The Katari: Swift Nomads of the Great Drought
The Katari, feline humanoids inspired by the sleekness of cheetahs and the majesty of lions, are a heritage of unmatched agility and resilience. With fur patterned like the savannah’s golden grasses and eyes that gleam with sharp intelligence, they are the embodiment of grace and predatory prowess. Once nomads of the expansive grasslands that preceded The Great Drought, the Cataclysm forced the Katari to adapt swiftly to an arid and unforgiving world.
Before the Cataclysm: Stewards of the Golden Plains
Before the Cataclysm, the Katari thrived as nomadic hunters across the vast grasslands that stretched over what is now The Great Drought. Their prides roamed freely, living in harmony with the land and its abundance. Encounters with other heritages were rare, as the Katari preferred the independence their wide-ranging territory provided. Occasionally, they would trade with human travelers, sharing their unique crafts and pelts in exchange for goods.
The grasslands allowed the Katari to flourish, and their culture reflected the bounty of their homeland. Music, art, and storytelling were deeply tied to the rhythms of nature, and ceremonial hunts served as both a spiritual practice and a test of skill.
After the Cataclysm: Survivors of the Shifting Sands
The Cataclysm transformed the Katari’s fertile grasslands into the harsh, arid expanse known as The Great Drought. This upheaval forced the Katari to adapt rapidly, their once-ample territory shrinking as the environment grew harsher. Their ability to endure and thrive in extreme conditions became the hallmark of their survival.
The rise of the Principality of Balth to the south presented an opportunity. The Katari formed an enduring alliance with Balth’s royal family, drawn by their mutual respect for resilience and ingenuity. The current Princess of Balth, Aisha Sahar, is particularly close to the Katari, often relying on their unmatched scouting and survival skills to navigate the desert’s perils. Many Katari see Balthasar's descendants as kindred spirits, sharing the harsh lessons of desert survival.
