Krenshar

A krenshar was a carnivorous magical beast similar to a big cat that could retract the skin from its face to scare prey.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Krenshars have feline bodies with spotted, shaggy fur that rises to a spiky mane over its spine and a long, bushy tail. The skin covering its skull is just a sheath that can be pulled back to reveal the underlying muscles and bone structure.[2]

Ecology and Habitats

Krenshar lives in temperate regions and prefers forests, hills, and plains for hunting herd animals (but may also hunt humanoids if given the opportunity). They can be encountered as lone individuals, mated pairs, or in prides of ten to twenty individuals. Typically, a pride had two adults for every cub. Blood-red spots on their fur pattern usually indicated a pride leader or guardian.
When hunting, krenshar scouts make a loud screeching noise and display their terrifying visage to scare prey toward the pride, They then pursue to herd them in the right direction and attack from behind. Both males and females participate in the hunt. The shriek and skull reveal has an effect similar to the scare spell. They typically attack with a fierce bite and two front claws.

Scientific Name

Natural beast

Conservation Status

Endangered

Krenshar CR: 1/2 (100 XP)

Medium natural beast, unaligned

Armor Class: 15 (+2 Dex, +3 natural)

Hit Points: 2d10 (11 hp)

Speed: 40 ft , climb: 30 ft

STR

11 +0

DEX

14 +2

CON

11 +0

INT

4 -3

WIS

12 +1

CHA

13 +1

Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +4 Darkvision 60 feet, passive Perception 13

Senses: Keen Hearing and Smell. The krenshar has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Languages: -

Challenge Rating: 1/2 (100 XP)

Scare. A krenshar can pull the skin back from its head, revealing the musculature and bony structures of its skull. Combining this with a loud screech produces an unsettling effect on a single creature within 100 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw, or suffer the Frightened condition. The target can make a new saving throw at the end of each of its turns. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same krenshar’s scare ability for 24 hours. The shriek does not affect other krenshars.

Actions

Multiattack. The krenshar makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

The krenshar is a strange, catlike carnivore with extremely flexible skin on its head. A typical krenshar measures 4 or 5 feet in length with a long, narrow head. It weighs about 175 pounds. Krenshars use solitary scouts to drive prey into the waiting clutches of the pride. The scout appears from hiding, uses its scare ability, then chases the fleeing target to join the attack.

Suggested Environments

Krenshar lived in temperate regions and preferred forests, hills, and plains for hunting herd animals (but would also hunt humanoids if given the opportunity). Krenshars could be encountered as lone individuals, mated pairs, or in prides of ten to twenty. Typically, a pride had two adults for every cub. Blood-red spots on their fur pattern usually indicated a pride leader or guardian.