Homebrew Awakened Cat Species Details

Awakened cats are normal house cats that have, for whatever reason, come in contact with a powerful, magical force that has granted them intelligence comparable to the humanoid races. 

Examples of an awoken cat may be;

- A powerful wizard's familiar that has left or lost its master - The cat may have left due to a difference in alignment and morals, or because the wizard hasn't left his tower in years, or because the wizard has been lost in another plane or dimension or perhaps simply the wizard passed away after many years and the cat is now living out the lifespan it has left. As it no longer is in contact with the wizard it is no longer considered a magical beast and is aging at the typical rate of a house cat.

- Contact with magical forces - An accident or encounter with the arcane has granted a cat consciousness that is equal to a human's. They are confronted with a new comprehension of their surroundings and removed from their mundane feline brethren, yet they are still bound to the animal instincts that drive them. The need for warmth, shelter, and a full belly are most important of all and although they are independent by nature, they will be happy to join a party to help provide for themselves and a few humans willing to give a scratch behind the ears is good motivation as well.

 

Awakened Cat Traits

This is a common house cat that has been in contact with an unusual power capable of bestowing humanoid-like features upon the cat, such as an increased intelligence.

Ability Score Increase

Cats are naturally dexterous and lithe to make up for their small stature and strength as well as their lack of any proficiency in weapons and armor. You get a plus 3 to your dexterity score. Cats also tend to be wiser as they tend to find themselves in trouble often enough to need to learn how to get out of it. You get a plus 1 to your wisdom score.

Keen Senses

Cats' eyes are keen and trained as a result of a lifetime of danger as a tiny hunter. You have advantage in sight-based perception checks.

Darkvision

You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 Claws

You are proficient with your claws which deal 1d4 damage slashing damage on a hit and reach 5 ft.

Claws are a cat's natural weapon. They have a very limited reach due to the size of the cat and can only attack the squares surrounding them. Cats may use this weapon in the same square as an ally due to their size.

Cats may use their claws against an enemy while climbing but must remain stationary while doing or may instead release whatever they are climbing on and fall.

Language

You speak, read, and write Common. You also know one other language that you have picked up from your previous master.