Shemtej

The Shemtej are a catfolk ethnicity found primarily within the Golden Road nations of Osirion, Rahadoum, and Thuvia.

Appearance

The main physical distinction between Shemtej and other catfolk ethnicities is found only in males, who sport distinctive, large, lion-like manes of fur around their head and neck.

Culture

Shemtejes travel the length and breadth of the Golden Road nations in caravans based around large extended families known as "trains". Unusually for such a family-based culture, the Shemtej do not embrace monogamous traditions of family, instead believing in a more free-wheeling relationship structure that emphasises freedom in love and personal relationships; as such, they do not believe in or practice marriage. Shemtej caravan trains are quite fluid in their membership, with various lovers coming and going, children encouraged to set out and see the world for themselves, and elders frequently departing to pursue their own personal goals. Many non-catfolk inhabitants believe the Shemtej to be the blessed children of the cat-headed protector goddess Bastet. It is true that the Shemtej wander the most dangerous and desolate reaches of the deserts of the Golden Road, and all catfolk see themselves as wardens and hunters of any evil that threatens Golarion.