Nalaia — The Protector

Nalaia was once a wandering lioness, scarred and solitary, having lost her own cubs to a poacher's snare when she was young and inexperienced. Consumed by grief and rage, she roamed the savanna for years as a phantom, until she stumbled upon a pride ravaged by drought and desperation, where the matriarch of an unknown pride lay dying and the young cubs huddled together in terror. Something in their fearful eyes awakened her from her anguish, and Nalaia made a silent vow to become the shield they desperately needed and brought them back to The Golden Pride where they were accepted by her parents Aurelius and Seraphina. She rose through the ranks not through dominance or bloodlust, but through unwavering devotion, positioning herself between danger and the vulnerable with a mother's ferocity that had been dormant in her heart. Now, as commander of the lioness guard, she channels every ounce of her pain into protection, training the females with exacting standards while cradling the youngest cubs with surprising gentleness. Any predator, poacher, or rival who dares threaten even the smallest member of her pride awakens something primal within her—a force of nature that rivals the very storms. In protecting these cubs, Nalaia has finally transformed her tragedy into purpose, becoming a legend whispered across the grasslands as the lioness who loves fiercest because she has lost everything.

Strength

18, modifier 4

Dexterity

14, modifier 2

Constitution

20, modifier 5

Intelligence

3, modifier -4

Wisdom

16, modifier 3

Charisma

12, modifier 1

Protective Charge

Nalaia charges up to 30 ft. to an ally, granting them +2 AC until the start of her next turn.

Fierce Claw Strike

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 4 slashing damage.

Roar of the Guardian

Nalaia lets out a powerful roar. All enemies within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Cub's Embrace

Nalaia can heal one ally within 10 ft. for 3d8 + 5 hit points, but can only use this ability once per long rest.

Guardian's Vigil

Nalaia has advantage on perception checks to detect threats to cubs.

Fierce Protector

When an ally is within 10 feet, Nalaia gains a +2 bonus to AC.

strength

7

dexterity

5

constitution

8

wisdom

6

Bludgeoning

Piercing

Slashing from non-magical attacks