Feline

Felines, sometimes called bastet, catkin, cat folk, and a host of other names less polite, are descended from humans and werecats. They cannot fully change shape as their lycanthrope forebears could, but can take on a quadrupedal feline form — a state they call shifting. Felines have evolved into a unique race that breeds true. They have a distinct culture with its own traditions and identity.

Physical Description

Felines are basically humanoid in shape, but their bodies are exceptionally lithe and covered in fur reminiscent of the breed of werecat strongest in their genes and can range from the black of a panther, spotted as a leopard, striped as a tiger, etc. Males tend to be taller than human average, ranging from 6 to 8 feet, while females are typically smaller, ranging from 4 to 7 feet tall. They often move in a crouched posture, springing and leaping while their companions walk normally alongside. Their faces have a bestial cast, with wide, flat noses, large eyes, sharp fangs, and pointed cat ears. Their forearms and lower legs sometimes grow longer hair, and the hair of their heads is often thick and worn long. Their eyes tend to yellow, green, and blue, and their fingers are tipped by sharp, curved claws. Initially they mature faster than most races, reaching childhood in a year or so and adulthood after only 15 years. This slows over time and they have been known to live past 100.

Base Age Age Mod Middle Age Old Venerable
13 +1d6 50 75 100
Gender Base Height Height Mod Base Weight Weight Mod
Male 6' +2d12 150 lb *1d4
Female 4' +3d12 100 lb *1d4

Personality

The personality and behavior of shifters are influenced by their animal natures. Many are violent and quick to anger, while others are quiet, shifty, and solitary. Just as wild cats are carnivores, felines have a predatory personality and think of most activities in terms of hunting and prey. They view survival as a challenge, striving to be self-reliant, adaptable, and resourceful.

Society

Relations

Many races feel uncomfortable around felines, the same way they feel around any large predator. Of course, some grow to appreciate individual felines despite their natural aversion, and halflings in general get along well with them. For their part, felines are accustomed to distrust and don’t expect better treatment from members of the other races, although some try to earn respect and companionship through acts and deeds.

Alignment

Felines are usually neutral, viewing the struggle to survive as more important than moral or ethical concerns about how survival is maintained.

Religion

Most felines incline toward the druid based religion, believing in the divine power of the earth itself, the elements, and the creatures of the earth.

Language

Felines speak Common and rarely learn other languages.

Names

Felines use the same names as humans, often ones that sound rustic to city-dwellers.

Adventurers

Moving from the rugged, self-reliant life of a feline trapper or hunter to an adventuring life is not a big step. Many felines find themselves embarking on adventuring careers after something happens to disrupt their everyday routines—a monstrous incursion into their village or forest, for example, or a guide job gone sour.

Notable Felines

KazeFeline Monk 8

head.jpgKaze01.jpg

NaleenaFeline Monk 5

head.jpgNaleena01.jpg

SilverFeline Ranger 1

head.jpgSilver01.jpg

Racial Traits

  • +2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma: Felines are lithe and agile, but their fundamental bestial nature detracts from both their reasoning ability and their social interaction.
  • Shapechanger Subtype: Felines are humanoids with the shapechanger subtype.
  • Medium: As Medium creatures, felines have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
  • Movement: Feline base land speed is 30 feet.
  • Low-Light Vision: Felines can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
  • Natural Weapons: A feline can attack with a bite for 1d4 piercing damage, or claws for 1d4 slashing.
  • Shifting (Su): A feline can tap into her lycanthropic heritage to take on the form of a mundane wild cat. This is a full-round action, can be done at will, and lasts until the feline changes back or until it loses consciousness. This form is the same throughout the feline's life and can never be altered. If a feline changes into a tiger, it will always be so. This animal form uses the standard physical statistics for an animal of its type, but retains the feline's skills and feats. Shifting, though related to and developed from lycanthropy, is neither an affliction nor a curse. It is not passed on by bite or claw attacks, and a feline can’t be cured—shifting is a natural ability for the race. Wearing anything made of silver, even a ring, prevents this ability for as long as the item is worn.
  • Scent (Ex): This ability allows the feline to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. Felines can identify familiar odors just as humans do familiar sights.
  • Fast Healing (Ex): Felines heal 1 point of damage a round.
  • Lithe: +2 racial bonus on acrobatics and stealth checks: A feline’s animalistic heritage enhances many of her physical skills.
  • Automatic Languages: Common. Bonus Languages: Elven, Gnome, Halfling, and Sylvan.
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