By Alan McCoy from Dungeons & Dragons: Fundamentals
How to build challenging
encounters against a Hell Hound
Note: This has been prepared utilizing only the 5E Core Rules. The Hell Hound can be found in the Monster Manual page 182.
The Hell Hound is a fiend that has been required by its master or some other fell design to assume the form of a predatory animal. It is possible that their first instance of creation was as part of the “Wild Hunt” that has been found in many myths and legends. While there is no telling if this tale is true, it is certain that the sight of a dog shaped animal, consumed with evil and burning from the inside out, is quite terrifying to most men; that is the point after all.
Hellhounds are extra-planar in origin, specifically from the Hells (though exactly which Hell can not be easily determined). When found on the Prime Material Plane, the Hell Hound are usually bound to the service of some powerful creature who has their complete loyalty. Examples include but are not limited to Devils, Fire Giants and Evil mortals that have bargained for their service. As Lawful creatures, the Hell Hound obeys orders from its master, though more that one Mortal has discovered that these creatures are bound to a higher power first.
Hellhounds hunt in packs, almost always a minimum of three to five, but there is nothing limiting these creatures from forming huge packs of thirty or more, provided the Master is strong enough to control them.
Hellhounds appear as huge dogs, four foot at the shoulder and six feet long is typical, but not the limit of their size. They usually have black fur, though it glows from beneath with the heat and fires that exist within the beasts. The eyes appear as burning embers and the mouth opens to reveal a maw stuffed with red-hot coals.
Hellhounds are known to be able to breath fire, they use this not only to attack victims, but also to cause wanton unless specifically commanded not to do so by their master.
Step 1) Let’s Review what we know about the Hell Hound:
The fur of these creatures is as hard as armor yet remains flexible and does not hinder movement at all.
The Hell Hound is fast, with a land speed of 50 feet per round. (see tips and observations).
The Hell Hound is extremely strong, physically very tough, and nimble in combat. It is very aware of its surroundings and knows almost instinctively when some action is not effective or is limited in some way. Their intelligence is such that they understand and obey not only the letter of any the command they are given but also the intention. Hellhounds are exceptionally easy to train, but you cannot change their basic nature; Evil is Evil.
Hellhounds are proficient in Perception, though whether this is training, or instinct is not certain. Because of their Keen Hearing and Keen Smell, they have advantage on any perception check that utilizes these senses.
Hellhounds are immune to fire damage.
Hellhounds have Darkvision 60-feet and a Passive Perception of 15, (see tips and observations).
Hellhounds understand Infernal but cannot speak it. Hellhounds can be trained to accept commands in other languages.
Step 2) Determine the probable Strategy.
Hellhounds are usually utilized as either guardians and companions or as hunter-trackers.
Hellhounds are controlled creatures, not natural ones, and will follow the orders of their Master, they do not act on their own, but will respond to general directives.
A large group of Hellhounds utilized as a hunting pack to run prey down is a terrifying sight to behold.
Step 3) Determine Tactics
While the specific tactics will vary depending on both their number and their Master, these creatures will do their best to fight effectively as a pack.
The Hellhound can utilize PACK TACTICS, giving them advantage on attacks when there is an ally adjacent to their target. You could interpret this to mean their Fire Breath as well, and force those in the cone of both to make their saving throws with DISADVANTAGE. At the very least, I would increase the DC for saving throws vs Multiple Hell-Hound Breath.
An attacking pack of Hellhounds will immediately utilize their breath weapons to burn, shelter and equipment. When directed they will start fires with the purpose of denying access to needed and necessary gear and supplies.
Hellhounds will almost always use part of their number to occupy well armored individuals, potentially using the DODGE Action to avoid injury, while others of their number use their noses and hearing to seek out the softer, tastier targets that wear less armor.
Hellhound bites not only cause significant wounds, they also burn the target.
Hellhounds will gather to overlap their Fire Breath and envelop foes in multiple cones of fire.
Step 4) DM Tips and Observations
Just to ensure my Hell Hounds remain the horrors they should be, I grant mine immunity to difficult terrain, they run across the surface of water, ice, without any issue. Their speed is always 50.
I dislike wasted or inefficient ability score utilization, Players don’t do it, why should monsters, let’s reduce Wisdom to 12 and increase Strength to 18. If you do this, their base bite is d8+4 vs d8+3.
Darkvision should be extended to 100-foot. This allows them to DASH without ending up in the dark.
Armor Class Given does not include Dexterity Bonus, increase to 16.
Large Canines in the REAL WORLD, once they get a good bite, hold on, giving their prey a good shake to attempt to break its neck or cause internal injury. I would incorporate this into the creature’s attack.
Bite: DC 15 Con Save or grappled, creatures grappled take automatic bite and burn damage each round, until they escape or are dropped. The “Bite” damage in subsequent rounds is due to the shaking and rough handling the target receives.