Smilodon Maioribus (4e Elite Character)

This Elite Character is based on User:Argent Fatalis's Smilodon Maioribus and Apex Predator, using the Elite Characters variant rule.

When you create a smilodon maioribus, do not select a race or class. Instead, you gain the following combined racial and class traits.

Smilodon Maioribus

Smilodon maioribus, or the "greater deadly knife-tooth", is a species of tremendous saber toothed cat with a startling deviance from all expectation; smilodon maioribus is a sapient, sentient variation that expresses a keen intellect like that of humans, elves, dwarves and other such mortal races. At distance, a greater smilodon could pass for an exceptionally large saber cat, but any individual closely attuned to nature or the arcane could determine that the beast is much more than it appears; the few members of maioribus carry themselves with a distinct gait that is read to those scrying it as a fierce pride. Protective of their intelligence, analyzing all that they can while remaining steadily clam, smilodon often spend hours and days of their time shadowing other races to learn their behaviors, their mannerisms, their words and their cultures. Their predatory studies borderline genuine interest and killer instinct; to know their possible enemies and all that shapes them is another tool to both outwit them, and outlast them.

The origin of maioribus is buried beneath myth, where legends tell of great cats found in distant pinewoods and tundra with teeth as long as a dagger's blade, and a mind quicker than that of any mage, but a voice as commanding as any orc's, followed and stalked adventurers and bandits alike, fading off into the dense and cold wilderness when approached. Others yet state that the forces of the Feywild have altered and shaped the greater smilodon for purposes benevolent and benign, and in other, more common stories, they claim the intentions are far from kindly, and are malefic, deceitful. Another tale speaks of these beasts originating at the hands of a rogue and powerful wizard, who was ultimately torn apart by his own creations, which killed him in both fury and confusion. As mysterious and lost as their beginnings are, only one thing is certain; the cold wilderness is home to these few, elusive creatures.

Aware of their species' peril at the hands of fearful and occasionally xenophobic races, members of smilodon maioribus continue to live in small, highly mobile clans like those of their cousin species. Each tightly knit micro-community of six to twenty members holds universal values and customs, with little to no variation between each clan; ideals of Maioribus may seem unusual and alien to other races, for focuses such as intense self reliance, but dedicated service to the whole species exist. Each individual is expected to be a capable warrior, thinker, hunter, and most of all, predator; other races are observed at a distance, and interaction is solely for the benefit of self progress, and ultimately their kind as a whole. Each member of maioribus is an adventurer with no qualms of facing unknown or unusual circumstance, even breaking the typical stance of distanced observance to instead interact directly with other adventurers, at times even joining their bands.

Their personality is fairly universal among their members, with some variation present, but is easily described as wildly predatory, calculating and secretive. When they speak, voice growled and dominating, others listen, when they are silent, others tremble. Often restrained and observant, with good reason, their vocalizations are typically made after well processed thought, with keen notes on detail. While their fierce cover and coldly logical exterior seems without limit, there are times when the defenses are relaxed, but only slightly, and is exclusive to those who have earned their trust. Close companions whom have proven time and time again loyal, can earn the trust and protective friendship that these beasts are known for with their own species; a challenge made to a close companion of a greater smilodon brings the force of the powerful cat with it.

Physical Qualities

As quadrupeds, smilodon maioribus are large and strong animals, making up for their lack of magic and weapons with their robust physical qualities. Largely muscular with iconically broad and developed shoulder, neck, chest and foreleg regions, they excel at grappling even the largest of prey, dragging it to the ground where a killing blow can be delivered with precision to the victim's throat. Standing between 5'4"-5'7" feet tall, and up to 11' feet in length, they are living leviathans to most mortal races and strike with the speed and force of an avalanche. While unable to run at high speed for long distances, they excel at bursts of speed and great lunges, allowing them to throw their great weight, often well over a 1,000 lbs, as yet another weapon.

Most of the year, the pelt of a smilodon expresses itself in a dense tawny, gold, tan and brown fur coat with a variety of spots, stripes, and mixed patterns; all natural forms of camouflage developed specifically to cloak such a massive animal from sight. Yet, during winter time and cold conditions, the earthy tones are shed for more grayed hues and the hair becomes much more coarse, with a thicker undercoat, designed to insulate the large cat in even the most bitter of winters.

Distinct to their species, and one of their many namesakes, is their saber canines; massive fangs protruding from their jowls up to 12' inches in length, designed specifically to deliver incapacitating and killing bites to weak throats and are easily capable of severing the delicate workings of the prey's neck. Whatever specific manner the prey falls to is irrelevant, for the large fangs, and their owners, are remorseless, handling death with innately natural ease.

Playing a Greater Smilodon

An instinctual predator to the very core, smilodon maioribus augment their innate being with a sapient, sentient, highly intelligent mind; able to process and speak fluently any language studied, convey concepts and ideals, and understand its existence in the universe. To outsiders, a greater smilodon is calculating and hardly approachable; only the foolish or outlandishly brave would dare. Their silent and observant nature often clashes with those of highly social and vocal natures, for in the wild, such an individual is a liability, but in an adventuring party, a recurring annoyance.

Stoic, but not passive, most of what is said by a member of smilodon maioribus is far from negative in nature, in both the sense of seldom voicing complaints, but also to the extent that there is exceptional aversion to those who are less than good company. Individuals of practices that are not of Lawful Good, Good or Neutral will find themselves at odds with any member of maioribus, as their principals and philosophies will differ significantly. Members of maioribus would never dare harm those truly innocent or of good standing, but shady dealings and underhanded techniques are not beneath them; their bestial brutality favors intimidation in all senses of the word, even if all intents behind it are for not.

The difficulties that come with being a quadruped in a world primarily designed for bipeds is an issue of note, but seldom of discussion, as more important or pressing matters would be front of mind. Other topics like that of humor do not pass by unnoticed, but instead meet the composed and thoughtful stance and pass without much outward effect; banter between a party will likely not provoke response, unless the topic is of interest to the individual maioribus in question, but they do relent on occasion and include their own snide or amusing remarks.

Smilodon Maioribus Characteristics: Analytical, subtle, honorable, ferocious, and mighty, each individual represents the pinnacle of predatory ability with an air of confidence and intellect.

Male Names: Ozhr, Rroth, Ihon, Sirar, Ardaran

Female Names: Ansa, Azyne, Selen, Ciri, Ryna

Creating a Smilodon Maioribus

Elite Primal Striker

You are a creature of nature and instinct, a born predator, who can bring down foes with powerful forelimbs and deliver a killing blow with huge canines. You are the equivalent of two characters, and the DM will adjust encounters accordingly.

Ability Scores

Your primary ability score is Strength - brute muscle is the driving force behind your attacks. Your secondary ability scores are Constitution and Wisdom. Constitution is important for enhancing your role as a striker, adding a damage bonus to your claw attacks. It is also necessary for your combat durability, since you are not as well armoured as some of your humanoid companions. Wisdom is a factor for many of your non-combat abilities such as wilderness talents.

Traits

Average Height

5'4"-5'7"

Average Weight

1,200-1,600 lbs

Speed

7 squares

Size

Large. As a large creature, you occupy 2 x 2 squares. Your reach is 1 square.

Vision

Low-Light Vision

Languages

Common

Ability Score Bonuses

+2 Strength, +2 Constitution or Wisdom

Hit Points

You start with hit points equal to 30 + twice your Constitution score. You gain 12 hit points each time you gain a level.

Bonus to Defenses

+2 to Fortitude; +2 bonus to AC; You are considered to be wearing leather armor for the purpose of qualifying for feats.

Skill Bonuses

+2 to Insight; +2 Intimidate; +2 Nature

Healing Surges

16 + twice Constitution modifier. Your surge value is equal to one quarter of your bloodied value.

Class Skills

Athletics (Str), Endurance (Con), Intimidate (Cha), Perception (Wis), Nature (Wis), Stealth (Dex)

Trained Skills

Athletics and Intimidate. You are trained in two other skills from your class skills.

Proficiencies

None

Magical Beast

You are a Magical Beast for the purpose of effects that relate to creature type. You cannot wear armor, wield weapons, or hold anything in your hands. You cannot wear or wield magic items, and instead receive inherent bonuses described below.

Heroic Smilodon Maioribus

Level	Feats Known	Class Features and Powers
1	1	Elite Saves Charging Pounce Heroic Retractable Claws At-Will Powers Saber Teeth Heroic Striker Wilderness Talent Primal Overrun
2	+1	Utility Power
3		Heroic Hide Improved Saber Teeth
4	+1	Ability score increase Wilderness Talent Heroic Spirit
5		Improved Heroic Retractable Claws Wilderness Step
6	+1	Utility Power
7		Improved At-Will Attacks
8	+1	Ability score increase Improved Heroic Hide
9		Wilderness Talent Improved Heroic Spirit
10	+1	Utility Power

Level 1: Elite Saves

Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to saving throws.

Level 1: Charging Pounce

Benefit: You are not limited to taking only free actions immediately after a charge.

Level 1: Heroic Retractable Claws

Benefit: You have a pair of retractable claws that are weapons you are proficient with. They can be extended or retracted as a free action. When extended they are considered to be light blades with the off-hand property, with +3 proficiency and a [W] of 1d8 damage.
They cannot be enchanted. You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls with your claws. When you score a critical hit with your claws, you deal an additional 1d6 damage.

Level 1: Heroic Striker

You use your bulk to bring more force against your foes.
Benefit: You gain a bonus to damage rolls of weapon attacks. The bonus equals your Constitution modifier.

Level 1: At-Will Powers

Benefit: You gain the seizing strike and rending claws powers.

Seizing Strike	Smilodon Maioribus Attack 1
After stalking your prey, you pounce and bear down on them.
At-Will  Primal, Weapon
Standard Action	Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength Vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage and the target is grabbed. If you make this attack as part of a charge, you deal an additional 1[W] damage. Level 21: 2[W] + Strength modifier damage.
Special: You may use this power in place of a melee basic attack

Rending Claws	Smilodon Maioribus Attack 1
Your powerful forelimbs and sharp claws can take on multiple foes with ease.
At-Will  Primal, Weapon
Standard Action	Melee weapon
Target: One or two creatures
Attack: Strength Vs. AC, (two attacks).
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage per attack. If both attacks hit the same creature, that target takes a -2 penalty to AC until the end of your next turn. Level 21: 2[W] + Strength modifier damage per attack.

Level 1: Saber Teeth

One of the Smilodon's defining features are its huge maxillary canines. Too brittle to use as a primary attack, you use these sharp teeth to pierce the major blood vessels of foes you have subdued.
Benefit: You gain the saber teeth power.

Saber Teeth	Smilodon Maioribus Class Feature
Life's inevitability is swiftly met within your lethal jaws.
Encounter  Primal
Minor Action	Melee 1
Target: One creature you have grabbed.
Attack: Strength + 2 Vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d8 + Strength modifier damage. Reroll any damage die that show 1 or 2 until they show a value greater than 2. Level 17: Strength + 4 vs. Fortitude; 4d8 + Strength modifier damage. Level 27: Strength + 6 vs. Fortitude; 6d8 + Strength modifier damage.
Miss: Half damage.

Level 1: Primal Overrun

Your large size can make it difficult to maneuver when there are many foes in an enclosed encounter. You have learnt to barge past or over an enemy to avoid being hemmed in.

Primal Overrun	Smilodon Maioribus Utility 5
'
Encounter  Primal
Move Action	Personal
Effect: You move a number of squares up to your Wisdom modifier. During this movement you gain a +2 bonus to AC against opportunity attacks and can enter the squares of enemies, but must end it in unoccupied squares. If during this movement you enter the square of a prone enemy, that enemy takes 5 damage (only once during the move).

Level 1: Wilderness Talent

You instinctively know how to survive in your natural habitat.
Benefit: You gain two of the following abilities of your choice.

Mountain Hunter

Benefit: You reduce falling damage by your Wisdom modifier. You gain a +2 bonus to Athletics checks made to climb.

Savanna Stalker

Benefit: The penalty you take to Stealth checks to remain hidden whilst moving is reduced by your Wisdom modifier. If you are in an area of tall grass or woodland, you gain a +2 bonus to Stealth checks.

Tundra Master

Benefit: When making Endurance checks to avoid the effects of a cold environment, you roll twice and take the better result. If you are in a square of snow or ice and do not move, you are considered to have concealment.

Wilderness Tracker

Benefit: During a short rest, you can make a Perception check (DC determined by the DM) to inspect the area around you. This area can be as large as 10 squares on a side. If your check succeeds, you determine the number and nature of the creatures that have moved through the area in the past 24 hours. You ascertain when and where they entered the area, as well as when and where they left.

Beast Empathy

Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks against beasts. You can communicate simple concepts and commands to such creatures, though they are under no compulsion to obey you. With a successful Insight check (DC determined by the DM), you can read a creature's body language and vocalizations enough to understand basic messages from it.

Level 2: Utility Power

Benefit: You gain the primal takedown power.

Primal Takedown	Smilodon Maioribus Utility 2
Muscling your prey with little effort, your unmatched strength throws them to the ground.
Daily  Primal
Move Action	Personal
Target: One creature you have grabbed.
Effect: The target is knocked prone. You may shift 2 squares, pulling the target to remain adjacent to you.

Level 3: Heroic Hide

Benefit: Your AC bonus improves to +3. You select either elusive hide or enduring hide.

• Elusive Hide: You gain a +1 bonus to Stealth checks.
• Enduring Hide: You gain a +1 bonus to Endurance checks.

Level 3: Improved Saber Teeth

With each successful combat, you refine your signature fighting style. Enemies that thought they had avoided your most potent attack learn their mistake the hard way.
Benefit: You gain one more use of saber teeth per encounter, but you can use it only once per turn.

Level 4: Ability Score Increase

Your constant training hones your body and mind.
Benefit: You increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Level 4: Wilderness Talent

As you gain more experience in journeying into the wilds, you expand your range of tricks and talents.
Benefit: You gain one additional wilderness talent.

Level 4: Heroic Spirit

Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and Will.

Level 5: Improved Heroic Retractable Claws

Benefit: Your claw's bonus to attack and damage rolls improves to +2. You select either hemorrhaging wounds or vicious claws.

• Hemorrhaging Wounds: Once per round, when hit with one of your claws, you deal one wound to your target. You gain a cumulative +1 power bonus to damage rolls against the enemy for each of these wounds that you have inflicted on it. The wounds end on the enemy when you hit another enemy with your claws, or at the end of the encounter. Also, your critical hit bonus improves to +2d6 damage.
• Vicious Claws: Your critical hit bonus improves to +2d12 damage.

Level 5: Wilderness Step

Benefit: You gain the wilderness step power.

Wilderness Step	Smilodon Maioribus Utility 5
You are accustomed to quagmire, tanglevines and other natural pitfalls.
Encounter  Primal
Free Action	Personal
Trigger: You start your turn subject to an immobilized, restrained or slowed condition that a save can end.
Effect: You make a saving throw with a +2 power bonus against one triggering condition.

Level 6: Utility Power

Benefit: You gain the puncturing bite power.

Puncturing Bite	Smilodon Maioribus Utility 6
You sink your canine deeper into your victim's throat.
Daily  Primal
Free Action	Personal
Trigger: You hit a creature with your saber teeth
Target: The target of your saber teeth
Effect: The target takes ongoing 5 damage and a -5 penalty to escape your grab (escape ends both).

Level 7: Improved At-Will Attacks

Your primary claw attacks become more effective.
Benefit: Your at-will powers are adjusted as follows:

• Seizing Strike: When you charge and hit with seizing strike you deal +2 bonus damage.
• Rending Claws: If you hit two different targets, you may make a third attack against a different target.

Level 8: Improved Heroic Hide

Benefit: Your AC bonus improves to +4. You gain an additional bonus depending on the choice you made at level 3.

• Elusive Hide: Your Stealth check bonus improves to +2. You gain the crypsis power.
• Enduring Hide: Your Endurance check bonus improves to +2. You gain the stonehide power.

Crypsis	Smilodon Maioribus Class Feature
When you move, your fur erupts into swirling colors whose palette is taken from the surrounding environment, obscuring your exact position.
Daily  Primal, Illusion
Move Action	Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 power bonus to all defenses until the end of this turn, and you shift up to 3 squares.

Stonehide	Smilodon Maioribus Class Feature
Your fur stiffens, bolstering your ability to weather hits.
Daily  Primal
Minor Action	Personal
Effect: You gain 10 temporary hit points. Level 18: 20 temporary hit points. Level 28: 30 temporary hit points.

Level 8: Ability Score Increase

You reap the reward of constant challenge by increasing your physical and mental well-being.
Benefit: You increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Level 9: Wilderness Talent

As you gain more experience in journeying into the wilds, you expand your range of tricks and talents.
Benefit: You gain one additional wilderness talent.

Level 9: Improved Heroic Spirit

Benefit: The bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and Will granted by your Spirit improves to +2.

Level 10: Utility Power

Benefit: You gain the night hunter power.

Night Hunter	Smilodon Maioribus Utility 10
Your preternatural senses allow you to track your prey during moonless nights.
Daily  Primal
Minor Action	Personal
Effect: You gain darkvision and a +2 power bonus to Perception checks until the end of the encounter.

Paragon Smilodon Maioribus

Paragon Path: Apex Predator

At 11th level, you take on the Apex Predator paragon path.

Prerequisite: Only a Smilidon Maioribus can take this paragon path.

Level	Feats Known	Class Features and Powers
11	+1	Ability score increase Paragon Retractable Claws Predator's Action [apex predator] Predator's Impetuosity [apex predator]
12	+1	Attentive Mind [apex predator]
13		Paragon Hide Enhanced Saber Teeth
14	+1	Ability score increase Paragon Spirit
15		Improved Paragon Retractable Claws Paragon Striker
16	+1
17
18	+1	Ability score increase Improved Paragon Hide
19		Improved Paragon Spirit
20	+1

Level 11: Ability Score Increase

Your improved physical and mental prowess highlights your entrance into the paragon tier.
Benefit: Each of your ability scores increases by 1.

Level 11: Paragon Retractable Claws

Benefit: Your claw's bonus to attack and damage rolls increases to +3.

• Hemorrhaging Wounds: Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +3d6 damage.
• Vicious Claws: Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +3d12 damage.

Level 11: Predator's Action

Apex predator paragon path feature
Benefit: When you spend an action point to take an extra action, you can make a basic melee attack before or after taking that extra action.

Level 11: Predator's Impetuosity

Apex predator paragon path feature
You can muster up the strength and defiance to keep fighting after blows that would cripple others.
Benefit: When you are stunned, you are instead dazed. When you are immobilized, you are instead slowed.

Level 12: Attentive Mind

Apex predator paragon path feature
Your animal senses and predatory mindset far outmatch the ability of your mortal allies, allowing you a keen advantage over your prey before combat even begins.
Benefit: Whenever you roll Initiative, you may roll twice and take the higher result.

Level 13: Paragon Hide

Benefit: Your AC bonus improves to +5.

• Elusive Hide: Your Stealth check bonus improves to +3
• Enduring Hide: Your Endurance check bonus improves to +3

Level 13: Enhanced Saber Teeth

Benefit: You gain one more use of saber teeth per encounter.

Level 14: Ability Score Increase

Each new challenge only makes you stronger in body and mind.
Benefit: You increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Level 14: Paragon Spirit

Benefit: The bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and Will granted by your Spirit improves to +3.

Level 15: Improved Paragon Retractable Claws

Benefit: Your claw's bonus to attack and damage rolls increases to +4

• Hemorrhaging Wounds: The power bonus to damage caused by your wounds improves to +2 per wound. Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +4d6 damage.
• Vicious Claws: Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +4d12 damage.

Level 15: Paragon Striker

Benefit: The bonus to damage rolls with weapon attacks you gained from heroic striker improves to your Constitution modifer + 2.

Level 16: Utility Power

Benefit: You gain the metabolic reserve power.

Metabolic Reserve	Smilodon Maioribus Utility 16
Your careful conservation of metabolic energy pays off well, and you surge with vitality, shaking off your wounds where lesser creatures could not.
Daily  Primal
Minor Action	Personal
Effect: You gain temporary hit points equal to your healing surge value + your Wisdom modifier. You can either make a saving throw, or gain Regeneration 2 until the end of the encounter.

Level 18: Improved Paragon Hide

Benefit: Your AC bonus improves to +7.

• Elusive Hide: Your Stealth check bonus improves to +4
• Enduring Hide: Your Endurance check bonus improves to +4

Level 18: Ability Score Increase

You are a true paragon of physical and mental perfection.
Benefit: You increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Level 19: Improved Paragon Spirit

Benefit: The bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and Will granted by your Spirit improves to +4.

Epic Smilodon Maioribus

At 21st level, you take the Epic Smilodon Maioribus epic destiny.

Level	Feats Known	Class Features and Powers
21	+1	Ability score increase Epic Retractable Claws
22	+1
23		Epic Hide
24	+1	Ability score increase Epic Spirit
25		Improved Epic Retractable Claws
26	+1
27
28	+1	Ability score increase Improved Epic Hide
29		Improved Epic Spirit
30	+1

Level 21: Ability Score Increase

You are an epic hero now, and your physical and mental acuity exceed all mortal limits.
Benefit: Each of your ability scores increases by 1.

Level 21: Epic Retractable Claws

Benefit: Your claw's bonus to attack and damage rolls increases to +5.

• Hemorrhaging Wounds:Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +5d6 damage.
• Vicious Claws: Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +5d12 damage.

Level 23: Epic Hide

Benefit: Your AC bonus improves to +8.

• Elusive Hide: Your Stealth check bonus improves to +5
• Enduring Hide: Your Endurance check bonus improves to +5

Level 24: Ability Score Increase

The threats of the epic challenges you face are countered by the perfection of your body and mind.
Benefit: You increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Level 24: Epic Spirit

Benefit: The bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and Will granted by your Spirit improves to +5.

Level 25: Improved Epic Retractable Claws

Benefit: Your claw's bonus to attack and damage rolls increases to +6

• Hemorrhaging Wounds: The power bonus to damage caused by your wounds improves to +3 per wound. Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +5d6 damage.
• Vicious Claws: Your critical hit bonus damage improves to +5d12 damage.

Level 28: Improved Epic Hide

Benefit: Your AC bonus improves to +10.

• Elusive Hide: Your Stealth check bonus improves to +6
• Enduring Hide: Your Endurance check bonus improves to +6

Level 28: Ability Score Increase

Training, practice, and experience have molded your abilities. Even as you near your final destiny, you continue to hone your talents for the tests you will soon face.
Benefit: You increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Level 29: Improved Epic Spirit

Benefit: The bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and Will granted by your Spirit improves to +6.