When most ponies think of a cat, they imagine a cute little ball of fur that likes to chase mice or bat at yarn. They’ve probably never met the cat-folk of Abyssinia. At first glance these kitties look just like the house cats of Equestria, except for their enormous size--they’re as large as a full-grown pony. Once they stand up on their hind legs though, the average abyssinian easily stands a head taller than even a large stallion, with dexterous tails as long as their bodies and sharp claws hiding within their soft paws.

Individually, most cats have laid-back attitudes toward life, and want to take it slow so they can enjoy all the good things it has to offer. They tend to be gregarious but guarded, quick to make superficial friendships but slow to trust. Those who venture forth into Equestria try to experience everything they can that’s new and different. Some “strays” are loners who use their charm and wit to endear themselves to others. Indeed, many cats who travel Equestria are usually the center of attention wherever they go. Some use their talents to take advantage of those fawning over them, but most simply enjoy the attention (and the occasional free tunafish dinner).

Abyssinian society is very relaxed (some earth ponies might even say lazy). The cats are renowned for their art, literature, and music. Many Abyssinians are accomplished artists, actors, or composers, and their works are highly prized by other races. Because of this ingrained creativity, Abyssinia generates much of its wealth through cultural trade with its neighbors. Unfortunately their focus on art appreciation and history of peaceful relations with their neighbors left the small nation lax in its defenses. Like the hippogriffs of Mount Aris, the cats of Abyssinia were conquered quite handily when the Storm King came knocking. He didn’t stick around though--he merely robbed them of all their valuables and left their kingdom destitute. Since the Storm King’s defeat, the majority of this wealth has made its way back to Abyssinian coffers, and the nation’s fortunes are once again on the rise.

Ability Scores: From Dexterity, Intelligence, and Charisma, choose one score to increase by 2 and another to increase by 1.

Size: Medium

Speed: 30 feet

Languages: Equestrian, Feline, and one additional language

Natural Weapons: You are proficient with your claw and bite attacks, which are finesse, heavy weapons that deal 1d4 slashing and piercing damage, respectively.

Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Nose: You have the same keen nose ability as a diamond dog. To save space, the text is not repeated here.

Always Land on Your Feet: When you fall, you reduce the damage taken by 10. If this reduces your falling damage to 5 or less, you remain standing at the end of the fall.

Effortless Leap: The distance you can jump (both high jumps and long jumps) is increased by 10 feet (see page 182 of the 5th Edition D&D Player’s Handbook).

Springboard Pounce: If you move at least 20 feet in a straight line and end the movement next to a Medium or larger creature, you can spring off its head as a bonus action, allowing you to jump the entire distance of your speed horizontally and half that distance vertically. This distance is not increased by your Mighty Leap ability. At your option, you can also make a claw attack against this creature as a part of the same action. If this attack hits, the target cannot make an opportunity attack against you until the start of your next turn.

Suave: You gain proficiency in the Acrobatics, Performance, Persuasion, or Sleight of Hand skill.

Feline Fascination: You can use your alluring personality to pique the interest of others. You can use your action to cast the Charm Person spell. Its DC is 8 + your Charisma bonus + your proficiency bonus. Once you've used this ability, you cannot use it again until you complete a short rest.