[Pathfinder] beastisrfrt

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paizo.com #2112918, David McBride <darklycario@gmail.com>, Jun 23, 2012
651021
651021
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Catfolk
Catfolk are a race of natural explorers who rarely tire
of trailblazing, but such trailblazing is not limited
merely to the search for new horizons in distant lands.
Many catfolk see personal growth and development as
equally valid avenues of exploration. While most catfolk
are nimble, capable, and often active creatures, there is
also a strong tendency among some catfolk to engage
in quiet contemplation and study. Such individuals are
interested in finding new solutions to age-old problems
and questioning even the most steadfast philosophical
certainties of the day. They are curious by nature, and
catfolk culture never discourages inquisitiveness, but
rather fosters and encourages it. Many are seen as quirky
extroverts by members of other races, but within catfolk
tribes there is no shame attached to minor peculiarities,
eccentricities, or foolhardiness. All but the most inwardly
focused catfolk enjoy being the center of attention, but
not at the expense of their tribe, whether it’s the one the
catfolk are born into or the tribe they choose through the
bonds of friendship with other creatures. Catfolk tend to
be both generous and loyal to their family and friends.
Physical Description: In general, catfolk are lithe and
slender, standing midway between dwarves and humans
in stature. While clearly humanoid, they possess many
feline features, including a coat of soft fine fur, slit pupils,
and a sleek, slender tail. Their ears are pointed, but
unlike those of elves, are more rounded and catlike. They
manipulate objects as easily as any other humanoid, but
their fingers terminate in small, sharp, retractable claws.
These claws are typically not powerful enough to be used
as weapons, but some members of the species—either by
quirk of birth or from years of honing—can use them
with deadly effect. Feline whiskers are not uncommon,
but not universal, and hair and eye color vary greatly.
Society: While self-expression is an important aspect
of catfolk culture, it is mitigated by a strong sense of
community and group effort. In the wild, catfolk are a
hunter-gatherer tribal people. The pursuit of personal
power never comes before the health and wellbeing of
the tribe. More than one race has underestimated this
seemingly gentle people only to discover much too late
that their cohesion also provides them great strength.
Catfolk prefer to be led by their most competent members,
usually a council of sub-chieftains chosen by their peers,
either though consensus or election. The sub-chiefs
then choose a chieftain to lead in times of danger and to
mediate disputes among the sub-chiefs. The chieftain is the
most capable member of the tribe, and is often magically
talented. Catfolk who settle in more urban and civilized
areas still cling to a similar tribal structure, but often see
friends outside the tribe, even those from other races, as
part of their extended tribe. Within adventuring groups,
catfolk who do not consider themselves the obvious choice
as chieftain often defer to the person who most resembles
their cultural ideal of a chieftain.
Relations: Adaptable and curious, catfolk get along with
almost any race that extends reciprocal goodwill. They
acclimate easily to half lings, humans, and especially elves.
Catfolk and elves share a passionate nature, as well as a
love of music, dance, and storytelling; elven communities
often gently mentor catfolk tribes, though such elves are
careful not to act in a patronizing manner toward their
feline friends. Gnomes make natural companions for
catfolk, as catfolk enjoy gnomes’ strange and obsessive
qualities. Catfolk are tolerant of kobolds as long as the
reptilian beings respect the catfolk’s boundaries. The
feral nature of orcs stirs as much puzzlement as it does
revulsion among catfolk, as they don’t understand orcs’
savagery and propensity for self-destruction. Half-orcs,
on the other hand, intrigue catfolk, especially those halforcs
who strive to excel beyond the deleterious and hateful
nature of their savage kin. Catfolk often view goblins
and ratfolk as vermin, as they disdain the swarming and
pernicious tendencies of those races.
Alignment and Religion: With community and unselfish
cooperation at the center of their culture, as well as a
good-natured curiosity and willingness to adapt to the
customs of many other races, most catfolk tend toward good
alignments. The clear majority of catfolk are also chaotic,
as wisdom is not their strongest virtue; nevertheless, there
are exceptions with cause. The gods Desna, Cayden Cailean,
and Shelyn all speak to the souls of catfolk, and many tribes
depict the latter two as catfolk themselves. The quest for
self-improvement has led many an individual to explore
different philosophies, including the worship of Irori.
Adventurers: Natural born trackers, the huntergatherer
aspect of their tribes pushes many catfolk toward
occupations as rangers and druids by default, but such roles
don’t always speak to their love of performance art, be it
song, dance, or storytelling. Catfolk legends also speak of
a rich tradition of great sorcerer heroes. Those catfolk who
internalize their wanderlust often become wizards and
monks, with many of those monks taking the path of the
nimble guardian. While catfolk cavaliers and inquisitors
are rare (steadfast dedication to a cause is often alien to
the catfolk mindset) individuals who choose these paths
are never looked down upon. Catfolk understand that
exploration and self-knowledge can lead down many roads,
and are accepting of nearly all professions and ways of life.
Male Names: Carruth, Drewan, Ferus, Gerran, Nyktan,
Rouqar, Zithembe.
Female Names: Alyara, Duline, Hoya, Jilyana, Milah,
Miniri, Siphelele, Tiyeri.
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paizo.com #2112918, David McBride <darklycario@gmail.com>, Jun 23, 2012