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Nkosi Pridelord

Medium · Humanoid · CR 4 · Lawful Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts
Armor Class
16 (studded leather)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
93 (17d8+17)
Challenge Rating CR
4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

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

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Humanoid
Alignment Lawful Neutral
XP 1100
Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)
Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)
Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)
Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)
Passive Perception 10

Skills

Survival +2

Languages

Common

Environments

Grassland or Plains

Traits

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.

Keen Smell

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

Shapechanger

The nkosi can use its action to polymorph into a Medium lion or back into its true form. While in lion form, the nkosi can't speak and its walking speed is 50 feet. Other than its speed, its statistics 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.

Actions

Bite

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

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

Mambele Throwing Knife

+6 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m). Hit: 1d6 piercing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Multiattack

The pridelord makes two attacks with its scimitar or with its mambele throwing knife.

Pridelord's Roar

Each nkosi of the pridelord's choice that is within 30 feet of it and can hear it can immediately use its reaction to make a bite attack. The pridelord can then make one bite attack as a bonus action.

Scimitar

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

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

About Nkosi Pridelord

Nkosi Pridelord is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 93 hit points (derived from 17d8+17).

Nkosi Pridelord has communication capabilities including Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Nkosi Pridelord

1 tips available

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

  • Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Nkosi Pridelord

1 strategies available

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

  • Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

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.

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