Ferals

Ferals are short, agile feline humanoids who can move as a bipedal or quadrupedal creature. These cat-like beings are found throughout the underworld and overworld, often as pets and companions to the drow or living in free tribes in the overworld jungles.

### Physical

#### Key Points

• Ferals are on average 4-5 feet tall upon reaching adulthood.

• Ferals are covered in short fur, with longer fur or hair on their heads in some cases

• Capable of wearing armor and clothing

• Cat-like features include slitted pupils with a colored sclera, pointed ears, and a prehensile tail.

#### Details

Ferals are relatively short when compared with drow, standing anywhere from four to five feet tall on average and with varying builds. They are covered with fur, much like their feline cousins, with females having a larger “mane” on their heads that can be styled like a drow or goblin. Their fur colors come in many colors and patterns that can by dyed different colors if the situation calls for it.

### Physiological

#### Key Points

• Excellent eyesight into the extended spectrum, seeing perfectly in the dark as well as detecting heat sources.

• Strong sense of smell and hearing.

• Digigrade legs, similar to their common feline ancestors.

• Ferals do not have auras and cannot wield mana arts.

#### Details

Ferals are born with excellent senses that make them well suited in a scouting or guardian role. Much like their mundane feline cousins, their whiskers assist them with sensing their surroundings when entering areas too dark for even their considerable night vision. Ferals have opposable thumbs, allowing them to wield tools and weapons, but their digigrade legs make armor fitting difficult without custom construction.

### Psychological

Ferals in the underworld have a tendency to refer to themselves in the third person, whether by their own name or by the common moniker “Feral.” Most ferals underground are in a pet or slave role, and would only have a name if their master or mistress gives them one. Those treated as slaves are more likely to do so than the ones treated as favored pets and companions, such as the feral Melodia.

In general, well-treated and acclimated underworld ferals are inquisitive, playful and loyal companions who are not afraid to socialize with others, or hesitate to protect their masters. Ferals are still cats by nature, however, and untrained or poorly disciplined ferals may be easily distracted by shiny objects or moving items such as cloth cloaks or hems. Their mental development is considered slower than Fae and Goblin races, but they are capable of learning different languages and performing in front of crowds.

In the overworld, ferals live in small tribes in jungle regions, trading with traveling merchants, whether they be elf or goblin for necessities and the occasional trinket. Their heightened senses and instincts give them an excellent knowledge of their surrounding territory, and tribal ferals often hire themselves out as guides and scouts to travelers passing through the area or expeditions seeking ruins.

### Sociocultural

Ferals are social creatures, often found in groups or tribes. They are loyal to their masters when treated well, and are often considered by many to be trusted companions. While their mental development is considered slower than that of the fae or goblin races, they are capable of learning languages and performing complicated tasks such as learning combat or ceremonial dances.

Underworld slave ferals tend to be very submissive, loyal companions. Often referring to themselves in the third person, they can be found in almost any type of employment, such as caretakers, entertainers or even acting as scouts and guardians. Some act as personal servants to the great clans, as their loyalty is unquestionable.

Free or tribal ferals are slightly more independent, but are still loyal to their tribes more than anything. They trust their senses highly, often shying away from suspicious circumstances and people. They are willing to act as mercenary scouts, using their knowledge of their surroundings and ruins of former elven cities to their advantage. If they suspect that something is wrong with their arrangement, however, they are quick to leave and will return to their tribe.

*This article reflects events up to Chapter 50**.***