Waseti

The Waseti are a catlike species from the savannah and jungle planet of Waset.

Biology and appearance
The Waseti evolved from feline big cats and have five subspecies based on primary ancestry, which can be lion, tiger, cheetah, jaguar or leopard. They sport a large which can be many colors and can be accompanied with stripes or spots. They are taller than most humans and stand 1.9 to 2.5 metres tall, though taller members of their species are not unheard of. They are very fit and muscular and fat Waseti are unheard of. Contrary to popular belief, they cannot run efficiently on four limbs, unlike their ancestors. Some male Waseti from the lion subspecies have manes, these individuals often have a respected status. Male Waseti are larger than females and are considerably stronger and faster, though females are known to be more aggressive and protective. They can reproduce with most other mammalian species, which results in a hybrid. Waseti are considered handsome or beautiful by most other species, though they rarely fall in love with non-members of their species and consider foreigners outsiders.

Waseti cubs take four years to fully develop into adult members of their species.

Society and culture
Waseti are a mostly sedentary civilization, though most many adults still go hunting for fun or recreation. Adolescent Waseti often perform a ceremony of adulthood by catching a prey without any equipment, after which they are considered warriors. The Waseti greatly value bravery, skill, strength, courage, determination and stuborness. They greatly dislike weakness in any form or treachery. They also dislike killing or hunting weak beings and sometimes feel they have to protect the weak. Askarai Waseti are quite common and are often celebrated as "chosen ones". They do not often, however, become Senrasai, as Askarai Waseti often refuse to leave their family and friends behind. Any outsider than can prove his or her strength in hunting or battle is respected by the Waseti and is considered welcome on their homeworld. Male Waseti often stayed at home with their children, while their mothers go work and earn money. In recent days, however, this is becoming less and less common. Females are often seen in powerful or high positions, though sexism or discrimination is non-existent. Fat Waseti, though extremely rare, are frowned upon and encouraged to become fit. Lying is a grave crime in Waseti culture and anyone who does so is considered a disgrace to their family and friends.

If another being, whether a Waseti or any other species, saves the life of a Waseti, they often swear an oath of protection to this person, pledging they would protect this person with their life.

When annoyed or angered,  Waseti often roared or growled. When happy, they could also roar. When sad, they often roared in a sad way.