Could I get some feedback on this? I thought of just reskinning a wolf but I'd like to challenge my low level party with something a little more scary. Used wolf as a base.
These dogs are bred specifically for warfare. The size of a great dane with the build of a mastiff, the discipline of a doberman with the ferocity of a pit bull. I've boosted strength by 1 and added half plate but kept that at AC 15. The idea is that they're meant to be under control so I don't have to actually kill anyone if it gets out of control.
I figure the extra AC and abilities makes it a 1/2 CR. FYI, it's a for a human urban/civilised environment so not a lot of scope for monsters (yet).
Keen Hearing and Smell. The battle dog has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pack Tactics. The battle dog has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the wolf's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Trained. The battle dog has resistance against being charmed or controlled by anyone not its master, and advantage on attack rolls against a creature if its humanoid master is within 30 feet and can be heard by the battle dog.
Actions
Charge. Melee Attack: As a bonus action, if battle dog moves at least 10 feet in a straight line immediately before attacking, it gains advantage on contested Strength (Athletics) checks to knock a creature prone.
Bite.Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone
I like your creation. The only modification I would make would be to Trained. Unless they are owned by a magical creature, I would make it either "disadvantage against being charmed through non-magical effects" or make it to where creatures other than its master have disadvantage on Animal Handling checks against it. And you can keep the 2nd half of Trained the way it is. The reason I suggest this change is because if any other npc in the game as a dog, even if the dog was as loyal as dogs are, magic would sort of trump that. You could even increase their wisdom score, or proficiency in Wisdom saving throws due to training.
Also, there is no resistance to being charmed, I think what you mean is just disadvantage. So my above comments are the assumption that you meant disadvantage.
Could I get some feedback on this? I thought of just reskinning a wolf but I'd like to challenge my low level party with something a little more scary. Used wolf as a base.
These dogs are bred specifically for warfare. The size of a great dane with the build of a mastiff, the discipline of a doberman with the ferocity of a pit bull. I've boosted strength by 1 and added half plate but kept that at AC 15. The idea is that they're meant to be under control so I don't have to actually kill anyone if it gets out of control.
I figure the extra AC and abilities makes it a 1/2 CR. FYI, it's a for a human urban/civilised environment so not a lot of scope for monsters (yet).
Keen Hearing and Smell. The battle dog has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pack Tactics. The battle dog has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the wolf's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Trained. The battle dog has resistance against being charmed or controlled by anyone not its master, and advantage on attack rolls against a creature if its humanoid master is within 30 feet and can be heard by the battle dog.
Charge. Melee Attack: As a bonus action, if battle dog moves at least 10 feet in a straight line immediately before attacking, it gains advantage on contested Strength (Athletics) checks to knock a creature prone.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone
I like your creation. The only modification I would make would be to Trained. Unless they are owned by a magical creature, I would make it either "disadvantage against being charmed through non-magical effects" or make it to where creatures other than its master have disadvantage on Animal Handling checks against it. And you can keep the 2nd half of Trained the way it is. The reason I suggest this change is because if any other npc in the game as a dog, even if the dog was as loyal as dogs are, magic would sort of trump that. You could even increase their wisdom score, or proficiency in Wisdom saving throws due to training.
Also, there is no resistance to being charmed, I think what you mean is just disadvantage. So my above comments are the assumption that you meant disadvantage.
Published Subclasses