Nekomata: The Two Tails
Being quick, elegant, admirable, good natured and always down to get their hands dirty: the unique feline race known as the Nekomata only ever want two things: to do what they want and to have fun while doing it.
Felis Physiology
The Nekomatas are medium sized humanoids with cat ears, a tail that splits in two before reaching the body, and occasionally have whiskers. They are usually slender and lithe in build, and are also known to have a vast array of hair and eye color of almost any known combination.
History
Though similarly cat-like with the Tabaxi race, the Nekomata are vastly different to the Tabaxi and are a lot more human-like in appearance. Some historians even believe that the Nekomata, and Tabaxi have a common ancestral line that dates back to ancient times, but nothing as of now has been confirmed.
Cat-like Curiosity
As they reach maturity, some within this cat-like race grow to be fickle creatures that travel on a whim, often the victim of curiosity and wanderlust; their sense of curiosity, even among the Wilder tribes, is what compels them to seek out adventure. The wandering Nekomata are mercurial creatures, trading one obsession or passion for the next as the whim strikes, always trading in their obsessions and passions for new ones once their curiosities are sated.
Nekomata Names
The Nekomata naming traditions, vary greatly from tribe to tribe and are frequently determined by clan names plus common names found in their region, nature, character, physical features, or are cat based. etc. Clan names are usually derived from geographical features located in or near the clan's territory. Some Nekomata occasionally take only one name. --Examples:
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Male: Felix, Lucky, Patch, Silver, Shadow, Tiger
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Female: Clawdia, Kitty, Koneko, Kuroneko, Luna, Pawla
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Clan Names: Redcliff, Darkwood, Blackrock, Silverlake
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Subraces
A divergence in ideals and culture among the earliest tribes of the Nekomata resulted in the emergence of two subraces: the Domestic, and the Wild. Choose one of the two subraces presented below.
Nekomata Traits
Nekomata have the following racial traits
- Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
- Size: Nekomata stand between 4 and 5 1/2 ft. tall and average about 90-110 lbs. Your size is Medium.
- Alignment: Nekomata are usually Chaotic in alignment. However, a single Nekomata maybe any alignment they wish.
- Age: Nekomata mature at about the same rate as humans do but live about 150-200 years.
- Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 ft.
- Languages: You can speak, read, and write common, and one other language of your choice.
- Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 ft 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.
- Keen Senses: Nekomata have exceptional senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
- Feline Flexibility: You have proficiency in Acrobatics, and take half of any fall damage from heights from about 20 ft.
- Feline Agility: Your reflexes and agility allow you to move with a burst of speed. When you move on your tum in combat, you can double your speed until the end of the tum. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you move O feet on one of your turns.
- Claws: Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 20 ft. In addition, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to ld4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. Hit: 2 (ld4) slashing damage.
- Catshape: At 3rd level as an action, you may polymorph into a Cat with a tail split in two. You may only use this ability once per long or short rest. Beginning at 7th level you can choose to polymorph into a Saber-toothed Tiger with a tail split in two instead.
Domestic Nekomata
Nekomata that have grown accustomed to life among the other races can be found living within large settlements, towns, and cities. These creatures aim to live idyllic lives as equals to the other races and can be found working as merchants, mercenaries, artisans, etc.
- Ability Score Increase: Your Charisma score increases by 1.
- Domesticated: Working amongst others requires a specialization. You have proficiency in any one tool set or kit of your choosing,
- Fluffy Personality: With your sweet disposition, people tend to think the best of you. You gain proficiency in Persuasion. If you already have proficiency in Persuasion, you may choose to have proficiency in any other Charisma based skill.
Wild Nekomata
the Wild Nekomata tribes are isolationist that create small enclaves in remote forest strongholds, preferring to spend their days in seclusion within their woods and only venture out of their territory if necessary.
- Ability Score Increase: Your Intelligence increases by 1.
- Wild Connection: You are well connected with the lore of your roots. You are proficient in the Nature skill.
- Cat's Talent: You have proficiency in Stealth skills.
Monster
Created by QuietNoise 88
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The Nekomata
Medium, Chaotic Neutral
- Armor Class 14 (Leather Armor)
- Hit Points 40 (9d8)
- Speed 30, Climb 20 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 10 (0) 17 (+3) 11 (0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 15 (+2)
- Saving Throws saving_throws
- SkillsAthletics +2, Perception +4, Stealth +5, Survival +6
- Senses Darkvsion: 60 ft., passive Perception 14
- Languages Common plus any one language.
- Challenge 1 (200 Xp)
Darkvision: Nekomata can see in the dark within 60 ft. The Nekomata can see in dim light as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. They can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Keen Smell. The Nekomata in catshape has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Feline Agility: When the Nekomata moves on its turn in combat, it can double its speed until the end of the turn. Once it uses this ability, the Nekomata can't use it again until it moves 0 feet on one of its turns.
Catshape: As an action, The Nekomata may polymorph into a Cat with a tail split in two.
Claws: Because of their claws, Nekomata have a climbing speed of 20 ft.
Actions
Multiattack. The Nekomata makes two attacks with its claws, or its shortbow.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6) piercing.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach S ft., one target. Hit: 2 (ld4) slashing damage.
Claws (in Cat form). Melee Weapon Attack: +0 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 slashing damage.