Aruan Race

Aruans are a species of horned, bipedal big cats, standing roughly half taller than humans. Adapted to warm, open plains, they evolved as natural hunters, for whom injury once meant starvation and death. This constant risk shaped a deep instinct to avoid wounds, driving early Aruans to protect their bodies and settlements through the use of stone and metal.
As their societies advanced and tribal bonds strengthened, survival no longer depended solely on the individual. Yet the affinity for metal- and stoneworking endured, preserved as a cultural legacy. Their industries favor durability and permanence, reflecting a people shaped by generations of careful survival.
In daily life, Aruans possess great physical strength, but they prize composure and discipline above raw force. They see themselves as elevated beyond mere beasts through self-control and earned achievement. For this reason, slavery is despised, and prisoners of war are generally treated with restraint rather than cruelty.
Still, the beast within is not fully suppressed. War, though governed by strict codes, is considered a proving ground of worth. Victory is respected, but courage and composure in battle are held in equally high regard

Only content of this mod is a playable race with both portraits and in-game sprites. Aruans don’t come with new techs, weapons or resources, I want them to be as "lite" and vanilla like as possible

Stats:

Pros:

• Good hunters and fishers
• Decent crafters
• Value education
• Strong fighters

Cons:

• Prefer open spaces
• Poor at making food outside hunting and fishing
• Quite hungry
• Dependent on regions, trade, or other species for access to most raw resources

Housing requirements:

• Cut Stone
• Wood
• Furniture
• Fabric
• Pottery
• Leathers

Prefered roads:

• Cobblestone
• Highway
• Plaza

Prefered food:

• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs

Prefered buildings:
Stone and Grand

Religion:
Athuri

They prefer warmer climates and have noticeable resistance to high temperatures. They enjoy open spaces and silence, and in terms of decoration, have a soft spot for pillars. Unlike most species, they do not care much for hearths or light, and dislike torches due to their natural night vision.
Aruans enjoy war and are well suited for it, with increased mass, speed, and natural weapons in form of horns and claws. They consider war a proving ground, with a focus on prowess and honor. While slavery might seem like a solution to their poor food production once population growth outpaces hunting, they dislike it, encouraging the player to seek alternative food sources or balance a multi-species city.
They oppose outright executions. Judgment is preferred, though they also find satisfaction in punishment through arenas.

Originally posted by Note:

Any and all feedback is welcomed. I want Aruans to fit game balance, and be enjoyable to play while providing new gameplay opportunities.
Balance updates are expected and will be based on feedback. Some graphics also might change or be introduced with time. I won’t be touching stuff that could brick saves.

Originally posted by Compatibility:

Should be compatible with all mods. Might cause harmless error log "no X sound key" after exiting the game when used with other race mods – it has no gameplay effect. Please report this only if the other race mod doesn’t cause this error on its own

Honorable mentions
Thanks to:
Twiggy for showing me how to start making a mod.
Pem for valuable feedback and balance suggestions.
Arrevax for helping me with flavour and icon.