The Tabaxi of the Deep Dark

The Tabaxi of the Deep Dark live far underground, close to the Underdark. The various families live in several small clusters spread out among a larger system of caverns; close enough to be able to defend against threats or deal with bigger issues together, but with enough space between them not to over tax any specific area or make it feel like one claustrophobic mess. The Tabaxi learn to survive in the Deep Dark from an early age, to make sure as few among the tribe are relying completely onto others. Also, this means the Tabaxi allow their children far more freedom of movement, knowing their offspring will be able to take care of themselves if they were to get lost for a bit. Of course, the children are not told there always are some among the Tabaxi watching the more adventurous children from the shadows, although it is extremely rare those have to make their presence known by intervening in a situation.
With survival being the foremost goal, even after hundreds of years, of the Deep Dark Tabaxi, which is apparent in everything, from the way they raise their offspring, to the efficient use of resources and the way they have organized themselves. No single Tabaxi acts like a linchpin; the tribe is lead by a council of elders, which is supported by a group of younger Tabaxi who are likely to succeed the elders when they eventually die, to assure the tribe is governed in a steady way. Every occupation among the tribe works in a similar, tiered, fashion; the most experienced as a group of leaders, the seasoned workers, and the apprentices who have yet to learn all aspects of their jobs. In general, Tabaxi are free to find their preferred field of work, as long as all occupations have enough influx to make sure no field will become understaffed. There are stories of times when volunteers were needed to swap occupation, but that has not happened for many generations, so many believe those stories to be ghost stories to make sure new apprentices will spread among all jobs by choice.
The Tabaxi of the Deep Dark are relatively open minded to outsiders, having be able to come to friendly terms with most of their direct neighbours, forming a loose group of underground tribes that, in general, leave each other alone, but are open to trade with each other if necessary, or, in the worst case, gather under one banner to deal with a significant outside threat. None of the dwellers of the Deep Dark or Underdark in contact with the Tabaxi feel comfortable with the idea of surface worlders coming down, assuming the hatred and destruction that lead to the collapse might still cling to those who are descendants of those responsible of a global holocaust.

Structure

A council of 13 elders leads the Tabaxi of the Deep Dark. The council is supported by a group of younger assistants, who are most likely to succeed one of the elders when they die, or choose to retire their position.

Type

Geopolitical, Tribe