Zwana Lion

Medium beast, unaligned

Armor Class 13
Hit Points 18 (4d8)
Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	16 (+3)	11 (+0)	4 (–3)	12 (+1)	8 (–1)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +7
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Keen Smell. The lion has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Pack Tactics. The lion has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the lion’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
• Pounce. If the lion moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be forced prone. If the target is prone, the lion can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.

ACTIONS

• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

ABOUT

The zwana lion is a cousin to the standard lion, with something of a leopard’s rangy nimbleness. Zwana lions are 4 to 6 feet long and weigh 250 to 375 pounds. Not as heavy or powerful as other great cats, zwana lions use their higher intellect to coordinate group attacks on their prey. They are usually the top predators in their territories, though they have trouble competing with standard lions due to their greater size.

Nkosi can assume the form of a zwana lion when they change shape.