Because, well, they're part-Cat, at least at some level. And given the view of cats among the elite of society--even among those knowing that they're sentient and intelligent-- it wouldn't surprise me that Warriorborn are associated with (tainted with) those views. So, as brightbane said, in short: racism.The prejudice towards Cats seems odd anyway. Traditionally, cats were well regarded for their ability to deal with mice and other pests (one of the reasons ancient Egyptians were so fond of their cats). In an enclosed and crowded space like a Spire, dealing with disease would be more important than ever (see the verminocitors).
I wonder if these warrior and uplifted cats are all descended from their own progenitor, or a group/family of them.The only thing I can come up with is that theses cats are so much more social/organized, and only somewhat rarely seem to have positive dealing with people, that they havent wanted to be the solitary Cat on a human vessel. Separately, I suspect that the ships have to deal with Rat problems far less than their sea-fairing ancestors, which was the primary reason for domesticated cats on board.
Why don't ships have more contact with cats? In sailing stories there is often tales about a ship's cat. I can see the spire recruiting adventuring cat from their population to cat the ships.
Cats deal with almost any small pest that t.hreatens cargo or supplies.Benny was from a splinter/branch Family of gwen's yes? I wonder if they have a higher tendancy of Warrior-born? Given that Gwen mentioned a Warriorborn would be an acceptable mate if he were the actual heir to the house, I have to think it can manifest unexpectedly in, so perhaps it doesnt breed particularly true, or at least doesnt manifest reliably?
If warriors are a bloodline thing, then I would expect for there to be warrior based houses to augement the noble ones. Even if it is not a dominant heritage, those that don't express would still be able to apply for the spire reach guard or military service, so be known as a militant family.
Nobility often intermingled with warrior families. Their ancestors rewarded for their actions in battle. But I would think they would be eager to marry daughters to warriors, to bolster their influence and power.Depending on the pervasive levels of the racism involve, you may well be right, from a logical standpoint. But racism and logic...?
I can see them making advantageous marriages in the cadet lines, so even if the high nobility disdain them, the lower ones would be eager to accept them.