Hell Hound
- Size: Medium
- Type: Fiend
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- AC: 15
- Initiative: +1 (11)
- HP: 58 (9d8 + 18)
- Speed: 50 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| DEX | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CON | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| INT | 6 | -2 | -2 |
| WIS | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 6 | -2 | -2 |
- Skills: Perception +5
- Immunities: Fire
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 15
- Languages: Understands Infernal but can't speak
- CR: 3 (XP 700; PB +2)
Traits
Pack Tactics. The hound has Advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the hound's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally doesn't have the Incapacitated condition.
Actions
Multiattack. The hound makes two Bite attacks.
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) Piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) Fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature in a 15-foot Cone. Failure: 17 (5d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.
Lore & Background
Hell hounds are fiendish canines from the Nine Hells, bred for hunting and warfare by devils. These creatures have coal-black fur, glowing red eyes, and the ability to breathe fire. They serve as guards, hunters, and companions to powerful devils, but some roam freely in the material plane.
Combat Tactics
Hell hounds use their Fire Breath to damage multiple enemies before closing for melee combat. Their Pack Tactics ability makes them more dangerous when fighting alongside other hell hounds or fiendish allies. They prefer to surround enemies and use coordinated attacks.
Encounter Ideas
Infernal Hunt: Hell hounds track escaped souls or fugitives from the Nine Hells. Guardian Pack: Hell hounds guard an important location or portal to the lower planes. The Devil's Hounds: A powerful devil uses hell hounds to terrorize a region. Escaped Beasts: Hell hounds have broken free from their infernal masters and now roam wild.
Environmental Effects
Hell hound presence raises local temperatures and may cause spontaneous fires. Their sulfurous scent lingers in areas they frequent, and plant life may wither from their fiendish aura.
Treasure
Hell hounds don't collect treasure, but their lairs may contain charred remains of victims and heat-resistant items that survived their fire breath. Infernal artifacts might be found where they serve devils.
Plot Hooks
The Hunt: Hell hounds are tracking someone important, and the party must protect them. Infernal Contract: A devil offers hell hounds as allies in exchange for the party's service. Pack Leader: An unusually intelligent hell hound leads other fiends in organized attacks. The Summoning: Someone is using hell hounds to enforce their will through fear and intimidation.
Lore & Background
Hell hounds are fiendish canines that serve as hunting companions and guardians for devils and other evil creatures. These supernatural beasts combine the loyalty of dogs with the malevolent intelligence of fiends, creating terrifying predators that can track their quarry across planes of existence.
These creatures are native to the Nine Hells but are often summoned to the Material Plane by evil spellcasters. Hell hounds are pack hunters that delight in the chase and the fear of their prey.
Combat Tactics
Hell hounds use their fire breath to weaken groups of enemies before closing for melee combat. They prefer to surround their targets and attack from multiple angles, using their pack tactics to maximum advantage. Their keen hearing makes them excellent trackers.
Encounter Ideas
Infernal Hunt: Hell hounds pursue escaped souls or devils' enemies across multiple planes. Summoned Guardians: A cult uses hell hounds to protect their unholy temple. Pack Ambush: Hell hounds ambush travelers in areas tainted by infernal influence. Devil's Bargain: A devil offers hell hounds as 'gifts' to corrupt mortals.
Environmental Effects
Hell hound presence raises temperatures and may cause spontaneous fires. Their howls carry across great distances and can be heard in nightmares by those they hunt.
Treasure
Hell hounds don't collect treasure, but areas they frequent may contain fire-resistant materials and items dropped by their victims.
Plot Hooks
The Eternal Hunt: Hell hounds pursue a specific target across multiple encounters. Infernal Contract: Someone has made a deal involving hell hounds as enforcers. Pack Leader: An especially intelligent hell hound leads other fiends in organized attacks. Planar Breach: Hell hounds escape through a weakened barrier between planes.