The Mačjis are a race of humanoid feline-like creatures which closely resemble the felines and creatures from the cat family back on earth. Their home planet is Tâlvën ihmemää, a 24/7 winter-filled planet.
The Mačjis prioritize market and trade above all else, cities, towns, and other residential areas being built around one central market where most trade takes place. Fruits, tools, simple machines and even blades can be found on sale in these markets. Needless to say, Mačji society is built entirely off trade. Or, at least, most of it. They have priorities other than the market, and that is ancestry and family.
The Mačji religion revolves around the idea of what happens after death and Dürvju, the god of the afterlife. According to the religion, Upon death, an individual’s soul will be taken to be judged by Dürvju. If the individual lived a good life and had good karma, they’ll be able to rest in the realm of the deceased. If not, they’ll forever be trapped in the realm of the living as a ghost, doomed to wander forever. It is a common practice for families to keep small shrines or “monuments” dedicated to passed relatives so that they may be remembered and not forgotten. Once a year, every October 22nd (earth time), a large planet-wide celebration is held in the name of the afterlife, the ancestors, and Dürvju.
The Mačjis have a large pool of genetic traits, leading to individuality that rivals even that of humans. A feline can have soft fur, stiff fur, a fluffy tail, a simple tail, two tails, horns, long and pointy ears, small and wide ears, dual ears, stripes similar to that of a tiger’s, markings, brown fur, white fur, black fur, the list goes on and on. No individual is exactly similar to another, for they are all unique in some sense.
Funnily enough, Mačji behavior draws parallels to the cat family and other felines. Albeit with some key differences. A few examples being their shared agility and distaste for water! (Or at least, bathing in water, that is.)
CAUTION: WE HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND USING A LASER POINTER NEAR A MAČJI AS A JOKE.
Mačji architecture is built on, again, the idea of trade. Every corner, there’s at least some sort of shop or stall from which you can purchase from. But of course, you’ll find many more at the central markets, which are usually heavily populated with both shopkeepers and patrons. The architecture isn’t too modern, and seems to strike the perfect middle ground of comfy and homey with bustling and busy. Lanterns and other lighting hand from building to building during the night, and candles are quite common to see outside residential buildings or local shops. (It is seen as good karma, due to the warmth it gives off. Said warmth may help a stranger suffering from the cold, resulting in good karma.)
In one way or another, every city on the planet is connected to another, whether it be on a boat, on an aircraft, or through a car.
The Mačji military is basic and bare-bones. It does exist, and is occasionally used (albeit for smaller reasons), however it is still not needed. Due to the focus on trade and resource managing, among other things, the military was never truly seen as important.
In towns and even cities, everybody usually knows almost everybody. It’s a very tight and local place. Word of mouth spreads quickly, and favors are held in high regard. It’s not rare for a large group of Mačji to collectively mourn the passing of one individual. It’s a common practice to place candles near the casket of a passed Mačji in order to give them good karma.