Clockwork Hound

Family: Clockwork

Medium construct, unaligned

Armor Class 12
Hit Points 71 (11d8 + 22)
Speed 50 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 1 (-5) 10 (+0) 1 (-5)

Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +4
Skills Athletics +7, Perception +4
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages understands Common but can’t speak
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

  • Construct Nature. The clockwork hound doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
  • Diligent Tracker. The clockwork hound has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Survival) checks that rely on scent or that are made to find a creature.
  • Explosive Core. The mechanism that powers the hound explodes when the Construct is destroyed. Each creature within 5 feet of the hound when it is destroyed must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
  • Immutable Form. The clockwork hound is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form.
  • Magic Resistance. The clockwork hound has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

ACTIONS

  • Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) piercing damage.
  • Tripping Tongue. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be forced prone.

ABOUT

This black, mechanical hunting dog keeps its nose to the ground sniffing and whuffling. Gleaming teeth fill its metal mouth.

Ticking Bloodhounds. Partners to clockwork huntsmen, these black hounds follow the trails of criminals, escaped slaves, and other unfortunates. Their infused spirits are those of hunting hounds, and their animating magic allows them to follow a scent with preternatural speed and accuracy.

Toy Variants. Some claim the infusion of animal spirits into clockwork hounds was one of the great arcane discoveries that made the creation of the gearforged possible; others say that it only made clockwork mages rich. Certainly, the earliest hounds were built for work and war, but recent varieties also include some that are deceptively big-eyed and painted as children’s toys or to match a young aristocrat’s favorite outfit.

Serve the Rulers. Despite this brief flirtation with fashion, most clockwork hounds continue to serve town watches, royal huntsmen, road wardens, moneylenders, and criminal gangs as loyal trackers and guards.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Tome of Beasts 1 ©2023 Open Design LLC; Authors: Daniel Kahn, Jeff Lee, and Mike Welham.

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