Homebrew Uplifted Feline Species Details

"We certainly believe that Man once existed and that by the hand of Man did we gain the tools to elevate ourselves above the level of simple beasts - but those foolish uplifted mongrels that live in Pugmire have it all wrong. We never served Man, nor were we ever beholden to them.

The evidence that our historians and scholars have gathered over the years... artefacts, documents, broadcasts... they all indicate that Man served us! They existed as the treasured servants and worshippers of our evolutionary ancestors, showering them with gifts and making the splendour of felines known across all the realms. It stands to reason then that in their absence that their technology by rights belongs to us - the uplifted descendants of their beloved masters!"

- Sheba, uplifted feline scholar

Existing alongside the uplifted canine species, uplifted felines are evolutionary descendants of household cats. Elevated through the discovery and usage of ancient technology, they seek to unravel the mystery of why humanity - who they believe to be cherished servants of their ancestors - disappeared from the world, leaving them and the other uplifted animal species behind. 

Note: This race is based on the playable race described in the PDF for Monarchies of Mau, available officially via Onyx Path Publishing.

Masters of their World

Since the beginning of recorded feline history, the realm of Mau existed in opposition to the canine realm of Pugmire. Unlike the canines, who existed in almost tribal communities until the formation of their kingdoms, Mau is a collection of city-states with the citizens working in unison for mutual benefit. This attitude of "no one feline is more important than another" extends into their personal dealings as well, with many felines refusing to to have their actions dictated or controlled by another. This philosophy of self-governance leads many felines into lives as adventurers and explorers where they can experience the world of their own terms.

The Precepts of Mau

Similar to the Code of Man revered by the citizens of Pugmire, Mau has a set of guidelines taken from the teachings of various influential scholars and philosophers. These guidelines - known as the Four Precepts of Mau - are taught to each kitten in their formative years so that they might take them into their adult lives as they venture out into the world:

1. A feline will always trust their instincts in times of uncertainty
2. A feline will always respect the outcome of an honest contest
3. A feline will always pounce upon the Unseen or those that serve them
4. A feline will always reward loyalty and punish treachery

Paws for Thought

Although uplifted felines value friends, family and community as much as an creature, they are just as likely to enjoy their own company as any. Each uplifted feline is, to a certain degree, the master of their own fate and are not afraid to remind others of this. Uplifted felines are taught to trust their instincts and commit to their decisions, traits that ironically mark them as natural leaders and trailblazers. 

In addition to this shared spirit of independence, uplifted felines retain a sense of cautiousness and curiosity, quickly becoming bored with routine. Many of them will continue travelling long into their adult years, yearning for fresh experiences and challenges and relying on their sharp senses, dazzling agility and an array of natural weapons to aid them in times of danger.

Felines are also known to be very prideful and will answer any insult to their pride with swift and decisive action. In the event of a disagreement, felines are usually known to issue challenges that can be martial or mental in nature. Despite this impulsiveness, felines are gracious in defeat and will usually accept the outcome of such a challenge as long as both participants have acted fairly.

Uplifted Feline Names

Uplifted felines typically have two names - a "true name" to be used privately amongst close friends and family and a second "given" name used by all others. Earning the right to call an uplifted feline by their true name is a mark of great trust and mutual respect which very few non-felines ever experience.

Male "Given" Names: Simba, Binx, Jasper, Felix, Blue, Gizmo, Caesar, Bailey

Male "True" Names: Barong, Catsith, Komainu, Leo, Lamassu, Manticore, Zouyu

Female "Given" Names: Luna, Cleo, Sheba, Coco, Hazel, Belle, Kiki, Roxie

Female "True" Names: Ammit, Bastet, Chakla, Mehit, Sphinx, Sekhmet, Sharabha

Uplifted Feline Traits

Swift, wily and decisive, uplifted felines gains access to the following racial traits:

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

Uplifted felines are considered as children (or "kitten") until their fifth year. They are considered to be adults from then until their elderly years (elderly felines are sometimes known as "moggies") and typically live around 70-80 years.

Alignment

Felines value their personal freedom and decisive action above the any restrictions that may be placed upon them by others. Although few felines are deliberately evil or malicious, their tendency to act in their own interest causes them to tend towards neutral or chaotic alignments.

Size

Uplifted felines typically stand between 5 and 6 feet tall and have lithe, slender builds, well suited for their natural agility. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Felines have sharp eyes that glow faintly in the darkness, seeing through the shadows. 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.

Natural Claws

Every feline has a set of retractable claws on each paw that 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.

Lionhearted

Felines are notably self-possessed and resolute, a trait that provides them with a measure of protection against psychic manipulation. You have advantage on saving throws against being Charmed and you have resistance against psychic damage.

Balanced Landing

During their formative years, curious kittens fall often. To counter this, they develop a near-reflexive ability to right themselves while falling to prevent injury. 

Whenever you would take falling damage due to falling 50 feet or less, you can use your reaction to fall prone upon coming into contact with the ground (or any other solid surface), providing that you are not currently incapacitated. If you do so, you can halve any falling damage that you might take.

Languages

You can read, speak and write Common.