The tabaxi (or cat-men, as they are known to most humans) are a race of intelligent feline humanoids which inhabit the far reaches of tropical jungles, avoiding both humans and sapient non-humans. They live in small prides of 2-8 members, each pride roaming a large territory and rarely having anything to do with other prides.
The tabaxi are extraordinary hunters, taking their prey through surprise and quick ambush. Two of them will often chase an animal directly onto the claws of a third. They have learned how to avoid detection by disguising their scent with aromatic herbs. This, combined with their natural camouflage and ability to move quickly and silently, makes them deadly opponents in the tropical forest. Like other cats, they will sometimes "play" with their wounded prey until it expires.
They are tool-users when they find it convenient to be so. Their tools usually consist of bone or wooden weapons, with nothing more intricate than a spear or javelin. However, tabaxi have an amazing aptitude for weaponry, and can discover the use of a weapon, and become adept in its use, in a remarkably short time so long as the weapon is not a complex one.
Tabaxi will generally avoid human intruders in their forests, unless they see an easy opportunity for the acquisition of weaponry.
The cat-men are tall and lithe and move with the smooth-easy grace of cats. Their fine fur is tawny and striped with black, in a pattern similar to that of a tiger or jaguar. They wear little or no clothing. Their eyes are green-yellow with slit pupils. They have retractable claws.
A pride will generally be 1-3 young (1 hit die, 50% chance of fighting if attacked, 50% chance of fleeing) 1-3 males and 1-3 females. The females are at least the equal of the males in fighting ability.
Tabaxi speak a small amount of the common tongue in addition to their own language. They will not engage in trade, as they consider it demeaning.
