Buy me a coffeeThylacoleo
This large mammal somewhat resembles a maneless lion, yet it is built more like a bear. Dark stripes run perpendicular to its spine and down its long, muscular tail like that of a kangaroo.
Thylacoleo carnifex, or “pouched lion executioner”, is the largest of the marsupial lions. Although smaller than a smilodon, its thick bones, heavy musculature, and powerful jaws make it more than a match for the deadliest of big cats.
A thylacoleo is at least 2-1/2 feet tall at the shoulder, over 6 feet long and weighs 220 to 350 pounds.
Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.
Thylacoleo
Large animal
Hit Dice: 10d8+40 (85 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (-1 size, +1 Dexterity, +4 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Attack: Bite +14 melee (3d6+7/18-20/x3)
Full Attack: Bite +14 melee (3d6+7/18-20/x3) and 2 claws +11 melee (1d6+3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Augmented critical, improved grab, pounce
Special Qualities: Low-Light Vision, Scent
Saves: Fort +11, Ref +8, Will +4
Abilities: Strength 25, Dexterity 13, Constitution 18, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 13, Charisma 6
Skills: Balance +5, Hide +7*, Listen +7, Move Silently +12, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Multiattack, Stealthy, Weapon Focus (bite)
Environment: Temperate and warm plains and forests
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 11-20 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: –
COMBAT
Marsupial lions are ambush predators. The thylacoleo is a hypercarnivore, built for killing. Its retractable, switchblade like claws sink into prey while its powerful jaws, strong enough to crush a human skull, finish the job.
Augmented Critical (Ex): A marsupial lion’s bite threatens a critical hit on a natural attack roll of 18–20, dealing triple damage on a successful critical hit.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a marsupial lion must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and deals automatic bite damage each round.
Pounce (Ex): If a marsupial lion charges, it can make a full attack.
Skills: A thylacoleo has a +4 racial bonus on Balance, Hide, and Move Silently checks. *In areas of tall grass or heavy undergrowth, the Hide bonus improves to +12.
Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #186 (1992).