Bakeneko

### **ABYSSAL NATURE, HONORABLE SOULS**

*Taking the blade from his sheath, the silent cat-samurai looked forward at his four attackers--and the nearby townsfolk began to shout and scream in fear as within a few swift moments that were as smooth as molasses though quiet and quick as a summer breeze, their heads fell to the floor. The feline samurai approached, tying their still-bleeding heads to his belt by their hair.*

#### **Biology**

The Bakeneko are a proud beastfolk with Abyssal heritage. Their physical forms resemble an anthropomorphic cat; with a straight-furred, pudgy humanoid frame. They have soft paw pads on their hands and feet made of tough though smooth and soft skin, fat, and connective tissue. They have sharp claws and teeth due to their catlike form. They have powerful leg muscles and reflexes, increasing their agility far beyond that of humans. Their eyes are sensitive and can see in the dark--able to discern clearly between friend or foe. They are naturally inclined toward being stealthy and their keen eyes make them expert marksmen and artists.

#### **Culture**

The culture of Bakeneko greatly resembles that of real-world feudal Japan, with most inspiration coming from the concepts of medieval Ninja or Samurai. They greatly value honor and battle prowess--though they shun brute strength and only few rely on such. They moreso favor great dexterity and martial skill, being great warriors with a stoic, prideful reputation.

#### **Origins**

It is said that Bakeneko were born when a demon had impregnated a queen through her eyes--slowly turning her into a cat-human hybrid as well. The woman then gave birth to a litter of Bakeneko, who became expert protectors of the village she ruled over. Their origin makes them not favored by most gods--and Christian clerics have a special hatred for them and their culture.

#### **Statistics**

Source: Volo's Guide to Monsters (Bakeneko are a reskinned Tabaxi. No actual statistics have been changed; only the lore and name.) You can find the text hosted here as well.

**• Ability Score Increase.** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

**• Age.** Bakeneko have lifespans equivalent to humans.

**• Alignment.** Bakeneko tend toward chaotic alignments, as they let impulse and fancy guide their decisions. They are rarely evil, with most of them driven by curiosity rather than greed or other dark impulses.

**• Size.** Bakeneko are taller on average than humans and relatively slender. Your size is Medium.

**• Speed.** Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

**• Darkvision.** You have a cat's keen senses, especially in the dark. 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.

**• 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 0 feet on one of your turns.

**• Cat's Claws.** Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 20 feet. 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 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

**• Cat's Talent.** You have proficiency in the Perception and Stealth skills.

**• Languages.** You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.