An Interview with Catherine Saiman - Matron of the Catwalkers
by Saeya Nyanda
While working on the Neko issue in February, I was told about a
stealthy and elite Neko gang in Midian City called the Catwalkers. I
really wanted to do a piece on Midian and it's neko culture in the mag
but due to time and space, it didn't happen so I decided to do an
exlusive blog piece on it. After doing some research I was put in touch
with the Matron of the Catwalkers, Catherine Saiman.
Catherine agreed to meet me and took me into the heart of Midian, to
the top secret Catwalkers Den where we sat down and she explained what
they are all about:
PWND: Thanks so much for meeting me, Midian City and the Neko culture here are both really something I wanted to personally see in the mag this month, but there just wasn't time available to make it happen...
PWND: So could you maybe explain to those reading what Midian is all about and how Neko culture fits in here?
Catherine Saiman: Midian, as it was explained to me many moons ago, is a post war refuge for those wanting to escape, be it from the law, the war, or whatever it is that drives the lost souls here.. at it's heart, Midian is the essensce of Predator and prey.. and it is that essance that the Neko can thrive in..
PWND: So who are the predators of the Neko here and who are they prey of the Neko here?
Catherine Saiman: Predators? Ahh.. there are very few.. as the Neko here outnumber most of the dwellers two to one.. though there are always squabbles here and there among the other factions.. as for prey? Mostly the dwellers of the city, those who raise curiosities, but especially those who trespass on catwalker turf.. or harm the kin-blood
PWND: oooh how exciting!
PWND: Can you explain to what it means to be a Catwalker and what the Catwalkers are all about?
Catherine Saiman: Well, In a broad sense, being a neko in Midian means you are part of a community.. but being a catwalker specifically means you are part of a family.. from the Kittens who're learning their way in the pride, to the Soldiers and Ghosts who keep us ever vigilant, we are one.. It is in that, that I feel we are much like people would view a Mafia family.. we guard our turf, we offer protection at a price, we rent access to our turf.. all while still maintaining the playful and curious nature we as Neko are inherantly born with *smiles*
PWND: That sounds awesome... I've definitely been drawn to the Catwalkers since I first heard of their existence... do you have protocols for joining or being accepted? Are people chosen and then tested? Is their some cool kitty system to creating a cohesive and skilled gang? *grin*
Catherine Saiman: Ahh.. now that is a tricky subject.. at the current there are 32 catwalkers within the pride, a large number certainly.. but at last count, there were 79 registered strays.. obviously we can't accomodate them all... so it becomes crucial to screen the kin-blood.. or strays. The biggest things I personally look for are interactions with the other Catwalkers and strays of the city, activity is a big thing as well.. those who take active roles in roleplay are usually the first to catch my eye.. I also respect the voice of the pride.. I generally ask those around their opinion onf prospective recruits.. if there is conflict.. the last thing I want is to spread it within the family. Once added, and currently I'm honestly being very careful about adding more, your trial as a kitten begins.. and you are judged then on your interactions, how well you follow rules, how often you are around the city..
PWND: Ah very interesting and it makes a lot of sense... is their any type of training program for kittens? Do they get taken under a current member's paw?
Catherine Saiman: Currently, no, most kittens come into the pride with the understanding they will have to stand on their own feet and learn.. but it is also to note.. the pride is always there for one another.. while you may not have a mentor over your shoulder.. there are always a family quick to catch you if you fall, or support you if you are weak.. not to mention.. I try to make myself available at all times to those who wish guidance at any time..
PWND: Very cat like, really! Would you say as Matron of the Catwalkers...you are the leader and, sort of, the final say in conflict resolution if needed?
Catherine Saiman: Yes.. I am the Mother of the pride.. I'll swat an ass when it gets out of line just as easily as I'll offer a hug when it is needed..
PWND: hahaha hot
PWND: how did you become the Matron?
Catherine Saiman: I was the second in command for quite some time prior, when the time came for leadership to change, I took the task..
PWND: Are the Catwalkers linked to any other Neko gangs on the grid? Does it crossover, at all, to other roleplaying sims or is it a Midian City thing only?
Catherine Saiman: It was proposed to make branch factions, but the faction itself was not my idea, only the the rules and direction we now follow are.
PWND: So as this is a mini interview and I can see you're a busy woman...
PWND: I guess I'd like to finish it off by asking what is the one attachment or object that you couldn't live without as a Neko? (besides your tail and ears)
Catherine Saiman: Simple.. my eyes.. when there was a database crash that broke them.. I actually cried.. I'd thought they were no longer sold.. though found that the vendor had put them back
PWND: Where are they from?
Catherine Saiman: 7 Deadly Sins, I get a lot of complements on them
PWND: Anything else you'd like the population at large to know about Neko/Midian or the Catwalkers?
Catherine Saiman: Yes.. We are the swishing tails you see dangling from the catwalks.. we are the glowing eyes that peer at you from the darkness.. we are the hisses that chill your spine.. or the purrs that warm your heart.. we are not your lap cats.. we are the Catwalkers.. and we do like to play with our prey..
Saeya Nyanda shivers
Catherine Saiman smiles
PWND: Awesome Catherine, thanks for letting me pull you way from your pride...it's been a pleasure :)
*Catwalker photo courtesy of brittainy Beeper
