipulate with expertise. For some this may mean vines and grasses, constructed marionettes, or even the vacant shells of once-living organisms. The strength of the chosen appendage(s) is balanced between the structural durability and holding power of the appendage itself plus the magical potential of the user. Many hosts of the Agency aspect, ironically, become far more frail in time, as the use of their aspect leads to atrophy in their own bodies due to years of disuse.


Ichor
This aspect is still something of a mystery. At times it can seem to work like a miracle, healing the sick and injured with the simplest of spells. And at other times, it works like an infernal agent of death, sowing weakness and pain into the hearts of the vulnerable. Even the user has little say over what outcome prevails. Some not-cats believe ichor is merely the judgement of Non-Earth acting through its hosts. Others believe that there is still a mystery to be cracked, laws to be understood, if only they are able to observe it further. Unfortunately ichor is wildly rare, even more so in not-cats than in non-cats. And due to its occasional attraction of Stewards, using it puts everyone around the cat at risk. Not-cats bearing the aspect of ichor must learn from an early age to control their magics, and control it well.
Lest an accident occur.

Non-Cats

The non-cats, also known as non-felines, are usually the first of Non-Earth's fauna encountered by new arrivals. And in that same vein, they are usually the last. Non-cats are almost always hostile on sight, and they will go to great lengths to hunt not-cats down. Non-cats do not appear to eat, drink, or sleep. Despite this, they tend to target food (with a notable preference towards meat) for their vanishing. Vanishing is theorized to be a stand-in for eating, or perhaps transportation, for non-cats. Anything they can get their fur over- usually vital supplies and smaller creatures -tends to disappear. It is unknown whether non-felines intend for this to happen, or if it's simply a quality of their fur. Non-felines do possess the ability to "spit out" things they have previously vanished, which may be done in friendly or offensive measure. In addition to vanishing objects, non-cats are also capable of vanishing themselves by blending their bodies into non-fog. Non-cats spend most of their time in this foggy state. And due to how difficult it is to see them in the fog, it is when they are at their most dangerous. Non-cats may enter non-fog in order to pursue targets free of obstacles at high speeds, or to confuse foes and seek better vantage points. They have also been reported doing it "just because." Non-cats are also usually found in large congregations of other non-felines. Swarms numbering in the hundreds are not unheard of. These swarms are extremely volatile and extremely dangerous. And while congregations do occur naturally in the wild, they do not typically reach vast numbers without a motive. This usually means not-cats that are attempting to shelter in place to outlast a non-feline attack. Civilizations, both small and fortified, may be brought low by such sieges. Thus, it is advised to lead regular counterattacks against gathering non-cats, lest their masses grow too great to bear.

Non-cats are identifiable primarily by their eyes and fur. Their eyes, of which they possess three, pierce through the fog with an eerie glow. Their first eye, reminiscent of a Guardian's, hovers just beyond the face and is only open when they feel safe and secure. Their secondary eyes are only open once their first eye has shut. They shut their first eye to inspect things closely and cautiously, or perhaps to connect with other non-cats. This is usually seen when they intend to attack. Non-cats produce no noise as warning. In fact, non-cats do not produce noise at all. Not even when they brush up against foliage. The only exceptions to this are the shrill, ear-splitting shrieks and hardly-audible whispers that can be heard coming from within large swarms. It is yet uncertain whether the non-cats are actually the ones making this noise, or if it is actually the work of Psyche-aspect non-cats casting hallucinations.

Non-cats can, contrary to popular belief, be injured. Although scaring them away with flames and long pointy objects tends to solve most problems involving them, some would prefer to ensure they never return (as fruitless as that effort is). They are particularly weak to fire, as their fears confirm. Though non-cats do not burn like a not-cat would, instead melting away in extreme heat. They may also bleed, just the same as not-cats do. Their blood runs swift and thin, comparable in viscosity and color to ink. The heads of non-cats are particularly susceptible to injury, and wounds there may result in the dissipation of the non-feline altogether. The bodies, however, can sustain injuries far greater than a not-cat's could, and they can rapidly heal any physical damage away. Burn injuries on the other hand will result in permanent loss of mass. Non-cats who sustain such injuries can be easily identified through the fog, as their wispy fur turns smoky and grey when it scars.


The individual capabilities and appearances of non-cats depend largely on their Non-Earth Aspect, of which there are currently five known. Violence, Desire, Psyche, Agency, and Ichor.


Violence
Violence is the most common aspect for non-cats to exhibit. These non-cats are built stout and fluffy with piercing red eyes and claws. Their claws and fangs are long, and deceptively sturdy, built for raking through enemy hides and fortifications alike. They are renowned for their incredible strength and speed as well as their unmatched ferocity. Their aspect allows them to channel the ravenous fury of other Violence-aspect non-cats in order to form a larger, singular non-cat with their own bodies, all acting as one.


Desire
Desire is less common than Violence in non-cats, but a notable amount possess this aspect still. These non-cats bear the most striking resemblance to Not-Earth's not-cats, differing only in the extreme length of their tails as well as their glowing purple eyes and claws. Their aspect allows them to channel the wants and ambitions of both their foes and allies, enticing their prey into traps using their own curiosity against them and leading gatherings of non-cats with promises of prosperity. Ironically they are highly competitive and territorial with other Desire-aspect non-cats. They will contest frequently for control over non-cat gatherings and attack each other without hesitation. It is extremely uncommon to see two or more working in tandem.


Psyche
Psyche is a rare aspect among non-cats, and extremely notable in their appearance. While they may look like a normal, if not particularly long-furred, non-cat, a psyche-aspect non-cat will frequently choose to mimic the colors and shapes of other creatures around it. The only giveaway is their luminous blue eyes and claws. This is due to the power of their aspect, which allows them to cast illusions on their surroundings. Psyche-aspect non-cats are quite frail comparative to most non-cats, but their ability to cause auditory, visual, and sensory hallucinations within their foes makes them an extreme threat. More so when taken into account their limited ability to read into the memories of fellow cats. Psyche-aspect non-cats weaponize these memories to great affect, although they may struggle to keep up their illusions if they are influencing more than one creature. It is for this reason that psyche-aspect non-cats will either work alone or in small, tight-knit gatherings (particularly alongside Agency-aspect non-cats) that work to separate not-cats from their groups before staging attacks.


Agency
Agency is another rare aspect among non-cats, and non-cats of this aspect can be identified by their brilliant green eyes and claws. They also stand out for their stature; bearing shorter, stubbier legs and claws than their brethren. Agency-aspect non-cats are also renowned for their capabilities in battle, both for their methods of attack and for their destructive potential. Agency-aspect cats have the ability to possess inanimate objects and unconscious creatures. Although these abilities are limited on their own, in the presence of other Agency-aspect non-cats their powers are amplified and enabled towards greater heights. For this reason it is uncommon to see one alone, although they would much rather stay put in self-constructed shelters than walk beside roving swarms. They work particularly well alongside Psyche-aspect non-cats, and can be found frequently toppling structures into ruins for their own uses outside of battle. Within battle Agency-aspect non-cats prefer to stay behind, animating local flora and fallen fauna to fight for them. This takes a great deal of focus, leaving them susceptible to retaliation if left undefended.


Ichor
Ichor is an extreme rarity among non-cats. The non-cats of this aspect can easily be identified by the eerie luster of golden eyes and long, gilded claws as well as their far-too-long legs. Ichor-aspect non-cats are not well understood by not-cats. They are bold and frail, quick to fall in a fight, and yet their aspect comes with it a secret weapon. Their claws are stained by a strange, golden substance known only by the name of its aspect: Ichor. This substance, should it find its way into the bloodstream of a not-cat, will slowly weaken its victim over the course of the following days whilst giving their fur a brilliant, glittering shine. This shine has the peculiar quality of attracting a Steward to the cat, eventually resulting in its capture. Additionally, non-cats will refuse to attack the glittering victims of Ichor-aspect non-cats. The process of shining can take anywhere from three days to a couple months, but the end result is always the same. Should a not-cat be afflicted with ichor, it is imperative for the safety of the greater colony that the not-cat be left somewhere far, far away from their home location so that their fellow survivors are not discovered by the approaching Steward.


Alongside Not-Cats
While non-cats may at first seem like mindless monsters, they do in fact possess quite a bit of individuality. Some are even non-hostile, although no one's quite certain why. While it is unusual to see a non-cat choose to join not-cats, it is relatively common for most long-standing not-cat groups to include at least one or two non-cats in their ranks. Non-cats are on par with not-cats in terms of intelligence, but this intelligence is not extended towards crafting or teaching. Rather, non-cats are masters of strategy and memory, coupled with astute observation. Non-cats are capable of learning complex tasks and methods without being directly informed simply by watching other cats go about their day. Despite this, it takes them much longer to learn how to use their paws to create things. Non-cats are not well-adjusted for building or art, but they make great assistants and even better guardians, explorers, and hunters/gatherers. Although their complete silence and borderline-telepathic communication with other non-cats may make some not-cats try to devise written language with non-cats to communicate, they are perfectly capable of understanding not-cat speech, including inflection and implication. Non-cats tend to disappear from their village for long periods of time unannounced, from hours to weeks at a time, and return with valuables and crucial resources for the village. Getting the non-cat to lead its fellow not-cats to wherever it acquired these resources is an exercise in futility, much as getting a non-cat to explain or elaborate on anything is. Thankfully, they are usually fully willing and capable of carrying out tasks ordered to them. On top of this, they can provide the full power and utilities of their Non-Earth aspects to their ally not-cats.

The Attendants
The Attendants are another, more mysterious native of Non-Earth. They appear to be ordinary wild animals at first (usually corvids), but they are heralded each by one floating, watching eye, like that of a Guardian's. Their bodies are dark and shadow-like, drenched in gloam. The Attendants gather in large groups among Non-Earth's ruins, and tend to patrol the land alone or in small groups. Little is known about their behaviors or role among the other residents of Non-Earth, as they avoid direct interaction with not-cats and place themselves out of harm's way. But given their watchful eyes and presence around the greater Stewards it is likely that they have a connection to the ever-cryptic Wardens. Non-cats seem to fear them, and will flee if any Attendants draw near.


Stewards
Stewards are nigh-identical to their numerous cousins, save for their immense size, greater number of floating eyes, and rarity. They are also far less understood. What is clear is that Stewards are bad news. Should a not-cat be discovered by a Steward, it is capable of paralyzing the not-cat with the wicked glare of its eyes. Stewards carry these paralyzed not-cats away into the fog, never to be seen again. Should there be too many not-cats for the Steward to carry alone, other Stewards and Attendants will be called to the scene after it. They are attracted to ruins, shimmering not-cats, and the corpses of other Attendants and Stewards. For this reason it is advised to run from them rather than try to fight them off.

Wardens
Wardens, the not-cat-given name for the Guardians of non-earth, are an enigmatic force from beyond the non-fog. Their appearances, motives, and goals are unknown. What is known is that they pose significant threat to non-cats. Murals can be found across non-earth ruins depicting them in terrible detail above droves of cowering cats or among fearsome swarms of Attendants, leaving destruction and desolate lands in their wake. Many not-cats theorize that those taken by Attendants are brought to the Attendants' reigning Warden, although no one's certain why the Wardens would want not-cats in the first place.

Poachor

Depictions of this bird can be found frequently scattered across structures dotting the center of the Non-Earth continent. Current artistic interpretations and Attendant observation lean towards the conclusion that Poacher is a corvid of some sort, specifically a raven, crow, or possibly magpie. Strange 'shrines' exist hidden away at high elevations bearing the iconography of Poachor alongside countless glittering treasures. Attendants and defecting not-cats alike have been seen leaving these treasures, and stealing them is ill-advised. All trinkets left at these shrines seem to take on a quality of shining, so removing one is a sure way to attract Stewards.

The Attendants of Poachor are quite diverse, including a wide array of corvids. Although it is difficult to gauge the exact species of each Attendant due to their skittish nature and shadow-drenched plumage, the following have been identified for certain within their flocks: Crows, jays, rooks, magpies, and choughs. Ravens are, strangely, absent among Attendants of Poachor. They are rarely spotted as Stewards, however. It is unknown what significance this has.

Barrowor
Depictions of Barrowor can be found in many lower-elevation, grassland areas. Granted, these depictions tend to be very stylized, depicting only eyes in dark caves or clawed paws reaching up from crumbling ground. However, the increased presence of lagomorphs surrounding these sites and the themes of burrowing seem to suggest that Barrowor is a rabbit, or possibly a hare.

The Attendants of Barrowor appear to be the shadowy lagomorphs of Non-Earth. Rabbits and hares are frequent among the central plains areas, although pika Attendants can rarely be spotted in higher elevations, between the valleys Barrowor rules.

Viteator
Viteator, unlike the other two currently-known Wardens, has no discovered depictions. At least, none that are identifiable. Viteator is known entirely through scraps of text, citing a Warden in the south who never stops moving, never ceases hunting. There is debate over what Attendants are recognized under Viteator, as there are several shadowy animals scarcely-sighted that belong to no known Warden. Although many popular theories exist regarding this dilemma, few are backed by grounded evidence.

Non-Earth looks deceptively similar to Not-Earth. In fact, many not-cats believe that Non-Earth is Not-Earth, just experienced on a different plane of reality. The differences between the two, however, appear to refute this idea.

No-Cat's-Land
A subversion of Nestor's Wood, No-Cat's-Land is where most not-cats enter Non-Earth. This is likely due to the population of Gardenhome City. Unfortunately, the natives of Non-Earth are all too aware of this. The rolling hills and wooded canopies that once sheltered not-cats are now filled to the brim with patrolling corvid Attendants and non-cats, each on the lookout for unsuspecting newcomers to pluck from the haze. Advice for surviving No-Cat's-Land can be briefly summed up to: "Pick a direction and run as far and as fast as your paws can take you. But always aim away from the Beacon."

The Beacon
A subversion of Bramblebark Island, the center of this terrible lake remains the most dangerous point in all of what was once Nestor's Wood. Instead of an island, however, there stands a veritable spire that dominates the skies of Non-Earth. This tower, known as the Beacon, is supposedly dark in color and sports wicked, gnarled branches from its core. The top of the spire has never been witnessed by a cat who returned to tell the tale, as its top is shrouded in dense non-fog. From the fog one can see light radiating from a point high, high above, illuminating the Beacon's silhouette for all of No-Cat's-Land to see. Poachor's Attendants and Stewards flock to the Beacon in great numbers like a swarm of bees would smother a hive. Some suspect that the Beacon is Poachor's roost. Some also believe that this is the origin place of the corvid Attendants. Many others also suspect that this may be the source of the non-fog.
Whatever the case, everyone's agreed that this place is bad news.

The Eclipsed Vale
Home of the Covenant of the Candlelight Crown, the Eclipsed Vale lies within the caldera of a long-dormant volcano. The Vale is accessible only through the complex tunnel systems that lie throughout the caldera's range and supports a rich, forested ecosystem within its walls. Up above the caldera is surrounded by a ring of fire, kept dutifully lit by the Covenant's lamplighters. While the fog still reaches the inner caldera through its mysterious means, the caldera's magnificent crown keeps the things within the fog at bay, ensuring safety within the walls. A vast town is built surrounding the Vale's waterfall-fed lake that houses the majority of the Covenant's occupants. Security within the Vale is tight, and it serves as a pivotal stop for travelling cats and lost newcomers alike.