Felid

Overview

The Felids are a noble and powerful species originating from Terra Prime, the ancestral home of both Humans, Ursids, and Canids. Unlike Canids, who trace their lineage to domesticated dogs, the Felids evolved from wild cats such as lions, tigers, and jaguars. This divergence, combined with their uplift by an advanced and unknown race, shaped Felids into an apex predator species with a strong sense of pride and superiority.

Today, Felids dominate the political and economic arenas of the Galaxa Universe, leveraging their physical prowess, cunning, and aristocratic culture. Their society is infamous for its rigid caste system and controversial participation in the illegal slave trade.

Biology

Physical Traits

Felids retain many traits from their wild cat ancestors:

• Height and Build:
  • Small Sub-Species (Bobcats, Lynxes): Compact and agile, ranging from 4 to 5 feet tall.
  • Large Sub-Species (Tigers, Lions): Towering and powerful, reaching up to 8 feet tall.
• Fur: Thick, patterned fur unique to their sub-species, offering both camouflage and cultural significance.
• Eyes: Reflective, slit-pupilled eyes that enable superior night vision and an intimidating gaze.
• Claws: Retractable claws ideal for combat and climbing.
• Senses: Acute hearing, sharp vision, and a heightened sense of smell make them exceptional hunters.
• Tail and Ears: Both expressive and functional, aiding in communication and balance.

Sub-Species

Each Felid sub-species reflects traits from a specific wild cat ancestor:

1. Jaguar Felid: Stealthy and powerful, known for their adaptability in jungle or urban environments.
2. Lion Felid: Charismatic and dominant, often leading Felid noble houses.
3. Leopard Felid: Agile and strategic, excelling in infiltration and reconnaissance.
4. Tiger Felid: The largest and strongest, revered for their raw power and leadership in battle.
5. Lynx Felid: Compact and clever, thriving in cold climates and precision roles.
6. Bobcat Felid: Small but fierce, known for their unpredictability and cunning.
7. Savannah Cat Felid: Elegant and swift, often acting as negotiators or couriers.
8. Cheetah Felid: Unmatched in speed and stamina, serving as messengers and scouts.

Lifespan

Felids live around 200 Galaxian years, with noble Felids often extending their lifespans through advanced medicine and genetic enhancements.

Culture

Noble Hierarchy

Felid society is structured around a rigid hierarchy that values strength, lineage, and cunning:

• High Nobility: Led by Lion and Tiger Felids, who dominate political and military leadership.
• Lesser Nobility: Comprising Jaguars, Leopards, and Lynxes, who serve as generals, governors, and tacticians.
• Commoners: Including Bobcats, Cheetahs, and Savannah Cats, often employed as artisans, scouts, or servants.

Rites of Passage

Felids undergo ceremonial hunts and duels to prove their worth. Success in these rites is critical for gaining rank and respect.

Art and Aesthetics

Felids are patrons of the arts, favoring sculptures, textiles, and music inspired by their Terra Prime heritage. Many noble houses display murals depicting their lineage and achievements.

Slavery and Servitude

Felids see servitude as a natural order of life. While Humans are often employed as servants, the illegal slave trade involves other Near-Human species, a practice criticized by galactic authorities but defended by Felid nobles as "preserving tradition."

Technology

Weapons

Felid technology balances elegance with lethality:

• Claw Enhancers: Augment their natural claws with energy or toxin applications.
• Stealth Devices: Cloaking technologies tailored to their hunting instincts.
• Sonic Roar Emitters: Tactical devices amplifying vocal roars for crowd control or intimidation.

Starships

Felid starships are as predatory as their creators:

• Predator Frigates: Designed for swift strikes and ambush tactics.
• Prowler Scouts: Small, agile craft ideal for infiltration and reconnaissance.

Historical Origins

The Uplift of Terra Prime

Felids, along with Canids, were among the many species uplifted from Terra Prime by a mysterious advanced race following the exodus of Humans. This intervention accelerated their evolution, granting them heightened intelligence, bipedal forms, and advanced societal structures. Unlike Canids, who retained close bonds with Humans, Felids viewed themselves as natural rulers and apex predators, forging a proud and independent path.

Felids remained on Terra Prime longer than most species, establishing sprawling jungle cities and desert fortresses before venturing into the stars. Their eventual colonization of Praxus Prime, a planet mirroring the dense jungles and savannahs of Terra Prime, marked the start of their galactic empire.

Relations with Other Species

Humans

Felids hold a dual relationship with Humans. While they admire their shared Terra Prime origins, they see Humans as subservient. This has created tension between Felid nobles and Human freedom movements.

Canids

Felids and Canids often clash, representing opposing ideals: Felid dominance and Canid loyalty. Felids view Canids as overly sentimental, while Canids see Felids as arrogant and cruel.

Galaxa Authority

Felid participation in the slave trade puts them at odds with galactic authorities, though their wealth and influence often shield them from consequences.

Notable Felids

1. Emperor Kaelan Stripeshade (Tiger Felid): The ambitious ruler of the Felid Empire, known for his expansionist policies.
2. Lady Nyssa Goldmane (Lion Felid): A charismatic noble who uses charm and wit to maintain her influence.
3. General Tarsyn Shadowclaw (Jaguar Felid): A cunning military strategist famed for his unconventional tactics.
4. Chella Swiftfoot (Cheetah Felid): A celebrated courier who holds the record for fastest inter-sector delivery.

Trivia

• Felids claim to be the rightful heirs of Terra Prime, often considering Canids and Humans as "lesser descendants."
• Many Felid nobles wear elaborate jewelry and ceremonial armor adorned with patterns resembling their fur.
• Despite their rigid hierarchy, dissent is growing among younger Felids, particularly against the slave trade and strict caste system.