With a thick mane of beaded locks, this leonine humanoid grins with a mouthful of pointed teeth.
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.
Pridelords. Nkosi pridelords are exceptionally tall and muscular leaders. They keep impressive manes, but they are known for their roar, which wakes the feral heart inside all nkosi.
Nkosi Pridelord
Medium Humanoid (Nkosi, Shapechanger), Lawful NeutralArmor 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
Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the pridelord hits with it (included in the attack).
Keen Smell. The pridelord has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Pounce. If the pridelord moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Mambele attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the pridelord can make one Bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Actions
Multiattack. The pridelord makes three Bite or Mambele attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Pridelord’s Roar, if available.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Mambele (Humanoid Form Only). Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage or 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage if used to make a melee attack.
Pridelord’s Roar (Recharge 4–6). Each nkosi of the pridelord’s choice within 30 feet of it that can hear it has advantage on the next attack roll it makes before the start of the pridelord’s next turn.
Bonus Actions
Change Shape. The pridelord transforms into a Large lion or back into its true form, which is Humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size, speed, and AC, 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.