Tabaxi

Though one of the oldest races in Mithja, Tabaxi (/tʌ:bæk:si/, tuh-back-see) preferred to remain in a small, forested region on the northeast of the continent.

## History

Tabaxi legends tell of the first Tabaxi, The Cat God, settling down in a clearing in the forest. After a long and fruitful life, The Cat God lied down to rest peacefully, and out of the trees that grew above his remains sprung the first Tabaxi clans. Originally hostile and territorial toward each other, the Tabaxi clans spread throughout the forest and, realizing the limits of their space, fought each other for control. Now, only two of the original four clans remain, and they have settled most differences and live peacefully with one another.

### Exodus

Exiles from one of the original four clans, sensing their clan's imminent demise, chose to flee rather than fight to their death. A small group of Tabaxi traveled south through the forest, until they reached the sea. Begging to Dariya for aid, they traversed the ocean, only to end up on the northern coast of Skrimsli. The temperate forests of the southern continent were unforgiving, and only eight Tabaxi made it to a refuge near the southern center of the forest. Desperate, the group of exiles banded together and set up a permanent settlement, Sfr'aH. Constantly threatened by Orcs and Bugbears, the Tabaxi grew in physical strength and fortitude, becoming the Leonin.

### Conflict with Firbolg

The eastern forest in Mithja was originally much larger than it is now, and spanned from the northern coast to the southern. The Firbolg originally inhabited the southern half of the forest, with only the occasional border skirmish between the two species. However, as the forest receded, each species became more and more protective of their claims, and the forest receded from the south, the Firbolg became increasingly aggressive. The Tabaxi's willingness to work with one anohter led them to successfully claim the forest, while the Firbolg retreated south. The two races would still clash with one another until the founding of The Conglomerate, where the two agreed upon a cease-fire. The Tabaxi allow the Firbolgs to wander their forests peacefully, as long as the Firbolgs follow Tabaxi customs and regional laws.

## Culture

Most Tabaxi wander the forest freely, which is why their home city of Ratren is the smallest regional capital in The Conglomerate. Tabaxi, like Firbolgs, value intellectual and natural intangibles over money. Tabaxi live in the moment and their lives are, on a whole, dedicated to creating meaningful memories and histories. This trait leads them to covet magical items dearly, caring more about the items' histories rather than the items physical properties. In fact, the only written Tabaxi is Common descriptions of magic items, and due to the nature of the Common language, these texts have only appeared after the formation of The Conglomerate.

Most wandering tabaxis visit the Dwarf city of Gridfel, joining mining crews searching for valuable minerals. They make for great spotters, as the glint of gold, silver, platinum, and even ouransider catches their eye before the dwarves even know what hit them. Tabaxi find minerals and gemstones interesting, though are willingly to trade them away instantly for any trinket that looks cool.

Tabaxi worship The Cat Lord, though his spirit has not yet taken a physical manifestation. Tabaxi revere Tokoy, the spirit of the trees, though rarely go out of their way to try and contact him.