Homebrew Ferren Species Details

"In a place as big as the Frostblade Citadel, the safest secret is the one hidden in plain sight. We become what they expect us to be—a merchant, a guard, a stranger passing by in the night. But those who know where to look? They’ll see a flicker of something else, a hint of fur and fang, a shadow that shouldn’t be there. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll realize they’re not alone in this city." — Myra Shadeclaw, Ferren thief

 

Overview and Appearance
Ferren are born in sleek, feline forms—resembling anything from a slender alley cat to a rare, wild forest feline. With their unique shapeshifting ability, they can assume a humanoid form slightly shorter than the average human, blending seamlessly into societies where their natural forms might provoke suspicion or fear. While in human form, subtle hints of their true selves persist: eyes with narrow, slitted pupils, a slightly more agile build, or a tendency to move with quiet, graceful steps. Ferren fur patterns often translate into hair colors or faint markings on their skin, giving them a distinct but not unmistakable appearance.

History and Culture
Long ago, Ferren lived openly alongside other races, primarily in forests and highlands. But when fear and misunderstanding turned to persecution, many of them sought safety in secrecy. Their origins were quickly obscured by myth and legend, casting them as elusive tricksters, spies, or magical creatures who slipped through the night unseen. To protect themselves, Ferren adopted a practice of remaining hidden. Many now live double lives, carefully guarding their true nature even from close friends and allies.

In places like the Frostblade Citadel, a sprawling labyrinthine metropolis where faces and identities blur, Ferren find a rare sense of belonging. The Citadel’s maze of back alleys and rooftops, where they can vanish in a blink, suits their need for security and their love of freedom. Here, Ferren blend into crowds, using their skills to thrive in roles that reward stealth, agility, and intuition. Some become thieves, while others turn to trade or espionage, crafting subtle lives within the city’s dense underbelly. However, Ferren don’t only live in the shadows; many find comfort in the city's diversity, quietly contributing as healers, traders, and even guards—those whose lives are colored by resilience and quiet courage.

Despite their hardships, Ferren maintain a sense of community with one another. Many gather in hidden circles, sharing stories and news of the outside world. To those few they trust, Ferren may reveal glimpses of their true form, letting others see the soul behind the guarded facade. In this way, Ferren live in a delicate balance of secrecy and belonging, forever navigating the line between safety and isolation.

Ferren Traits

Ferren come in a dozen different shapes, though there are a few traits that tie them together.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Ferren reach adulthood in their late teens and live less than a century.

Size

Ferren are typically shorter than humans, standing between 4'6" to 5'6" tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Humans typically learn the languages of other peoples they deal with, including obscure dialects. They are fond of sprinkling their speech with words borrowed from other tongues: Orc curses, Elvish musical expressions, Dwarvish military phrases, and so on.

Darkvision

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 discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Cat's Claws

You can use your claws to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Cat's Talent

You have proficiency in the Perception and Stealth skills.

Feline Form

You can use your action to shift into a cr 0 car or back into your humanoid form. Your statistics, other than HP and Mental stats, become that of the cat's. Any equipment you are wearing or carrying is absorbed into your feline form.

At level 5 you also have the choice to shift into a panther.