* AP stands for armor-piercing. This attack is more efficient against armored ACs than against unarmored ACs to reflect an armor-piercing effect.
* On a successful hit causing an [[injury]], this attack will inflict '''1d3''' [[light wounds]] instead of just 1.
=== AP claws ===
* AP stands for armor-piercing. This attack is more efficient against armored ACs than against unarmored ACs to reflect an armor-piercing effect.
* On a successful hit causing an [[injury]], this attack will inflict '''1d4''' [[light wounds]] instead of just 1.
= Other information =
Creature traits:
*'''Drops items on death''': Upon being defeated, this creature will drop the following items:
** 1d4 [[Valuables#Special valuables|Golden Lion fangs]]
The Golden Lion's two most important traits are its legendary resistance to damage, and its unique black-colored skeleton, most easily seen when the creature bares its fangs and claws.
These creatures' resistance to damage is explained by the structure of their skin and flesh. The skin is protected by a thick layer of woven interlaced fibers, similar to the ballistic fiber employed in body armor. Underneath this layer are hard keratin scales, similar to that of a [[splintercat]], but completely concealed under the skin and therefore, not normally visible on a live animal.
The creature's unique black bones also possess special traits, one of which is extreme toughness and resistance to impact, the other being the uncanny sharpness of the creature's teeth and claws, which appear designed to defeat ballistic weave and capable of scratching hard armor. Most curiously, analysis of these bones to determine their composition did not reveal anything out of place other than black coloration. In theory, there shouldn't be a reason why the Golden Lion's bites and claws appear uniquely designed to defeat armor and hard targets, which has led to the theory that these abilities may be magical in nature.
It is not difficult to mistake these creatures for one of another feline in the other felinesMazes; of all felines in the Mazesthem, Golden Lions are by far the biggest and heaviest, at 3 feet 3 inches of average height, an average body length of about 6 feet, and an average weight of 530 pounds.
Never underestimate these creatures! As most adventurers prepared for a fight will be (sensibly) bringing armor, this makes the threat of a Golden Lion particularly pernicious. As explained above, the teeth and claws are uncannily adapted to defeat armor, making armor a liability against these creatures. As such, if you are facing one of these creatures, it is recommended to spare no expense (or ammunition) and destroy them as soon as possible, preferably before they can lay a paw on you.
[[Category:Creatures]]