It then proceeds to alternate between multiattack and crushing grip on its turns. The Cleric Beast likes to start by using its leaping slam to punish as many prey as possible, and then let loose its frightening roar to rattle them. It used to be a human cleric only a spell of 7th level or higher has any hope of returning it to any semblance of its former self. It crushes those beneath it, fears what hurts it, and when backed into a corner becomes more ferocious. The Cleric Beast is bestially instinctual in its approach and strategy.

See the theory behind my BBS designs at Designing the Mechanics of the Big Bad and Big Bad Solo Monster Inserts.

For as long as mankind persists, the beast is not far behind. Though the church has long disappeared into the annals of history, the old blood remains in the memories of those who desire power or fear fear. Thus clerics made the largest and most twisted beasts. It is said that humanity shackles the beastly nature, but the stronger the shackle, the greater the recoil is when the shackle is finally broken. They consumed the blood to gain strength and drive away their fears, but in doing so drew themselves into the temptations of beasthood.

These wretched creatures were once members of a long-forgotten clergy who had discovered the power of an ancient blood. When the unending night falls and the hunt begins, the Cleric Beast will emerge from the darkened hearts of men. Its howls strike fear into the hearts of men, and its terrible grip crushes the life from their blood. The Cleric Beast is a twisted monstrosity born from the fears of man and the beastly nature within them.

D&d 5e beast