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Nkosi

Medium · Humanoid · CR 1/2 · Lawful Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts

15 (studded leather)

11 (2d8+2)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Lawful Neutral

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +3

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

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 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is knocked prone, the nkosi can immediately 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 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

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

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

Mambele Throwing Knife

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

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Scimitar

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

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

About Nkosi

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

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 11 hit points (derived from 2d8+2).

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

GM Tips: Using Nkosi

1 tips available

When using Nkosi 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

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 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.