Werelion

Natural werelions are human in appearance but are natural shapechangers, able to assume a hybrid leonine form and the form of a lion. Your character possesses the following traits.

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.

Age. Although human in both appearance and origin, werelions’ lycanthropic physiology allows them to live several decades longer than humans.

Alignment. Naturally rebellious, werelions often leave familial prides when they come of age. Although passionate about family, werelions are fiercely independent. The average werelion is neutral in alignment, balancing personal freedom with dedication to their pride.

Size. In humanoid form, natural werelions appear to be strong, muscular humans with long, thick hair, and fluid, graceful movements. Your size is Medium in your humanoid and hybrid forms, but may be Medium or Large in your lion forms.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Natural Shapechanger. Natural werelions possess the magical ability to assume two alternate forms-the hybrid leonine and the lion. As an action, you can change into either your hybrid leonine form or your lion form. You can remain in this form for 1 hour, reverting to your humanoid form when the time expires, you fall unconscious, you drop to 0 hit points, or you die. You can revert to your humanoid form early as a bonus action. Once you use this ability, you can’t use it again until you finish a short rest.

Hybrid Form. In your hybrid leonine form you grow sharp teeth and claws, and take on a more intimidating feline appearance. In this hybrid form you may use weapons, wear armor, and carry equipment normally. Your base walking speed increases to 40 feet. You have proficiency with your claws and bite. Your claws deal 1d4 slashing damage, and are considered light weapons. Your bite deals 1d4 piercing damage. In addition, you gain advantage on Charisma (Intimidate) checks, and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell. You gain disadvantage on Intelligence checks and all other Charisma checks.

Lion Form. You may assume the form of a young lion (use the stat block for the panther) as if using the druid‘s Wild Shape class feature. Unlike that feature, you retain your own hit points between forms. At 8th level you instead assume the form of a full-grown lion when you use this ability.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Southern and Sylvan.