Tabaxi
Unyielding Ascetics
Deep in the mountains of the islands they call Haven dwell the mysterious Tabaxi. If it weren't for the few strays that live sparingly throughout the continent, all folk would believe their race to be extinct. But Tabaxi are real and still very much alive, though very little confirmation exists on it.
Yamaite legends claim that the Elves once fought a war against the Tabaxi for the fate of the island, known as The Furious Time. The end of this bloody conflict led to the establishment of the first Shogunate -- under Bikuta -- and the ensuing reign of Yama.
Little is understood about what happened afterwards. All throughout the Heirloom , Elves and Tabaxi fought several skirmishes, but these were so separate and numerous that history has forgotten their true nature. Not much is clear until the "The Red Sakura", where Elves, urged on by religious leaders, sought out to purge the Tabaxi from Yama once and for all. The war was long and bloody and eventually led to Mistfall -- a great fog enveloped the island from north to south, blinding all. When it cleared, the Tabaxi were gone; their works and villages abandoned in a rush.
The Tabaxi that live separate from Yama and Elvish territory, do so in small-knit communities called Hitoris, and know not of the true fate of the rest of their kin. These groups vary in size from a small family to a modest town and can be found in some parts of The Pale, Adhera's rocky shores, and even some places in The Grass Sea. The most peculiar and perhaps famous Hitoris, however, are the "Sailing Hitoris" (or Hitumi). These are diasporic Tabaxi populations that inhabit a sailing ships. The whole of their 'countries' are the ships themselves and they protect them with their very lives. Though the Yamaite Armada was once merciless against these sailing projects, the Hannish Navy is more accepting of their status and often respect it under legal or diplomatic circumstances. Sailors of all races often boast about witnessing the "Floating Port", a supposed meeting of all Sailing Hitoris somewhere in the sea. No official records exist about this phenomenon, however, and if it has any truth to it then none but the Tabaxi can say so for sure.
Tabaxi have a Directorial society which delegates 'leading roles' to different individuals, who jointly undertake the role of head of state. A Sergeant of a Militia, for example, will have the same importance as the Head Cook. These are known as the 'Den Mothers' and they are chosen by the people in the purview that they represent, for different reasons. Smiths, for example, will have different demands of their Den Mother than Carpenters will have, and so choose their leader in different ways. Once a Den Mother is chosen, she joins the 'Den Moot' and all mothers make decisions about their communities. Though the title reflects its feminine origins, the 'office' can be held by any citizen who meets a community's demands, though it retains the title of 'mother'.
One thing always seems to permeate about Tabaxi society: excellence. They are rigorous in what they expect from their members and exile (both appointed by the Moot or self-appointed) is not at all uncommon. Exiled Tabaxi are colloquially known as 'Strays' and they tend to have an over-stated desire for freedom and impulsiveness. Yet even those strays would face death silently before revealing any facts considered secret by their Tabaxi kin.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Tomi, Yuna, Juyu, Makishi, Naha, Shuri
Masculine names
Ando, Gakuto, Takeshi, Sho, Keicho, Ryu
Family names
Chokun, Kamei, Ogusuku, Munchu, Tamaki, Yamashiro
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These names are derived from Okinawan first and last names, though Japanese first and last names can also be used.
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