Changecat

Template:Infobox Greyhawk creature Changecats are shapechanging felines with two forms, appearing either as an ordinary house cat or as a large plains cat similar to a cheetah. They can change between these two forms at will, up to five times per day. Normally they spend most of their time in their smaller shape and enlarge when threatened.

Ecology

Changecats typically live on smaller prey such as mice, small rats, and birds that they can hunt in their smaller form. In their larger state, they can bring down deer and antelopes. Like cheetahs, large changecats stalk their prey until they are within 100 yards, and then sprint to run their victims down. They must eat enough to support their current form, so they find it easier to remain small as much as possible. They never hunt humans or demihumans, nor do they attack them unless provoked. They rarely attack any intelligent creature.

Changecats breed once a year, producing small litters of one to three offspring. They have a great fondness toward humans, elves, and half-elves, but treat smaller demihumans such as halflings, gnomes, and dwarves with suspicion. They strongly dislike half-orcs.

Environment

Changecats originated east of the Grandwood Forest, but they have spread steadily westward and throughout the world.

Typical physical characteristics

Changecats are indistinguishable from common domestic cats when in their smaller forms. They have the same range of colors and patterns as domestic cats, but their eyes are steadier and more confident.

In their larger forms, changecats have tawny, lion-like hides without spots or stripes (if they have stripes in their smaller forms, these temporarily disappear when they're big). Their build is similar to that of a cheetah: sleek, powerful, and built for speed. Like a cheetah's claws, a larger changecat's claws are non-retractable.

Alignment

Changecats are neutral in alignment, but their natural affinity for humans, elves, and half-elves results in a marked tendency toward self-sacrificing good with regard to those they have chosen as their companions, and good will toward humans and elf-kin in general.

Society

Changecats are generally solitary with regard to other felines, interacting with them only when disputing over territory or during mating season. If they are treated kindly by a human or demihuman, however, they will likely "adopt" that person and travel with them, defending them when necessary.

History

Changecats were created decades ago by a Rel Astran wizard seeking to create the ideal animal companion and guardian. To his surprise, the changes bred true.

Bibliography

• Ward, James M. Greyhawk Adventures. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.