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Hell Hound

Medium · Fiend · CR 3 · Lawful Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

15 (natural armor)

45 (7d8+14)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fiend

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 15

Skills

Perception +5

Languages

understands Infernal but can't speak it

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Environments

Desert Laboratory Mountain Shadowfell Astral Plane Hell Plane of Fire Underworld

Traits

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 ft. of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (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 21 (6d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

About Hell Hound

Hell Hound is a medium fiend with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 45 hit points (derived from 7d8+14).

Hell Hound has communication capabilities including understands Infernal but can't speak it. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Hell Hound

2 tips available

When using Hell Hound in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Hell Hound

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Hell Hound?: Hell Hound has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Hell Hound?: Hell Hound is a Medium Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Hell Hound speak?: Hell Hound can communicate in understands Infernal but can't speak it.