How to roleplay a Catfolk? [Archive] - Wizards Community

How to roleplay a Catfolk? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Captn Blake
03-19-07, 05:14 PM Suggestions on playing a LG Catfolk, anyone?

I've started off having him purr when happy, hiss in his angry statements, etc. I've also had him sneak in a nap in the sun whenever possible. This particular cat has leopard markings, so I've just now thought about trying to work some leopard traits in there. Hanging out in trees, perhaps launching attacks from the trees.

I imagine from a combat standpoint, patience and stealth are preferred, intense combat follows, but if he becomes excessively wounded, retreat is second nature. Would you say I'm on the right track?

I imagine a Neutral alignment would fit a little better, but don't forget the "folk" part of catfolk. He's still a humanoid, and I think would value loyalty and teamwork. He's also pretty trusting (from a tribal background), sometimes to a fault. Anything else you can think of?

-CB
Neutronium_Dragon
03-19-07, 05:24 PM I suppose that depends on how stereotypically "cat-ish" you want him to behave.

One point that comes to mind, if you're trying to imitate leopards, is that they may not be entirely averse to water (unlike your average housecat), though probably more to the point of wading than swimming. They're not likely to prefer it, though (unlike a tiger, which likes the water).
HammerSmashed
03-19-07, 05:35 PM If you read what the book says about them they are supposed to be really inpatient. They are also ahead of the party by 10 or so feet since they walk-sprint lol.:P Theese guys are great for player's that never stop talking becouse the roleplay requers the person to state their point and get things oer with fast.;)
M1kh43l_P4r4d1s0
03-19-07, 05:36 PM If your trying to ba house cat, be as annoying as possible. llay down on the other pcs laps. lick yourself in public as often as possible. oh, and it you see someone going down stairs, try to trip them.

So as not to get flamers, this is all ment in good fun, as I have 5 cats and love them dearly.
enygmatic_me
03-19-07, 07:26 PM Suggestions on playing a LG Catfolk, anyone?

I've started off having him purr when happy, hiss in his angry statements, etc. I've also had him sneak in a nap in the sun whenever possible. This particular cat has leopard markings, so I've just now thought about trying to work some leopard traits in there. Hanging out in trees, perhaps launching attacks from the trees.

I imagine from a combat standpoint, patience and stealth are preferred, intense combat follows, but if he becomes excessively wounded, retreat is second nature. Would you say I'm on the right track?

I imagine a Neutral alignment would fit a little better, but don't forget the "folk" part of catfolk. He's still a humanoid, and I think would value loyalty and teamwork. He's also pretty trusting (from a tribal background), sometimes to a fault. Anything else you can think of?

-CB

Loyalty is not restricted to Lawful. Neutral and Chaotic characters are just as loyal to their friends as anyone else. The only alignment that really have anything said about their lack of loyalty is neutral evil.

Jumping down on to an enemies back from a tree does not strike me as lawful. It is a little on the dishonorable side like sneak attacks.

As to roleplaying, I would say that you might want to be a little on the easily offended side - especially when your abilities are brought into question. When embarrassed you should take it personal. A little superiority complex is probably in order.
Neutronium_Dragon
03-19-07, 07:50 PM Jumping on someone from a tree might not be chivalric, but it's not dishonorable (unless you have some sort of oath not to do this in place, perhaps - and even paladins don't have that) and it's certainly not non-lawful.
InsanePsychoRabbit
03-19-07, 07:53 PM I roleplay my NG female catfolk wizard as having a high voice, being very confident in her abilities, cheerful, hyperactive, constantly washing her face, and saying "litterbox" instead of "bathroom." She also gives some of her spells cat-related names (Kitty Litter, Hairball, etc.), and hisses and fuzzes out her tail when appropriate.
Angel Black
03-19-07, 09:28 PM Time to talk about famous cats:

Garfield (http://www.garfield.com/)
Top Cat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Cat)
Bagheera (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagheera)

...
enygmatic_me
03-19-07, 09:48 PM Jumping on someone from a tree might not be chivalric, but it's not dishonorable (unless you have some sort of oath not to do this in place, perhaps - and even paladins don't have that) and it's certainly not non-lawful.

Not sure how jumping down on an unsuspecting opponent would not be considered dishonorable.

Chivalrous, adjective: marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy

"Law" implies honor, trustworthiness, obedience to authority, and reliability. On the downside, lawfulness can include close-mindedness, reactionary adherence to tradition, judgmentalness, and a lack of adaptability. Those who consciously promote lawfulness say that only lawful behavior creates a society in which people can depend on each other and make the right decisions in full confidence that others will act as they should.

It is still my opinion that a lawful character would face their opponents as equals (or at least fairly), not jump down upon them from hiding.
Dead_Weasel
03-20-07, 12:20 AM If I recall correctly, leopards aren't very social. They are definitely ambush predators though.

So, points into Climb, Hide, Listen, MVS, Spot. Avoid large groups; don't necessarily be hostile but be wary. Don't go out of your way to step on a powerful enemy's tail, but never let a threat hang over your head. Go for the easy kill when you can.
Nat_20
03-20-07, 01:02 AM Last time i played one of these i rolled a 6 for charisma, and had an 8 from the racial mod, so i didnt talk much, kind of like Kimari in Final Fantasy 10

But anyway, i like this race, it give players really weird ways to roll play, like i remember a chick who played one would roll her R's when she talked to simulate purring (i said she sounded like Antonio Banderas) and liked to have her ears scratched.
And an other dude roared during combat when he raged (catfolk Barbarian) and attacked anyone who touched his tail

Its up to you to find unique was of playing it....
The_Basilisk
03-20-07, 02:53 PM Depends on your stats, class and background. I played a female feline, before I knew of catfolk. She was a homebrew shapeshifter race. Kind of like a weretiger, but without the DR or insane stat bonuses. She was a monk, an outcast from her soceity, because females were oppressed in her society.

Anyways, I played her somewhat uptight, except with her close friends. She was always wary because she came from a dangerous place. She tended to react violently to being snuck up on or having her tail pulled. (i almost hurt a child because of this, and I kicked a village elder in the stomach once....oopsie) I think felines can be very relaxed one moment, then extremely intense and focussed the next, anyone who has owned a cat can attest to that.
Neutronium_Dragon
03-20-07, 03:24 PM > Not sure how jumping down on an unsuspecting opponent would not be
> considered dishonorable.

Honorable in D&D doesn't include a stipulation that Thou Mayest Not Use Intelligent Tactics (tm). At least not in 3E, though some 2E interpretations certainly did.

In short, if an attack upon a creature is merited to start with, doing so with the advantage of surprise doesn't bring your honor into question (short of some oath or the like against doing so).
enygmatic_me
03-20-07, 05:10 PM > Not sure how jumping down on an unsuspecting opponent would not be
> considered dishonorable.

Honorable in D&D doesn't include a stipulation that Thou Mayest Not Use Intelligent Tactics (tm). At least not in 3E, though some 2E interpretations certainly did.

In short, if an attack upon a creature is merited to start with, doing so with the advantage of surprise doesn't bring your honor into question (short of some oath or the like against doing so).

I disagree. Your definition of Honorable seems to be loser than my own. To jump down and surprise a target is dishonorable.

As the alignment are left open to interpretation I don't see either of us changing the others mind, so we will have to agree to disagree on this one.
Dead_Weasel
03-20-07, 07:23 PM "Good" implies altruism, respect for life, and a concern for the dignity of sentient beings.
"Law" implies honor, trustworthiness, obedience to authority, and reliability.
versus
Code of Conduct: A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all class abilities if she ever willingly commits an evil act. Additionally, a paladin's code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm and threaten innocents.
A lawful character has no reason not to take an available advantage; a paladin has sworn oaths forsaking unfair advantages. Likewise, even an honorable character doesn't necessarily warn his enemies of his approach. (i.e. a worthy enemy would have been prepared, a weak enemy does not deserve respect, so on and so forth)
As with most alignment-related issues, this is highly situational. Just keep in mind that playing a Lawful character doesn't necessarily mean that the character has live up to each and every ideal/aspect of Law.
Captn Blake
03-20-07, 08:38 PM InsanePsychoRabbit, I laughed out loud at "litterbox" haah!

Very cool suggestions, everyone. thank you.
As for the lawful-to-surprise part of it, I guess that depends what your laws are, right? If your laws say "Battle only evil creatures, I don't care how" then jumping would adhere to that law, but if they said "all opponants shall be given a chance to prepare themselves before you smite them in the name of <whoever>" then yah, I agree that'd be stinky.

In life, I consider myself to be lawful good, I'd never willingly break the law, but at the same time, if I could kick a bully in the nuts when he wasn't expecting it, I'd lace up my steal-toed boots. :p

(on a character note, you're gonna hate me, but I decided to go Chaotic Good instead. Hah! I thought it fit more with the leopard theme)
sigma999
03-20-07, 08:40 PM Talk like that cat puppet on Mr Rogers...

"Meowmowmow I don't know which door meow meow!"

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Captn Blake 03-19-07, 05:14 PM	Suggestions on playing a LG Catfolk, anyone? I've started off having him purr when happy, hiss in his angry statements, etc. I've also had him sneak in a nap in the sun whenever possible. This particular cat has leopard markings, so I've just now thought about trying to work some leopard traits in there. Hanging out in trees, perhaps launching attacks from the trees. I imagine from a combat standpoint, patience and stealth are preferred, intense combat follows, but if he becomes excessively wounded, retreat is second nature. Would you say I'm on the right track? I imagine a Neutral alignment would fit a little better, but don't forget the "folk" part of catfolk. He's still a humanoid, and I think would value loyalty and teamwork. He's also pretty trusting (from a tribal background), sometimes to a fault. Anything else you can think of? -CB
Neutronium_Dragon 03-19-07, 05:24 PM	I suppose that depends on how stereotypically "cat-ish" you want him to behave. One point that comes to mind, if you're trying to imitate leopards, is that they may not be entirely averse to water (unlike your average housecat), though probably more to the point of wading than swimming. They're not likely to prefer it, though (unlike a tiger, which likes the water).
HammerSmashed 03-19-07, 05:35 PM	If you read what the book says about them they are supposed to be really inpatient. They are also ahead of the party by 10 or so feet since they walk-sprint lol.:P Theese guys are great for player's that never stop talking becouse the roleplay requers the person to state their point and get things oer with fast.;)
M1kh43l_P4r4d1s0 03-19-07, 05:36 PM	If your trying to ba house cat, be as annoying as possible. llay down on the other pcs laps. lick yourself in public as often as possible. oh, and it you see someone going down stairs, try to trip them. So as not to get flamers, this is all ment in good fun, as I have 5 cats and love them dearly.
enygmatic_me 03-19-07, 07:26 PM	Suggestions on playing a LG Catfolk, anyone? I've started off having him purr when happy, hiss in his angry statements, etc. I've also had him sneak in a nap in the sun whenever possible. This particular cat has leopard markings, so I've just now thought about trying to work some leopard traits in there. Hanging out in trees, perhaps launching attacks from the trees. I imagine from a combat standpoint, patience and stealth are preferred, intense combat follows, but if he becomes excessively wounded, retreat is second nature. Would you say I'm on the right track? I imagine a Neutral alignment would fit a little better, but don't forget the "folk" part of catfolk. He's still a humanoid, and I think would value loyalty and teamwork. He's also pretty trusting (from a tribal background), sometimes to a fault. Anything else you can think of? -CB Loyalty is not restricted to Lawful. Neutral and Chaotic characters are just as loyal to their friends as anyone else. The only alignment that really have anything said about their lack of loyalty is neutral evil. Jumping down on to an enemies back from a tree does not strike me as lawful. It is a little on the dishonorable side like sneak attacks. As to roleplaying, I would say that you might want to be a little on the easily offended side - especially when your abilities are brought into question. When embarrassed you should take it personal. A little superiority complex is probably in order.
Neutronium_Dragon 03-19-07, 07:50 PM	Jumping on someone from a tree might not be chivalric, but it's not dishonorable (unless you have some sort of oath not to do this in place, perhaps - and even paladins don't have that) and it's certainly not non-lawful.
InsanePsychoRabbit 03-19-07, 07:53 PM	I roleplay my NG female catfolk wizard as having a high voice, being very confident in her abilities, cheerful, hyperactive, constantly washing her face, and saying "litterbox" instead of "bathroom." She also gives some of her spells cat-related names (Kitty Litter, Hairball, etc.), and hisses and fuzzes out her tail when appropriate.
Angel Black 03-19-07, 09:28 PM	Time to talk about famous cats: Garfield (http://www.garfield.com/) Top Cat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Cat) Bagheera (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagheera) ...
enygmatic_me 03-19-07, 09:48 PM	Jumping on someone from a tree might not be chivalric, but it's not dishonorable (unless you have some sort of oath not to do this in place, perhaps - and even paladins don't have that) and it's certainly not non-lawful. Not sure how jumping down on an unsuspecting opponent would not be considered dishonorable. Chivalrous, adjective: marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy "Law" implies honor, trustworthiness, obedience to authority, and reliability. On the downside, lawfulness can include close-mindedness, reactionary adherence to tradition, judgmentalness, and a lack of adaptability. Those who consciously promote lawfulness say that only lawful behavior creates a society in which people can depend on each other and make the right decisions in full confidence that others will act as they should. It is still my opinion that a lawful character would face their opponents as equals (or at least fairly), not jump down upon them from hiding.
Dead_Weasel 03-20-07, 12:20 AM	If I recall correctly, leopards aren't very social. They are definitely ambush predators though. So, points into Climb, Hide, Listen, MVS, Spot. Avoid large groups; don't necessarily be hostile but be wary. Don't go out of your way to step on a powerful enemy's tail, but never let a threat hang over your head. Go for the easy kill when you can.
Nat_20 03-20-07, 01:02 AM	Last time i played one of these i rolled a 6 for charisma, and had an 8 from the racial mod, so i didnt talk much, kind of like Kimari in Final Fantasy 10 But anyway, i like this race, it give players really weird ways to roll play, like i remember a chick who played one would roll her R's when she talked to simulate purring (i said she sounded like Antonio Banderas) and liked to have her ears scratched. And an other dude roared during combat when he raged (catfolk Barbarian) and attacked anyone who touched his tail Its up to you to find unique was of playing it....
The_Basilisk 03-20-07, 02:53 PM	Depends on your stats, class and background. I played a female feline, before I knew of catfolk. She was a homebrew shapeshifter race. Kind of like a weretiger, but without the DR or insane stat bonuses. She was a monk, an outcast from her soceity, because females were oppressed in her society. Anyways, I played her somewhat uptight, except with her close friends. She was always wary because she came from a dangerous place. She tended to react violently to being snuck up on or having her tail pulled. (i almost hurt a child because of this, and I kicked a village elder in the stomach once....oopsie) I think felines can be very relaxed one moment, then extremely intense and focussed the next, anyone who has owned a cat can attest to that.
Neutronium_Dragon 03-20-07, 03:24 PM	> Not sure how jumping down on an unsuspecting opponent would not be > considered dishonorable. Honorable in D&D doesn't include a stipulation that Thou Mayest Not Use Intelligent Tactics (tm). At least not in 3E, though some 2E interpretations certainly did. In short, if an attack upon a creature is merited to start with, doing so with the advantage of surprise doesn't bring your honor into question (short of some oath or the like against doing so).
enygmatic_me 03-20-07, 05:10 PM	> Not sure how jumping down on an unsuspecting opponent would not be > considered dishonorable. Honorable in D&D doesn't include a stipulation that Thou Mayest Not Use Intelligent Tactics (tm). At least not in 3E, though some 2E interpretations certainly did. In short, if an attack upon a creature is merited to start with, doing so with the advantage of surprise doesn't bring your honor into question (short of some oath or the like against doing so). I disagree. Your definition of Honorable seems to be loser than my own. To jump down and surprise a target is dishonorable. As the alignment are left open to interpretation I don't see either of us changing the others mind, so we will have to agree to disagree on this one.
Dead_Weasel 03-20-07, 07:23 PM	"Good" implies altruism, respect for life, and a concern for the dignity of sentient beings. "Law" implies honor, trustworthiness, obedience to authority, and reliability. versus Code of Conduct: A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all class abilities if she ever willingly commits an evil act. Additionally, a paladin's code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm and threaten innocents. A lawful character has no reason not to take an available advantage; a paladin has sworn oaths forsaking unfair advantages. Likewise, even an honorable character doesn't necessarily warn his enemies of his approach. (i.e. a worthy enemy would have been prepared, a weak enemy does not deserve respect, so on and so forth) As with most alignment-related issues, this is highly situational. Just keep in mind that playing a Lawful character doesn't necessarily mean that the character has live up to each and every ideal/aspect of Law.
Captn Blake 03-20-07, 08:38 PM	InsanePsychoRabbit, I laughed out loud at "litterbox" haah! Very cool suggestions, everyone. thank you. As for the lawful-to-surprise part of it, I guess that depends what your laws are, right? If your laws say "Battle only evil creatures, I don't care how" then jumping would adhere to that law, but if they said "all opponants shall be given a chance to prepare themselves before you smite them in the name of <whoever>" then yah, I agree that'd be stinky. In life, I consider myself to be lawful good, I'd never willingly break the law, but at the same time, if I could kick a bully in the nuts when he wasn't expecting it, I'd lace up my steal-toed boots. :p (on a character note, you're gonna hate me, but I decided to go Chaotic Good instead. Hah! I thought it fit more with the leopard theme)
sigma999 03-20-07, 08:40 PM	Talk like that cat puppet on Mr Rogers... "Meowmowmow I don't know which door meow meow!"