Weretiger
Medium Humanoid (human), neutral
1,100 XP
Special Abilities
Shapechanger
The weretiger can use its action to polymorph into a tiger-humanoid hybrid or into a tiger, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. 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.
Keen Hearing and Smell
The weretiger has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pounce (Tiger or Hybrid Form Only)
If the weretiger moves at least 15 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the weretiger can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Actions
Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only)
In humanoid form, the weretiger makes two scimitar attacks or two longbow attacks. In hybrid form, it can attack like a humanoid or make two claw attacks.
Bite (Tiger or Hybrid Form Only)
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with weretiger lycanthropy.
Claw (Tiger or Hybrid Form Only)
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Scimitar (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only)
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
Longbow (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only)
Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Weretigers are intelligent predators that prefer ambush tactics and can shift between humanoid and tiger forms mid-combat. Use their high mobility (40 ft speed in tiger form) to control positioning and separate party members. They understand tactics and will focus fire on spellcasters or healers first. Leverage the environment to create confined spaces where their size becomes an advantage.
Combat Tactics
Weretigers open combat in humanoid form to use weapons and spells, then shift to tiger form when surrounded or to maximize damage output. They use their multiattack (bite and claw) to apply vulnerability to silvered weapons, encouraging party resource expenditure. They disengage and reposition rather than staying in prolonged melee, striking from different angles.
Environment & Setting
Dense jungle ruins, thick forests with natural obstacles, or cave systems with multiple exits enable hit-and-run tactics. Urban rooftops and warehouse districts work well for civilized encounters where the weretiger hunts intelligent prey.