Neko
The Animal-Human(?) Hybrids
A strange set of races to say the least. The Nekos are a group of species that all appear human if not for the slight animal traits they have. Each has a storied history in Kesia but no one knows where they come from exactly. Each has a specific origin to their own making but no one can say for sure. What is known are the types of Nekos found across the continent.
- Cat Neko: These are human-passing people with cat tails and cat ears. They considered the most charming out of the bunch since they have a knack for persuasion. However, people are always keen to watch their pockets around these types as they are just as likely to be swindled on a deal as they are pickpocketed.
- Dragon Neko: A mysterious species subject to revisionist history in Miglia. These Neko have a tie to the Dragons, able to breathe elements and fly just like them. However, that didn't help them when they were enslaved by their fellow draconics and treated harshly even by those they thought as brethren.
- Wolf Neko: An isolationist species native to the wilderness of Kesia. A species tied to a goddess of Innocence and protectors of nature. They've slowly begun to open up to the rest of civilization but the past for the Wolves is mired in fear and isolation due to mistakes of the past.
Basic Information
Anatomy
All three variations of the Nekos are mainly based on the anatomy of humans since they have a common ancestor. However, each type has their own unique qualities:
- Cat Neko: Usually just referred to as Nekos, these are the most common variation across Kesia. Their traits include cat hears and cat tails.
- Dragon Neko: By far one of the oldest versions of the Nekos but also treated harshly. These have dragon tails, wings, and the ability to breath an element just like other draconic races.
- Wolf Neko: A isolated version of the Nekos. They take from wolves with wolf ears, tails, and even the senses and teamwork of them.
Growth Rate & Stages
Cat Nekos and Dragon Nekos mature at the same rate as humans, reaching adulthood by late teens. The Wolves mature at a faster rate, usually reaching adulthood by age 10.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Cat Nekos can be found easily across Kesia, most of them serving as merchants thanks to their natural charm and charisma. However, they tend to gravitate towards lands where Humans are the majority such as Guildland, Shinovar, and Hangsan. Their natural affinity with them above all other species drives them to be they are.
Dragon Nekos are mainly found in Miglia, Lalas, and Atia. They like to be near their Draconic brethren whether they be Dragons, Dragonborns, or even Half-Dragons. Miglia, while having the largest population of Dragon Nekos, has also had that population decrease over time due to their treatment in the past.
Wolf Nekos will mainly stay by themselves in tribal societies. These include regions that are dominated by nature such as the outlands of Torzhokia, Flokia, and Haejon. However, Wolf Nekos will also situate themselves near Elves and Firbolgs since they appreciate nature enough to be considered an ally of them.
All three have recently started migrating to islands in the East to call their own. These are only upstart settlements and already have old-world settlements popping up on the islands.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Cat and Wolf Nekos have enhanced senses, able to see in the dark and perceive their surroundings better than the Dragon Neko and other species.
Civilization and Culture
History
The Nekos are one of the most mysterious species in Kesia in terms of origin. Not many people know when they first appeared or where they came from. While they have similarities to humans like the Halflings, they aren't strictly tied to them. However, what Kesian scholars do know is that all three popped in around the time of the Age of Binding and the Age of Dynasties. Once the Kesian Empire fell, each began to form their own identities.
The Cat Nekos served as merchants and ambassadors for the Kesian Empire. They served as a lot more charming of people to do politics with instead of the normal people who ruled over the Empire. Their use for that never fell apart even as the Empire did. They found work across Kesia, primarily the same as they did before. For nations such as Shinovar and Olstad, they served as important parts of society and are almost as generally accepted as humans.
The Dragon Nekos stayed with their fellow Draconics in what would become Miglia. However, Capra in the northwest would swarm eastward and enslave the non-Dragon races. The Dragon Nekos, seen as more human than the Dragonborn and Kobolds, went seen as lesser creatures. They became servants of the slaves in a way, being treated harshly even by the people they saw as members of their own kind. It wasn't until Miglia freed itself from the control of the Underdark that the Dragon Nekos began to be treated better. But with old history still there, the Dragon Neko still struggle to be accepted. And look toward the Draconics in the East to have a chance at a better life.
The Wolf Nekos, once Kesia fell, went back to their old ways. They retreated into the wilderness that took over most of Kesia and stayed in their tribal lands alongside the other species that did the same ways. However, they noticed the enslavement of so many species that were once like them and distrusted civilization even more so. Some of the tribes became violent against outsiders to protect their people while others simply became withdrawn. Over time, some opened back up to the rest of the world but there is still that air of mistrust.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Cat Nekos are by far the most likable variation of Nekos across Kesia. Thanks to their charm, they are very good merchants and politicians, serving as aids and friends across Kesia. They share their biggest affinity with Humans due to the similarities between the two. Half-Elfs and Changlings are also friendly but they prefer not to watch the Changelings morph into different people since it can be quite disturbing.
The Dragon Nekos prefer to be with fellow Dragon people that aren't Yuan-Ti. Dragonborns are probably the ones they ally themselves with the best but past transgressions have soured relations between the two somewhat. The Dragon Nekos also find their Lizardfolk brethren strange since their minds are so alien compared to their own. The only people they can really interact without any problems are the Half-Dragons, the Fire Brand, and the Dragons of Lalas.
The Wolf Nekos prefer not to associate with any race besides themselves. Their isolationism and distrust of other races has fed into that mentality. The only real people they can interact with and enjoy it are fellow natural lovers. Firbolgs and Wood Elves are the most tolerated when it comes to species but a Wolf-Neko can accept anyone who protects nature's domain.
Cat Neko
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age.Cat Nekos have lifespans just a few years under humans.
Alignment. Cat Nekos tend toward neutral and good alignments.
Size. Cat Nekos are about the same size as humans and are relatively slender. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. Your vision, while better than humans, can't really compare to a cat's. You can see dim light as bright light within 30 feet and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color, only see shades of gray.
Cat Senses. Having a connection to cats has enhanced your senses. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that involve hearing while all four of your ears are not being covered.
Feline Grace. You have proficiency in Stealth and Perception.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Dragon Neko
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma modifier increases by 2, and your choice of Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution increases by 1.
Breathe Weapon. You can use your action to exhale destructive energy. Your draconic ancestry determines the size, shape, and damage type of the exhalation.
When you use your breath weapon, each creature in the area of the exhalation must make a saving throw, the type of which is determined by your draconic ancestry. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 2d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest.
Draconic Wings. Thanks to your draconic nature, you have two draconic wings sprouting from your back. You have a flying speed of 30 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor.
Draconic Tail. A draconic tail sprouts from the base of your spine. As an action, you can use it as a strength melee attack dealing 1d6 bludgeoning damage to one creature if it hits. On a hit, the creature must roll a Strength saving throw and are knocked prone on a failure.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic.
Subraces. Three subraces of Dragon Neko exist: Feral Dragon Nekos, Servant Dragon Nekos, and Warrior Dragon Nekos. Choose one of them for your character.
Feral Dragon Neko
Animalistic Survival. The draconic blood in you is stronger than your fellow Dragon Nekos. You have advantage on Constitution saving throws against poison and disease and resistance to poison damage.
Greater Dragon Tracking. Thanks to your closer connection to dragons, your sense of smell is stronger as well. You have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) and Wisdom (Perception) checks using your sense of smell.
Servant Dragon Neko
Versaltity. Your subrace was the main one enslaved and made servants of the draconic slaves. Due to this experience of servitude, you are proficient in 1 language, skill, or tool of your choice.
Warrior Dragon Neko
Draconic Hardiness. Your subrace was breed to be warriors and fight on the front lines. You were subjected to hard labor in the past and that awakened the draconic constitution you have. As an action, you can regain 2d6 Temporary Hit Points. After you use this ability, you cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Wolf Neko
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength ability score increases by 2 and your Charisma ability score increases by 1.
Age. Having an average lifespan similar to Dwarves in that they often reach the age of 350 years old on average, but often reach Adulthood at the age of 10.
Alignment. Often seen as Neutral in nature, they believe in that nature is the greatest force in the world with her seeming predictable patterns of Seasons and Weather. Wolf Nekos sometimes have Chaotic tendencies in times of strife or when nature no longer maintains its predictable balance.
Size. Your Size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Superior Darkvision. You can see dim light as bright light out to 120 feet and darkness as if it were dim light.
Canine Claws and Teeth. Wolf Nekos have access to naturally sharp claws and razor-sharp teeth. A Wolf Neko’s Claws deals 1d4 Slashing Damage, allows them to dig small holes and claw objects, and grants them 10 feet of climbing speed.
In addition, a Wolf Neko’s Bite Attack deals 1d4 piercing damage. If they so choose, a Wolf Neko may choose to grapple the Target of the Bite Attack. In this same action and on a successful grapple check, they may throw their target to the ground, knocking them prone.
Wolf Tails and Ears. Thanks to your wolf ears, you have proficiency in Perception and advantage on Wisdom (Perception) rolls that are based on sound.
Additionally, thanks to your wolf tail, you have advantage on dexterity saving throws when trying not to go prone and proficiency in Athletics when sprinting.
Wolf Eyes. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) rolls that rely on sight.
Pack Tactics. Whenever an Ally is within 5 feet of an enemy you are facing, they get an advantage on making Melee Attacks on that Target.
In addition, when more than 3 Wolf Nekos are moving together. Any creature choosing to decern individual targets at a distance has disadvantage on perception checks. Similarly, if 2 or more Wolf Nekos are moving together in a single file line; Creatures trying to Track the Wolf Nekos roll with disadvantage on Checks trying to decern the size of their group.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Wolfspeak which is written in Elvish script.
| Dragon | Damage Type | Breath Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Acid | 5 by 30 ft. line(Dex. save) |
| Blue | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft. line(Dex. save) |
| Brass | Fire | 5 by 30 ft. line(Dex. save) |
| Bronze | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft. line(Dex. save) |
| Copper | Acid | 5 by 30 ft. line(Dex. save) |
| Gold | Fire | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
| Green | Poison | 15 ft. cone (Con. save) |
| Red | Fire | 15 ft. cone (Dex save) |
| Silver | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Con. save) |
| White | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Con. save) |
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Cat: Homo Catus
Dragon: Homo Draco
Wolf: Homo Lupus
Dragon: Homo Draco
Wolf: Homo Lupus
Origin/Ancestry
Cat Neko, Dragon Neko, Wolf Neko
Lifespan
Cat: 100
Dragon: 200
Wolf: 350
Dragon: 200
Wolf: 350
Average Height
4'8 + 2d8
Average Weight
90 + (2d8 x 1d4)
Average Physique
Medium
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