Large, wild cats such as tigers, cougars, and panthers are extremely dangerous under any circumstances, let alone as ghouls. Powerful and unpredictable, they can injure or kill even those they are friendly with — including trainers — entirely by accident. Adapted to hunting and killing, big cats make excellent guardians and hunters, though not all species do well outside of their native habitats.

Some vampires utilize lions and tigers because they’re found near their havens. Members of Clan Ravnos, Gangrel, and Nosferatu in India, for example, have become masters of tiger ghouls and use them for protection, while other vampires throughout Africa maintain lions because of their powerful, symbolic presence as the rulers of the animal kingdom.

Leopards, jaguars, panthers, and cougars are also expert hunters and trackers, and use stealth to ambush prey that could otherwise outrun them. They are often favored as pets because of their grace and striking appearance but, similar to lions and tigers, they are still extremely dangerous.

Despite their usefulness as both hunter and guard, however, their dietary demands and large size mean big cats are not always practical as ghouls.

Lion or Tiger

Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4, Perception 4, Intelligence 3, Wits 3

Abilities: Alertness 3, Athletics 4, Awareness 2, Brawl 3, Empathy 3, Intimidation 5, Stealth 3

Disciplines: Potence 1

Willpower: 4

Health Levels: OK, OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, -5, Incapacitated

Armor rating: 1 (five soak dice, total)

Attack: Bite for seven dice; claw for six dice (all lethal)

Blood Pool: 5