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Spellhound

Large · Monstrosity · CR 4 · Lawful Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

14 (natural armor)

102 (12d10+36)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Lawful Neutral

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +4

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities

charmed

Traits

Arcane Sense

The spellhound can pinpoint, by scent, the location of spellcasters within 60 feet of it.

Channel Breaker

The spellhound has advantage on attack rolls against a creature, if the creature is concentrating on a spell.

Keen Hearing and Smell

The spellhound has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Magic Resistance

The spellhound has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Multiattack

The spellhound makes two bite attacks.

Nullifying Howl

1/day

The spellhound lets out a high-pitched, multiphonic howl to disrupt magical effects within 60 feet of it. Any spell of 3rd level or lower within the area ends. For each spell of 4th-level or higher in the area, the spellhound makes an ability check, adding its Constitution modifier to the roll. The DC equals 10 + the spell's level. On a success, the spell ends.

In addition, each spellcaster within 30 feet of the spellhound that can hear the howl must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.

About Spellhound

Spellhound is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 102 hit points (derived from 12d10+36).

GM Tips: Using Spellhound

2 tips available

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

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Spellhound

2 strategies available

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

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

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

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Spellhound?: Spellhound has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Spellhound?: Spellhound is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.