Felis
The Felis tribe are Ochae'nafod bound to several species of wild cat throughout Thiskel. At least one, if not more, of these species are the progenitors of domestic cats, but Ochae'nafod are only bound to the wild species. Feral cats descended of domestic cats brought to Kalesten and Ertia persist in those lands, but there are no local Ochae'nafod bound to these populations either.
There are several unique species of cat in different regions of Thiskel, differing minorly in size and some morphological differences, such as coat pattern and color. Aside from coloration, most of the different tribes and clans under the Felis name share many similarities.
| Tribe | Species | Region | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felis | (European) Wildcat | E. North Thiskel | Extra small | |
| (Chinese) Mountain Cat | W. North Thiskel; Lianqai Mountains, Ourem | Extra small | ||
| (African) Wildcat | South Thiskel | Extra small |
Appearance
The Felis tribe are one of the few especially petite Ochae'nafod, comparable with the Lepus, Orycto, and many avian tribes. males standing up to 4'5" (135cm) and females at an average of 4' (122cm). They tend to be lithe and lean, and especially acrobatic and graceful. Subtle traits in their facial structures are reminiscent of feline faces; the tend to have small, oval faces with narrow chins, high cheekbones, and large eyes. Their eyebrows and lashes are black, regardless of their hair color, mimicking the typical "eyeliner" markings of many cat species.
Eye color is typically gold or golden-green with catlike pupils, and some variations of green or blue commonly seen in their bonded species. Their hair color is typically the dominant color of the coat, which can vary based on species--some tawny, some blonde, some grey, and other colors. Their skin color and some facial features often resemble local human populations, and given that they have presence from north to south Thiskel, this can include fair to tanned to dark brown skin colors.
Culture
The Felis are bonded to a predator species, but a small one that is also prey to others. There is a wariness common to smaller cats that is present in the Felis clan, especially in dealings with humans, but as their bonded species is often regarded fondly as pest control and the progenitors of beloved domestic cats, human interactions can be positive for them, whether in cat or natural form. They are one of the tribes more willing to merge into human human societies, though they tend to keep their true talents of shapeshifting and magic secret. Their small size and features often make it easy for them to pass as children amongst humans. They are curious and playful, sometimes mischievous by nature.
The various cat species have slightly different social structures--some being more sociable with their own kind but hunting solitarily, or living solitary lives and only coming together to mate. For the Felis tribe, their social nature is communal, but with solitary excursions. Romantically, they may have brief flings with lovers from other clans--or other races--and any resulting children are typically raised by the mother's clan. Sometimes, long-term partnerships do occur, as well as raising children together.
In the wilderness, Felis tribes make their homes in hidden thickets or woods with several small huts built from locally available building materials. Several close family members often share a single hut, typically mothers and their children, siblings or cousins of a similar age.
