Mastiff, Dire

This large black hound is about the size of a small horse.

Mastiff, Dire (CR 3)

Large Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +2
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +9

Speed: 50 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 15, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 42 (5d8+20)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +2

Offense

Melee: bite +7 (1d8+6 plus Trip)
Reach: 5 feet

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
19 (+4)	15 (+2)	18 (+4)	2 (-4)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)

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

Feats: Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills: Acrobatics +7 (+11 jumping), Perception +9, Survival +2 (+6 scent tracking)

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Acrobatics when jumping, +4 Survival when tracking by scent

Languages:

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Any
Organization: solitary, pair, or pack (3-12)
Treasure: none


Dire mastiffs are the domestic equivalent of dire wolves. They are large, vicious canines highly prized for their ability to track and kill opponents much larger than themselves. Domesticated dire mastiffs are often trained and outfitted for war in spiked, studded leather armor. Orcs often use trained dire mastiffs in warfare.

Dire mastiffs are much like wolves, and in the wild, they commingle in packs of up to twelve. The dominant male is always the leader, though other males frequently challenge for the position. Such exchanges, while violent, rarely result in death. The loser of the contest simply submits to the victor and acknowledges it as the new pack leader.

Dire mastiffs are carnivores and their diet consists of just about any animal or creature they can catch and kill. Favorite meals include leopards, skunks, horses, and rodents. They rarely devour humanoid flesh, but will do so if food is scarce. Kills are often carried back to the lair and distributed among the pups and females.

Dire mastiffs breed twice a year, usually every 6 months. The actual month or time varies depending on climate, terrain, and other environmental factors. Gestation lasts about 4 months after which time the female gives birth to 1d3+3 pups. Pups depend on their mother or the hunters of a pack to feed them and rarely journey out on their own until they reach 4 months of age. Dire mastiffs reach maturity around 8 months after birth.

Before attacking, the hair on the neck of a dire mastiff rises, its ears fold back, its tail stiffens, and it bears its sharpened teeth, through which a low growl is often heard. A dire mastiff rushes its opponent and bites ferociously with its powerful jaws.