Homebrew Calicai Species Details

Short and Furry

Calicai are often underestimated due to their short stature and cuddly demeanor. Calicai come in all shapes and colors. They can grow to be up to 3 ft tall and often vary in their weight due to differing habits. Calicai range from a more cat-like appearance to that of a dog, fox, raccoon, wolf, or any mix in between - but most tend to lean toward a more feline physicality. Their furs range from fiery gingers to the cool, calculating cerulean blues. The sub species of Calicai all have their own quirks, but as a whole they are known as intelligent and gifted adventurers.

Curse of Nine Lives

It is whispered that the Calicai possess nine lives and, by some forgotten curse, they will live forever until all nine are spent. Calicai do not age the way most other races do, keeping their spry energy until too many of their lives have been burned. Once a Calicai "dies", whether through a traumatic injury or sickness, their body goes through a brief period of rest before reawakening a few hours later, visibly aged to appear closer to their true age if they have been alive long enough - and burning one of their coveted nine lives. The more lives burned, the older the Felis appears, and once all nine are spent... the Felis perishes for good with even magical resurrection having no effect. This has led many Calicai adventurers to set out on quests to seek a change in the world or to bring endless glory to their clan, with some even settling down early and becoming wise sages or monks who wish to pass down knowledge through the ages. With their curse of nine lives the Calicai travel with an eagerness to get the most from life which drives them to move through it forming strong attachments to the many people with which they become acquainted. A Calicai near the end of their nine lives will often retire to a quiet life of guiding others, shop keeping, or simple mundane tasks, whether out of fear of risking their few remaining lives or simply feeling a need to settle down after a presumably long life of travel. Throughout their history, Calicai have had a strong sense of magic, and most Calicai are able to sniff out the wizard in a room full of grey bearded, pointy hat wearing men. Other races often construe the Calicai's innate magic sense to their origins as Wizard's familiars, used as conduits of magical energy to aid in spellcasting. That time has long since passed however, as Calicai today stand on their own.

Overcoming Underestimation

Calicai are among the shortest races and are often overlooked for their small stature. Their domesticated ancestors like the house cat are sometimes what all other races will see when dealing with a Calicai. Adventuring Calicai have learned to use this to their advantage, often sweet talking the tall folk into increasing their fee and rewards. But this talent isn't just limited to deal-making; in combat, foes will often disregard and even turn their backs to a Calicai , providing an opening to strike.

Curious Explorers

All Calicai share a love of exploring - their curiousity about the world is what drives them onward. They are constantly looking for new technologies, spells, and rare legendary items to further their honor or wanderlust.

Calicai Traits

Charisma + 1 - Dexterity +1 - Darkvision - Claws - Climbing - Cursed Life

Darkvision

Calicai possess specialized eyes, allowing them to see in the dark up to 60 feet as if it were bright light, and darkness beyond that as dim light.

Age

Calicai are considered full adults when they reach the age of 10 and can live indefinitely, granted they still have one of their 9 lives remaining.

Alignment

The majority of Calicai are curious to a fault, but kind-hearted. They are typically considered Chaotic Good.

Size

Calicai average between 2-4 feet tall and weigh up to 30 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. You have a climbing speed of 25 feet using your claws.

Claws

Due to your claws, you may choose to deal 1d4 slashing damage with an Unarmed Strike. Dexterity becomes your Ability Modifier when using an Unarmed Strike in this way.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and choose one other language.

Oppurrtunities

Choose a racial trait

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma and Dexterity Scores increase by 1.

Cursed Life

Once you are reduced to 0 hit points and fail 3 death saving throws, instead of dying you are forced into a period of Long Rest. Upon waking you will be returned to life with full hit points and benefits of a Long Rest, but you lose one of your nine lives. Once all nine lives are spent and you die, you are dead for good. Nothing short of a Wish spell can resurrect you.