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Spotted lions, also called cave lions, were a species of large, plains-dwelling cat closely related to the lion.[2][3][4]

When it comes to infiltrating giant steadings, I must admit that spotted lions are in some ways preferable to, say, dire wolves or cave bears. Namely, if they're well fed, they're more likely to stretch and yawn than they are to raise an alarm when they spot you.
— Bigby[1]

Description[]

Spotted lions resembled regular lions, but were said to be 30%[3] to twice again as large.[1] Their distinctive dappled fur[2][4] was dusky, as was the mane, with charcoal-grey spots.[1]

Ecology[]

This species lived on warm, open plains, but was rare outside of "lost world" regions. Otherwise, their diet and social habits were akin to those of the common lion.[2][3][4] Including hunting in prides; they were known to take prey as large giant elk or even mammoths.[1]

Both stone and cloud giants were known to keep spotted lions as pets.[1]

Spotted lions were among the felids that might be summoned by the spell pride of Nobanion.[5]

History[]

Fracto-Nimbuli, a cloud giant in Chondath, kept three pet spotted lions.[6]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 James Wyatt et al. (August 2023). Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants. Edited by Janica Carter et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 177. ISBN 978-0-7869-6898-5.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Doug Stewart (June 1993). Monstrous Manual. (TSR, Inc), pp. 36–37. ISBN 1-5607-6619-0.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Jim Bambra et al (1986). Creature Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 12. ISBN 0-88038-315-1.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 61. ISBN 0-935696-00-8.
  5. Eric L. Boyd (September 1997). Powers & Pantheons. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 44. ISBN 978-0786906574.
  6. Bill Connors, Christopher Mortika, Rick Reid, Scott Bennie, John Terra, Jay Batista, Roy Schelper, Rick Swan (April 1988). Swords of the Iron Legion. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 34–35. ISBN 978-0880385596.
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