Homebrew Rakasta Species Details

The Rakasta are a bellicose and bloodthirsty species of cat like creatures. Unlike many of the advanced species in Known Space, there are dramatic differences between genders. They evolved from hunting felid and their culture retains many of the conflict resolution traditions of the pride and tribe. Rakasta society is extremely warrior dominated, and as most warriors are males, a functioning patriarchy. This is not to say that females are without power, as the spiritual and political arenas are heavily populated by female rakasta but the military is male dominated and heavily influences the actions of the Empire.
Rakasta are often described as anthropomorphic lions, but there are significant and visible differences. In spite of some misconceptions, rakasta do not have digitigrade legs and their hands have four fingers, including an opposable thumb (all with retractable claws. They are covered with a thick coat of long fur than comes in various combinations of brown, yellow and black, although full black coats are most rare.

FOR GLORY AND THE EMPIRE

The home world of the rakasta is Chwarambr and it is the capital of Empire. Rakasta consider themselves to be honorable conquerors, and because they believe themselves to be honorable they place high value on behaving in an appropriate fashion. Rakasta honor, called chwrak , is similar in many ways to the samurai code of Bushido found in Kara Tur. Chwrak serves as almost a form of currency or favor system, since the rakasta do not use money within the Empire
Rakasta are expansionist by nature and their first contact with most species results in conflict. They are easily insulted by species that do not understand the intricate etiquette of chwrak and do not forgive insults without violent retribution. It is a testament to the patience and influence of the political sect that the Rakasta are a member of the League at all, although their inclusion is tenuous at best.

Rakasta Traits

Your rakasta character has the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Rakasta have lifespans similar to humans.

Alignment

Rakasta tend toward chaotic alignments, as they let impulse guide their decisions.

Size

Rakastans are Medium size, as most male rakasta stand close to 7'’ tall and weigh nearly 350 lbs. females slightly taller than humans but more slender.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet 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.

Feline Agility

Your reflexes and agility allow you leap great distances, tripling the distance you would normally leap, both for long and high jumps. 

Pounce

When you use your action to make a melee attack, you can use your bonus action to Dash toward the target.

Cat’s 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 (1d6 for males), instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Cat’s Talent

You have proficiency in the Perception and Stealth skills.

Languages

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