Core Hound (3.5e Creature)

Core Hound

Large Magical Beast (Extraplanar, Fire)

Core Hound

Size/Type:	Large Magical Beast
Hit Dice:	12d10+72 (138 hp hp)
Initiative:	+7
Speed:	40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class:	25 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +13 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 22
Base Attack/Grapple:	+12/+22
Attack:	Bite +17 (1d8+6 plus 1d6 fire)
Full Attack:	2 bites +17 (1d8+6 plus 1d6 fire) and 2 claws +17 (1d6+3)
Space/Reach:	10ft/5ft
Special Attacks:	Immolating blast, fiery bite
Special Qualities:	Damage reduction 5/-, darkvision 120 ft., dual mind, immunity to fear, fire, mind-affecting effects, and poison, low-light vision, fiery regeneration 10, resistance to acid 10, scent, spell resistance 21, vulnerability to cold
Saves:	Fort +15, Ref +11, Will +6
Abilities:	Str 22, Dex 17, Con 23, Int 3, Wis 15, Cha 11
Skills:	Listen +14, Spot +14
Feats:	Alertness, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Initiative, Power Attack
Environment:	The Molten Core
Organization:	Pack (4-8 core hounds)
Challenge Rating:	12
Treasure:	None
Alignment:	Usually neutral evil
Advancement:	—
Level Adjustment:	Understands Ignan

This large, two-headed dog-like creature approaches you. A small, stunted horn juts from the middle of each head. Magma drips from its tooth-filled maws in thick, viscous globs. Its eyes are small, feral infernos of flame set within its blunted heads.

The core hound is the smaller, younger, and more feral version of the ancient core hound. Core hounds roam the Molten Core in savage packs, continually fighting and feeding upon anything available. Packs are dominated by the largest, most powerful core hound, although power struggles occur daily, even though core hounds do not have the ability to seriously harm one another. Duels between opposing core hounds are savage, brutal affairs and continue until one core hound falls unconscious.

Core hounds grow at a relatively quick pace with brief periods of hibernation punctuated with periods of ravenous hunger. The only thing keeping their numbers in check are the relative lack of consumable food. Though core hounds can potentially eat anything, only freshly charred meat provides them with any sustenance. During periods without food, core hounds have been known to feast upon rocks and even their own flesh.

Combat

Core hounds are simple opponents. The pack swarms about an enemy and bites at it until it dies. Then the core hounds feed.

Dual Mind (Ex): A core hound has two heads which govern its every move, thus it doesn’t takes any penalties to hit with its secondary natural attacks (its claws). Plus, it is immune to all mind-affecting spells and effects.

Fiery Bite (Ex): A core hound’s slavering maw drips with fiery magma. Its bite attacks deal an extra 1d6 points of fire damage with each hit.

Immolating Blast (Su): Every 1d4 rounds, when engaged in battle, a core hound reflexively releases a blast of fire from its maws as a free action. The two blasts of fire fill a 10 ft. cone. Anyone within the cone takes 3d6 points of fire damage and catches fire and begins to burn. The burning effect can be negated with a DC 23 Reflex save. A burning creature takes 1d6 points of fire damage each round for 6 rounds unless the creature takes a full-round action to put out the flames (a DC 15 Reflex save). Rolling on the ground provides the target a +2 bonus on the save. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Fiery Regeneration (Ex): A core hound has a special form of regeneration that only functions if it is within 15 ft. of a major heat source (including other core hounds). No form of damage deals lethal damage to a core hound, all damage is converted to nonlethal damage, however it does not begin regenerating hp until it gains nonlethal damage equal to or greater than, at which point its body begins to smolder, gathering heat from its surroundings to rapidly repair its damaged body.

At this point, cold damage can be used to deal lethal damage to a core hound. Moving its body away from the heat source also negates its regenerative abilities, which causes its body to quickly wither and die within 1 round.

Vulnerability to Cold (Ex): A core hound takes half again as much (+50%) cold damage as normal, regardless of whether a saving throw is allowed, or if the save is a success or failure.

Skills: A core hound has a +6 racial bonus on all Spot and Listen checks.

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