College of Catastrofelines

"Never give a sword to one whom cannot dance."
Attrib: Confursius the Cataclysmic.

 

The College of Catastrofelines is one of the most exclusive bardic colleges in all the realms, accepting only Tabaxi of the highest pedigree, and even then, only applicants that can fulfil an exacting list of criteria: their students must all be masters of dance and the sword.

Catastrofelines teaches their pupils how the art of wielding a sword is just an extension of the natural rythm's and flow of dance, creating some very 'fursatile' warriors, able to take on individuals or groups with ease, whilst maintaining unparalleled agility. Graduates of the college tend to eschew the restrictions of physical armour, trusting in the weapons, training and agility.

For "Deadman"

Lethal Expectations

The requirements for joining the College of Catastrofelines are specific and harsh; only the greatest dancers and fighters have even the chance of becoming an alumni.

To represent the skill and talent needed to join the College at 3rd level, you:

• gain proficiency with the scimitar.
• increase your walking speed by 10 feet when not wearing armour.
• are not slowed by difficult terrain when not wearing armour.
• can use any simple or martial melee weapon you're proficient with as a spellcasting focus for your bard spells.
• can add your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack when you engage in two-weapon fighting.
• may expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to reduce damage taken as the result of a failed Dexterity Save by 1d6 plus your Proficiency modifier.
• add your Charisma modifier to your Unarmoured AC.

However, in addition to these, you also suffer:

• Disadvantage on Attack rolls and Acrobatics and Performance skill checks whilst wearing armour.
• one level of Fatigue whenever you fail a Performance skill check.

Twirling the Terminal Tempest

Starting at 6th level, whilst you are wielding one or more Scimitars and no other weapons, you may choose to perform the Blurring Blade Bolero, or the Swirling Sword Sarabande instead of making a normal Attack action. You can do this a number of times per day equal to your Charisma modifier.

The Blurring Blade Bolero: Choose a single creature within 5 feet of you. You make a number of attacks against that creature equal to half your Proficiency modifier (minimum 2). If all of these attacks score a hit, the creature suffers Disadvantage on Weapon Attacks made against you until the beginning of your next turn.

The Swirling Sword Sarabande: Choose a number of creatures adjacent to you that totals no more than half your Proficiency modifier (minimum 2). Each of those creatures must make a Dexterity Save vs a DC of 8 plus your Performance skill. Each creature that fails this save takes slashing damage equal to your Charisma modifier plus 1, and is pushed 5 feet away from you. If you are wielding a Scimitar with any special properties (magical/silvered, etc) those properties apply to damage inflicted by this ability, just as they do for damage from normal attacks made with that weapon.

Fatal Finish Flourish

Killing an enemy is a Big Deal, and there are rewards far more valuable and important than mere gold or gems could ever be.

Once per turn, when you land the killing blow on one or more enemy creatures by inflicting damage with a Melee Weapon Attack from your Scimitar, damage from a spell that used your Scimitar as an Arcane Focus, or damage from your Twirling the Terminal Tempest ability, you are instantly reinvigorated with a burst of jubilant self-satisfaction.

You can immediately choose one of the following options:

• reduce your current Fatigue level by 1 (max once per day).
• regain 1 use of your Bardic Inspiration ability (max once per encounter).
• regain 1 use of your Twirling the Terminal Tempest ability (max once per turn).
• gain Temporary Hit Points equal to 5 plus your Charisma modifier until the beginning of your next turn (max once per turn).
• increase your movement speed by 15 feet until the beginning of your next turn (max once per turn).

In addition, if the damage that triggered this ability came from a Critical Hit, you may instead choose two options from the above list, and you gain Advantage on any Intimidation skill checks you make for the remainder of the encounter.

Writers Note: This ability may only be triggered once in any single round of combat, regardless of the number of killing blows you land. Yes, I'm looking at you, Dave!

Lastly, you also gain 1 Seasoned Slaughterer Reputation and 1 Tremendous Tale of Daring Do. These have absolutely no mechanical effect on the game, but bragging rights are far more important anyway. Who knows, one day a graduate of Prismari may faun over your accomplishments and compose you a great sonnet or the epic poem of your deeds.