Tabaxi 5e
Tabaxi are feline humanoids driven by curiosity and wanderlust. Hailing from distant lands, they are natural explorers and storytellers who travel far and wide in search of interesting tales and treasures. Tabaxi have cat-like features including fur, tails, and retractable claws. They are agile, curious, and often mercurial in their interests, quickly moving from one obsession to another.
At a Glance
Ability Scores
+2 Dexterity, +1 Charisma
Size
Medium
Speed
30 ft., climb 30 ft.
Languages
Common, one other language
Source
Volo's Guide to Monsters
Racial Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Feline Agility | Your reflexes and agility allow you to move with a burst of speed. When you move on your turn in combat, you can double your speed until the end of the turn. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you move 0 feet on one of your turns. |
| Cat's Claws | Because of your claws, you have a climbing speed of 30 feet. In addition, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. |
| Cat's Talent | You have proficiency in the Perception and Stealth skills. |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Feline Agility requires you to move 0 feet on a turn to recharge (you can't just stand still and then move)
Common Mistake
Not using the climb speed for tactical positioning
Common Mistake
Thinking Feline Agility doubles your movement speed permanently
Common Mistake
Not taking advantage of free Perception and Stealth proficiency
Common Mistake
Forgetting Cat's Claws uses Strength, not Dexterity
DM Tips
DM Tip
Tabaxi curiosity drives them to explore - use this for plot hooks
DM Tip
Feline Agility makes them excellent scouts and skirmishers
DM Tip
Their cat-like nature should influence personality and behavior
DM Tip
Consider introducing other tabaxi with different obsessions
DM Tip
The climb speed opens up vertical combat and exploration options
DM Tip
Their wanderlust means they often arrive in new places with stories to share
DM Tip
Cat-like quirks (distraction by shiny objects, grooming, etc.) add flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Tabaxi — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD race text
- Tabaxi — D&D Beyond — Official race reference
- Tabaxi Handbook — RPGBOT — Race optimization guide