War Hound, Dwarven (CR 2)

A stocky dog with shaggy grey-black fur emerges from a dark corridor and bares its teeth in a deep growl. 

XP 600

N Medium animal

Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent; Perception +2

DEFENSE

AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +3 natural)

hp 25 (3d8+12 plus grab)

Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.

Melee bite +5 (1d8+3)

Space 5 ft., Reach 5 ft.

STATISTICS

Str 17, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6

Base Atk +2; CMB +19; CMD 29 (32 vs. trip)

Feats Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills Acrobatics +7 (+15 jumping), Perception +6, Survival +6 (+10 scent tracking); Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics when jumping, 

   +4 Survival when tracking by scent

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Defensive Training 

Dwarven hounds gain a +4 dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant subtype. 

Hardy  

Dwarven hounds gain a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against poison, spells, and spell-like abilities.

Lockjaw (Ex) 

The dwarven hound’s jaw muscles are extremely strong and once it locks on to something it is very hard to get it to let go. The dwarven hound can attempt to grab its opponent on a successful bite attack. 

Stability 

Dwarven hounds gain a +4 racial bonus to their Combat Maneuver Defense when resisting a bull rush or trip attempt while standing on the ground. 

Carrying Capacity 

A light load for a dwarven hound is up to 129 pounds; a medium load, 130-260 pounds; a heavy load, 261-390 pounds. A dwarven hound can drag 1,950 pounds. 

ECOLOGY

Environment temperate hills and mountains

Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3-9)

Treasure none

Dwarven war hounds resemble bull mastiffs. They are a large working dog, with a stocky, muscular body. The breed is used as an armored guard dog, war dog, and livestock driver, or to hunt down enemies in the deep, dark tunnels of dwarven mines and complexes. By nature they are very loyal to their masters, protecting home, property and other animals to the death.

Dwarven war hounds stand about three feet at the shoulders and weigh around 250 pounds, though some males often reach 300 pounds. They typically have dark grey or black coats.