Catfolk are a sleek and agile race, their feline traits a perfect adaptation to their environment. Standing between 150-180 cm, they possess lean, athletic frames built for speed and endurance. Their fur varies in texture and color, with patterns reminiscent of lions, leopards, cheetahs, or even black panthers. Their eyes are striking, often in shades of gold, emerald, or sapphire, with slit pupils that grant them excellent night vision.

Catfolk adorn themselves with jewelry crafted from bone, gold, and natural gemstones, often styled to honor Bastet. Tattoos and fur markings depicting sacred symbols of their goddess are common among warriors and priestesses, signifying divine protection and blessings.

Catfolk thrive in the vast, golden savannahs, their lives interwoven with the rhythm of the wild. Their communities, known as Prides, are semi-nomadic and centered around areas abundant with resources—rolling grasslands, hidden oases, and rocky outcrops that offer natural defenses. Most Prides migrate with the seasons, following game herds and water sources, though some establish permanent dwellings in sacred or strategically important locations.

Catfolk live approximately 60-80 years, though their active lifestyles and the dangers of their savannah home often cut their lives short. Elders are revered as living repositories of wisdom and tradition, their words carrying the weight of Bastet’s guidance.

The Catfolk revere Bastet, the goddess of protection, fertility, pleasure, and the hunt. They believe Bastet watches over them as both a nurturing mother and a fierce warrior, embodying the duality of their own nature. To honor her, the Catfolk hold Moonlit Hunts, sacred rituals where they hunt under the full moon, offering their prey as tribute to Bastet.

Their faith also emphasizes grace, balance, and personal autonomy. Bastet is said to have gifted the Catfolk their agility and sharp minds so they could protect their kin and thrive in a world fraught with danger.

Central to their beliefs is the legend of The Straying Pride, which tells of a time when the Catfolk grew arrogant and turned away from Bastet, leading to the collapse of a golden age. As punishment, Bastet cursed them with distrust from other races and the relentless threat of enslavement. To this day, Catfolk view their struggles as a test of their faith and resilience, striving to earn back Bastet’s full favor.

Catfolk society is built around Prides, each functioning as a tightly knit community where loyalty and mutual protection are paramount. Leadership is often matriarchal, with High Huntresses or Priestesses of Bastet guiding the group. Warriors, scouts, and shamans hold high status, while artisans and hunters sustain the Pride with their skills.

Though deeply communal, Catfolk are independent thinkers, valuing personal strength and cunning. Outsiders must earn their trust through deeds rather than words, and even then, they are regarded with caution. Those who betray the Pride face swift and merciless judgment, as trust is a sacred bond in Catfolk culture.

While most Prides are nomadic, their temporary camps are intricately designed, using lightweight materials such as woven grasses and hides. These structures provide shade and protection while allowing for quick dismantling.

Permanent settlements showcase the Catfolk’s artistry and devotion. Constructed from heavier materials and adorned with golden motifs of Bastet, these settlements blend seamlessly with their environment. Statues of Bastet in her feline form are common, and temples often feature sacred fire pits where offerings are made.

The Catfolk value practicality over wealth, though they are skilled traders. They craft exquisite jewelry, textiles, and weapons, often infused with blessings from their shamans. These items are traded with trusted allies or sold in markets near their sacred city.

In dealings with outsiders, the Catfolk prefer bartering, exchanging goods rather than currency. They are wary of other surface dwellers, especially those who show interest in their people for exotic purposes.

The Catfolk have a painful history with slavery, having been hunted and captured by other races due to their unique appearance and perceived exoticism. This history has instilled a deep mistrust of outsiders, and many Prides actively patrol their territories to protect against slavers.

Catfolk who are enslaved and manage to escape are welcomed back into their Prides without question, though they often bear emotional and physical scars. Stories of Bastet intervening to free her children from chains are told as a source of hope and strength.