Because of the impenetrable golden fur the Nemean Lion possesses, the only known way to kill them is suffocation. Though, many theorize that poisoning is also a possible alternative, as well as several forms of magic.

According to one version of the myth, the Nemean lion took women as hostages to its lair in a cave near Nemea, luring warriors from nearby towns to save the damsel in distress. After entering the cave, the warrior would see a woman and rush to her side. Once he was close, the woman would turn into a lion and kill the warrior, devouring his remains.

The Nemean lion was a vicious monster in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea. It was eventually killed by Heracles. It could not be killed with mortals' weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than mortals' swords and could cut through any armor.

Nemean Lion

Large Beast (shapechanger), unaligned

Armor Class 15

15 Hit Points 126 hp (12d10+60)

126 hp (12d10+60) Speed 60ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 20 (+5) 15 (+2) 21(+5) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 8 (-1)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +6

Perception +3, Stealth +6 Damage Resistances Cold, fire, force, lightning, radiant, thunder

Cold, fire, force, lightning, radiant, thunder Damage Immunities Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing

Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing Senses passive Perception 13

passive Perception 13 Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Shapechanger. The Nemean Lion can use its action to polymorph into a lion-humanoid hybrid or ino a humanoid, or back into its true form, which is a lion. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Golden Fur (Lion or Hybrid Form Only). The lion is impervious to all Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage. All attacks bounce harmlessly off its golden hide.

Keen Smell. The lion has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Pack Tactics. The lion has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the lion's allies is within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Pounce (Lion or Hybrid Form Only). If the lion moves at least 15 ft. straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the lion can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.

Running Leap. With a 10-foot running start, the lion can long jump up to 25 ft..

Actions

Multiattack In humanoid form, the Nemean Lion makes two scimitar attacks or two longbow attacks. In lion form, it makes one bite attack and two claw attack. In hybrid form, it can attack like a humanoid or attack like a lion.

Bite (Lion or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) piercing damage.

Claw (Lion or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage. The damage from this attack ignores damage immunity and resistance.

Scimitar (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) slashing damage.

Longbow (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage.