Sandbox Encounters: Canker Hound...

Good Afternoon, All:

For my next post in the A-Z Challenge, I will be posting a Sandbox Encounter focused on a plague-ridden flying canine. C is for Canker Hound.

Canker Hound

Brief Description: Pestilent bearers of plague and disease, the canker hound resembles a large wolf with black, leathery bat wings, its hide spotty with mange, blemishes and pustules. Twisted by the blood of gods, the canker hound is a ferocious predator. Indeed, the bite of a canker hound is highly infectious with canker fever. Canker hounds themselves are immune to disease.

Encounter Groups: These are common encounter groups for this type of encounter.

• Novice (levels 1-3): 3 Canker Hound Cubs, 1 Canker Hound. 2d6x5 silver shillings, basic mundane equipment on the corpses of previous victims.


• Seasoned (levels 4-6): 10 Canker Hound Cubs, 2 Canker Hounds, 1 Advanced Canker Hound. 3d6x10 silver shillings, basic mundane equipment on the corpses of previous victims.


• Veteran (levels 7-10): 20 Canker Hound Cubs, 4 Canker Hounds, 2 Advanced Canker Hounds. 4d6x20 silver shillings, basic mundane equipment on the corpses of previous victims.

Stat Blocks: The following stats are provided as examples for inspiration. Please adjust as needed to fit your preferred gaming system and style.

• Canker Hound Cubs: AC 6 [13]; HD 2; Atk: bite (1d6 + disease); ST: 16; SP: diseased bite (1d6 damage per day, save ends), immune to disease; MV: 15, fly 21; CL 4; XP 120.


• Canker Hound: AC 4 [15]; HD 5; Atk: bite (1d8 + disease); ST: 12; SP: diseased bite (2d4 damage per day, save ends), immune to disease; MV: 15, fly 21; CL 8; XP 800.


• Advanced Canker Hound: AC 3 [16]; HD 8; Atk: bite (2d6 + disease); ST: 8; SP: diseased bite (2d6 damage per day, save ends), immune to disease; MV: 15, fly 21; CL 11; XP 1,700.

Encounter Ideas: Here are six different scenarios related to this encounter type.

1. The pack of canker hounds are returning to their lair after an unsuccessful hunt.


2. The pack of canker hounds are marking their territory as a warning to intruders.


3. The pack of canker hounds are chasing a flock of flying creatures.


4. The pack of canker hounds have gathered about the corpse of one of their cubs, mourning their loss when the party comes upon the scene.


5. The pack of canker hounds are sleeping after a successful hunt, and do not take kindly to being interrupted.


6. The canker hounds are actually of two different packs, and are confronting one another over territory when the party comes upon the scene.

Enjoy,
Flynn