Nkosi Pridelord

Family: Nkosi

Medium humanoid (nkosi, shapechanger), lawful neutral

Armor Class 16 (studded leather) in Humanoid form
Hit Points 82 (15d8 + 15)
Speed 30 ft. (50 ft. in lion form)

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	18 (+4)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)	14 (+2)

Skills Survival +2
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common (can’t speak in lion form)
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

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

ACTIONS

• Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the pridelord hits with it (included in the attack).
• Keen Smell. As the nkosi.
• Pounce. As the nkosi, except the save DC is 14.

BONUS ACTIONS

• Change Shape. As the nkosi.

ABOUT

With a thick mane of beaded locks, these powerful-looking bestial humanoids grin with a huge mouthful of pointed teeth-as befits a shapeshifter that can turn into a noble lion.

Beads and Braids. The nkosi resemble bestial humans with cat’s eyes, slender tails, and the fangs and fur of a lion. Most grow their hair long, braiding colorful beads into their locks to mark important events in their lives. Although the nkosi’s true form is that of a feline humanoid with leonine features, the most striking feature of the nkosi is their ability to change their shape, taking the form of a lion. Although comfortable in the wilds, nkosi can adapt to any environment.

Clawlike Blades. In combat, they favor curved blades, wielded in a brutal fighting style in concert with snapping lunges using their sharp teeth. They prefer light armor decorated with bone beads, fetishes, and similar tokens taken from beasts they’ve slain.

Pridelords. Nkosi pridelords are exceptionally tall and muscular members of the race, and they are leaders among their kin. Pridelords feature impressive manes but they are more famous for their powerful roar, which wakes the feral heart inside all members of this race.