Homebrew Beastkin (Cat) Species Details

Description

Cat Beastkin are the result of a curse being placed on a person through a Beastkin ritual, fusing their soul with one of a Cat.   (This is inspired by Cat Beastkin from Dungeon Meshi created by Ryoko Kui. Most of the information I have gained is from the character Izutsumi. I have taken my own spin and added my ideas to the mix too.)

Mostly having normal skin with fur spots on the elbows, nape, backs of hands, commonly their entire back and front torso, hips and groin, legs and of course on their feline tail and ears. This fur's colour is mostly dependent on the cat used in the ritual, but can rarely be entirely different, especially for those not as experienced with the ritual. They have sharp claw like nails, which are longer and sharper than most race's nails.  Their eyes are much larger than other races with more cat like curved edges. Their eyes are also much brighter, commonly in colours such as teal, amber, crimson and lime. They also have small fangs. Their eyebrows are wider and their noses are smaller than humans. Their tail and ears are incredibly sensitive to temperature, volume and touch. They can also create cat like noises instinctively such as purring and meows. They are more resistant to cold climates due to their fur but by no means are invulnerable to feeling cold. Cat Beastkin also have an uncanny ability to climb up surfaces easier with their sharp claw like nails. On the nape and back, Cat Beastkin have tattoos etched into their skin, a remnant of their transformation to their form through the Beastkin ritual. These tattoos are black in colour and have inscriptions of curses on them. Cat Beastkin also can see in the dark well.

Anatomy

Cat Beastkin have a slightly different skeletal structure to their previous race. They have a new tail bone, commonly about 2ft long and 2 ears on the top of their head. They lose all trace of their previous ears other than a small scar where they would had previously been. They have slightly larger canine teeth.  Cat Beastkin are sterile and can not have offspring. Most Cat Beastkin are around 5ft in height and weigh around 80 to 100 lb.  They are also slimmer than humans. Cat Beastkin reach maturity in their late teens. They live around 80 years.

Behaviour

They are natural explorers, curious and commonly untrusting. In this way they commonly seem aloof and uncaring to others who do not closely understand the person. Their ears, mouth and tail are used to express themselves clearly, with upturned ears and upwards tail meaning surprise, backwards pointing ears, hissing and thrashing tail as anger and tail between the legs and ears down as worry, sadness or reaction to a loud noise or unhappy surprise. Cat Beastkin thoroughly look after how clean they are by constantly cleaning and grooming themselves with their tongue. Cat Beastkin are incredibly proud of their appearance and always try to keep incredibly clean. They mostly hate water and will do anything to stay away from it.  Cat Beastkin are naturally untrustful and commonly are stand-offish and blunt or shy and timid, probably due to the pain they endured during the ritual. Cat Beastkin also seem to dislike most types of vegetable's and fruits, but can be persuaded to. They also have a love for meat, fish and crustaceans. 

Many view them as outlaws, abominations or freaks. Because of this, they sometimes pop up in traveling circuses, prisons, orphanages and fighting amphitheatres.

 

Beastkin (Cat) Traits

Cat Beastkin have some traits derived from cats.

Alighntment

Cat Beastkin, due to their curious and explorative nature and how they are commonly discriminated against leads them to commonly be chaotic.

Keen sense

Due to your cat like nature and claws, they have a knack for perceiving things and sneaking up on people. You have proficiency on Perception and Stealth rolls. In addition to that you have advantage to Perception rolls based on hearing or smell.

Languages

Cat Beastkin can speak, write and read common. You can also understand another language of your choice.

Size

Cat Beastkin are normally a bit shorter than humans, about 5ft. They are also normally slimmer. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30ft. 

Climbing

Your climbing speed is 15. You can not use your climbing speed if your your wearing medium or heavy armour.

Spite of Water

When wet or in water you have disadvantage on saving throughs, ability checks and attack rolls.

Fluffiness

You are resistant to cold damage.

Darkvision

 As you are accustomed to the Night, 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.

Claws

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. You also have proficiency with them.

Age

Cat Beastkin reach maturity in their late teens. They live around 80 years.