Dire Lion (Spotted Lion)
CR: 5 XP: 1,600
N Large animal
Init: +6 Senses: low-light vision, scent Perception: +11
Defense
AC: 15, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +4 natural, –1 size)
hp: 60 (8d8+24)
Fort: +9 Ref: +8 Will: +3
Offense
Speed: 40 ft.
Melee: bite +12 (1d8+7 plus grab), 2 claws +13 (1d6+7)
Space: 10 ft. Reach: 5 ft.
Special Attacks: pounce, rake (2 claws +13, 1d6+7)
Statistics
Str: 25 Dex: 15 Con: 17 Int: 2 Wis: 12 Cha: 10
Base Atk: +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)
Ecology
Environment: warm plains or hills
Organization: solitary, pair, or pride (3–8)
Treasure: incidental
Description
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.
Lion Lion, Dire This great cat’s muscles flex visibly under its skin as it bares its fangs and shakes its thick mane of hair.
This immense spotted lion stands as tall as a man at the shoulder, its fur matted with the blood of its victims. Linnorm, Tarn–Lion Linnorm, Tarn–Lion