Hell Hound
Medium Fiend, lawful evil
700 XP
Special Abilities
Keen Hearing and Smell
The hound has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pack Tactics
The hound has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the hound's allies is within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Actions
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6)
The hound exhales fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Hell hounds are aggressive pack hunters that coordinate attacks and pursue fleeing prey relentlessly. Use their keen senses to make them difficult to ambush, and have them respond to intruders with immediate combat. Deploy them in groups of 2-4 for challenging encounters, as their fire breath becomes more dangerous with numbers. Consider environmental hazards like lava or sulfur vents that synergize with their infernal nature.
Combat Tactics
Hell hounds prioritize targets with ranged capabilities first, then focus on isolated party members. They use their Fire Breath recharge ability strategically, positioning to catch multiple enemies in the 15-foot cone. They chase down low-HP enemies and take advantage of their superior speed (40 ft) to kite and reposition.
Environment & Setting
Infernal locations such as volcano caverns, the Nine Hells, or a devil's lair provide ideal settings. Narrow passages and lava pools enhance the encounter's danger and limit movement options.