Stonedogs
Petrifying Pooch
Habitat: Mountain; Treasure: Gems
When born, stonedogs appear and behave like ordinary puppies—energetic and full of mischief. However, as they age, the effects of their bloodline’s exposure to basilisks become apparent. Patches of fur fall away, revealing tough skin that hardens into stone. The oldest stonedogs have little to no fur left. Their eye color gradually shifts to resemble gleaming gemstones. Stonedogs can result from a mix of any canine breed and any type of stone. Roll twice on or choose results from the Stonedog Breeds table to inspire different varieties of stonedogs.
Stonedog Breeds
| 1d12 | Dog Breed | Stone |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akita | Basalt |
| 2 | Boxer | Dolomite |
| 3 | Dobermann | Flint |
| 4 | Great Dane | Gneiss |
| 5 | Great Pyrenees | Granite |
| 6 | Husky | Lapis Lazuli |
| 7 | Leonberger | Limestone |
| 8 | Mastiff | Marble |
| 9 | Retriever | Mariposite |
| 10 | Rottweiler | Obsidian |
| 11 | Saint Bernard | Shale |
| 12 | Wolfhound | Tuff |
Rabid Stonedog
When afflicted by rabies, stonedogs rapidly lose most of their fur, exposing skin that turns pale pink or red. They become highly aggressive, and their bites transmit a petrifying curse. This curse manifests immediately, causing patches of the victim’s skin or hide to turn into clusters of stone. The rabid stonedog’s behavioral changes, however, are not contagious. Without powerful magic, a victim requires plenty of rest, even when struck with the worst effects.
Stonedogs are notably resilient to rabies, often surviving much longer than other animals afflicted by the disease. Because of this extended longevity, when signs of a rabid stonedog are discovered, nearby villages and towns organize hunting parties to slay the creature and prevent the affliction from spreading.
Rabid Stonedog
Medium Monstrosity, Unaligned
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12)
Speed 35 ft., Climb 25 ft.
Initiative +1 (11)
| MOD | SAVE | ||
| STR | 18 | +4 | +6 |
| INT | 3 | -4 | -4 |
| MOD | SAVE | ||
| DEX | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| WIS | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| MOD | SAVE | ||
| CON | 15 | +2 | +4 |
| CHA | 5 | -3 | -3 |
Resistances Slashing
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 11
Languages None
CR 2 (XP 450; PB +2)
Traits
Lethargic. The stonedog can’t take Reactions.
Actions
Multiattack. The stonedog makes one Bite attack and uses Dust Shake if available.
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) Piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) Necrotic damage, and the target is cursed. While cursed, the target’s speed is reduced by 5 feet, it can’t take Reactions, and its AC is 14 if its AC is lower than that. After finishing a long rest, the curse ends and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or have the Petrified condition. A Petrified target can repeat the saving throw every 24 hours, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Dust Shake (Recharge 5–6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 13, each creature in a 10-foot Emanation originating from the stonedog. Failure: The target has the Blinded condition until the end of its next turn.
Downloads
Further Reading
Rock owls can be found in similar environments as stonedogs.
An old vault in the mountains holding a terran band, among other things, could have turned into a stonedog den.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
