Catfolk

Devious Divine Gifts

Written by Endrise

Look, it's all fun and games until they use a bed. You won't believe how hard they can shed. To not even begin about the claws...

— Innkeeper

Catfolk are one of the many Beastkin found across Fabulae, well known for their feline characteristics. Notoriously curious, they take pride in their looks and their skills. Combined with a history of worship in Masaar, many can see why they have a bit of an ego.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Catfolk are bipedal felines, having both humanoid and cat-like characteristics. Although they are closer to a cat in nature, they do have opposable thumbs and a more upright posture.

A noticeable trait are their digitigrade legs, balancing their entire weight on their toes. While it makes them look smaller, it allows many to achieve short bursts of speed. Some individuals can get on all fours to go even faster, if not the fastest of any known sapient species.

Biological Traits

Skeletal Structure

One of the unique traits of a Catfolk's skeleton is its flexible skeletons. Smilar to regular cats, their vertebrae and collarbones are designed to allow maximum flexibility when maneuvering. On some occassions they even show the ability to squeeze themselves through narrow fits.

Subraces

Domesticated

In more urban environments, Catfolk became less wild and more attached to civilised society. Not only are they less aggressive, they are also more social as well towards other races. Although that doesn't remove the fact some are still mischievous pranksters at heart.

Primal

Found in the southern wilderness, Primal Catfolk take more from their bigger cousins such as lions and panthers. Bigger, stronger and often deadlier, they make formidable predators against wildlife. Some even form a threat against other races due to their hunting skills.

Felikin

Some Catfolk end up having their bloodline diluted by other races, resulting in a more Human variant. Felikins appear less feline because of this but do keep their ears, fur and tails. Some have so little feline traits they can disguise themselves as a full-blown Human.

Genetics and Reproduction

Catfolks are capable of having children with other humanoid races. However, any child born by one are Catfolk as well, regardless of their father's race.

On average, one litter of kittens is around two to five children.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Catfolk are carnivorous, surviving on diets consisting of meats both raw and cooked. However, they also have a few unique qualities to what they can or can't eat:

• Catfolk have a dulled sense of sweetness;
• Catfolk can drink saltwater without problems;
• Chocolate, caffeine and grapes cause severe indigestion, although it is not deadly.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Most Catfolk have a face with a close semblance to a regular cat, complete with whiskers and slit eyes. They also have a rougher tongue, akin to sandpaper.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Have you ever seen a place where there isn't a Catfolk hanging around?

— Local Adventurer

Catfolk are found almost everywhere across the globe, both above and below the equator. The densest populations exist in regions such as Masaar, Tai and Sichelan.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like regular cats, Catfolk have heightened senses that allow them spot things most would ignore. Combined with their nocturnal nature, this makes them excellent night guards and trackers.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Male Names: Carruth, Drewan, Ferus, Gerran, Nyktan, Rouqar, Zithembe.

Female Names: Alyara, Duline, Hoya, Jilyana, Milah, Miniri, Siphelele, Tiyeri.

History

The exact origins of Catfolk are lost to records, with various regions having different reasons for their existence. In Masaar, they're the children of Mau'an. In Zipangu, they're a form of Bakeneko, a Yokai born from a cat with a long life. Every place tells a different story, with many blaming it on either divine intervention or other supernatural means.

In the more south-eastern regions of the world, they became seen as demigods. However, when said religions tried to settle in the west, it didn't go as planned. Missionaries were met on deaf ears, and Catfolk that moved west got the same treatment as other Beastkin.

Over time, the spread of Catfolk in places like Sichelan became less religious. While some accepted this less worshipped lifestyle, others did not. And through several small conflicts, it has put the idea of Catfolk being troublemakers in the mind of the common folk.

Even in their home regions there were sceptics questioning their divinity. It led to their golden age of worship to die out, with only some places keeping their sacredness intact.

Historical Figures

Schrödinger

Schrödinger is a fabled legend amongst Catfolk. Said to be touched by the Void, this burglar appears across the multiverse, even going as far to defy death itself. Many have reported to have killed him in combat, only to vanish.

Common Myths and Legends

• Catfolk always land on their feet: While their agility makes them hard to topple over, not all Catfolk are as gymnastic to land on their feet.
• Catfolk are in constant war with Ratfolk: A bit of a stereotype, in reality both Catfolk and Ratfolk often work together quite well.
• Catfolk sleep up to 16 hours a day: While Catfolk do sleep a lot, their sleeping schedules can vary wildly. Some follow regular 8 hours, while others can sleep for days. They do find themselves able to sleep comfortably almost anywhere.
• Catfolk hate water: Catfolk are actually good swimmers.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Catfolk have a long history with other species. In the early ages, many of their kind were divine in nature, or at least seen as such. This led to them having a little bit of an ego, even if some haven't been worshipped for generations.

Due to their better senses and mobility, they often get hired as ether scouts or spies. A few even make a living as messengers thanks to their speed. Although it also gives them a reputation of being quick pick pocketers and thieves as well.

Amongst other Beastkin, they seem to be the hardest to team up with others. However, they do form groups with Tengu and Ratfolk alike. On several occasions even the isolated Syrinxs associate with the feline race to help deliver information.

Catfolk by Endrise

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Catfolk Players

Catfolk are curious beings. Blessed with divine luck, their kind lives for the thrill, whether they come from royal blood or are born on the streets. Even with a party they don't look away at taking risks from time to time.

Pathfinder 1st edition rules

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Common Languages

Common, Catfolk

Scientific Name

Homo Sapiens Felis Catus

Origin/Ancestry

Unknown, possibly Masaar

Lifespan

110 years

Conservation Status

Sacred in Masaar

Average Height

4'5" - 6'2"
135 cm - 188 cm

Average Weight

85 lbs - 200 lbs

Average Physique

Lithe, slender

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

All kinds of fur colours.

Catfolk

Type Humanoid (Catfolk)

Ability Score Modifier +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, -2 Wisdom

Size medium

Speed 30 ft.

Language Catfolk begin play speaking Common and Catfolk. Catfolk with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following languages: Elven, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, Orc, and Sylvan.

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Low-Light Vision: In dim light, catfolk can see twice as far as humans.
Cat’s Luck: Once per day when a catfolk attempts a Reflex saving throw, he can roll the saving throw twice and take the better result. He must decide to use this ability before the saving throw is attempted.
Natural Hunter: Catfolk receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception, Stealth, and Survival checks.
Sprinter: Catfolk gain a 10-foot racial bonus to their speed when using the charge, run, or withdraw actions.