Homebrew Feline (Cats & Catacombs) Species Details

Common Interest: Cats are, by nature, somewhat solitary creatures, often preferring their own space and company to that of a pack or group. But this is not always the case. Cats often form small circles of friends which, while looser than those formed by other animals, are no less devoted. If a cat is in trouble, their friends arrive in moments to assist them. Cats also form groups to achieve specific goals; solving a mystery? Looting a dungeon? Stopping a villainous wizard with designs on the city’s supply of treats? Cats band together when faced with such threats, utilizing each other’s differing strengths to achieve their ends. Afterward, they may part ways or may remain together...not that they need to. They could split up any time they want…

An Old Bond: Cats have been welcomed into the homes of man, dwarf, elf, and even orcs and goblins for thousands of years. They provide an invaluable service, after all. Catching mice, rats, and other small vermin requires speed and coordination, not to mention a small stature, that most of the bigger races simply do not possess. And so, a relationship of mutual advantage began and continued, strengthening the strange bond between the cats and those who, quite mistakenly, believe themselves to be the owners or masters. Cats aren’t recklessly loyal like dogs, but they do love and form deep attachments to those who take the time to earn such devotion. It is not enough, with a cat, to simply feed it and expect adoration. It requires patience and persistence, it requires consistency. Cats are as varied in temperament and appearance as humans or dogs and need to be treated with respect, care, and attention. But they repay those who are prepared to spend the required time to earn their friendship a thousandfold. This is true even with awakened cats, blessed with human levels of intelligence. They can be suspicious but, if treated properly, become fiercely loyal companions.

Agile, and Hard to See Renowned for their nimbleness, cats can make the most extraordinary leaps, fit into spaces that barely seem wide enough to slide a sheet of parchment through, and walk away, casually, from the most dangerous of falls. Awakened Cats still possess these traits, but it is now combined with acute intelligence and an understanding of how to use these natural traits to their best advantage. This makes cats extremely dangerous combatants, able to evade enemy attacks before suddenly appearing at their enemy’s back, pouncing onto a vulnerable patch of flesh and sinking their claws in. This makes even heavily armored and well-trained soldiers fear facing Awakened Cats in combat... you never know from where they’ll strike next!

Feline (Cats & Catacombs) Traits

While the many different breeds of cat make generalizing difficult, there are a few traits which pertain to all felines.

Feline Traits

All cats increase their DEX score by 2. Cats reach maturity between the age of 1 or 2, and live, on average to the age of 15. Cats tend toward neutral alignments; they are very rarely wholly evil or wholly good. Their main preoccupation is themselves and the small circle of loved ones they seek to protect. This can occasionally seem like callousness or disinterest in the larger world. This is often misleading, however.

Languages: A cat can speak and read Common, Feline, and one other Language. Cats only use language with humans and other races; when with each other, they communicate entirely through gesture, small inflections of the face and eyes, and carefully modulated thrusts of the paw or flank. This language is called Feline and can only be spoken fluently by other cats.

Darkvision: Cats have Darkvision up to 60 ft.

Bite & Scratch: Sharp teeth, and claws that can be quickly unsheathed and used to slice through flesh - all cats possess these natural weapons. Cats are proficient with this attack, which counts as both a weapon attack and an unarmed attack. The attack does 1d6 damage plus the attacker’s STR modifier bonus.

All So Different: There are many different varieties of cat breed, each with its own idiosyncrasies, preferences, and behaviors - remember that any breed can belong to any of the three subraces; cats are born at all sizes. Choose a feline subrace from the list below and then choose one ability from the subsequent list. You may only choose one such ability.