Tigrine (5e Race)

Tigrines: a race of ferocious tiger-folk

"Sure, those tabaxi are quick. And those leonins certainly ain't exactly weak! But trust me when I say that the tigrines don't underperform compared to them. Quite the contrary!" -Benegal Pavagi, author and anthropologist.

Physical Description

As their name suggests, tigrines (also known as tiger-folk) are a sapient feline race that resemble anthropomorphic tigers. They usually stand over 7 feet, either equel in size to a leonin or a bit taller. Tigrines generally have orange or red fur, with a white underbelly and black stripes and markings across their body, which act as a form of natural camouflage. On rare occasions, a tigrine might be born with white fur with faint brown stripes, though these white tigrines are usually the result of poor genetics. All tigrines are armed with sharp teeth and claws, and have long tails used for balance.

Tigrines come in three different subraces. The jungle tigrine (based on the Bengal tiger) is the most common tigrine, and the archetype of what people think of when they think of tigrines. Taiga tigrines (based on Siberian tigers) tend to be a bit bigger and heavier then the other two subraces, with thicker, paler fur meant to protect them from the cold regions they inhabit. Finally, the island tigrine (based on Sumatran tigers) is usually more slender and a bit shorter then the other tigrines, with a fur color that's usually more darkish red then orange. Of course, variaties exist within the tigrine race as a whole when details such as fur color is concerned. The striped patterns that all tigrines have, however, differs per individual and is unique. No tigrine has the exact same pattern, though relatives might share certain distinguished markings.

History

Like many reasons, there is much debate about where tigrines came from. Some claim they were created by a deity, such as Bast or the Cat Lord, though the tigrines of course have their own deities they credit with their creation such as the All-Father and Batak. Others claim they evolved naturally, through millions of years of natural selection. And then there are more sinister theories that claim the tigrines are the result of Rakshasha mating with mortals. As of now, no one is certain.

It is often suspected that tigrines are closely related to the lion-like leonins, or the leopard and jaguar-like tabaxi. This is usually accepted as true, though its uncertain to which one they're the closest related to.

Society

Tigrines live in loose communities called streaks led by a Chieftain known as a Khan, usually (though not always) a veteran warrior or shaman of some sort, who has the skills, strenght and wisdom to lead the streak. There are multiple ways to become the Khan of a streak. A Khan can appoint someone before they retire or die and if one dies or dissapears without naming an heir(ess), then the most high-ranking and esteemed members of the tribe will take a vote, acting as a ruling council untill a new Khan is elected. A Khan can be of either gender, and they will use the title of Khan in their name. For example, if a tigrine called Amba is to be named Khan, their name will be Amba Khan untill they retire or die.

Tigrines are obligate carnivores and hunters by nature, who especially enjoy the taste of deer, wolf, boar and cattle. As such, tigrine villages will often compete with villages of beast-folk that are also based on large predators, such as leonins, wolf-folk and bear-folk. However, the rivalry isn’t instinctive and if there are enough resources to go around or if its not a relevant factor, they can get along pretty well usually.

In terms of religious beliefs, this depends on the subrace most of the time. Taiga tigrines tend to believe in a winter deity known as the All-Father, a great tiger god who rules the northern forests and mountains of the taiga they hail from. The jungle tigrines worship a large pantheon that is loosely based on Hinduiusm. Finally, the island tigrines believe in Batak, a tiger deity who rules the lush swamps and forests of their home.

Tigrine Names

The names that tigrines have often depends on their subrace. Jungle tigrines have Hindu names, taiga tigrines have Mongolian names and island tigrines have Indonesian names.

Male jungle tigrine: Shere, Ashoka, Sharukan, Sharad, Mohan.

Female jungle tigrine: Ishwari, Nakti, Savita, Sarama, Dayita.

Male taiga tigrine: Amba, Dayir, Daritai, Khaligudar, Sanchir.

Female taiga tigrine: Altani, Yesui, Ebegei, Khorijin, Sayinaral.

Male island tigrine: Sukarno, Guntur, Surat, Barak, Raharjo.

Female island tigrine: Lakshmini, Zemira, Utari, Kasih, Ratu.

Tigrine Traits

A race of tall, ferocious tiger-folk that are natural hunters and are divided into three different subraces.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1 and your Constitution score also increases by 1.
Age. Tigrines mature and age at around the same rate as humans.
Alignment. While exceptions and variations always exist, tigrines tend to be neutral, rarely caring about those outside of their streaks, unless they have a specific purpose or goal in mind.
Size. Tigrines usually stand in between 7 or 8 feet tall. Your size is medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
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.
Tiger claws. Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you can deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier.
Daunting Roar. As a bonus action, you can let out an especially menacing roar. Creatures of your choice within 10 feet of you that can hear you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn. The DC of the save equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Hunter's Instincts. You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, or Survival.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Tigrine.

Taiga Tigrine

Taiga tigrines are the biggest of the tigrines, and based on Siberian tigers. They live in taiga, mountains, tundras and boreal forests of the far north.

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Northern Hunter. As a denizen of the cold northern realms, you are resistent towards the cold and have the advantage on saving throws that deal cold damage.

Jungle Tigrine

A tigrine subrace that is based on Bengal tigers, that inhabits jungles. While not as big and powerful as the taiga tigrines, they are still a force to be reckoned with and are generally charismatic individuals. They are the most common type of tigrine and are considered the archetype of the race.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Nocturnal Hunter. Despite what some think at first glance, you are an expert at concealing yourself, as tigers are naturally camouflaged. You have a profiency in Stealth, and ou can attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured by foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, and other natural phenomena.

Island Tigrine

Island tigrines are the smallest of the three subraces, and inhabit islands that often have swamps, jungles and especially mangrove forests. They are based on Sumatran tigers.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Water Hunter. All tigrines enjoy water and are capable of swimming, but island tigrines do it the most and are the best at it. You gain a swimming speed of 20 feet.

Random Height and Weight jungle tigrine

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
7′ 5''	+6d4	220 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Random Height and Weight taiga tigrine

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
8′ 0''	+6d4	250 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

Random Height and Weight island tigrine

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
7′ 0''	+6d4	200 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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