Tree Ocelot (3.5e Monster)



''The trees rustle with activity, and from the looks of it there's some sort of... cat hanging up there. It's far from stuck however, as it deftly drops down in front of you hanging from a single paw to claw at your face.''

Summary::Tree Ocelots, also known as margays, are skillful climbers who live in the trees. So adept to tree life are they, that they even hunt in the trees, leaping from branch to branch in pursuit of squirrels and other prey. Indeed, it is one of only two cat species with the ankle flexibility necessary to climb head-first down trees (the other being the Clouded Leopard). Its ankles can turn up to 180 degrees, it can grasp branches equally well with its fore and hind paws, and it is able to jump considerable distances.

Combat
Tree Ocelots prefer to stay in the safety of their trees when hunting, though occationally dropping down from above for a surprise attack, before running back up into the tree's cover. When in the trees themselves, their dexterity is unmatched.

Skills: Tree ocelots have a +4 racial bonus on Hide, and Move Silently checks and a +8 racial bonus on Jump checks. Cats have a +8 racial bonus on Balance and Climb checks. A tree ocelot can always choose to take 10 on Climb checks, even if rushed or threatened. They use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb and Jump checks. *In trees and other areas of growth, the Hide bonus rises to +8.

Familiars
The Tree Ocelot can be taken as a familiar. It grants its master a +3 to Climb checks.