Worldbuilding: The Empires

Traits of the Empire

This is a very general overview and other chapters will go more in depth into specifics about the Empire's culture. More may be added to this chapter in time!

P H Y S I C A L

It's easy to tell if an Empire cat has outsider genetics if they have short fur. The majority of Empire cats have long fur due to the cold climate that they live in. Their fur is thick, perfectly suited to keep them warm during the harsh winter months. As the Empire are open to outsiders, there's a blend of short and long furred cats, though the long furred cats greatly outnumber the short furred cats.

The Empire is a jumble of pelt colours. As their backgrounds and genetics are very mixed, cats of all pelt colours inhabit the Empire. The most common pelt colours are brown tabbies, black, white, ginger, and torties, though colours from all under the sun pop up. White markings are also quite common. More uncommon colours include colourpoints, and any purebreed specific traits, though they, of course, pop up every now and then with former kittypets joining. Tabby patterns are common, particularly mackerel and classic tabbies. Spotted is less common but certainly prevalent, while ticked is very rare.

The most common eye colours are yellows, greens, and hazels, though orange hues aren't uncommon. The only uncommon eye colour is blue, but even then it isn't rare, as there are plenty of cats with a lot of white spotting, or purely white cats, to blend in with the snow

All pure empire cats have a similar body type. They have rather short, compact bodies, with short legs and large paws. They tend to have short extremities, like their ears and tail, all of which help with limiting exposure to the cold and tempurature regulation. Those with a kittypet origin tend to have the more lithe, slender, and tall looks. Cats from The City of Tempest tend to be the most muscular out of the lot.

All in all, Empire cats are a varied group and can't easily be identified by their outward appearance.

Cats identify which City they're from by necklaces. Every Empire cat gains a necklace when they choose a City and become a fully fledged member of the Empire. They're made out of weed, and charms are made out of rock, bone, feathers. A raven feather is worn by TCoE, an osprey feather is worn by TCoT, a chickadee feather is worn by TCoL, and a jay feather is worn by TCoA. A cat can recieve engraved bones for special service to the Empire.

Higher ranking cats also have a crown, worn at all times unless hunting or fighting. They are woven from plants and adorn with flowers.

V A L U E S  A N D  B E L I E F S

The Empire is split into Cities based on values. What a cat values the most, regardless of their actual character, defines where they end up. These values are kindness, bravery, self-improvement, and intelligence.

The Empire are deeply proud of their society and who they are. All cats are expected to share this love and pride, which can cause issues when cats have genuine societal criticisms. Contribution to the Empire is valued. A cat is defined by how much they give back to their society. The more a member contributes, the more the are respected and liked. Someone who does not contribute very much to the wider community is looked down upon by the Empire society.

Empire cats value community and connection. Cats are expected to bond and care for others. If a cat is a loner, they're generally considered as if there's something wrong with them - if they don't have friends or family around them, they've done something wrong to cause that. They're a collectivist culture, valuing the needs of a group over an individual. To put oneself first is often seen as selfish, though the degree of this differs from City to City - The City of Tempest puts a lot of emphasis on individual bravery, and The City of Augment revolves around the belief that if eaxh individual was the best version of themselves, the better off the society as a whole would be.

The Empire values hard work, dedication and diligence to one's rank, City, and The Empire as a whole.

The Empire is very welcoming. Their beliefs around outsiders is "the more the merrier!" The Empire likes to share their culture and grow their numbers, and therefore welcome as many outside members to join their ranks as they can. They're less celebratory towards those who want to leave the Empire. Cats are allowed to leave, but it is seen as a great disgrace to do so, and cats who do are seen as traitors, the lowest of the low. If a cat leaves the Empire, they are not welcome back.