Homebrew Felis Species Details

"Felis are the kindest, and most adorable strangers I have ever met. If it were not for their love of sunbathing I feat they would have turned to conquest; and I find myself wondering if the world is worse for it."

- Alyss Kumungu, Felis Friend

Felis are among the shortest races and are often overlooked for their small stature. Their domesticated ancestor, the house cat, is sometimes what all other races will see when dealing with a Felis. Adventuring Felis 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 Felis, providing an opening to strike.

Short And Furry

Felis are often underestimated due to their short stature and cuddly demeanor. Felis 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. Felis range from the fiery gingers to the cool, calculating cerulean blues. The sub species of Felis all have their own quirks, but as a species they are known as intelligent and gifted adventurers. Each breed of Felis has their own Clan of which they are extremely proud. This often leads to scuffles and contests for pride of oneself and of Clan. There has always been a healthy rivalry among the different breeds of Felis. Some rivalries end in brawls and others end with shame and loss of respect. Often, individuals will be challenged to single combat for their honor, and on the rarest of occasions, the honor of an entire clan. 

Nine Lives Short Lived

Felis live up to 135 years of age. It is whispered that they possess nine lives and, by some forgotten curse, they burn through each life every 15 years. This has led many Felis adventurers to set out on a quest to seek an end to their curse and restore the race’s full life span. With their cursed nine lives the Felis travel alone with an eagerness to get the most from life which drives them to move through it rarely forming strong attachments to the many non-Felis with which they become acquainted. Felis live their lives with a strong sense of magic. Most Felis are able to sniff the wizard in a room full of grey bearded, pointy hat wearing men. Other races often construe the Felis’ innate magic sense to their origins as Wizard’s familiars, used as conduits of magical energy to aid in spell casting.

The Sunrock Clans

When the original Felis Elders formed their various clans, they decided the race as a whole needed a suitable land they could call home. Each of the Elders sent out at least one adventurer to seek such a home, and the mighty Shorthair named Max was the one to find the Great Sunrocks. These massive stone formations soak up and retain the Sun's heat to a remarkable degree, remaining warm to the touch day or night, even in Winter. Sleeping or meditating on these rocks is a great comfort to all Felis who have the opportunity to partake of it. Since there is only so much living space in Sunrock Village, the right or an invitation to visit, much less live permanently, with the Elders who reside there must be earned. Each clan is overseen by an Elder who resides in Sunrock village. These Elders have the last say in conflicts between clans and the species in general, but events hardly get that far. 

Clan Hierarchy

The Felis clans are overseen by a clan elder who is elected by the clan as a whole. The elder doesn’t have to be elderly to achieve the title, but those who take the mantle young are seen as inexperienced. The Clan Elders usually reside in Sunrock Village in order to facilitate peace-keeping and coordination between the Clans. Ranked below the Elders, in name only, are the Clan Mothers. Clan Mothers are those who manage the Clan’s home affairs, organize quests, assign apprenticeships, and just about everything else. While Elders are elected, Clan Mothers will choose a promising child and tutor them personally. After the Clan Mother passes the chosen child will take up the role.

Curious Explorers

All Felis share a love of exploring - their curiosity about the world is what drives them onward. They are constantly looking for new technologies, spells, and rare legendary items to further their clan’s honor.

Felis Names

Felis are given their names by their clan mother. A clan mother often determines the name by divining the future of a kitten. If the future tells of the child doing great deeds, a heroic name is chosen, if not, a standard house name is chosen.

Male Names: Al, Bree, Chester, Edgar, Fiddle, Jester, Jack, Luke, Luther, Max, Maru, Mew, Milo, Minka, Oliver, Oscar, Rufus, Smokey, Simon

Female Names: Alice, Angel, Ash, Charlotte, Claire, Curie, Chloe, Daisy, Eva, Lucy, Millie, Mimi, Misty, Rosie, Ruby, Sasha, Susi, Tasha, Trixie

Heroic Names: Azreal, Leo, Felix, Ozfell, Proudfoot, Patches, Salem, Theo, Cecil

Clan Names: Cerulean, Claw, Maine, White Paw, Shadow, Forest, Chant, Hex, Iron Tooth

Feline Lineage

Some clans boast of their pureblood lineage, but others are mixed. Choose one of the following lineages to determine what Felis Favor you gain at birth. 

Common Bond. Tabby Felis are among the most common of all the lineages. As such they know more about common social spheres. You increase your Wisdom score by 1.

Noble Leadership. With fur pure as the whitest snow, those Felis born without color are often seen as the noblest of the Felis. When of age they take up leadership roles in their clans. Once per long rest you can instill allies with a sense of vigor. Those within a 15ft range gain temporary Hit Points equal to your Charisma modifier for 8 hours.

Fiery Nature. Hot tempered and quick to lash out with claws these ginger furred Felis are furious in field of battle. Increase your Strength score by 1.

Hunters Sense. Masters of tracking, those with brown fur are destined to hunt. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.

Good Fortune. Calico fur is the rarest of all Felis lineages. The legends say that all of the black furred Felis’ luck went to the calico. Once per day when you roll an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw you can choose to reroll. You must accept the results of the reroll.

Arcane Adept. Starry eyed and fur of a blue-night sky it is said that these Felis are connected to the Astral Sea. Increase your Intelligence score by 1.

Night Stalker. Grey is the perfect color to blend into ones surroundings. Felis with grey fur are able to hide very easily. You gain proficiency in the Stealth skill.

Unlucky. Typically those born of the this lineage are of pure black fur and carry a natural unluckiness wherever they go. Once per long rest as a reaction you may cast your bad luck onto an enemy, forcing them to roll with disadvantage on one attack or ability saving throw.

Felis Traits

Your Felis character will share a few common traits and attributes with all other Felis.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2

Age

Felis are considered full adults when they reach the age of 10 and live up to 135 years of age. It is whispered that they possess nine lives and, by some forgotten curse, they burn through each life every 15 years. This has led many Felis adventurers to set out on a quest to seek an end to their curse and restore the race’s full life span.

Alignment

The majority of Felis are neutral and lean towards being adventurers or quest seekers. A Felis will always inspect the interesting and seek out the unknown.

Size

Felis average between 2 to 3 feet tall and weigh up to 30 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Being of small stature, your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Claws

Due to your claws you have a climb speed of 15 feet. You can also use your claws as a weapon. When you land an attack you deal 1d4 + Strength modifier as slashing damage as an unarmed attack.

Darkvision

Being a Felis you are able to see in the dim light up to 60 feet as if it were bright light, and darkness beyond that as dim light.

Curious Nature

Being an inquisitive Felis you have proficiency in the Investigation skill.

Feline Lineage

Some clans boast of their pure blood lineage, but others are mixed. Choose one of the following lineages to determine what Felis Favor you gain at birth.

Languages

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

Purrsuasion

Felis use their short and cute nature to their advantage as much as they can. Once per long rest roll with Advantage on your first Persuasion attempt on a friendly creature.