Tabaxi (Ta·​bax·​e)

Tabaxi are an inquisitive bunch with an insatiable curiosity. Many Tabaxi set out once they are old enough to live on their own, seeking adventures and all kinds of tales to send back to their family and friends via letter.

Tabaxi are very loyal and loving people. Their trust may take a while to earn, but once you've got it you have a friend for life. Tabaxi are said to send at least two letters a day to their loved ones that live far away.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tabaxi are bipedal tetrapod felines. Their legs are usually digitigrade, but may rarely be plantigrade. Tabaxi are also able to either have hair, or not. It depends on the family line, with a much higher chance of having hair if hybridization is in their bloodline.

There are three distinct races of Tabaxi, as follows:

• Tranquil Tabaxi mimic domesticated cats, sharing pelt colors, markings, and sometimes even breeds with their cousins. They're typically smaller compared to other Tabaxi.
• Wild Tabaxi resemble wild felines of all kinds, sharing pelts and markings closely. They're often larger than other Tabaxi, and have much larger teeth or natural weapons.
• Mythical Tabaxi are able to have unnatural pelt colors and odd traits, and vary from resembling a sparklecat or looking almost exactly like a real cat. Mythic Tabaxi all have unnaturally colored flesh.

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Genetics and Reproduction

Tabaxi reproduce physically, via viviparity, and their pregnancy lasts for about 7 months. They typically have twin kits, but have been recorded to have a maximum of 6 kits at once healthily!
Superfecundation is much more likely in Tabaxi than it happens to be in humanoids, biologically speaking! Not as common as their cousins, but definitely not as rare as it is for humanoids.

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Growth Rate & Stages

Tabaxi grow similarly to humanoids, but reach physical maturity at around 16 spins! They are considered "mini-adults" at around 18, being allowed to wander and go off to be mostly independent at that time, and are then considered actual, full adults at 21. (The age they're allowed to take recreational drugs, alcohol, etcetera)

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Dietary Needs and Habits

Tabaxi are Mesocarnivores by build, but are much more varied than their build may suggest (Seeing as they are... a sapient species!)

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Biological Cycle

Tabaxi will often develop Snowfall coats during, well, Snowfall! As well as the last month of Leafdrop. These often make them look more fluffy. Tabaxi also often get increased appetites during that time.

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Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Tabaxi have rather good hearing and smell, allowing them to spot things many species would miss. As such their perception capabilities are often much higher than other sapient species. Tabaxi eyes are specifically evolved to function well at night (and thus many are Crepuscular or Nocturnal!) They have the same sight as a human might, usually. However, they are somewhat likely to have depth perception issues.
Unlike their quadrupedal cousins, Tabaxi are able to sense the same amount of colors a Human would. They do, however, find themselves having a higher population of colorblind individuals compared to humanoids. They find themselves in the same situation in their taste receptors of sweetness, they are physically able to unlike cats but are prone to having more issues on that front.
Tabaxi have a slightly higher magic sense than other species, often being described as seeing something others didn't. In reality, it's more they sense something off than actually seeing it, as well as being able to pinpoint the source thanks to their other sensory capabilities.

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Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Tabaxi first names are typically ungodly long, or they're named after astrological things. Once they're old enough, they'll pick whole new derivative nicknames. Their birth names may be passed down from generations before them, or they'll be picked after the parents' favorite constellation, star, etc.
Last names, meanwhile, are pretty "normal" among fantasy ones. That, or they will be literally one word. It's almost comical how short and quick last names are compared to a first name!
Tabaxi First Names: Bartholomeow (Mewmew), Tarapixima (Pixie), Betelgeuse (Goose), Orion, Triangulum (Tria)
Tabaxi Last Names: Breeze, Lightwald, Dart, Hartnight, Abyss

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Major Organizations

The Shining Crown is a kingdom founded by Tabaxi, and continues to home many Tabaxi compared to the rest of the world. The Shining Crown is home to many famous adventurer families, such as the Lightwald family, and exports many artisan goods around the world. (Such as Ale, Beer, Cheese, Tea, and Cloth.)
The Shining Crown is generally a friendly kingdom, welcoming to those who want to immigrate and happy to trade goods, if seen as a bit smug. But they aren't anymore smug than others, wouldn't you want to be proud of yourselves too?

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Beauty Ideals

Considering how varied Tabaxi are, beauty ideals are few and far between. What little they do have are less physical and more about the skills one possesses. Tabaxi value grace, creativity, and determination. They also find noticeable strength a uniquely beautiful and attractive trait, especially to those of the Shining Crown.

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Major Language Groups and Dialects

Tabaxi from the Shining Crown speak Primordial, specifically in a dialect which resembles a mix between Terran and Auran. Officially known as "Taban Primordial", it utilizes meows, trills, rumbling purrs or chuffs, and deep growls. There also many important non-verbal cues to the language that is important to a sentence.

Taban Primordial is a very hard language to replicate for other species that don't share similar specialized vocal boxes. (Some examples of species that are able to properly speak the language would be Goblins, Kobolds, Dragonborn, or Tieflings)

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Scientific Name

Felidae Sapiens

Lifespan

~95-110 Spins

Average Height

Tranquil: ~4'7-5'9" (~1.4-1.7 M)
Wild: ~5'4-6'7" (~1.6-2 M)
Mythical: ~5'0- 6'0" (~1.5-1.8 M)