Nkosi

Medium Humanoid Shapechanger)

• Armor Class: 15 (studded leather in Humanoid form)
• Hit Points: 27 (5d8 + 5)
• Speed: walk 50 ft.
• Challenge Rating: 1/2 (100 XP)
• Source: Tome of Beasts 2023, page 286

• Skills: Survival +2
• Damage Vulnerabilities: False
• Damage Immunities: False
• Damage Resistances: False
• Condition Immunities: False
• Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• Languages: Common (can’t speak in lion form)

Special Abilities

• Keen Smell: The nkosi has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Pounce: If the nkosi 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 13 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

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
• Mambele (Humanoid Form Only): Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Bonus Actions

• Change Shape: The nkosi 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.

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