Shadow Mastiff (Rogue Genius Games)

Shadow Mastiff CR 5 (Combatant)

XP 1,600
NE Medium outsider (evil, extraplanar)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +11

DEFENSE

HP 70
EAC 17; KAC 19
Fort +9; Ref +7; Will +4
Defensive Abilities shadow blend

OFFENSE

Speed 50 ft.
Melee bite +15 (1d6+10P plus trip), or tail slap +15 (1d6+10B, critical knockdown)
Offensive Abilities fearsome howl

STATISTICS

Str +5; Dex +2; Con +3; Int -3; Wis +1; Cha +1
Skills Acrobatics +11, Stealth +16, Survival +11
Languages Common (cannot speak)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Fearsome Howl (Su)

When a shadow mastiff howls or barks, all creatures within a 300-foot spread except evil outsiders must succeed at a DC 13 Will save or become panicked for 1d4 rounds. This is a sonic, mind-affecting fear effect. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected by the same mastiff’s bay for 24 hours.

Shadow Blend (Su)

In any condition of illumination other than full daylight, a shadow mastiff disappears into the shadows, giving it concealment (50% miss chance). Artificial illumination, even a light or continual flame spell, does not negate this ability; a daylight spell, however, does. A shadow mastiff can suspend or resume this ability as a free action.

ECOLOGY

Environment any land
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3-8)

Many claim that shadow mastiffs are the result of hounds from the natural world having lived and evolved on a realm of darkness for thousands of years.

They are tireless hunters and relentlessly pursue any creature that they are set against.

These black-furred hounds dwell in the dark places of the world. They do this thanks to their innate magical power to blend into any shadows in the area. Only if the darkness is removed can the shadow mastiff be seen in all its terrifying glory.

Shadow mastiffs stand 4 feet at the shoulder and weigh upwards of 400 pounds (40 bulk). Larger specimens – some as large as a horse – have been reputed to exist in the Plane of Shadow.