Nala the Lion Queen

Story
Ideally, this will be the first NPC the adventurers talk to. Unless they fight and kill her. That will be awkward.

Lion Stats
Large beast, unaligned"Armor Class 12""Hit Points 26 (4d10 + 4)""Speed 50 ft.""STR 17 (+3)""DEX 15 (+2)""CON 13 (+1)""INT 8 (-1)""WIS 12 (+1)""CHA 8 (-1)"Skills Perception +3, Stealth +6

Senses assive Perception 13

Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Race Abilities
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 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Pounce. If the lion moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 13 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 feet.

ACTIONS
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target., Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Secret
If the party lets her live, she will give them the hint: "The cat keeps us safe."