Tabaxi Rogue 5e D&D Guide

Tabaxi Rogues prowl the shadows with the agility of an acrobat and the stealth of a silent gust of wind. Their sleek fur, often adorned with intricate patterns akin to a tapestry, hints at their connection to the untamed wilderness.

These mischievous tricksters possess an insatiable curiosity, an attribute as prominent as their ever-sharp claws. Like a cat mesmerized by a flickering flame, they are drawn to the thrill of the unknown.

One moment, you may find yourself dining in a grand hall, only to discover your purse has vanished into thin air as if whisked away by an unseen breeze. And who else but a Tabaxi Rogue could effortlessly traverse treacherous rooftops?

So, whether you find them perched on a rooftop, scanning the horizon with eyes full of mischief, or engaged in a playful game of cat and mouse with their enemies, the Tabaxi Rogue is a force to be reckoned with.

Creating a Tabaxi Rogue

Tabaxi

Tabaxi are catlike humanoids who came from a distant and strange land, driven by their curiosity to collect fascinating artifacts, listen to stories, and understand ancient tales – laying their eyes on all the wonders of the world.

These felines are the ultimate nomads, never staying in one place too long, as they want to see and explore as much as they can. Their nature pushes them to find long-lost legends, discover treasure and leave no secrets uncovered.

Note: These features can be slightly changed or modified if some variations don’t fit your character.

Tabaxi Subraces

The Tabaxi are similar to their feline brethren, the Leonin, as they also have no subraces. Their lack of subraces are probably due to their reluctance to settle, always being on the move and seldom seeking refuge, even with their own kind.

Rogue Class Features

Hit Points

Proficiencies

Rogue Archetypes

Upon reaching level 3, you’ll be able to choose from 9 Rogue archetypes, all with different pros and cons – but you’ll have to find one that fits best with your character.

Arcane Trickster – Combine your skillful agility and stealth with magic, granting you enchantment and illusion spells.

Assassin – Your art is death, using disguises to fool your enemies, poisons to make their death accidental, and stealth to remain unseen whenever necessary.

Inquisitive – Rooting out secrets and solving mysteries is what you live for. Your eyes see intricate details everywhere, and through training, you’ve come to read and write more languages than most.

You effortlessly exterminate creatures hiding amongst their prey by using your mastery of legends and powerful equipment.

Mastermind – The Mastermind focuses on people, particularly their influence and secrets. They make unmatched spies, using their words to escape even some of the most threatening situations.

Phantom – As a Phantom, you walk the line between life and death, always eager to take lives and risk your own in the process. 

While on this path, you may discover magical connections to death itself or even take knowledge from the dead and immerse yourself in their energy – becoming like a ghost.

Scout – Scouts are masters of survival and stealth, always eager to scout ahead during expeditions and clear the road if necessary.

Scouts find solace in the wilderness, among rangers and barbarians, often joining war bands and becoming their ambushers or bounty hunters.

Soulknife – You strike not with a blade but infiltrate the minds of your enemies, cutting through physical and psychic barriers. As a Soulknife, you discover vast psionic powers within you, channeling them in combination with your skills as a rogue.

Though useful, many other rogues and organizations mistrust them, as they are wary of their powerful mind-altering abilities. Many governments do, however, employ Soulknives as spies or masters of ‘persuasion.’

Swashbuckler – Swashbucklers know only the way of the sword, incorporating their charm, elegance, and speed. 

You aren’t adorned in heavy armor and fight as if performing a dance. Swashbucklers are unrivaled duelists, excelling with two weapons and one-on-one combat.

Thief – Thieves are seen as common hooligans, seeking nothing more than ‘treasure’ as they like to put it. 

They have exceptional agility and stealth, often using these skills to delve into ancient ruins or learn about unfamiliar languages in their search for wealth. They even use magical objects many others can’t.

Combining Rogue With Tabaxi

Determining Your Rogue Subclass

Choosing your ideal subclass is subjective, but if your objective is optimization, try understanding what your character wants to do and what stats fit best with their subclass.

Optimal Tabaxi Subrace

Unfortunately, the Dexterity (2) and Charisma (1) score bonuses don’t fit too well with a Rogue, but Tabaxi have other features like their Feline Agility or Cat’s Talent, which are very useful for Rogues.

Tabaxi don’t have subraces, so you’ll have to be an ordinary Tabaxi, but that isn’t at all something to scoff at as they can become very able Rogues with interesting backgrounds.

Your Tabaxi Rogue Background

Your Tabaxi Rogue needs a unique background that will affect its choices, as well as the way it sees the world and what it wants to achieve.

Start by asking yourself some basic questions: Where were they born, and where did they come from? Do they have any goals, bonds, or ideals, and what are their flaws? Where do they belong in social circles and society as a whole? What inspires them?

Place of Birth

Think of the environment a Tabaxi Rogue grew up in and how it affected them physically and emotionally and eventually shaped their view of the world.

Try to make their place of birth and upbringing correspond with their personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws – this will truly bring their character alive.

Note: The birthplaces of races are usually mentioned in the Player’s Handbook or some of its expansion books.

Characteristics and Personality Traits 

Tabaxi Rogues are just as common as Tabaxi Bards, even more so in some cases.

This is because of their natural athleticism and stealth, making them Rogue prodigies before they even know it.

Tabaxi Rogue Examples:

• I pocket anything I see that might have some value.

• I make sure always to have a plan prepared for when things go wrong.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal – Express one ideal that is a driving force in a Tabaxi Rogue’s life – their conviction, ethical principle, and moral standing (probably something about nature).

I’ll do anything to become wealthy.

Bonds – Think of a single bond that your Tabaxi Rogue has to an event, person, or place. Bonds will tie them to their background and can inspire bravery or stimulate memories driving them against their ideals.

Most of my ill-gotten gains go to support my struggling family.

Flaws – Choose a single flaw for a Tabaxi Rogue – their unhealthy compulsion, greatest fear/weakness, or most vile vice.

I hate to admit this and will hate myself for it, but I’d rather run and preserve my hide if the going gets tough.

Inspiration

The DM can use inspiration to reward you for playing according to your bond, personality traits, ideals, and flaw.

As a Tabaxi Rogue, I decided to give up my aspirations of exploration to look after my family, who is struggling financially – even if the coin I make is stolen.

Note: If you’re struggling to create your background or just don’t want to think, the Player’s Handbook has well-thought-through backgrounds that you can use for your character or use as a mold.

Supplies and Gear For Tabaxi Rogues

Rogues start with the following equipment, including the equipment from their background. Choosing equipment based on your situation and your character’s proficiencies is the easiest way to go about things.

• (a) A rapier or (b) A shortsword
• (a) A shortbow and quiver containing 20 arrows or (b) A shortsword
• (a) Burglar’s pack, (b) Dungeoneer’s pack, or (c) Explorer’s pack
• Leather armor, two daggers, and thieves’ tools

You can decide how your character came about these goods – whether they stole, inherited, or purchased them some time back – adding to your character’s background.

Note: You can also buy equipment using your character’s starting wealth (4d4 x 10 GP for Rogues).

Final Thoughts

Tabaxi Rogues are some of the finest spies you’ll come across. They also make exceptional infiltrators because of their agility and stealth.

If you ever come across a Tabaxi Rogue, you should definitely try recruiting it into your party.

You might also be interested in the following:

• Tabaxi Bard
• Tabaxi Fighter