Katanga
11 variants
The mysterious Katanga prefers life in the jungle and has the soul of an animal. They can change between their three forms: Human, Hybrid, and Animal. Their forms have their own pros and cons. The animal that they can transform into has a huge impact on their alignment, personality, and almost every aspect of their life.
Solitary Protectors
Katanga are largely solitary and distinctly wild. Individual Katanga were known to appoint themselves guardians over ancient ruins, sacred or taboo lands, or even small communities of other humanoids or animals. They typically have little use for material possessions and trade for practical items, never owning more than they could carry. If their chosen appointment becomes destroyed or they are unable to perform their duties they journey out and seek out a new purpose, it is those Katanaga that become adventurers as they seek out a new purpose.
Three Forms
The three forms of the katanga each have their own advantages and disadvantages. In their original animal form, they are indistinguishable from an ordinary animal of that species. They can make full use of their natural weaponry and abilities, but cannot cast spells, wear armor, or use items; they are also limited to only being able to communicate with other Katanga and animals of their type.
In their human form, they are largely the same as humans in physical abilities, and can cast spells if so talented. However, Katanga always retain some traces of their animal form, such as leathery skin on a caiman Katanga or unusually long arms on a monkey Katanga.
Finally, the biped form of a Katanga resembled a humanoid animal of the appropriate species, with all associated tails, fur, claws, etcetera, with hands human-like enough to use items and weapons but not so much that they lose use of their natural weapons. They retain the ability to speak with both other people and with animals of their type in this form.
Wide Variations and an Animal Soul
Their diet, mannerisms, and period of activity varies based on their animal form. Furthermore their alignments differ greatly based on their animal form. They can adopt a human and biped form as well as their natural one. Regardless of the form they were in, Katanga always cast the shadow of their natural animal form; similarly, anyone who detects illusions or have True Sight sees them as animals.
The mysterious Katanga prefers life in the jungle and has the soul of an animal. They can change between their three forms: Human, Hybrid, and Animal. Their forms have their own pros and cons. The animal that they can transform into has a huge impact on their alignment, personality, and almost every aspect of their life.
Solitary Protectors
Katanga are largely solitary and distinctly wild. Individual Katanga were known to appoint themselves guardians over ancient ruins, sacred or taboo lands, or even small communities of other humanoids or animals. They typically have little use for material possessions and trade for practical items, never owning more than they could carry. If their chosen appointment becomes destroyed or they are unable to perform their duties they journey out and seek out a new purpose, it is those Katanaga that become adventurers as they seek out a new purpose.
Three Forms
The three forms of the katanga each have their own advantages and disadvantages. In their original animal form, they are indistinguishable from an ordinary animal of that species. They can make full use of their natural weaponry and abilities, but cannot cast spells, wear armor, or use items; they are also limited to only being able to communicate with other Katanga and animals of their type.
In their human form, they are largely the same as humans in physical abilities, and can cast spells if so talented. However, Katanga always retain some traces of their animal form, such as leathery skin on a caiman Katanga or unusually long arms on a monkey Katanga.
Finally, the biped form of a Katanga resembled a humanoid animal of the appropriate species, with all associated tails, fur, claws, etcetera, with hands human-like enough to use items and weapons but not so much that they lose use of their natural weapons. They retain the ability to speak with both other people and with animals of their type in this form.
Wide Variations and an Animal Soul
Their diet, mannerisms, and period of activity varies based on their animal form. Furthermore their alignments differ greatly based on their animal form. They can adopt a human and biped form as well as their natural one. Regardless of the form they were in, Katanga always cast the shadow of their natural animal form; similarly, anyone who detects illusions or have True Sight sees them as animals.
Traits
Shapechanging
You can use an action to change between your three forms. You can remain in each form indefinitely though if any equipment or weapons cannot be worn or carried in the form you choose, the equipment and weapons fall to the ground. Your Proficiencies, Ability Scores, and hit points remain the same regardless of the form you are in. You can only cast spells in your Human or Animal Form. You can use your Shapechanging feature times per long rest equal to your Proficiency Bonus. If you are out of uses for this feature, you remain in the last form you chose until you can change your form again.
Darkvision (Hybrid Form)
60 ft
Speak with Animals
You can speak with animals and other Katanga in your Hybrid Form and only with other animals and Katanaga in your Animal Form.
Animal Soul
Creatures that can detect illusions or have True Sight will see your animal form regardless of what form you are in.