Spotted/ Cave Lion (Dire Lion)
Originally Posted by Mortis of the En World forums.
Spotted lions, also known as cave lions, are larger, fiercer lions, roaming the plains of the Pleistocene era. Spotted lions look like their later cousins, but their pelts are dappled with dark mottling.
| Spotted lion | |
| Large animal | |
| Hit Dice | 6d8+24 (51 hp) |
| Initiative | +3 |
| Speed | 30 ft (6 squares) |
| AC | 17 (-1 size, +4 Dexterity, +4 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 13 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +4/+15 |
| Attack | Claw +10 melee (1d4+6) |
| Full Attack | 2 claws +10 melee (1d4+6), bite +5 melee (1d12+3) |
| Face/Reach | 10 ft/5 ft |
| Special Attacks | Pounce, improved grab, rake 2d4+3 |
| Special Qualities | Scent, Low-Light Vision |
| Saves | Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +3 |
| Abilities | Strength 24, Dexterity 18, Constitution 18, Intelligence 3, Wisdom 13, Charisma 6 |
| Skills | Balance +9, Hide +8*, Jump +7, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Spot +5 |
| Feats | Alertness, Run, Stealthy |
| Environment | Warm plains and desert |
| Organization | Solitary or pride (2-8) |
| Challenge Rating | 4 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 7-12 HD (Large); 13-18 HD (Huge) |
| Level Adjustment | — |
Combat
Spotted lions hunt in much the same way as their normal lions.
- Pounce (Ex) If a spotted lion leaps upon a foe during the first round of combat, it can make a full attack even if it has already taken a move action.
- Improved Grab (Ex) To use this ability, the spotted lion must hit with a claw or bite attack. If it gets a hold, it can rake.
- Rake (Ex) A spotted lion that gets a hold can make two rake attacks (+10 melee) with its hind legs for 2d4+3 damage each. If the lion pounces on an opponent, it can also rake.
- Skills Spotted lions receive a +4 racial bonus to Balance, Hide, and Move Silently checks. *In areas of tall grass or heavy growth, the Hide bonus improves to +12.
The Spotted Lion first appeared in the 1E Monster Manual (1977, Gary Gygax).