Ren

> *An enigmatic nekomancer cat with mysterious motives, he is one of Maika’s companions on her journey, and perhaps an agent of the Dusk Court––or some greater power.*
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## Ren

### Affiliation

Blood Court (formerly)Dusk Court (formerly)

## Appearance

### First Appearance

Volume 1, Chapter 1

Ren Mormorian is a nekomancer cat and main character of *Monstress*. A companion of Maika Halfwolf and Kippa, Ren's true allegiance is known only to himself. Like most cats, Ren follows the word of the poets.

## Personality

Ren Mormorian is a dubious, two faced cat. He's a follower of Ubasti and often quotes the poets. While he puts his self-preservation before anyone else's, that begins to change with his adventures with Maika and Kippa. As he begins to care more about his companions, the years of double-crossing and working in the shadows is starting to weigh on Ren's conscience.

## Background

Ren has introduced himself as "Commander Ren Mormorian, Apprentice Nekomancer to Two-faced Zorian of Whiteclaw."

Ren was a part of a group of cats that watched the Shaman-Empress's bloodline. There was a prophecy that Moriko Halfwolf would change the world and it caused a stir when Moriko became pregnant with Shaman-Empress's descendent, converging the two interests. Ren was assigned to the Blood Court to watch and care for Maika, with the Lord Doctor aware of the cats' interest in his bloodline.

After Moriko spirited Maika away from the Blood Court, Ren was tortured under suspicion that he aided in Moriko's escape––when proven innocent, the Lord Doctor was far from done with the cat. The Doctor expected loyalties from Ren and Ren delivered. He was sent to serve in the Dusk Court and participated in the Great War. He was present in the aftermath of the Kettara Massacre, on an unknown mission. After many years, he was ordered by his elders to continue his duties in watching the Shaman-Empress's bloodline: Maika Halfwolf has resurfaced.

Ren reunited with Maika before her fateful journey to Zamora. The Halfwolf didn't remember the cat and he kept their connection to himself, playing the part of the cryptic, enigmatic cat.

## Biography

### Volume One

He was sent by the Baroness of the Dusk Court to help Maika cross the Wall near Zamora, though like all cats, he operated as a freelancer. After turning Maiko over to Corvin D'oro, it becomes clear that Maika's best interests are not necessarily his primary concern.

### Volume Four

Ren is saved from Pontus by Vihn, who wants to learn what he learned from the Blood Fox. Ren is initially unable to answer her questions, as he is suffering from some sort of memory curse, but Vihn frees him of it. Ren then reveals he can tell Vihn is a true Ancient.

Ren eventually reveals his full tale to Vihn (off panel), and, later, Maika: although he grew to care for Maika, Moriko suspected the real reason the cats had sent him to watch over her. Thus, she left him behind when she fled. The Doctor tortured Ren into swearing loyalty to him, as did the Dusk Court. Having fulfilled his oaths to both, Ren has now also betrayed both. He remains a free cat, now loyal to Maika, albeit now hunted like her as well.

### Volume Five

Off-panel and prior to the events of the book, Ren appears to sever his own tail out of guilt for his betrayal of Maika and Kippa. He thereafter leaves the group.