Surks

A question mark tail is a happy tail!

— Unknown

The Surks are a medium large cat people. A body length from 76–106 cm (30–42 in), without the tail and standing 55–75 cm (22–30 in) at the shoulder. The tail is 30-53 cm (12-21 in) and an important part of the Surks ability to get around and express themselves. The Surks also have opposable thumbs.
Surks colors range from tabbies, tortoises, spotted or marbled. No solid colors, except the Oracles that are all black and their counterpart that is white. When the death of a Oracle or a Attendant nears a new kitten will be born that is a solid black or white.
The Surks are governed by 3 black cats, the Oracles, that can see the future and this permeate through their whole society. At their side is always the Attendant, their right hand and assistant. While the oracles usually don't meddle in everyday life they do on occasion send out decrees and influence the society in subtle ways. Their voice to the people are usually carried by the Attendant.

The Surks and the Kuori

The Surks only live in the western forest where one of the last remaining Kuori trees still can be found. Surks seen outside the forest is often carrying a ceremonial backpack as they are on a mission to plant the seeds of the Kuori as the oracles believe that this will one day bring the trees back, heralding a new era of Surk expansion.

Fighting

The Surks are a fierce people that don't seek out conflict but will face it head on with determination if needed. Their claws are usually only used in traditional combat between Surks. These combats could be for courtship or if grievous insult or injury and usually stop at first bloodshed.
If faced with an outsider threat, the Surks will gear up with extended bone iron claw gloves and a tail sword.

The Surks Faith

The Surks society rotates around their three oracles and their steward. This in extension is a faith for The Everwatching Light that is said to be the source of the oracles visions and divination.
The oracles does not interfere with the regular life of the Surks as small events are fickle and hard to predict.
However, the creed to plant the Kuori seeds comes from the Oracles, with the declaration that it will one day help the world and the Surks. The Oracles sees all possible futures as they sit in the highest branch of the last Kuori tree, staring out into the beyond. From their visions the Steward then forms certain decrees that the Surks must follow. These orders are often mystical and confusing but is carried out with feverous zealousness. One of the most impactful ones was the planting of the Kuori seeds. The travels of the Surks across the lands lead to a courier service and a protection of all Surks as they became know to carry messages between towns and settlements. As the Surks travelled the land, they bring with them Kuori seeds that are planted across the continent of Varmot.
Besides taking the Oracles words as law the Surks celebrate Summer Solstice as the most important religous festival, but also Winter Solstice is important.
Light Solstice is a celebration of life, of happiness, of the future. This is usually when the oracles brings the coming years decrees.
Dark Solstice is a a vigil of light.