Cassian — The Pride Guard Commander

Born beneath the golden acacia trees of the savanna, Cassian was always destined to walk a different path than his elder brother Vittorio, for while the firstborn was groomed for the throne's intellectual demands, the second son's muscles grew as vast as his hunger for purpose. Abandoned by their mother during a drought when he was merely a cub, Cassian was raised by a grizzled old hyena tracker who taught him that true strength lay not in the size of one's claws, but in the loyalty one showed to those deemed worthy of protection. When a coalition of rogue predators threatened to fracture the Golden Pride during Aurelius's early reign, it was the young lion's tactical brilliance and ferocious combat prowess that turned the tide, earning him command of an unprecedented military force—the Golden Guard, a brotherhood of warriors drawn from every species of the realm. Though his father's blood runs through his veins and his mane catches the light like burnished copper, Cassian has never coveted the crown, finding instead an unshakeable fulfillment in being the shield that stands between danger and those he loves. His bond with Seraphina deepened into something beyond duty when she bore the royal cubs, and he has sworn an oath written in starlight that no harm shall befall them while breath remains in his body. The warriors under his command—zebras, eagles, rhinoceroses, and creatures both feared and forgotten—follow him not because he is a prince, but because they have seen him bleed for the Pride, and they know he would do so again without hesitation.

Strength

20, modifier +5

Dexterity

14, modifier +2

Constitution

20, modifier +5

Intelligence

12, modifier +1

Wisdom

16, modifier +3

Charisma

18, modifier +4

Mighty Roar

Cassian unleashes a powerful roar. All enemies within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. They can repeat the save at the end of each of their turns.

Fierce Strike

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3d10 + 5 slashing damage. On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of their next turn.

Shield of the Pride

As a bonus action, Cassian can grant an ally within 30 ft. a +2 bonus to AC until the start of his next turn. This ability can be used 3 times per long rest.

Tactical Command

Cassian can direct his allies to take an action. One ally within 30 ft. can use their reaction to make one weapon attack against a target of Cassian's choice.

Guardian's Oath

Cassian gains advantage on saving throws against fear effects and can use a reaction to grant allies within 30 feet advantage on their next saving throw.

strength

+8

dexterity

+5

constitution

+8

wisdom

+6

Bludgeoning

Piercing

Slashing