Black Leopard

The Black Leopard, also known as Bauhei was an ancient greater spirit in Kara-Tur.

History
Long before the Celestial Empire, in ancient times, Bauhei was said to have ruled the lands along the Fenghsintzu River. His reign was based on power and strength, as befitting the violent past, yet it was marked by wisdom.

However, in time, with the ascendancy of the Celestial Empire and the Nine Immortals, Bauhei's power waned.

At last, the Black Leopard was even imprisoned and enslaved by the priests of his own cult, who'd grown corrupt on the power he'd bestowed on them. Nan Kung Chi started a regime spread terror.

Around, Emperor Tan Chin of Shou Lung decided to destroy the cult. With the aid of his friend, the poet wu jen Kar Wuan, Tan Chin went to the main temple in Durkon and managed to free Bauhei, who quickly killed Nan Kung Chi. Though the defeat of his cult caused him to lose yet more power, the Black Leopard was pleased as those who'd misused his power had been destroyed.

In 1358 DR, Bauhei agreed to fight Dragon Claw and his followers in T'u Lung tried to oppose Dragon Claw's minions in all matters. He sent a bauh-yin, a leopard-headed servant, to Ko La Ko to guide the adventuring party hired by Ko Ho San.

Personality
The Black Leopard was neither good nor evil, but rather chaotic, unaligned, and free. He was highly intelligent and wise, and favored strength. While he did not care much for mortals, and interfered in their affairs less and less, he occasionally took interest in the cults and secret societies that bore his name and venerated him, and gave them assistance when he had the whim. However, if they misused his name or conducted evil deeds in his old temples, then he would be stirred to action. As a greater spirit, he was still accorded much respect, as well as fear.

Description
He generally appeared in one of two forms. The first was as a big black leopard. The other was as a man of large size and muscular build, bearing the head of a black leopard.

Abilities
All who beheld the Black Leopard were struck with awe, unless they had experience of beings of power.

The Black Leopard could shape change into the form of any feline—cats, big cats, and cat-like creatures—and grow to giant size at will. He could also teleport flawlessly thrice a day. Moreover, he cast divine spells as a shukenja would.

Tactics
He fought as a leopard, with his claws and fangs.

Worshipers
The Black Leopard was an old spirit who was commonly worshiped in Kara-Tur's distant past. However, in modern Kara-Tur, he was not much more than an old folk tale, and often unfavorably because of the deeds of his priests.

Nevertheless, the common folk living along the Fenghsintzu River recalled the Black Leopard as a champion of oppressed peoples who stands up against the powerful.

The Black Leopard Society was based in T'u Lung. Most notorious of his followers, however, was the Black Leopard Cult.