Tabaxi

First Names: Chinese — Graceful, precise names, often reflecting their quick movements.
Examples: “Mei,” “Xiao,” “Shan.”

Surnames: Descriptive phrases or nicknames, evoking traits, actions, or reputation.
Examples: “Whispers-on-the-Wind,” “Dances-in-Moonlight,” “Claws-that-Catch.”

Tabaxi are lithe, feline humanoids known for their agility, curiosity, and wanderlust. Their sleek, fur-covered bodies resemble those of large cats, and they possess sharp claws, keen senses, and a natural grace. Tabaxi are often driven by curiosity, constantly seeking new experiences, artifacts, and stories. They are agile climbers and sprinters, making them formidable in both exploration and combat.

Adulthood at 18 years; lifespan 80-90 years, elderly around 70.

Catfolk, Wanderers, Jungle Stalkers

lands of Maztica

Tabaxi have sleek, lithe, and agile bodies, resembling large cats like panthers, leopards, or cheetahs. Their muscular yet lean frames are built for speed and agility, with digitigrade legs that enhance their swift movements.

Covered entirely in fur, their coats vary widely in patterns and colors. Common shades include black, tawny brown, spotted gold, snowy white, and deep gray, often with unique patterns such as spots, rosettes, or stripes akin to those of jungle cats.

Typically range from 5’7” to 6’2”, with a slight variance depending on their lineage.

Usually weigh between 120 to 180 pounds, with a lean build that emphasizes agility.

Sharp Claws: Retractable claws on their hands and feet, which aid in climbing and combat.
• Keen Eyes: Bright, reflective eyes with slitted pupils, giving them excellent night vision.
• Long Tails: Their tails are long and flexible, helping them maintain balance during quick movements and agile maneuvers.
• Expressive Ears: Their ears are large, mobile, and highly expressive, reflecting their alertness and moods.

Tabaxi can exhibit a wide range of physical traits based on their feline ancestry. Some may have tufted ears, longer whiskers, or different fur textures, ranging from smooth and glossy to coarse. Their fur patterns can be solid, spotted, striped, or a mix of these.

Tabaxi favor light, flexible clothing that doesn’t restrict their movement. They often wear loose fabrics, leather wraps, and accessories that suit their nomadic lifestyle. Many adorn themselves with beads, feathers, and charms, reflecting their travels and the cultures they encounter. In colder climates, they may add layers of fur-lined cloaks and sashes, while in warmer regions, they prefer minimal, breathable garments.

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+2 Dexterity
+1 Charisma
Proficiency in Perception
Proficiency in Stealth
Climbing Speed equal to walking speed
Darkvision up to 60 feet

• Curiosity: Tabaxi are often driven by an insatiable curiosity, which can lead them into trouble. They might feel compelled to investigate objects or situations that catch their attention, even if it poses a risk.
• Wanderlust: Their desire to explore and wander can make it difficult for them to stay in one place or commit to long-term tasks, sometimes creating issues in their relationships or duties.

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Tabaxi

Storytelling: Tabaxi are known for their rich tradition of storytelling. They gather in groups to share tales of their adventures, discoveries, and encounters. These stories often serve as a way to pass down knowledge and entertain, but they also instill a sense of wanderlust in younger Tabaxi.
• The Wanderer’s Rite: Young Tabaxi undergo a rite of passage where they leave their homeland to explore the world. This journey, known as “The Wanderer’s Rite,” symbolizes growth and discovery. It’s a time when they learn about different cultures, gather stories, and seek rare artifacts.

Curiosity as a Virtue: Tabaxi see curiosity and exploration as fundamental virtues. They believe that seeking knowledge, understanding the world, and experiencing new things are the keys to a fulfilling life. Many Tabaxi also revere deities associated with travel, exploration, and knowledge, such as Fharlanghn or Oghma.
• The Eternal Journey: Some Tabaxi believe in an afterlife where the spirit continues an endless journey, discovering new realms and wonders. This belief reinforces their love of exploration and travel during their lifetime.

Tabaxi do not typically have structured governments. Instead, they organize themselves in tribes or small clans led by elders or respected storytellers. Leadership is often earned by knowledge, wisdom, or the ability to guide others on their journeys.

• In Luminaris: Tabaxi are typically seen in lowly or subservient roles, such as laborers, servants, or other menial tasks. Many are forced into slavery, reflecting their marginalized status within the region. Despite their natural agility and skills, they are often constrained to these lower-tier jobs due to societal norms and prejudice.
• Outside Luminaris: In other regions, Tabaxi are more commonly explorers, scouts, and rangers, guiding others through uncharted territories, mapping out lands, or scouting ahead for expeditions. Some also become traders and artisans, collecting rare goods and trinkets from their travels. Others take on the roles of bards and storytellers, enchanting audiences with tales of adventure and charisma.

Tabaxi rely on a barter system and often trade in exotic goods, rare artifacts, and unique trinkets they collect during their travels. They value items with a story or history behind them, sometimes placing sentimental value over material worth. When among other cultures, they adapt easily to local economies, trading their knowledge, skills, or collected goods for what they need.

• The Great Migration: A long time ago, many Tabaxi tribes were forced to migrate due to conflicts, natural disasters, or a desire to seek new lands. This led to a dispersal of their people across different regions, including Luminaris, where they were not always welcomed.
• The Enslavement in Luminaris: In Luminaris, the Tabaxi found themselves marginalized and often enslaved. This shift occurred due to their perceived outsider status and the ruling powers’ desire to control their natural agility and adaptability for labor. Over time, this has shaped their roles in Luminaris society, keeping many Tabaxi in lowly or servile positions.

• Cultural Adaptation: Despite their struggles, Tabaxi are remarkably adaptable. They often learn the customs, languages, and behaviors of the regions they inhabit, allowing them to survive even in harsh or oppressive environments. This adaptability also means that Tabaxi can integrate into diverse societies outside Luminaris with relative ease.
• Curiosity Unquenched: Even under oppressive conditions, the innate curiosity of the Tabaxi persists. Many still find ways to learn, explore, and trade stories, even if only in secret.