Catfolk

A catfolk of the O tribe.

### Skin Colors

Average human skin tones, as well as much lighter and much darker tones, even dark black

### Eye Colors

Average human range of eye colors

**Catfolk** are a race of humanoids native to Malkenia. Appearing like a cross between a feline and a humanoid, they sport sleek and muscular bodies with lithe feline features. Their societies are often organized into nomadic tribes, but many catfolk choose to integrate themselves into other, less nomadic societies. Many catfolk are overcome with a sense of wanderlust and adventure and enjoy exploration.

## Description

Catfolk appear similar to humans, however have much more lithe and acrobatic features. On top of this, they possess two notable feline features - their ears, which sit atop their heads and are long and pointed, and their hair-covered tails. Catfolk typically appear young for their age compared to humans, as well, despite aging at the same rate.

Compared to other races, catfolk are extremely agile. Their feline nature comes through most notably when they are exploring or traversing new, difficult terrain, as they hop around and perform feats of acrobatics easily compared to other races. Their reflexes, dexterity and quick thinking make them astounding rogues and dancersand catfolk are well-known by other races for being natural explorers.

On top of their agility, catfolk have particularly sensitive noses and can detect smells and scents that other species might miss.

## Society

### Nomadic Tribes

Catfolk socities originally evolved as nomadic tribes in southwestern Malkenia. These tribes were constantly travelling and would usually be hunter-gatherers, but as trade in the region increased, some tribes would begin to visit cities or even settle down in one place. These tribes required a great amount of cooperation to survive, and the catfolk understood this. Catfolk culture evolved to become unselfish and communal at its core, focusing on the survival of the group and supporting one another. This extends to much of interactions catfolk have outside of their tribes, as well.

Each catfolk tribe has a certain letter or pair of letters associated with them. These letters are placed before an individual's name, and act to distinguish what tribe a catfolk is. For example, the name *"G'emi*" would mean that catfolk hails from the G Tribe. Some catfolk families who integrate into other societies may continue this naming scheme, or choose to forgo it and adopt names of the local culture.

### Adaptiveness

Culturally, catfolk are suprisingly adaptive to the ideas and practices of other cultures. This adaptiveness has allowed catfolk to adjust themselves to almost any other nation, society, city or village. As such, catfolk are found almost all across Rosenwelt and are welcome members of many cities and nations.

### Curiosity

Much like the age-old adage, catfolk are extremely curious creatures. They have an almost natural wanderlust and interest in things that they do not understand, and as such make amazing learners. Many catfolk become adventurers to cope with this wanderlust and curiosity, and to learn more about the world they live in. Catfolk often serve in other exploratory roles, such as sailors, pirates, airship sailors, and merchants.

### Diaspora

Due to their inherent wanderlust, the catfolk have established numerous cultures and societies across the world. Most notably, catfolk have spread across much of Malkenia, Eukitia, and even parts of the Bardish and New World. From this, the catfolk have intermixed with countless cultures, forming their own distinct cultures wherever they settle. Whether it be their native prides of Malkenia, the temple-wardens of the city-state of Bast, or the criminal synidcate of Abaldegia, catfolk can be found just about anywhere in the central continents of the globe.

## Combat

In combat, catfolk are extremely lithe and often dodge opponent attacks before counterattacking. Many catfolk prefer claws, daggers, shortswords, and other close-combat weapons. However, there are extremely skilled catfolk archers as well.