FELIS
By Peloquin (ka.vanadis@karlskrona.mail.telia.com)
Description
Savage and noble, unpredictable and beautiful, these are all common epithets for the changelings known as Felis. Originating in the myths and dreams of African folklore, they are the true cat people who walked the Egyptian deserts and the African savannahs with the Eshu long before the Shattering. But when the wandering Eshu made their ways out of the dark continent, the Felis stayed behind. Unable to leave their homes due to loyalty, tradition and plain stubbornness, these kith never saw the courts of Europe, instead remaining behind to protect the Dreaming where they originated.When the Shattering came, the felis were quite unprepared. They managed to retreat into the so called "soft areas," places where the Dreaming overlaps the real world, places impossible to see by human or Prodigal eyes, places where the unwary traveller would get lost, caught in the Dreaming forever. Soon they were forced to take in both Prodigal shapechangers and a few of the mysterious Laibon Kindred, some even say the Dreamspeakers of Africa go there occasionally to gather strength and perform their magick safely.
Now, there are as many different felis are there are races of cats; rumors say that there are sister kiths in India, China, South and North America, closely related to the so-called Bastet, what European changelings believe are Prodigal Felis. And then there is the most closely related Prodigal of all, the half-fae Ceilican. To simplify the whole matter, we will keep to the African Felis only, although a crafty ST and his/her players might want to invent new ones. Do note, though, that Felis are all one kith, not different kiths, and have the same Frailty, whether they be Leonids, Onyxes or Anioto.
Leonids
Tall, muscular, arrogant lionmen, similar to the Simba Bastet, but since they are even more similar to their feline counterparts, lousy hunters and excellent scavengers. Not many know that lions in reality rely heavily on prey they steal from hyenas, leopards and cheetahs -- muscle goes a long way.
Onyx
Lightning quick Cheetahs. In spite of what many think, cheetahs are very social animals, and quite possibly the brightest felines of all. They bond with one mate for their entire lives, and have been known to become quite friendly with humans. The Onyxes are no exception to this, but their friendly demeanor hides the ever present Felis fury.
Anioto
These shamans and sorcerers are best known from lousy 30s serials, where they all too often would be the bad guys. In reality they are not only very peaceful, but quite possibly one of the most powerful foes the Hidden Ones and the Fomorians could possibly have, due to their magical knowledge and potential. Many rural folk still secretly support these changelings, in spite of repeated Void Engineer attempts to bring them down.
Appearance
Felis always have a feline, split-lipped face, similar to that of their totem animal, complete with sharp predator teeth and glowing eyes. They tend to be tall and resemble their animal counterparts physically as well as mentally, Leonids are muscular and bulky, Onyxes are slender and agile, etc.. All felis have a prehensile tail, like their feline cousins. Felis prefer dressing in loose comfortable colorful clothing: not always tribal, but often traditional.
Lifestyles
Felis prefer living in the wide open, where their abilities and heritage become free without the shackles of the ever-growing Banality of villages and cities. Many take work as Wildlife Reservation guards or scouts, and they harbor a growing hatred for those who hunt their brothers for human money.Childlings are playful and wild, though the trained observer might notice that all their games can be translated to life in the wild. Most tend to be more than a little disrespectful of their elders, a behavior that can be harmful in the wrong situations. The growing use of children in armies in their home nations have taken many a Felis Childling, though, so Wilders and grumps guard them with their own lives.
Wilders are proud and feral; they usually wander the African continent from coast to coast, having adventures almost equal to the Eshu. Once they reach their eligible age, though, they tend to select a mate. Fae or mortal, it makes no difference whom they bring with them on their journeys.
Grumps are quiet, reserved cats, with longs beards and flowing robes, their feline eyes full of wisdom. They stake out certain areas where they settle down, and hopefully live their lives to the natural end, but beware, they can be quite fierce if anyone harms or threatens their kin.
Affinity
Birthrights
The different Felis have different Birthrights, all aimed at their specific heritage.Leonid: Lion's Might. All Leonids gain a free dot in Strength and Stamina, even if this brings them above five.
Onyx: Speed of the Cheetah. All Onyx gain two free dots in Dexterity, even if this brings it above five. Also, the Onyx may reach the infamous speeds of their feline brethren for short periods. With a successful Stamina+Dexterity roll diff: 7 they can run at a speed of between 60-80 mph. This lasts only for max one turn. If they run any longer than that, their brains short out, rendering them temporarily Undone.
Anioto: Wisdom of the Ancestors. All Anioto gain two free dots in Gremayre, but when they specialize, they must choose the Specialty Animism, dealing only with the naturalistic magics of African fae.
Frailties
Cat's Fury: All Felis have a serious problem with their temper. Whenever anyone hurts anyone they care for, or insults them, they must roll WP diff: 8, two successes needed, or they attack the miscreant with all their might. This applies to all Felis, and when they frenzy like this, the character is in the hands of the ST, who rolls the characters WP, same difficulty for three turns. If he succeeds twice, the character regains control, if he fails or botches, the Felis goes total berserk and might attack friends or allies.
Quotes
Leonids: "Stand aside, coward, or face my wrath!"Onyx: "I bet I can outrun you! Race you to that hill?"
Anioto: "The ancestors are displeased with your behavior, young man. Shooting elephants and taking their tusks for white men's gold is something they frown upon very much. I curse you once, twice, thrice, to never hold a gun again, or else . . ."
Author's Note
I created these for a crossover chronicle I ST'd, taking place in Africa. They fit in surprisingly well, and we had several amusing episodes when the Bastet in the group tried speaking Bastet Kheuar with these changelings, and they understood zilch. Feel free to make sister kiths to all the Bastet tribes. My group is traveling Eastwards, and will soon meet the noble tigermen of India, China and Japan, not to mention the cousins of the Anioto.