Homebrew Felyne Species Details
CONCERNING FELYNES
“Weary yet focused, he looked ahead at the languishing dark dragon as his tattered flaxen fur rustled in the breeze cresting over the cliffside. Felcoat stood at only half the height of his wounded human companion, but the looming bloodied greataxe he held in his paws did help to overcome much of the difference in stature. As Felcoat contemplated his next move his other companion, a dark elf fighter, rushed the dragon with her icy daggers in hand. Now that the monster’s attention had shifted, Felcoat finally saw his much needed opening. Dropping to all fours to dash forward he held the impossibly large axe from his mouth and expertly maneuvered near the patch of injured scales along the dragon’s turned neck. Leaping forward Felcoat took a hold of his weapon as he traveled through the air and brought it forcefully down deep into the flesh of the monster.”
- Eyren Martillon, The Fate of Fatalis
Felynes are a race of intelligent bipedal catfolk that have a rich history on the continent of Venadier. While their presence on Venadier can only be tracked back about a thousand years, they have managed to form thriving communities in a variety of wild spaces on the continent.
Lynian Ancestry
There are many types of catfolk in the world, but Felynes fall under the ancestry of the Lynians. Lynians are regarded as cat-like beings that are intelligent, bipedal, and short in stature. Felynes are the most widely known species of Lynian in the world, though other species like the Melynx (known for their grayish-blue fur, nomadic lifestyles, and kleptomaniac tendencies) can be found around Venadier. Felynes have evolved to come in an array of colors, fur patterns and lengths, but their size is fairly consistent. The average height for a Felyne is around three feet tall when standing on their two back paws. Felynes are bipedal and are able to walk around on their hind legs, though when running or dashing at faster speeds tend to go on all fours. The average weight of a Felyne is 45-50 lbs.
Home Amongst Nature
Most Felynes live in small yet sprawling communities alongside nature. While Felynes have the knowledge of modern farming and building techniques, most Felyne villages tend to be quite “rustic” and typically take on the attributes of the area. For example, many Felynes who live amongst dense forests have homes built inside of looming tree trunks or huts with roofs covered in native fauna. And unlike the settlements of other races, not much evidence of farming can be found among Felyne communities as they rely mainly on hunting and gathering to sustain themselves.
Working Together
In established Felyne communities, members are expected to contribute to the community. There are five main roles Felynes can take, including Explorer, Healer, Hunter, Forager, and Cook. While many Felynes switch between roles depending on what is needed, some specialize in a single role who enjoy or excel in their craft. In addition to supporting the community, younger Felynes are also expected to hone various skills necessary for survival (with the help of mentors) so they are able to live independently when they reach “Wandering Age”.
Spirit of Adventure
Felynes typically leave their tight-knit communities to satiate their innate curiosity about the world around them. In fact, many established communities will encourage Felynes who have come of “Wandering Age” to leave home and experience the outside world for themselves. A Felyne’s journey can take many paths. Some Felynes travel to nearby towns and villages to find work and experience a more urban lifestyle, while others seek unstructured experiences as an adventurer. “Wandering” Felynes are welcomed back to their communities at any point whether they’d like to just drop by and share stories of their travels or stay and make a more permanent life at home.
The Cat’s Meow
In earlier days as Felyne communities grew, their “Wanderers” began traveling further and made their way to many well-established towns across Venadeir. While the Felynes were a new sight for many residents, they were quickly welcomed into the townships they came across once people became familiar with their surprisingly intense work ethic given how lackadaisical Felynes initially appeared. Felynes found work where it was needed as cooks, farm hands, and housekeepers, but soon many bolder Felynes were making names for themselves as merchants, mercenaries, and adventurers and traveling even further out into the world.
Life stages of a Felyne:
- 0-2 years old: Kitten
- 2-5 years old: Cub
- 5-10 years old: Junior
- 10-55 years old: Adult
- 55+ years old: Elder
Felynes typically live to about 75 years old and reach adulthood (aka “Wandering Age”) at 10 years old. Kittens are typically cared for by their primary caregivers but when they reach 2 years old they are introduced formally to their community and trusted to be cared for by all Adults and Elders. When a Felyne becomes a Junior at 5 years old, they will be given their first community role and assigned a mentor who will help them learn about their role(s) and other life skills.
Felyne Traits
Your Felyne character has an array of abilities, many the result of their sharp cat-like senses and innate connection to nature.Felyne Flexibility
Your cat-like body can move quickly and be contorted in seemingly impossible ways. You have advantage on dexterity saving throws.
Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity Score increases by 2 and your Wisdom Score increases by 1.
Age
A Felyne matures quickly and reaches adulthood at 10 years old and generally lives to around 70-80 years old.
Size
Felynes average about 3 feet tall and weigh about 45 pounds. Your size is small.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice. You can also generally understand and communicate with cats.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision
Felyne’s eyes are accustomed to seeing through even the darkest of nights in the wilds, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Keen Senses
You have proficiency in the perception skill.
Cat's Claws
Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 20 feet. In addition, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice. You can also generally understand and communicate with cats.
Comments