Catfolk
Also known as tabaxi or moonborn, catfolk are the feline humanoids scattered throughout Sol. They are widely known for being skilled traders but often carry a reputation of mistrust. The naturally stealthy abilities of the catfolk lend them a bad reputation among city dwellers for being thieves and smugglers. As a culture, catfolk are highly familial and close-knit, often staying with their family for most, if not all, of their lives in large clan units. Different members of this race may resemble certain felines more, whether tigers, panthers, lions, or others. Even their size is very diverse; some are tall and robust or lanky while others remain diminutive their entire life. The origin of these feline humanoids is unclear and debated. Some sages suggest descent from fiendish rakshasas, much like genasi and their elemental genie progenitors, while others suggest a magical evolution of felines and humanoids, namely elves.
Naming Traditions
Unisex names
Catfolk may adopt given and family naming conventions from their host culture. However, many moonborn choose to use personal unisex names based on circumstances of one's birth, astrology, clan tradition, or some other quirk. The name they use in everyday affairs is usually just one word from their tribal name, such as the name Passion from the full tribal name Flame of Passion.
Free Stone, Flow of the River, Mellow Lace, Single Thing, Bold Rock, Two Shadow, Sparkle of Light, Ice on the Lake, Aurora of Winter, Sand of the Beach, Paw of a Bear, Breath of Fresh Air, Guide of Life, Tricking Treat, Rays of the Sun, Ruby Sparkle, Six Quill, Fresh Owl, Free Thing, Nimble Wonder, Mist in the Morning, Blazing Fire, Berry Bush, Serene Spell, Ice in Summer, Second Chance, Wild Star, Sea of Opportunity, Afternoon Nap, Veil of Shadows, Autumn Harvest
Family names
Catfolk may adopt given and family naming conventions from their host culture. However, many moonborn choose to use traditional catfolk clan names for their family or kin group, usually based on the location of the clan. The following are example names and not necessarily existing clans.
The Barren Mountain Clan, the Infinite Reservoir Clan, the Changing Coasts Clan, the Bleak Bluffs Clan, the Whispering Mountains Clan, the Tired Cliffs Clan, the Bright Creek Clan, the Barren Mesa Clan, the Dry Deserts Clan, the Whispering Isles Clan
Culture
Foods & Cuisine
Tabaxi food usually involves a blend of spices, resulting in highly flavorful yet quite exotic food when compared to the average human's palette. They are sometimes credited with originating the use of tea leaves.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Catfolk like to express themselves through beauty and fashion. They like to decorate themselves with piercings, trinkets, and curious clothing from many cultures. For them, beauty is measured through one's affinity for one's own style. While they are a trendy culture, they value adding one's own flair to outfits and beauty styles.
Gender Ideals
It is common for catfolk to leave much of the decision-making, especially around finances and clan decisions, to women. Female tabaxi lead clans, have the final decision in clan courtship, and control the wealth of a family. Often, relationships among the catfolk are guided by female elders. Women are expected to be intelligent, cunning, careful, and reliable. On the other hand, men are expected to be brave, daring, and useful, often picking up trades like swordsmanship, merchant work, and artisanry.
Courtship Ideals
As stated, tabaxi relationships are often guided by the thoughtful hand of an elder woman, usually the grandmother of a tabaxi or clan mother of a family. Catfolk prefer to take their time getting to know one another, ideally getting the chance to experience something exciting together through an adventure or a journey.
Relationship Ideals
While not expressly polygamous usually, tabaxi relationships often include extramarital affairs, regardless of gender. Otherwise, relationships are strongly built on trust, companionship, and family. Offspring are expected and fiercely protected.