Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Nkosi Pridelord

Medium · Humanoid · CR 4 · Shapechanger)

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

16 (studded leather in Humanoid form)

82 (15d8 + 15)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Shapechanger)

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Skills

Survival +2

Languages

Common (can't speak in lion form)

Traits

Brute

A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the pridelord hits with it (included in the attack).

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 14 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

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Mambele

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 piercing damage.

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.

Multiattack

The pridelord makes three Bite or Mambele attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Pridelord's Roar, if available.

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.

About Nkosi Pridelord

Nkosi Pridelord is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a shapechanger) alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 82 hit points (derived from 15d8 + 15).

Nkosi Pridelord has communication capabilities including Common (can't speak in lion form). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Nkosi Pridelord

2 tips available

When using Nkosi Pridelord in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Nkosi Pridelord

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Nkosi Pridelord?: Nkosi Pridelord has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Nkosi Pridelord?: Nkosi Pridelord is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Nkosi Pridelord speak?: Nkosi Pridelord can communicate in Common (can't speak in lion form).