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  ·  .  .  ·  ·  . |         Help on:  Kataran         | .  ·  ·  .  .  ·
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Adjustments: +2 Dexterity, +1 Constitution, -2 Intelligence, -1 Piety
Compatible Classes: Assassin, Berserker, Death Knight (Aramon), Druid, Fighter, 
                    Monk, Ranger, Rogue, Thief, Fighter/Thief

General
Katarans are a race of feral, cat-like humanoids, native to Derlith's dense tropical 
jungles and, more rarely, its harsh desert regions. They are primal, instinct-driven 
warriors, thriving in the untamed wilderness where agility, cunning, and raw 
survival skill reign supreme. Known for their unmatched dexterity and natural 
stealth, they are some of the most feared assassins, hunters, and thieves in all 
of Derlith. Civilized societies often see Katarans as wild, savage, and unpredictable, 
but they are far from mindless brutes. They operate by their own code of survival 
and tribal honor, which is misunderstood by those who live behind walls and rely on 
laws instead of strength. Katarans are fiercely independent, rejecting anything that 
forces them into submission, be it kingdoms, guilds, or religion. While Katarans have 
no love for structured civilization, they are not mindless barbarians. Their kind 
operates in tight-knit, nomadic tribes, bound by loyalty, blood, and instinct. They 
are exceptional trackers and ambushers, able to stalk prey for miles without being 
detected. Their keen senses and near-supernatural reflexes make them deadly foes in 
battle, where they rely on speed and precision over brute force. Despite their reputation 
for savagery, Katarans are not inherently cruel. They see the world as a battlefield, 
where only the strong, the clever, and the relentless survive. Those who cannot keep 
up are left behind, and those who show weakness are prey.

Physical & Mental Traits
Katarans are medium-sized but incredibly lean and agile, with muscular, flexible bodies 
designed for speed and combat. They are strong for their size, and their cat-like reflexes 
allow them to move with near-supernatural grace. Their fur comes in a variety of earthy 
tones, with females often displaying brighter colors and more intricate patterns than males. 
Every Kataran has a long, nearly prehensile tail, which aids in balance, climbing, and 
rapid movement. Their slitted, feline eyes grant them exceptional vision, even in the 
darkest of nights. Katarans are not highly educated by the standards of civilization, 
but they are by no means stupid. Their intelligence is instinctive rather than academic, 
allowing them to read body language, predict movements, and navigate complex terrain 
with ease. However, their distrust of formal learning and magic makes them appear less 
intelligent than they truly are. They detest magic, seeing it as unnatural and dangerous, 
with the exception of shamanistic traditions tied to their primal spirits. Kataran shamans 
are feared and respected, seen as mystics who commune with the forces of nature itself. 
To the average Kataran, however, magic is something to be avoided, feared, or fought against.

Culture & Philosophy
Katarans live in small, nomadic tribes, each led by the strongest, fastest, or most cunning 
warrior. Leadership is never permanent, as challenges for dominance are frequent. Only those 
who can defend their position deserve to lead. They are fiercely loyal to their own, and 
betrayals within a tribe are punished by exile or death. Outside their own people, however, 
they feel little obligation to fairness, law, or honor - to a Kataran, prey is prey, whether 
it walks on four legs or two. They believe survival justifies any action, and deception, 
trickery, or ambushes are simply valid tools to ensure victory. Katarans hold no love for 
civilization, often refusing to settle in cities unless absolutely necessary. Those who do 
often become thieves, assassins, or mercenaries, using their agility and killer instincts to 
carve out a life. Some, however, find comfort in the wild outskirts of society, becoming 
rangers, bounty hunters, or lone wanderers. Among other races, Katarans are often distrusted 
and feared, seen as wild predators rather than people. Dwarves see them as undisciplined 
savages, elves regard them as untamed beasts, and humans often rely on them for mercenary 
work but never truly trust them. The only ones who welcome Katarans with open arms are 
those who value power, speed, and the will to survive at all costs.

Racial Traits
-See in dark (Infravision): Yes
-Size class: Medium

Racial Perks & Benefits
-Feline Reflexes: Increased dodge chance
-Natural Predator: Bonus to hit with backstab and ambush 
-Silent Hunter: Bonuses to sneaking and hiding 
-Tough Hide: Moderate resistance to bleeding effects