Lions are nothing compared to Willows... You have to have a magic weapon and to my knowledge no-one I know has killed one at level 5. They are tough little grabbers. Yes the quests need a bit of work, but all and all are not bad for what you get out of it. Nice armor and good exp doing it. You just better plan on being at least level 8 or more. Good hunting and stay well.
Level 5? Ha! Lions are higher than 5th level. Heck a 7th level cant even kill them. They need to rethink this seeing as tails are no drop. That and the Giant scarab Brains as well. Not no drop but hard for a lower level to attain without high level help.