Hyena, Dire

This large hyena has a thick head, rheumy red eyes, and a mouth filled with sharp, powerful teeth.

Hyena, Dire (CR 3)

Large Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +2
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +8

Speed: 50 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 15, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 26 (4d8+8)
Saving Throws: Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +2

Offense

Melee: bite +6 (2d6+6 plus Trip)
Reach: 10 feet

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
18 (+4)	15 (+2)	15 (+2)	2 (-4)	13 (+1)	6 (-2)

Base Attack Bonus: +3
CMB +8
CMD 20 (24 vs. Trip)

Feats: Skill Focus (Perception, Stealth)

Skills: Perception +8, Stealth +7 (+11 in tall grass or heavy undergrowth)

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Stealth in tall grass

Languages:

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Warm Plains
Organization: solitary, pair, or pack (3-8)
Treasure: incidental


Dire hyenas (known to many as hyaenodons) are more fearsome than their smaller cousins. While hyaenodons won't turn down carrion as a handy meal, they much prefer to hunt for prey. A pack of dire hyenas rarely stops moving and hunting for anything other than sleep, mating, or food.

Hyaenodons are 6 feet tall at the shoulder and often over 12 feet long. They weigh 900 pounds. Gnolls have been known to train hyaenodons to serve in their lairs as guardians, or more commonly as fearsome mounts.