Katzen

Cover art is by Sui on Pixiv.

The Katzen, also known as Tabaxi or cat-men, are a race of feline humanoids. While their society had once been built around small tribes, they've only recently taken a liking to the large cities in Aewish. They're now commonly found in Nyer, their tribes still mildly present within, and are now employed by the Empress herself, acting as close soldiers to the commanders.
They average 3 to 4 feet tall, their bodies resembling domesticated cats that expertly stand upon their back two legs. Their breeds and coats can vary, with many different face shapes, tail lengths, and pelt markings. They have paw-like hands with retractable claws and tiny paw feet.

Naming Traditions

Unisex names

Bird That Flies At Dusk, Busy Bee, Ember Of A Dying Flame, Feather Falling From The Sky, Clover In The Field, Blossoms In Summer, Unread Book, Smooth As Silk.

Family names

Considered as "Clans", family names are passed down from generation to generation.
Clan names are based on the location of their native tribe, such as: City Streets, Murmuring Woodlands, Crawling River, Ancient Thicket.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Katzen have a unique language derived from their feral ancestors, made up of meows and clicks. Clans will often have a slight derivative accent. It's difficult for outsiders to learn the specific language, however, they'll likely be able to understand the meaning to terms and clicks from a certain clan in a short amount of time.

Shared customary codes and values

Katzen often have innate feline traits, commonly dealing with curiosity and a strong sense of wanderlust. They enjoy long trips and traveling, learning about ancient histories, and finding items that have been lost to time. They will often fixate on a singular category of lore, such as the history of a weapon type, the cultures of extinct races, or a religion that has been lost to time. Once they've exhausted themselves and learned all they can, they're quick to share what they know and move onto the next fixation.
They're also known as being loyal to a fault and sticking by the side of those that they work with. Being impeccable partners, they find themselves being the first choice as a squire, a soldier, or even just as an adventuring companion.

Common Etiquette rules

A clan of Katzen is expected to treat one another equally, with a focus on training their young and protecting the elderly. They're strictly loyal, and never betray their clan or those close to them. Katzen are expected to be intelligent, quick on their feet, and helpful, even to strangers or outsiders. They tentatively share information to those who seek it.

Common Dress code

They'll dress however they please, preferring clothing that relates to their clan name or current fixation.

Art & Architecture

Given their innate nature to explore and learn, all Katzen possess some artisanal skills. Their original artwork is realistic and lovingly crafted, focusing on smaller details in large paintings. Katzen that gather an interest in art will often stick with it until their death, constantly finding new ways to learn and improve on their craft. Many famous painters and artisans are Katzen, their original paintings being worth thousands of gold. A few will stick closely to a specific history of a painter, learning how to paint like they once did. Some Katzen become great forgers of popular paintings, selling them under the guise as the real artwork.
Their architecture can often be just as intricate, although not as often. Original tribes had built their homes out of whatever was available and nearby. Caves, grottos, and tunnels were common, as were stringing together wood with vines and mud to build small shacks. Currently, Katzen that live in Nyer are accommodated with large buildings that can house an entire clan. Katzen that work closely with nobles find themselves happier when living in the same space as them.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Baby Katzen (also known as Katzchen) are often named after the first thing the mother sees or feels after birth. Due to their length, they're often shortened to nicknames, although it's polite to refer to a Katzen by their full name when meeting them for the first time. Katzchen are immediately welcomed and taken care of by the entire clan, with the mother being given special care.

Funerary and Memorial customs

For tribal clans, they'll often have dug out tombs and graveyards associated with the families within the clan itself. Nyer Katzen will be buried alongside their clanmates, although most have chosen to be buried with their owner, adventuring party, or other companions. Katzen will mourn the day of passing for years to come, never truly letting go. The clan will have a special date, known as "Nacht Tod", where they gather within the tomb to grieve and mourn their lost clanmates.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Katzen hold beauty in high esteem, and will often choose to dress garments and colors that remind them of their native clan. They like to keep their fur medium length and thoroughly combed, with their bodies athletic and nimble. Although there are exceptions to this, as many find heavy plated armor that doesn't suit their clan to be endearing. Others enjoy when their noble higher-ups dress them, and some will go without clothes, as they feel their fur is enough.
They also have a liking towards odd, genetic deformities. Curled or folded ears, shorter legs, heterochromia, stubbed tails, or anything that gives the Katzen an appearance of being cute or different, despite commonly being painful for those who have them. 
Depending on the clan, some fur patterns and colors are preferred to others.

Gender Ideals

A majority of Katzen clans are egalitarian in nature, with most ignoring the concept of gender entirely, although some clans exist with matriarchal or patriarchal societies.

Courtship Ideals

It's desired that Katzen breed from within their clan. Females are expected to look for mates, expressing their feelings by giving gifts based upon their current fixation.

Relationship Ideals

Dating is foreign to clan oriented Katzen, and romance is seen as a means to further the clan bloodline. This doesn't stop rebel Katzen or those who have disconnected themselves from their clan, who have learned from the other humanoids in Nyer. It's not uncommon for a Katzen to become fixated on romance, the history of such, and become obsessive with the target of their infatuation. Some have gone as far as to create shrines dedicated to their crushes, made out of shed claws, old fur or hair, or old belongings.