Lion, Dire

This immense spotted lion stands as tall as a man at the shoulder, its fur matted with the blood of its victims.

Lion, Dire (CR 5)

Large Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +6
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +11

Speed: 40 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 15, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 60 (8d8+24)
Saving Throws: Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +3

Offense

Melee: bite +12 (1d8+7 plus Grab), 2 claws +13 (1d6+7)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Pounce, Rake (2 claws +13, 1d6+7)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
25 (+7)	15 (+2)	17 (+3)	2 (-4)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)

Base Attack Bonus: +6
CMB +14 (+18 Grapple)
CMD 26 (30 vs. Trip)

Feats: Improved Initiative, Run, Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Focus (claw)

Skills: Acrobatics +11, Perception +11, Stealth +7 (+11 in undergrowth)

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Acrobatics, +4 Stealth (+8 in undergrowth)

Languages:

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Warm Plains or Hills
Organization: solitary, pair, or pride (3-8)
Treasure: incidental


Dire lions, known locally as spotted lions or cave lions, are immense predators that can grow up to 15 feet long and weigh up to 3,500 pounds.

Although they are merely animals, these large creatures seem to take an almost sadistic glee in playing with and tormenting their prey before eventually devouring it.

As a result, many tribes view dire lions as the spawn of evil gods, and hunt them down as soon as their presence in a region becomes obvious.