Nekomata (5e Race)

Design Note: Consider looking over the rules for tiny and large races when using this race.

Nekomata

“

With time, lifespans eventually lose meaning. That is how such a crazy world has deemed it be.

”

Cats by Any Other Name

By Erica Williams

Nekomata, meaning "forked cat," appear to be large, normal cats. They can appear to be a variety of felines, from normal-looking domesticated house cats to wild tigers. What gives them away is their slightly larger size and, most importantly, their split tails, from which their name derives. It is said that when a normal feline is seen to live an unnaturally long lifespan, that is when their tail splits and they gain a sort of great power. These two tails are sometimes known to flicker with otherworldly fire. Their tails never stop growing with age, so a long tail is a telltale sign of an older individual. Other than their tails, nekomata are deceptively plain. They can hide their tails and walk on all fours to avoid detection. When they wish, they can stand on their hind legs, walking as humans do. They can also talk and dress like people, which can sometimes get them mixed up with tabaxi.

Cats of a Mystic Origin

A superstition exists in the nation of Wa about cats. When they reach over their normal lifespan and grow to a certain larger size, they are prone to become sapient creatures. Nekomata are one such result out of the general bakeneko, or "monster cat," category. Nekomata are exceptionally intelligent and vindictive, as their age has granted them magic of an enviable power level. They have been known to cause trouble for other races in Kara-Tur, and the strongest among them are downright malevolent. The people of Wa have therefore developed the culture of bobbing their cat's tails from an early age so that they cannot become nekomata. It won't do much now, since nekomata already exist and can therefore reproduce with even normal cats.

Prideful And Catty

Having come from such obscure origins, nekomata are a prideful bunch. They look upon all non-felines with contempt. Even then, they regard the non-sapient cats to be mere servants. Not many nekomata are known to be sociable, though they are known to have parties from time to time in groups. Nekomata are fond of alcohol and lamp oil. They are greedy and will always try to leverage their intelligence over others to trick them into unlikable deals. Nekomata of larger stature, like tigers, are usually much more solitary, residing in isolated places like the mountains. They lack as much magic capability as the house cat variety of nekomata, but they make up for this in size and strength.

Nekomata Names

Nekomata dislike having others know their names. They guard these names jealously and usually use a fake alias as a public face. These throwaway names are simple and easy to come up with on the fly. A nekomata's true name is usually seen as illustrious and long, though often nonsensical in actual meaning. As they age, it is customary to add onto their name as a sign of their aged sagacity.

Fake Names: Gon, Bo, Po, Joe, Tom

True Names: Tetsugonhari no Mondaiwa, Atarashisen Daemonwano Kubi, Neko Motemo Karitaidesu, Kyuusokiri, Sousui

Nekomata Traits

"Monstrous" cats of yokai origin
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Age. After becoming nekomata, a cat can live for a ridiculously long amount of time. There are tales of nekomata living as long as 1000 years.
Alignment. Due to their nature, nekomata are often more evil than other bakeneko. However, they can be benevolent if given the right incentive.
Size. Because nekomata range across all cats, your size depends on your subrace.
Speed. Your base walking speed depends on your subrace choice.
Darkvision. 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.
Keen Smell. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Animal Origin. Your creature type is beast instead of humanoid.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Subrace. Choose either the housecat, wildcat, or large cat subrace.

Housecat

These little cats make up the largest amount of nekomata. They are a bit bigger than their normal cousins and can use a plethora of magic, ranging from arson to just trickery.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2.
Size. Your size is Tiny.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Higher Intelligence. You are proficient in two Intelligence skills of your choice.
Feline Magic. Thanks to your years of age, you have ascended the former species of normal cats and attained new powers. You know the dancing lights cantrip. You can also cast the disguise self spell once, regaining use once you finish a long rest. When you use this version of disguise self, you can seem up to 3 feet taller than normal, allowing you to more easily blend in with humans and elves. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the enthrall spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the calm emotions spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Cat Form. You are pretty much indiscernible from a normal cat. If you rouse suspicion, or if a wary creature suspects something is amiss, you have advantage on any Charisma (Deception) check you make to avoid detection.

Wildcat

Wildcat nekomata consist of larger cats like bobcats and lynxes. They are not very common, being very secretive and hiding in nature often.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Size. Your size is Small
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Feline Reflex. You are proficient in the Stealth and Acrobatics skills.
Wildcat Blood. You know one cantrip of your choice from the sorcerer spell list.
Wild Synchronicity. You have the ability to communicate in a limited manner with other feline beasts. They can understand the meaning of your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.

Large Cat

Large cat nekomata consist of the largest felines, like tigers and lions. They are extremely rare and known to be the strongest and oldest nekomata. Their prowess lies more in their strength than their magic, giving them a more feral feel.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength or Wisdom score increases by 2.
Size. Your size is Large.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Pounce. While both your hands are free, your walking speed increases to 35 feet.
Great Strength. You are proficient in the Athletics skill.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
1′ 4''	+2d4	4 lb.	× (1d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
3′ 0''	+2d4	25 lb.	× (1d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
8′ 0''	+2d4	200 lb.	× (2d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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