Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Nkosi

Medium · Humanoid · CR 1/2 · Shapechanger)

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

15 (studded leather in Humanoid form)

27 (5d8 + 5)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Shapechanger)

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +3

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

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

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Mambele

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 piercing damage.

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.

About Nkosi

Nkosi is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a shapechanger) alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 27 hit points (derived from 5d8 + 5).

Nkosi 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

2 tips available

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

Minion Strategy: Use as scouts or minions for larger threats
Group Tactics: Group 3-4 together to pose a moderate threat

Player Guide: Facing Nkosi

2 strategies available

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

Easy Target: This creature is weak - focus on other threats
Group Threat: Multiple can be dangerous - use area attacks

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 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?: Nkosi has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Nkosi?: Nkosi is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Nkosi speak?: Nkosi can communicate in Common (can't speak in lion form).