Covered in black fur, the Usurper’s form is crisscrossed with glowing red scars telling the tale of his violent exile, mercenary, and eventual return to take what was always rightfully his. Save, the position he holds at the head of a pride of dire lions was never his. That fell to the firstborn, whom the Usurper always despised. The Usurper also hated himself, for he was born with a loathsome secret. While he looked like a jet-black dire lion, there was something wrong, something different. He could understand other beasts, his blood ran vibrant red, and even the ugliest wound healed always leaving a wound behind. Worst of all he was as smart as any humanoid, and even then smarter than most. Oh, it chaffed to have that plain, ignorant firstborn be the favored child.

The Usurper had good reason to fear his difference for once it was discovered when in a moment of weakness he saved the firstborn’s life from a rampaging elephant instead of being rewarded and praised, the black lion was exiled from the pride. His family believed the savannah would swallow him, or the humans would slay him. They didn’t know the Usurper’s final secret, he could speak the human tongue. At first, the talking lion had difficulty, but it wasn’t long before warlords found his intelligence and prowess useful. The Usurper learned how to be hard and ruthless from his employers. One day, he returned, killed the firstborn, and took the pride for himself. With that came a rush of newfound, stolen powers. It seems there was some merit to being the King of the Jungle after all.

The Usurper

Large monstrosity, neutral evil

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)

Hit Points 123 (13d10 + 52)

Speed 40ft

Str 18 Dex 14 Con 18 Int 18 Wis 13 Cha 20

Skills Deception +9, Perception +5, Persuasion +9, Stealth +6

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren't adamantine

Condition Immunities frightened

Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages Common, Dwarvish

Challenge 11 (7,200 XP)

Legendary Resistance (3/day).

If the Usurper fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead

Beast Speech.

The Usurper can communicate with any Beast or Monstrosity by speaking Common, understanding their responses.

King Slayer.

The Usurper deals double damage to all Beasts.

Magic Weapons.

The Usurper's weapon attacks are magical.

Pounce.

If the Usurper moves at least 20 ft. straight toward a target and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the Usurper can make another claw attack against it as a bonus action.

Rampage.

When the Usurper reduces a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on its turn, the Usurper can take a bonus action to move up to half its speed and make a claw attack.

Regeneration.

The Usurper regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point.

Actions

Multiattack.

The Usurper makes two claw attacks.

Bite.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10+4) piercing damage. In addition, the creature must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom save or be Frightened of the Usurper until the end of its next turn.

Claw.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.

Legendary Actions

The Usurper can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The Usurper regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Claw (1 point).

The Usurper makes one claw attack.

Move (1 point).

The Usurper takes a Move

Curse of the False Crown (2 points).

The Usurper targets a humanoid it can see within 120ft and curses it with his stolen power. The creature must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom save or be polymorphed into a beast of CR 1 or less for the next hour. This legendary action otherwise functions like the polymorph spell. The effect can be dispelled early by remove curse or a like effect.