Illustration Xan Drake

Nkosi Pridelord

Tome of Beasts
Challenge 4
(1,100 XP)
Robinloft Estimated CR 4
Medium humanoid (shapechanger), unaligned (allegedly)
Armor Class 16 (studded leather)
Hit Points 93 (17d8+17)
Speed 30 ft.
STR
18 (+4)
DEX
18 (+4)
CON
12 (+1)
INT
10 (+0)
WIS
10 (+0)
CHA
14 (+2)
Saving Throws —
Skills Survival +2
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common
Environments
Shapechanger.

The nkosi can use its action to polymorph into a Medium lion or back into its true form. While in lion form, the nkosi can’t speak and its walking speed is 50 feet. Other than its speed, its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Brute.

A melee weapon deals one extra die of damage when the pridelord hits with it (included in the attack).
Hunter’s Maw.

If the nkosi moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a scimitar attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the nkosi can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Keen Smell.

The nkosi has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Actions

Multiattack. The pridelord makes two attacks with its scimitar or with its mambele throwing knife.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Mambele Throwing Knife (Nkosi Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Scimitar (Nkosi Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Pridelord’s Roar (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).

Each nkosi of the pridelord’s choice that is within 30 feet of it and can hear it can immediately use its reaction to make a bite attack. The pridelord can then make one bite attack as a bonus action.

Nkosi Pridelord

Not yet described

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