Hell Hound

Overview

Monstrous, fire-breathing fiends that take the form of powerful dogs, hell hounds are found on the battlefields of Acheron and throughout the Lower Planes. On the Material Plane, hell hounds are most commonly seen in service to devils, fire giants, and other evil creatures that use them as guard animals and companions.

Burning Hunger

Hell hounds hunt in packs, feeding on any creature that appears edible. They avoid potentially dangerous foes in favor of targeting the weakest prey with their savage bite and fiery breath, demonstrating a relentless determination as they pursue that prey to the bitter end.
When hell hounds feed, the flesh they consume stokes the infernal fires that burn within them. When a hell hound dies, that fire consumes the creature’s remains in a billowing eruption of smoke and blazing embers, leaving nothing behind but scorched tufts of black fur.

Evil to the Core

Hell hounds are smarter than mundane beasts, and their lawful nature makes them good at following orders. However, a hell hound’s evil disposition means that the creature can’t be trained to be anything other than a ruthless killer. If a hell hound isn’t allowed to indulge its malevolent hunger, it quickly abandons or turns against its master.

Hell Hound CR: 3 (700 XP)

Medium fiend, lawful evil

Armor Class: 15

Hit Points: 45 (7d8 + 14)

Speed: 50 ft

STR

17 +3

DEX

12 +1

CON

14 +2

INT

6 -2

WIS

13 +1

CHA

6 -2

Skills: Perception +5

Damage Immunities: Fire

Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Passive Perception 15

Languages: Understands Infernal but can't speak

Challenge Rating: 3 (700 XP)

Keen Hearing and Smell. The hound has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
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 isn’t incapacitated.

Actions

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage plus 2d6 fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). The hound exhales fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, taking 6d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Lifespan

Immortal

Average Weight

120 pounds

Average Length

4 to 5 feet