Dire Lynx

large beast, unaligned

Armor Class: 14 (Natural Armor)

Hit Points: 85 ()

Speed: 40 ft, climb 30 ft.

STR18(+4)DEX16(+3)CON16(+3)INT3(-4)WIS14(+2)CHA8(-1)

Skills: Perception +6, Stealth +7

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16

Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)

Keen Senses: The dire lynx has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, hearing, or smell.

Pounce: If the dire lynx 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 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the dire lynx can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.

Actions

Multiattack: The dire lynx makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 () piercing damage.

Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 () slashing damage.

Notes

The dire lynx is a massive, feline predator that roams dense forests, mountainous regions, and vast tundras. Its sleek, muscular body is covered in a thick coat of tawny fur streaked with dark rosettes and stripes, offering excellent camouflage in its natural habitats. Its powerful limbs end in sharp, retractable claws, and its keen yellow eyes glow faintly in the dark, making it an apex nocturnal hunter. The dire lynx’s ears are adorned with long black tufts, and its long tail helps it maintain perfect balance as it stalks prey or climbs rocky slopes and thick tree branches.

Habitat & Behavior

Dire lynxes are solitary hunters, fiercely territorial and highly adaptable to different climates. They favor dense forests and rocky mountain ranges, where their natural agility and climbing prowess allow them to ambush prey from above or scale difficult terrain with ease. While primarily nocturnal, the dire lynx may venture out during twilight hours to hunt or patrol its territory. A single dire lynx often claims a vast hunting ground, defending it fiercely from intruders, especially other large predators.

Combat Tactics

In combat, the dire lynx employs stealth and ambush tactics to get close to its prey. It often hides and stalks its target, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce. When ready, the lynx bursts from cover in a powerful leap, aiming to knock its prey off its feet with a crushing blow from its claws. If the target falls, the dire lynx wastes no time sinking its fangs into the prone creature. Against larger groups, the lynx remains elusive, using its natural agility and climbing abilities to reposition and strike from unexpected angles.

Prey & Diet

The diet of a dire lynx consists primarily of deer, boar, and other medium to large herbivores, but it will not hesitate to hunt smaller creatures or livestock if prey becomes scarce. It prefers a clean kill, striking quickly and retreating with its prize, avoiding prolonged confrontations unless cornered or defending its territory. Despite its size, the dire lynx can move silently through the underbrush, making it an ever-present threat in its domain for those unwary enough to stray too close.

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Tags:piercingslashingpronebeastdarkvisionperceptionadvantageunalignedclimbingstealth