Forest Stalker

Large beast, unaligned

Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 121 (22d10)
Speed 50 ft., climb 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	18 (+4)	15 (+2)	3 (-4)	12 (+1)	8 (-1)

Skills Perception +7, Stealth +10
Senses passive Perception 17
Languages –
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Natural Camouflage. The forest stalker’s coat can transform to resemble whatever surface it is resting on. While it does not move, it is indistinguishable from its environment and can’t be detected unless a creature actually blunders into it.
• Stealthy. A forest stalker has advantage on all Dexterity (Stealth) checks.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The forest stalker makes two Claw attacks and one Bite attack.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage.
• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.

ABOUT

The forest stalker is a tiger-sized feline that dwells in temperate woods. Fierce and merciless, the forest stalker is made deadlier by its coat, which has the chameleon-like ability to transform to resemble any surface. Most often, the forest stalker hides in trees, its coat making it indistinguishable from the surrounding boughs and tree trunks. Prey that walks beneath the stalker’s hiding place are attacked with sudden fury and absolute surprise.

Normally solitary, forest stalkers can be encountered in pairs during the spring mating season. If captured young enough, forest stalkers can be tamed and kept as guard beasts or even (for certain slightly mad druids and rangers) as pets and animal companions. Those who seek to capture a forest stalker kitten should be aware that these creatures defend their young with extreme ferocity.