Homebrew Domestic Cat Species Details

Thriving across the realms, from dense city streets to sequestered mountaintops, the cat has inspired both the image of mystic and wild, as well as common and pest-like over the years. While cats of this variety are seen as "domestic" their instincts still remain, though their size was striped from them.

They are wild, fierce, unpredictable, and intelligent. Taking over regions while others remain oblivious.

Claw and Fur

Cats look much like their larger cousins, only smaller. But when a cat is in sight, creeping forward in their instinctual predatory crouch, the fact that they have been "tamed" can be easily forgotten. Standing upright, cats might reach 1 foot tall, or smaller, and they typically have long, narrow legs that taper to sharp, retractable claws.

Unless belonging to breeds specifically made otherwise, fur cover their bodies. Their pelt can be any color under the natural sun, spanning from snowy white to bright orange, with eye colors following that same pattern. Due to their connection with other races like humans, breeds have been created that differ from their natural appearance.

Wild and Wily

Cats adapt and thrive nearly everywhere. So well, infact, that they can drive droves of prey species extinct in areas where they're abundent without outside intervention. Even in places entirely unnatural, cats have been known to overtake them as well. Quickly populating and fighting away competition.

Once a cat, even one that has lived their entire life so far being cared for, is put in the wild, they can survive nearly instantly. Inherent survival instinct being something born into them, not something they entirely need to be taught. In forests, deserts, mountains, cities, riversides, and more, these animals thrive in prime condition. A living reason why gods of hunting and the wilds choose them as their symbol.

Colonies, Clans, and Tribes

While cats do not have proper society as other races do, they still form groups. Wether it be by blood and family, or friends and strangers looking for company. Many cats go against their ancestors' instinct of isolation and solitary inhabitence for a more social lifestyle, with their isolation being more of lack of interaction between groups, rather than lack of interaction between individuals. Because of this isolation, groups have been known to form unique cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles.

When two or more groups of cats meet, they don't usually do it peacefully. Prefering to stubbornly compete over creating alliances, or moving further away. While less common in the wilderness, these resource competitions can run bloody, at times exterminating entire groups of cats without even being noticed by more advanced races.

The total amount of cat groups span nearly infinitely, from neighborhood stray colonies, to religious battling clans. A cat, when compared to another, can have a world of difference between them. Discuss with your DM ideas of where your character may have come from, and the culture of their group.

Cat Names

As with much of their speech, cat names include body language, near unhearable sounds others, without a cat's delicate hearing, wouldn't be able to hear, expressions, and mannerisms, to the point that other races have a difficult time even noticing them. Typically, a name would be aspects of the wilds, or names given to them by owners. Some cats living in groups such as clans may have specific name structures.

A cat of either gender may have one of these short names: Bird, Canyon, Fang, River, Dancer, Echo

A cat of either gender belonging to a clan or other group may have these names: Bluewind, Cricketjump, Coldsnap, Fern that Sways in Wind, Light Hidden by Leaves

CAT BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds that are most appropriate for cats include the outlander, the hermit, and the sage.

The small colonies of cats are insular and remote, and few cats live away from their roots. Not typically straying from their home territory, or general region and enviroment. When they do, it isn't normally just for the thrill of adventure. Cats very, very, rarely have any kind of magic, with most, if any classes they take being martial. If a cat does have magic, it is nearly always druid.

Domestic Cat Traits

As a cat, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to climb is a very useful trait that needs to be considered by your DM, although, your small size and relative fragility may limit where you should go. (This race is not supposed to be taken seriously)

Darkvision

You, as a cat, have keen senses, especially in the dark. 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.

Cat's Talent

You have proficiency in the Perception and Stealth skills.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Cats reach maturity at the age of around 1 year. They do not usually live over 20.

Alignment

Most cats are neutral but do choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Depending on where they originate, some may stick to codes of honor, while others may live more wildly.

Size

Cats are about 1 foot tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. Your size is Tiny.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Cat's Claws

Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 30 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 cannot speak any language belonging to any race other than your own, nor can you properly write in any of them. You can understand Primordial.