With a thick mane of beaded locks, these powerful-looking bestial humanoids grin with a huge mouthful of pointed teeth-as befits a shape-shifter that can turn into a giant lion.
Appearance
The Nkosi appear as bestial humans with slitted cat-eyes, slender tails, fur, and fangs. Most grow their hair long— braiding colorful beads into their locks to mark important events in their lives. Although the Nkosi's true form is that of a feline humanoid with cat-like features, the most striking feature of the creatures are their ability to change shape into the form of a large lion.
Although comfortable in the wild, Nkosi can adapt to any environment. In combat, they favor curved blades, wielded in a brutal fighting style in concert with snapping lunges using their sharp teeth. They prefer light armor decorated with bone beads, fetishes, and similar tokens taken from beasts they’ve slain.
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Languages
Racial Traits
- -4 Charisma, +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity
- Senses: dark-vision 60’, Perception: 10
- Shape-changer: 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.
- Keen Smell: Nkosi have a +1 bonus on Perception checks that rely on smell.
- Hunter’s Maw: If a 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.
Combat
- Scimitar; (Nkosi Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
- Throwing Knife; (Nkosi Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
- Bite; Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Skills
- Survival +2
