Shadow Mastiff

Shadow Mastiff

Although shaped like a dog, this muscular creature has a coat that drinks up the light, drawing shadows in around it. Its maw is full of sharp teeth, and a wisp of shadow drips from its writhing tongue.

XP 1,600

NE Medium outsider (evil, extraplanar)

Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +10

DEFENSE

AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +5 natural)

hp 51 (6d10+18)

Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +5

Defensive Abilities shadow blend

OFFENSE

Spd 50 ft.

Melee bite +10 (1d6+6 plus trip)

Special Attacks bay

STATISTICS

Str 19, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 4, Wis 12, Cha 13

Base Atk +6; CMB +10; CMD 22

Feats Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Power Attack

Skills Perception +10, Stealth +11, Survival +10

Languages Common (cannot speak)

ECOLOGY

Environment any

Organization solitary, pair, or pack (5-8)

Treasure Value none

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Bay (Su) When a shadow mastiff howls or barks, all creatures except evil outsiders within a 300-foot spread must succeed on a DC 16 Will save or become panicked for 2d4 rounds. This is a sonic, mind-affecting fear effect. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected by the same mastiff's bay for 24 hours. The save DC is Charisma-based and includes a +2 racial bonus.

Shadow Blend (Su) In any condition of illumination other than full daylight, a shadow mastiff disappears into the shadows, giving it total concealment. Artificial illumination, even a light or continual flame spell, does not negate this ability. A daylight spell, however, does. A shadow mastiff can suspend or resume this ability as a free action.

Tireless hunters, stealthy trackers, and deadly predators, shadow mastiffs stalk the dark corners of the outer planes, preying upon all beings that stray from the light. These beasts bear little in common with actual canines aside from their general forms, their bodies being the evolution of countless centuries hunting the most merciless wildernesses of the Outer Planes and the Plane of Shadow. On the Material Plane, they prefer to travel in shadow, moving soundlessly and unseen to find prey, hunting in vicious sport just as often as in hunger.

Shadow mastiffs stand over 4 feet tall, with most weighing nearly 300 pounds.

In combat, shadow mastiffs prefer to fight in shadows, shying from areas of bright light unless faced with no other choice and using their bay to cause their enemies to flee from well-lit areas. Shadow mastiffs prefer to hunt in groups, using pack tactics to lure prey into traps and to draw away sources of light. They do not make lairs, and are usually not found with any sort of treasure, unless it is on the body of a recently slain victim.

Summoning a Shadow Mastiff
A shadow mastiff can be summoned using summon monster VI, although it is more frequently called with lesser planar ally or lesser planar binding. A shadow mastiff receives a +4 circumstance bonus on its Charisma check to refuse service if it is summoned into an area of bright illumination. The caster receives a +2 bonus on his Charisma check to demand service if the task is one that involves hunting and slaying a specific creature.