AC 12
HP 60 (8d10 + 16;
bloodied
30)
Speed 50 ft.
Initiative Dex +2 (12), Insight +1 (11), Perception +3 + 1d4 (13 + 1d4)
Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 14
Saving Throws Str +2, Dex +2, Con +4, Int –2, Wis +3, Cha –2
Skills Athletics +4, Perception +3 (+1d4), Stealth +4 (+1d4)
Damage Resistances necrotic, poison
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 20
Languages understands Primordial and Sylvan but can’t speak
Abnegation (1/Encounter). If the lion fails a
saving throw
, it can succeed instead. Alternatively, it can expend this trait to safely pass through conjurations and evocations until the end of its next turn.
Crepusculous and Adumbral. Though clearly a beast of flesh and blood, the edges of its body drift away in wisps of shadow. The lion has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. Its weapon attacks are magical. Magical darkness doesn’t impede its
darkvision
. While the lion is bloodied, magical darkness (as the spell
darkness
) seeps from its body in a 15-foot radius that moves with it.
Crown of Asps. A writhing mass of flicking tongues and venom-slick fangs frame its fierce visage. The many ophidian heads’ mesmerizing motions disorient you. The lion has
advantage
on Perception checks and on saving throws against being
blinded
,
charmed
,
deafened
,
frightened
,
stunned
, or knocked
unconscious
.
Pounce. If the lion moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the lion can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Running Leap. With a 10-foot running start, the lion can long jump up to 25 ft
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The lion makes two attacks: one Claw and one Flurry of Serpents.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d12 + 2) slashing damage.
Flurry of Serpents. Countless serpents in the lion’s mane bare their fangs and strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 5 (1d6) poison damage.
BONUS ACTIONS
Cacophonous Roar (1/Encounter). The lion roars, and the air is filled with a chorus of wails, shrieks, and hisses from all manner of beings of the Bleak Gate. Each creature of the lion’s choice that is within 500 feet and able to hear it must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature that fails its saving throw by 5 or more is also paralyzed for the same duration. Creatures in darkness have disadvantage on this saving throw. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
The serpent-maned lion is a mutation of common Dreaming cats. Serpent-maned lions look disturbing and menacing enough to be mistaken for undead, and some characterize them as inherently evil, but in truth, they are flesh-and-blood carnivores simply looking for their next meal in the nigh-empty Bleak Gate. The lionesses have no serpent-manes; instead, a lioness’ tail is simply one very large serpent, no less deadly.