Changecats are feline creatures with two forms: One is
identical to a normal house cat; the other is similar to a
large plains cat like a cheetah. The changecat can changes
between these forms at will. (In the listing above, statistics
outside the parentheses refer to the house cat form; statistics
within parentheses refer to the plains cat form.)

Physical Appearance: In its smaller form, the changecat
is indistinguishable from a domestic cat. Coloration
varies from pure black through tabby to pure white (the
same range as a house cat). The only difference is in the
creature’s eyes: They’re even steadier than a normal cat’s,
and hold more confidence.

In its larger form, the changecat is similar in size and
body line to a cheetah sleek, powerful, and very fast. Its
coat is tawny like a lion’s, and lacks the spots that mark a
cheetah. Like a cheetah, its claws are non-retractable,
designed for traction as well as for combat.

Combat: In house cat form, the changecat has only one
effective attack with its front claws. If this front claw
attack succeeds, it can also rake with its rear claws (treat
as one attack). In plains cat form, the creature has two
front claw attacks. If both are successful, it can rake with
both rear claws (treat as independent attacks). In both
forms, the changecat moves so silently that it surprises
prey on a 3 in 6. Because of its highly-attuned senses and
instincts, it is surprised only on a 1 in 6. Its balance and
dexterity are such that a changecat-in either formalways
lands on its feet.

The changecat can change between its two forms at will,
but the transformation takes one round. It can make up to
five changes per day. There is no limit to the amount of
time it can remain in one form. Normally, it spends most of
its time in house cat form. If threatened, however, it immediately
changes into plains cat form, becoming a dangerous
adversary.

In house cat form, the creature rarely attacks anything
larger than itself, preferring prey such as mice, small rats,
and birds. In plains cat form, it hunts larger prey such as
deer or antelope. Its hunting style is to stalk its prey until
it gets within 100 yards or so, and then burst from concealment,
using its amazing sprint speed to run the creature
down. The changecat can maintain this sprint speed for
two rounds, and then must rest for two rounds before
sprinting again.

Habitat/Society: The changecat resulted from a Rel
Astran wizard's experimentation many decades ago. While
attempting to engineer a perfect animal companion and
guardian, he magically manipulated a normal house cat's
DNA, producing the first changecat. To the wizard's surprise,
the trait bred true: Changecats can breed with any
feline, and the offspring all retain the full abilities of a
changecat.

Though they arose to the east of the Grandwood Forest,
changecats have been spread steadily westward and
throughout the world. By nature, they're solitary (at least
with regard to other felines), and breed only once each year,
producing small litters of one to three offspring. (This is
fortunate; otherwise they might overrun the planet.)

A changecat must eat enough to support its body mass in
the form it currently holds. Thus, it's in the creature's best
interest to remain in house cat form as much as possible (a
small cat can easily find enough food to sustain itself
where a cheetah might have difficulty).

The changecat has an affinity for humans, elves and half-elves.
It treats smaller demihumans (halflings, gnomes
and dwarves) with suspicion, and has a strong antipathy
towards half-orcs. If a human or demihuman treats it kindly,
it's likely to adopt that person and travel with him or
her (75% chance). Once it has adopted a buddy, it will normally
maintain house cat form, not giving its companion
any clue that it's more than the domestic cat it appears to
be. If its companion is threatened, however, it is 50% likely
to change form and fight to defend him or her. It will never
hunt humans or demihumans, or attack them without
provocation.

Niche: The changecat is at the top of the food chain. It
rarely hunts intelligent creatures, preferring herd animals
as easier prey. In plains cat form, it has no natural enemies
(except, perhaps, for man). In house cat form, it may be
hunted by larger creatures that might normally eat cats. . .
but the hunters are in for a nasty-and potentially
terminal-surprise.