Tabaxi

At the head of any craft, of any organization and order, to most world records and histories, you will almost certainly find a Tabaxi at the helm taking the lead regardless of the perceived obscurity. Many wonder why it is that these insane felines can be found thriving in any place and occupation, never deterred by any apparent handicap or limitation, and always finding their way to the top somehow. The most notable application of this phenomena is the Regent Vicarvoyancy Assembly, with nearly 80% of all Vicars being a pathological Tabaxi, each a paradox of staggering incompetence paired with extreme proficiency in their profession. To describe a Tabaxi is to describe every obsession ever, manifesting itself into an entire race of cat-like vagabonds hellbent on pursuing said obsessions. Standing at an average of 6'6" and weighing 225lbs, it has been proven to be difficult to simply dismiss their insanity.
They are a curious species for all the wrong reasons, typically displaying horrifyingly neurotic behavior and mannerisms, as well as their dedication to a single, often arbitrary ambition that they will relentlessly chase until their last breath. Said goals do not have to be exclusively tangible or found in nature, for a large portion seek enlightenment or wisdom of some degree in a very specific meditative spirituality or philosophy instead of material gain. Unlike other races, it is usually disadvantageous to pique the interest of a Tabaxi, for no other words will ring true to them once you set their mind racing on whatever it is they dream of. As stated previously, their purpose in life is usually a completely arbitrary and meaningless one, with motivations stretching from stalking only gray-feathered Kenku to collecting orange juice with 10% pulp; whatever can be thought of in existence is the reason for living for some rogue Tabaxi somewhere. These ever-insatiable cats have proven that there is indeed an infinite number of "things" you can possibly be totally absorbed in, with entire clans of like-minded lunatics that each desire an outcome similar to one-another. In fact, this occurrence of clan formation is quite common, Tabaxi being very communal and cooperative with their own, understanding that the only people that can possibly comprehend the obsessions of a Tabaxi are other Tabaxi.
Unfortunately, this also means that their ability to socialize with other races is practically non-existent, coming across as nothing short of "odd" or "off-putting". These clans can vary in size greatly from a handful of individuals to hundreds, a rare few even reaching numbers in the thousands; should a clan reach substantial size, they should be on the watch of any nearby civilization. If a clan was dedicated to the hoarding of cotton tunics for example, the first place they will always search for their coveted treasure are nearby societies capable of producing such an item. And if there are sufficient stocks to make their eyes widen, they will very likely attempt to steal all they can without a second thought, moralities always being secondary to the fulfillment of their craze. Usually, Tabaxi are relatively harmless, with any damage done as result of circumstance or as a side-effect in their quest to obtain whatever it is they seek. However, they may truly be out for proverbial or literal blood, as no obsession is safe from their prying eyes. Some of the most disastrous and dangerous villains or evil-doers were simply Tabaxi overtaken with the lust for some arbitrary gain. All motives, emotions, or priorities will come after their mission to sate their drive, though they can just as easily be exploited and taken advantage of as a consequence for anyone knowledgeable or clever enough to ascertain their wants and needs.
While they are an incredibly narrow and single-minded species, productive Tabaxi that wish to be adept at professions or occupations will always attain absolute, unrivaled mastery in their chosen skill, which in itself can be a formidable ally if their interests match your endeavors. As a Meridii species, Astralshaper found them to be amusing, quickly rising and falling to be her most beloved and most disdained species simultaneously, though eventually finding use for them in her empire, as she figured out that they are highly impressionable if you win over the loyalty of their clans. For each clan converted to her cause, they will spread her magnificence and tales of glory to the next generation, whom are much more likely to be subservient or even obsessive over the goddess of night, or even obsessive over her obsessions. The early success of the empire can be attributed to a massive clan of evangelical crusaders that worshiped Astralshaper as a living manifestation of the astral darkness, going to great lengths to make sure the other races fully comprehended and appreciated the black dragon; and if they didn't, they would do everything they had to so that you would change your mind, even if they must resort to violence. While Tabaxi are a highly varied species in motivation and personality, many align themselves with Violet Clouds or Autonon for their extensive skill ceiling in most of their traditional occupations, from engineers and technicians to priests and even vicars, the range of the Tabaxi species' interest is practically unlimited, though as stated, they tend to do especially well if said interest is a workable and productive one such as that of a real job.
As a consequence of the Meridian of Stars' Eternal's enclosed civilian centers, being forced to live in close proximity to one another and other member species, their genetic pool is unsurprisingly homogeneous and unvaried as they previously were before the Wastes. Because of this unfortunate development, there are only three known surviving subspecies of Tabaxi:

Skinless

A peculiar subspecies defined by their incredibly short fur, appearing almost naked. For reasons that have yet to be determined, they have superior stamina and rarely tire, rivaling the endurance of even seasoned Orc rompers.

Vagrants

Self-induced exiles whose clans have taken to the wilds in search for their "thing". With a pronounced striped thick, dull coat that only comes in shades of gray combined with large, dangling ear tufts and large paw pads, some would consider these Tabaxi to be feral. They have a habit of squatting rather than sitting.

Streetcats

Almost exclusively city-dwellers with nice, short, sleek furs that come in a wide variety of colors and hues. This is the most common type of Tabaxi, and by far on average the most neurotic, accustomed genetically to dealing with and being the definition of social awkwardness.

(Constabulary Chief Unsanctioned Violence of Ital Tek, R.280)

Scientific Name

Miyaz-om-Pax

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

6'6"

Average Weight

225lbs

Related Ethnicities

• Meridii