Catfolk: +1 LA just doesn't seem right..

[Wik]

The catfolk in our group seemed balanced with the rest of the group from 3rd-6th level, and then she just kind of fell behind, only becoming useful when they needed a rogue. The +1 LA is a bit steep, but +0 LA doesn't work at all. So, yeah, add in a few abilities... Superior Low-Light Vision is great, and maybe scent or alertness.

 

[Nyaricus]

There's actually a feat in PHB2 that does this. Leap of the Heavens. Only requires 4 ranks in jump, so it can be taken at first level. You don't double the DC's for standing jumps, and get +5 on running jumps. Just give it to them as a racial bonus feat.

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=4

And... that works too

cheers,
--N

Ninja Edit: sad thing is, I own PHBII

 

[evilbob]

In my campaign I gave catfolk 2 x 1d4 slashing natural weapons that they could use ("claws"). This seemed just enough more of an "omph" to get them to +1 LA, but wasn't unbalancing or overpowerful. I had one player who loved the idea of "always being armed," and this ability synergizes well with the rogue class.

I also second the "buy it off" idea above. You pay a few thousand XP and then never worry about it again.

 

[Three_Haligonians]

Wow,

Apparently, catfolk races are quite popular in the gaming world out there. I searched some other boards and found a myriad of home-brewed felines, many with some nice ideas on how to be a cat.

I saw, in addition to what has been listed here:

- Half damage from falls
- Using Dex instead of Str on Climb and Jump checks [now known as the Agile Athlete feat from RotW]
- Light Sleeping: No penalties to listen checks while asleep OR the required 8 hours of rest to gain HP, spells, etc need not be continuous
- Scent ability


So. Lots of choices.

Maybe I should make a poll?

J from Three Haligonians

 

[Geoff Watson]

Well that is settled then,

It's easier to make the race worth the +1 LA than it is to bring it to +0. The question is of course, how?

Turns out I am not the only one to think of this. Googling the subject brought me two past threads that talk about re-vamping the catfolk race. Suggestions there included:

- A "cat-fall" ability that reduces the damage taken from falling.
- Some manner of sprinting ability - such as the Run feat, or the ability to move 10x its normal speed during a charge 1/day.
- The Pounce or rake ability [though I find these too powerful myself]

So far, I have decided upon the following:

+4 Dex, +2 Cha
Base speed 40ft
+4 to Hide, Move Silently
+2 to Listen, Spot
Improved Low-light vision (3x a human's sight in low illumination)

All I really need I think, is one more bonus or ability to further the "cat theme" and I'll be done.

Any more thoughts on what it could be?

P.S. The option to "buy it off" looks very interesting, I'll be sure to bring it to the player's attention.

J from Three Haligonians

What you've listed is really good for most Rogues (and Rangers); I wouldn't improve them any more.

Geoff.

 

[Nyeshet]

Several ideas come to mind.

+4 bonus to Balance and Tumble checks (tumble checks are good vs falling damage)

Racial Bonus Feats: Agile Athlete, Improve Unarmed Strike (only with piercing damage - due to claws), Leap of the Heavens, and Run. If they do not have claws drop the IUS. Maybe Run should be dropped regardless, although it hearkens back to the charging / pouncing of typical felines.

I would also suggest replacing the +1 nat armor bonus with a +1 dodge bonus. It just makes more sense, as catfolk are not exactly depicted as covered in thick hides or metal / stone like flesh.

Scent would be too much, as would halving falling damage. Indeed, anything more than what is suggested above would likely be too much for +1, considering all else they get. As it is, adding two more +4 skills and four bonus feats is pushing the limits of what I would consider acceptable for a +1 LA.

And, as others have suggested, the buy off option for LA is wonderful - especially for lower LAs. It would slow them down a bit at lower levels, then vanish at mid levels, allowing for some catch up. By mid to lower high levels they would be back in pace with the others.

 

[Sound of Azure]

You could give them the special ability to use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb and Jump checks (Same as cats in the MM) in addition to Nyeshet's Balance and Tumble racial bonus.

Leap of the Heavens would be a great racial bonus feat too, IMO.

 

[Engilbrand]

Catfolk are easily worth the +1 LA. Right now, the real questions are:
1. What class is the Catfolk?
2. What are the other characters?
3. What sort of campaign is it?

 

[robberbaron]

I'm with Engilbrand. It is easily worth +1LA as is. IMO.

 

[Mark Chance]

IME, LA +1 should just be ignored. There's a mechanical advantage at early levels that most often turns into a mechanical disadvantage and middle levels. It all balances out in the long run.