The Defender Catfolk Culture

Since your birth, you have born a mark of your gods that has set you apart from most other Catfolk. Where most have hands that more resemble thoses of humans than the paws of great cats, yours are different. For though you have the manual dexterity that all Catfolk possess, your fingers end not in flimsy fingernails, but in strong, sharp talons. And you have learned to use these talons as weapons when the need arises.

Cultural History

Since the first Awakenings, a small few of the Catfolk were born with strong, sharp laws that resemble talons rather than fingernails. Their fingers are still sufficiently dexterous to permit these Catfolk to manipulate items as any other would, but they also provide their bearers with permanent formidable weapons. Over time, those so blessed began to take it upon themselves to guard and defend things among the Catfolk that needed defending. Initially, food stores were most important, but as culture developed - especially among the Savanna culture, trade goods, knowledge, and even certain individuals needed to be defended.

The Defenders are now a predominantly mercenary culture among the Catfolk. While some of their number serve the kingdom of Felise, many have formed small companies that train their members in martial abilities and then sell their services as caravan guards, personal bodyguards, or even small paramilitary units.

Geographic Distribution

Defender Catfolk can be found living among other Catfolk wherever they may be found. They tend to be rare among the Cragwalker and Forest cultures since those Feliseans cherish their solitude, they will still be found even in these environments. Among they other cultures, they are more numerous. In some places, especially when deciding to form a mercenary company, the Defender Catfolk will concentrate into a small enclave of their own. These can be found in almost any environment - even at sea where a group of Defenders may be employed as "marine troops" by Mariner Catfolk.

Role-Playing a Defender Catfolk

Interacting with Other Catfolk

Interacting with Folk of Other Races

Interacting with Your Adventuring Party

Naming Conventions