Felinar

 

Species Name: Felinar

Type: Humanoid Feline

Physical Traits: Fur, pointed ears

Height: 5-7' feet

Weight: 50-250lbs

Abilities: Nightvision up to 10 metres, and 2 sets of claws doing D4 and D4 damage. This proud and noble race have a past of mysterious as their origins. Covered in soft, fine hair, from a distance they appear to be human, but once they are within view it is clear they look more like cats with the glittering eyes and pointed ears. Their colouring is as diverse as their wild cousins, and their retractable claws are as deadly as a lions. Felines make great monks because of their additional bare hand damage, they have permanent infravision and the racial skill of stealth. Because of the amount of hair on their body, feline take additional damage from Fire Spells. The Felinar can be considered the next step in feline evolution. As the wild cat are more advanced in strength, instinct, and cunning than the house cat, so are the Felinar far more advanced in intelligence and cunning than their wilder feline cousins. Felinar carry many features over from their feline ancestry. They have the faces and ears of cats with all the fur and eye colours of cats, both domesticated and wild, depending on the individual Felinar 's ancestry. Felinar retain the calm grace and beauty of cats, as well as the balance and dexterity.

Mobility: Legs

Sensory Organs: Visual

Communication: Vocal

Reproduction: Sexual

INT: 3D6, WIS: 3D6, STR: 3D6, DEX: 3D6 +2, CON: 3D6, CHA: 3D6, MR: 3D6, HPs: CON +D12

Orbit/Climate: See Earth

Feeding Habits: Omnivore

Lifespan: 80 years

Technology: 2

Culture: Standard. Diversified mix of kind and evil people. The evolution of the Felinar did bring with it some advantages. For instance, Felinar gained the ability to think and reason in all measures like any of the other sentient species. This newfound capacity for intelligent thought was of course tempered with the thought-patterns of the feline species, for no two sentient species shares the exact same thought processes in their formative stages. In addition, Felinar developed the ability to walk upon their hind legs. Once fully bipedal, they found that their front paws could be used for multiple purposes, including gripping and holding. The additional benefit of their cat-like claws turned out to be versatile. Not only could the claws be used as weapons when all else failed, but the claws could also be used for a variety of purposes: turning screws, slicing food, and many other tasks. Once bipedal, Felinar discovered that the inherent capacity of a cat to move swiftly and silently was retained in their evolved form. Kats retained their long tails, which are considered objects of beauty to Felinar. Felinar have retained the cat-like instincts and senses, which are sharper than those of most other species.

Felinar have a strong affinity for all felines but tend to travel alone or at best in small prides. They are extremely adaptable equally at home with humans, animals or monsters. Feline culture is basically ancestor worship, honour, and survival of the strongest, most cunning. Felinar live in a matriarchal class/race based samurai society. Felinar have an oral tradition of recording great heroes. Felines are born with no name, and must earn one. The longer the name, the more honour. 

Felinar are intelligent, fur covered, cat-like bipeds that range from 4'6" to 7' tall. They have well-developed hands with retractable claws. Colour and fur markings or patterns are as for cats. Eyes can be of any colour. There are a large number of sub-races, with a great many crossbreeds. Sub-races are pure breeds with particular colour and/or markings. Felinar are most unusual in one respect; they have no culture of their own. Instead they adopted the highest culture around them (so as odds as it may sound, there are in effect Felinar Samurai, Felinar Knights, etc). Felinar have the same range of emotions along with all the strengths and weaknesses of character that humans have been blessed and curses with.

This is not to say that there are not Felinar clans, tribes, nations or states, because there are and a few of which are totally independent. The vast majority of Felinar faithfully serve whatever government or nation or king they happen to live under and have done so for as long as can be remembered. Such nations trust the Kats as much, if not more than any of their other subjects. Felinar gained positions as artists and craftsmen. It was soon discovered that many Kats had an uncanny ability to produce terrific works of art, and that they were excellent in the marketplace as traders and merchants. Some Felinar chose to make their careers in diplomacy, and were discovered to be excellent at it.

It should be noted that like humans, Felinar have no hesitation in fighting and killing other Felinar if it comes down to it. They may try to talks things out, but if push comes to shove they are quick to use as much force as is needed to win. All Felinar spend a lot of time flirting, courting and romancing one another. It is quite common for more two or more Kats to compete for the object of their love. Most Felinar love nothing better than to talk for hours with members of other races, Felinar are good listeners and most other races consider Felinar friendly and enjoyable company. Felinar are just as likely to be with members of a mixed-race group as they are to be in a Felinar only party.

Government: Tribal

Population: 400,000

 

 

Felinar Types:

Caliconars
Caliconars are descendants of the beautiful calico housecats, bearing their faces and features. Caliconars stand between 5 and 6 feet on average. Caliconars have predominately red or orange fur, with the opposite colour as thin stripes. Caliconars have no musculature to speak of. The Caliconars pride themselves on their beauty and looks. The Caliconars are lazy, vain, and selfish as a rule, priding themselves excessively on outer beauty while ignoring the spiteful and cruel way they treat those they consider lesser than they are. They treat those of wildcat descent with scorn and contempt.
Cheetarinar
The Cheetarinar are the descendants of the fleetest of cats: the cheetah. Most Cheetarinar have tawny or orange fur with black spots. Cheetarinar have never been exceedingly strong or durable, but what they lack in brawn and endurance they make up for with raw speed and diligence. Most Cheetarinar can run at speeds exceeding eighty miles per hour for up to forty-five minutes at a time before they must rest. This burst of speed is accompanied by a 'low' period of at least three hours. Cheetarinar can run at a very high speed (in a more or less straight line). The Cheetarinar as a people enjoy contests in which they can use their speed and agility, but when not racing each other for fun, Cheetarinar show an amazing diligence to the task at hand, whatever that is. That is why Cheetarinar labourers are highly prized even to the present day. The Cheetari are perfectionists, they don't leave a job until it meets their exact specifications. The Cheetarinar and Lionar also work well together, and often serve as go betweens in talks with the Lionar and the Tigrinar.
Jagaranar
The Jagaranar are the descendants of the feared stalker: the jaguar. They have the faces and features of jaguars, usually with jet-black fur and midnight-black eyes. Jagaranar possess a lean, slender, muscular build, and are quite good at utilizing both speed and strength. The Jagaranar have retained the ancient stalking and stealth skills of the ancient jaguar and their forbearers. Jagaranar are the scouts and spies of the Felinar, but the Jagaranar are not well trusted and tend to keep to themselves.
Leopardinar
The Leopardinar are the descendants of the mighty leopards of ancient times, and they aren't afraid to let anyone know it either. Leopardinar have the faces and ears of leopards, usually with black fur. The rare white Leopardinar is very highly prized and is considered exceedingly beautiful. The Leopardinar, serve as the infantry armies, the front-line soldiers who are the front line and base from which the mighty Lionar and the mounted Pantherinar launch their attacks and reform if their formations break in the charge. The Leopardinar generally keep apart from other Felinar, usually only associating with the Lionar, the Tigrinar, the Pantherinar, and the occasional Cheetarinar. Given the choice they have little to no contact with other Felinar sub-species. The Leopardinar are warriors and they often respect their foes if they are worthy. As a general rule they will not retreat or surrender to a foe they have no respect for, even if it means their doom, they fight with a grim, bitter determination.
Lionar
The most regal of Felinar, Lionar are evolved from Lions, the largest and most dangerous of cats. The Lionar stand between 5 and 7 feet tall. Lionar have the faces, ears, and manes of lions, usually a golden or tawny colour, with browns and reds being rare. The Lionar, male and female, are very muscular and strong. Lionar retain the most powerful hunting and fighting skills of the Felinar as a race, and usually will not hesitate to use these skills on a moment's notice. The Lionar are the most aggressive of the Felinar species, oftentimes hostile if not downright rude, with little or no apology for their behaviour or actions. The Lionar now serve as protectors of the Felinar species, by virtue of both their might and their willingness to use that might. Quite naturally, the Lionar as the biggest and strongest consider that they themselves should be rulers of the Felinar people, but so far they have been unable to convince the other Felinar races of this and while there are always a few hot heads willing to take part in a coup, so far they have failed to even gain the support of a majority of their own kind.
Mixed Breeds
The mixed breeds are the lowest rung on the social ladder, being the peasants and unskilled labourers. They have no political power and legally they are tied to the land, although they cannot be sold outright (at least not in theory), they have few legal rights.
Pantherinar
The Pantherinar are the descendants of the great panthers, having the faces and characteristics of panthers. Their fur is usually black, but shades of brown are also common. The Pantherinar have musculature, but are renowned for their minds. The Pantherinar are the elite troops of the Felinar military, the shock troops who hit an enemy's line hard and fast, making the way for the infantry. The Pantherinar ride astride great panthers in battle, being a type of light cavalry. The Pantherinar never lost their pride or fierce nobility. They refused to be shunted aside under the new regime, and now serve in their ancient positions as elite knights and warriors. They work from within the system to try to change what they see as dangerous trends. The Pantherinar see compromise as a betrayal, which is why they vigorously oppose the new regime. The Pantherinar are very popular and refuse to back down, so they stand as the loudest critics of contemporary Felinar culture today. The Pantherinar are highly militarised, but little else is known of their culture and beliefs.
Persinar
The Persinar are the descendants of beautiful domesticated cats known as Persians, and bear their facial features. Persinar have creamy tan fur with narrow faces and usually green eyes. They are quite tall and thin, being between 5'5" and 6'5", and are very slender. The Persinar are scholars and diplomatic assistants to the Tigrinar. The Persinar feel betrayed and that they have been and are being treated unfairly, and so this mild-mannered, scholarly people consider themselves the outsiders of Kat society.
Saberinar
Descended from Sabre-tooth tigers, Saberinar are the largest and most dangerous. Less intelligent than the others, Saberinar are the brute labor and the toughs. In many cultures, they end up working as bodyguards and enforcers, content to follow orders and fight whomever or whatever for little or no reason.
Tigrinar
Tigrinar are the descendants of the tigers, the nobility of the jungle cats. Tigrinar stands as tall as other Felinar, usually having orange-coloured fur with black stripes, though there are the rare white Tigrinar, who are prized by their people. Tigrinar possess less strength than the Lionar; nevertheless, there is a close history between the two subspecies, which binds them all the same. Tigrinar are the closest the Felinar have to nobility. The Tigrinar carry out many, if not most, of the day-to-day administration of the Felinar peoples, freeing their Lionar brothers to deal with other issues. Tigrinar possess an innate ability to organize and get the job done both efficiently and quickly. Tigrinar are natural born diplomats, but they have not forgotten their roots, and they enjoy friendly contests of strength and skill against worthy competitors of any species.

 

Creating a Felinar character

Step 1: Attributes
Roll attributes as normal but then add +2 to DEX. Mana = INT + WIS x3. Mana is recovered at a rate of 10 per hour if remain active (but not using magic) and 20 per hour if asleep. Mana can however be permanently traded for HPs at a rate of 1 for 1. Hit points = CON +12, +12 per level.
Step 2: Skills

Choose skills in the normal manner according to the character's class.
Step 3: Abilities

Felinar gain all the following free;

Feline Body - All Felinar can hear, see and smell x2 further than any other humanoid race. They can identify the specific odour or scent of anyone that have previously met, and track by smell so long as they know the scent.

Additionally Felinar start with 35 Points to spend on any of the following abilities. As they earns more experience they may buy or rebuy more abilities.
Ability Cost Notes
Enhanced Taste 5 Can identify the specific ingredients of anything that have previously eaten, drunk or sample tasted. This includes chemicals, animals, plants, toxins and poisons.
Feline Empathy 5 Felinar can establish telepathic communication with any normal or giant feline animal within line of sight if he does nothing else in the round. The animal must have a minimum INT of 1. This has the following benefits:
He can communicate to the creature that he desires its friendship. If the offer is sincere (and the animal will be able to sense if it isn't), the creature can be calmed and will not attack or flee unless it is attacked.

Further he can then recruit this animal as an ally. Once he does so he permanently psionically links with the animal turning it into a familiar. At any point he may see through the familiar's eyes, smell through its nose, hear with its ears, taste with its mouth or link with any of its other senses (including supernatural ones). The two are always in constant telepathic contact.

Increased AC 5 +1 AC
Increased Thac0 5 +1 Thac0 with melee weapons at levels 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19.
Intimidating 10 This character has greater presence, +1 CHA
Natural Chameleon 5 Using this ability the Felinar can blend into and render himself nearly invisible in wooded areas, fields of tall grass, clumps of bushes, or any other wilderness area with dark or shaded terrain. When hiding he can conceal himself from attackers and eavesdrop on his enemies. He can hide near a well travelled road and secretly observe passersby, or conceal himself near an enemy campsite waiting for an opportune moment to steal their supplies. 

He may also move with a minimum of sound, almost as if he's walking on air. Even creatures with the sharpest ears are no more likely to detect his presence than they are to hear a feather drop. The ability works equally well in icy mountains, heavily wooded forests, or any other type of wilderness terrain. This goes well beyond the stealth skill raising it to a supernatural level and preventing any non magical detection.

Nature Survival 5 Due to a Felinar's extensive experience and training in jungles and forests they gain +1 to any physical, combat and survival rolls made while within that environment. He may choose an additional terrain at level 5. Terrain types include; Jungle, Desert, Tundra, Mountain, Forest or Ocean. Each time this ability is rebought he may either take an additional +1 with their terrain OR choose a new terrain.
Natural Mana 10 +10 Mana at levels 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20.
Reduced Sleep 10 The character needs one hour less normal sleep per 5 CON.
True Sight 10 The character can see the true image of any person or object regardless of any form of concealment, disguise, illusion or invisibility. This also includes the ability to detect whether it is magical, and whether it is harmful or helpful.
Step 5: Classes
Any but Shaman is the favoured mage class.

 

Heroes Earth
Atlantean Elven experiments with animals in 90,000 BC led to the creation of the Felinar race. Rebelling against their Elven masters the Felinar fled to what is now Africa. Some of them had became hyper intelligent and were able to understand Atlantean technology. Using this they were able to create their own city, hidden in the jungles of Africa. Their city is a marvel of engineering and architectural achievement. It has a protective forcefield which while preventing non Felinar from passing through also renders the city invisible to physical and electronic detection.
 

Post Holocaust Era:

The city survived the 21st century holocaust but only by making the field impenetrable to everything, including those Felinar who were outside.

 

Earth Races