Werepanther

Family: Lycanthropes

Medium humanoid (human, shapechanger), chaotic neutral

Armor Class 13
Hit Points 49 (9d8 + 9)
Speed 30 ft. (50 ft., climb 40 ft. in hybrid or panther form)

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	17 (+3)	12 (+1)	11 (+0)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +7
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren’t silvered
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, plus up to one other language (can’t speak in panther form)
Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Special Traits

• Shapechanger. The werepanther can use its action to polymorph into a panther-humanoid hybrid, or into a panther, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. 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.
• Keen Smell. The werepanther has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Pounce (Hybrid or Panther Form Only). If the werepanther moves at least 15 feet straight toward a creature, and then hits it with a claws attack, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw, or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the werepanther can make a bite attack against it as a bonus action.

Actions

• Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). The werepanther makes two attacks with its shortswords or with its claws.
• Bite (Hybrid or Panther Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, or be cursed with werepanther lycanthropy.
• Claws (Hybrid or Panther Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) slashing damage.
• Shortswords (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

About

Werepanthers tend towards the life of a lone hunter, with a haughty pride in their self-sufficiency, and a vicious streak bordering on sadistic, barely contained below the surface. Would-be allies would do well to avoid wounding a werepanther’s ego, for their loyalty is no sure thing, save to themselves.