Homebrew Leonin Species Details

Tabaxi come in town here almost every summer. Their stories are obnoxious, their trading is dishonest, and they never give back - only take. Except for one year. A group came in like no other. They were bigger, hairier than normal. So polite, so kind, and so humbling. Too kind, maybe. Almost made me hate them even more.

-- Carreus, Teifling Shopkeeper

A race both beautiful and imposing, leonin are graceful humanoids that share many traits with their lesser cousins, lions. Possessing a long and storied—but also mysterious—history, leonin may be found in many different environments and walks of life.

Proud and Honorable

Leonin Tabaxi live by strong ethical and moral codes, placing the needs and lives of others over their own. Though their adherence to their ways can make them seem rigid and arrogant, they are, at best, honest and forthright. Prejudice from their Tabaxi cousins has humbled their people, and created a collective bond from one Leonin to another. Though they are a tight-nit community, their curiosity beings them to seek out the kindness of others, rather than isolating themselves.

Their old homeland disgracing them, and their new homeland too harsh, wandering is indoctrinated into them at a young age. Never staying in one place for long, their childhood homes range from wet caves, small teepees, town inns, or all of the above.

Broad and Mighty

Leonin command attention wherever they go, their impressive forms standing out in crowds and their loud roars marking them on the battlefield. Although there is a good deal of variation in leonin, all are larger and taller than humans, usually weighing from 200 to 300 pounds and standing between 6 and 7 feet tall.

The color of their fur and manes varies by bloodline and individual, ranging from creamy white to gold to grey. Like humans, their clothing varies greatly by environment, both in terms of practicality for weather but also dependent on the surrounding culture.

A proud race, leonin tend to place a great deal of importance on tradition, ceremony, and maintaining appearances. Fortitude in the face of adversity is praised and admired, even if it comes at significant personal cost. For leonin living in the traditional pride structure (more common rural and wild areas than urban ones), the individual is a secondary concern, and the wellbeing of the pride is the primary consideration.

One For All

Leonin who take up the adventurer’s life are most likely to do so out of a sense of duty, whether that be to their pride, their country, or their god. Others are driven by the thrill of the hunt—the hunt for glory in battle, for power, or even for knowledge. Some leonin are pulled by the past, keen to discover the fading secrets of their ancestors. A leonin might also set out to restore its own honor or that of its pride, or earn a place in a new pride after exile.

Leonin Names

Along with their personal names, Leonin identify themselves by their pride. A member of the Flintclaw pride with the personal name of Ziore, for example, would style herself as Ziore of the Flintclaw.

Leonin Traits

Powerful, prideful humanoids with the might of big cats.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Mighty Roar

As an action, you can release a terrifying roar. Any creature within 20 feet of you that can hear you must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your Charisma modifier + your proficiency bonus), or become frightened of you for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. You can’t use this trait again until after you complete a short or long rest.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.

Age

Leonin have lifespans equivalent to humans.

Alignment

Leonin tend toward chaotic alignments, as they let impulse and fancy guide their decisions. They are rarely evil, with most of them driven by curiosity rather than greed or other dark impulses.

Size

Leonin are taller on average than humans, with broad shoulders and large hands. Your size is Medium

Darkvision

You have a cat’s 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 Claws

Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 20 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.

Cat's Pride

You have proficiency in the Intimidation and Perception skills.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.