Beast Blight, Pox Dog

Family: Beast Blight

Medium monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 12
Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4)
Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13 (+1)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	3 (–4)	10 (+0)	4 (–3)

Skills Perception +2
Senses passive Perception 12
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Keen Hearing and Smell. The pox dog has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
• Pack Tactics. The pox dog has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the dog’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
• Weeping Pox. A humanoid that comes within 5 feet of the pox dog must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or contract Weeping Pox. If a humanoid succeeds on the saving throw, it’s immune to the disease for 24 hours. A humanoid infected with the disease must repeat the saving throw every 24 hours, increasing its exhaustion level by one on a failure. This exhaustion can’t be reduced until the disease is cured. The disease can be cured only with magic. Until the first level of exhaustion sets in, however, the humanoid has sharpened senses and a sense of wellbeing. Whenever this humanoid makes an ability check or saving throw against anything other than the disease, they can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the ability check or saving throw. A slight fever and overexcitement are the only signs this condition comes from Weeping Pox.

ACTIONS

• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage and Weeping Pox.

ABOUT

Weeping Pox has devastated towns and families. It can be carried by animals, breaking their normal method of transmission. A twist of nature or foul magic has created carriers, some intentionally and some aggressively, that spread sickness quickly.

Oozing lesions cover a pox dog’s body, matting its fur. Pus runs from its eyes. Lack of hydration has receded its gums. Pox dogs attack other creatures on sight and form packs, seeking blood to slake their thirst. They are harder to kill than appearances might make it seem.