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Chaos Hounds

—

by

Dale
in

From: Vesperons Enigmatic Sanctum

Lore: Chaos Hounds are supernatural beings born from the very essence of the chaotic energies that permeate Vesperon’s Enigmatic Sanctum. They are fierce and unpredictable canine creatures, manifestations of the dungeon’s unruly nature and the whims of its enigmatic master, Vesperon. The Chaos Hounds serve as loyal guardians and protectors of the dungeon, carrying out Vesperon’s bidding and defending his domain against intruders.

These mystical hounds possess the extraordinary ability to manipulate probabilities within their vicinity. Their presence distorts reality, causing projectiles to veer off course, traps to malfunction, and chance events to take unexpected turns. Their chaotic influence makes them formidable adversaries, as adventurers can never fully anticipate the outcome of any confrontation with the Chaos Hounds.

Chaos Hounds are fiercely devoted to Vesperon, and their attacks become more ferocious and devastating as they sense intruders drawing closer to their master. They are vigilant sentinels, constantly on the lookout for potential threats and ready to unleash their chaotic power upon any who dare to challenge Vesperon’s Enigmatic Sanctum.

Stats (Level One):

  • Health Points: 35
  • Armor Class: 15
  • Speed: 40 feet (Run)
  • Initiative: +4

Skills:

  • Probability Manipulation: Chaos Hounds can manipulate probabilities within their vicinity, causing unpredictable outcomes in combat situations.
  • Master’s Instinct: Chaos Hounds have an inherent ability to sense intruders drawing closer to their master, Vesperon, making them more aggressive and formidable.

Strategy: Chaos Hounds are not strategic thinkers; their chaotic nature drives them to engage in combat with reckless abandon. They rush towards intruders fearlessly, using their enhanced speed and agility to close the distance quickly. During combat, they rely on their probability manipulation to sow confusion among their enemies, causing attacks to miss or traps to backfire.

Their relentless loyalty to Vesperon means that Chaos Hounds will prioritize protecting their master’s lair and attacking those who threaten it. They are relentless pursuers, and even if driven back, they will regroup and attempt to corner adventurers within the ever-shifting maze of the dungeon.

Attacks:

  • Chaos Bite: Chaos Hounds bite with jaws imbued with chaotic energy, causing slashing damage. On impact, their bites have a chance to inflict random secondary effects, such as temporary blindness or disorientation.
  • Probability Distortion: Chaos Hounds unleash a wave of chaotic energy in a radius around them, causing ranged attacks to veer off course and traps to misfire. This ability lasts for a short duration, making ranged combat challenging within their proximity.

Vulnerabilities:

  • Chaotic Backlash: Chaos Hounds are vulnerable to spells or abilities that neutralize or absorb chaotic energies. They may suffer a temporary weakening effect if they fail to manipulate probability effectively.
  • Master’s Call: Despite their fierce loyalty, Chaos Hounds may be momentarily distracted or drawn away if Vesperon calls upon them for a specific task.

Tags: Chaotic Guardians, Probability Manipulators, Unpredictable Beasts, Vesperon’s Loyal Hounds, Ethereal Creatures

Encounters with Chaos Hounds present a unique challenge, as adventurers must contend not only with their formidable physical prowess but also the unpredictable and chaotic nature of their abilities. Defeating these loyal and unpredictable guardians is a test of adaptability and strategic thinking, as adventurers must navigate through the maelstrom of chaos to reach the heart of Vesperon’s Enigmatic Sanctum.

Engagement in Battle: Chaos Hounds are aggressive and fearless combatants, charging headlong into the fray with an aura of unpredictability. They use their incredible speed to close the distance to their foes rapidly. Once in melee range, Chaos Hounds rely on their chaotic nature to manipulate probabilities during combat. Their bites carry an aura of unpredictable energy, causing secondary effects like temporary blindness or disorientation upon impact.

In the midst of battle, Chaos Hounds unleash their Probability Distortion ability, creating a turbulent field of chaotic energy around them. This field disrupts ranged attacks, causing projectiles to veer off course, and traps to misfire. This ability makes it challenging for adventurers to rely on ranged attacks while within the vicinity of these chaotic beings.

Chaos Hounds are relentless in their pursuit of intruders, pressing on even after taking damage. Their heightened aggression and ferocity grow as they sense adventurers drawing closer to their master, Vesperon. They will fight fiercely to protect their enigmatic master and the secrets of the dungeon.

Sounds They Might Make: Chaos Hounds emit a mix of eerie and chaotic sounds during battle. As they rush towards their prey, their footfalls create an echoing rhythm that reverberates through the corridors. Their attacks are accompanied by discordant howls, growls, and bursts of energy, giving the impression of an unstable and unpredictable force at work.

Environment Where Found: Chaos Hounds are commonly found patrolling the labyrinthine halls, shadowy chambers, and hidden passageways of Vesperon’s Enigmatic Sanctum. They are drawn to areas with chaotic energies, making them more prevalent in sections of the dungeon where the barriers between realities are thinnest.

Their loyalty to Vesperon leads them to protect areas that hold significant importance to their master, such as his sanctum or chambers with valuable relics. Adventurers may encounter Chaos Hounds both in open areas and in confined spaces, making their presence a constant threat throughout the ever-shifting environment.

Remains and Uses:

  • Harvesting remains from a defeated Chaos Hound requires caution, as the chaotic energies within their bodies can be volatile. However, those who manage to safely extract their remains can find valuable uses for them:
  • Chaos Essence: Extracting a portion of the Chaos Hound’s essence yields Chaos Essence, a potent substance imbued with chaotic energies. Chaos Essence can be utilized in magical experiments to create unpredictable effects in spells or imbue objects with chaotic properties.
  • Amulet of Unpredictability: Skilled enchanters can use the remains to craft an Amulet of Unpredictability. When worn, this amulet grants the wearer limited control over probabilities, allowing them to increase their luck or introduce unpredictability to their actions.
  • Chaos Ward: A Chaos Ward can be created by carefully processing and containing the chaotic energies within the remains. When activated, the ward temporarily shields the user from the influence of probability manipulation, providing a measure of protection against similar chaotic abilities.

Note: The handling of Chaos Hound remains should be undertaken with the utmost care, as the chaotic energies they contain can have unintended and dangerous consequences. Those with a deep understanding of chaos magic or the ability to harness such energies are best suited to utilize these remains to their fullest potential.

What is perceived by the five senses when the creature is noticed includes multiple extra-sensory perceptions.

  • Sight
    • Perception:
      • When first seen, the Chaos Hound is a menacing figure that seems to flicker in and out of focus, as if reality itself is unsure of its presence. Its dark, sleek fur shimmers with patches that unpredictably change color, adding to its eerie, otherworldly appearance. The hound’s eyes glow with a piercing, unnatural light that seems to bore into the soul of anyone who meets its gaze. Small tendrils of magical distortion swirl around it, creating a constantly shifting aura of chaotic energy.
    • Description:
      • The Chaos Hound is visually striking, with its ethereal appearance and unsettling movements. The chaotic energy around it makes it appear as though it is partially phasing in and out of existence.
    • Positives:
      • Its appearance warns of its dangerous nature, allowing adventurers to prepare for combat.
      • The visual chaos can be used to identify areas of high magical disturbance.
    • Negatives:
      • The shifting colors and distortions can be disorienting and distracting.
      • Its piercing gaze can instill fear or hesitation in those who look into its eyes.
  • Sound
    • Perception:
      • The Chaos Hound emits a mix of eerie and chaotic sounds. Its footfalls create an echoing rhythm that reverberates through the dungeon corridors. The hound’s growls and howls are discordant, often accompanied by bursts of energy that sound like crackling lightning or the tearing of fabric.
    • Description:
      • The auditory experience of a Chaos Hound is unsettling and unpredictable. The sounds it makes can vary in pitch and intensity, adding to the sense of chaos and danger.
    • Positives:
      • The distinct sounds can alert adventurers to the hound’s presence before it is seen.
      • The auditory chaos can be used to track the hound’s movements within the dungeon.
    • Negatives:
      • The sounds can be disorienting and make it difficult to concentrate.
      • The noise can mask other important sounds, such as the approach of additional enemies or the triggering of traps.
  • Smell
    • Perception:
      • The air around a Chaos Hound carries a pungent, acrid scent reminiscent of ozone mixed with the earthy smell of damp stone. This smell is often accompanied by a faint, metallic tang that stings the nostrils.
    • Description:
      • The olfactory presence of a Chaos Hound is strong and unmistakable. The combination of scents suggests a blend of natural and unnatural elements, fitting for a creature born of chaotic energies.
    • Positives:
      • The distinctive smell can serve as an early warning of the hound’s presence.
      • The scent can help adventurers track the hound through the dungeon.
    • Negatives:
      • The strong smell can be overwhelming and cause nausea or distraction.
      • The scent can linger, making it difficult to determine the hound’s exact location.
  • Touch
    • Perception:
      • The air around a Chaos Hound feels charged with static electricity. Close proximity to the creature can cause a tingling sensation on the skin, similar to the feeling before a lightning strike. The fur of the hound, if touched, feels unnaturally cool and seems to shift and ripple under the fingers.
    • Description:
      • The tactile experience of a Chaos Hound is both fascinating and unsettling. The sensation of static electricity and the hound’s shifting fur reinforce its chaotic nature.
    • Positives:
      • The tactile sensations can confirm the presence of chaotic energy, providing additional information about the hound’s abilities.
      • The cool fur can be used to identify the hound by touch in complete darkness.
    • Negatives:
      • The static electricity can cause discomfort or minor shocks.
      • The shifting fur can be unnerving and disorienting to touch.
  • Taste
    • Perception:
      • While taste is not typically a sense associated with encountering a Chaos Hound, the chaotic energies it radiates can leave a strange, metallic taste in the mouth. This taste is often accompanied by a slight numbing sensation on the tongue.
    • Description:
      • The taste associated with the hound is an unusual and unexpected side effect of its presence, adding to the overall sense of disorientation and unease.
    • Positives:
      • The metallic taste can serve as a subtle indicator of the hound’s presence, especially in low-visibility situations.
    • Negatives:
      • The taste can be unpleasant and distracting, making it difficult to focus on other tasks.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions
    • Perception:
      • Adventurers with heightened senses or magical abilities may perceive the Chaos Hound in additional ways. Its chaotic nature can be sensed as a distortion in the fabric of reality, causing spells to behave unpredictably. Those attuned to magic may feel a pulsating, erratic energy radiating from the hound, disrupting their concentration and magical control.
    • Description:
      • The extra-sensory perception of the hound’s chaotic influence can vary greatly depending on the individual’s abilities. Some may see shimmering auras, others may feel intense vibrations, and some might even hear whispers or see visions.
    • Positives:
      • Extra-sensory perceptions can provide early warnings and additional information about the hound’s capabilities and movements.
      • These perceptions can help adventurers adapt their strategies to counter the hound’s chaotic influence.
    • Negatives:
      • The erratic energies can disrupt spellcasting and other magical abilities, making it difficult to fight the hound effectively.
      • The sensory overload can cause confusion, headaches, or even hallucinations, impairing the adventurers’ ability to think clearly.

The Chaos Hound’s presence is an overwhelming and disorienting experience, engaging all senses in unpredictable ways. Its chaotic nature not only makes it a formidable adversary but also a constant source of tension and unease for those who encounter it.

Legend of the Chaos Hounds of Vesperon

In the days of yore, when the realms of men and magic intertwined in ways most unfathomable, there existed a place of great mystery and peril known as Vesperon’s Enigmatic Sanctum. This sanctum, a labyrinth of shifting shadows and unpredictable twists, was ruled by the enigmatic master Vesperon, a being of such chaotic nature that even the gods themselves did tremble at his whim.

It is said that from the very essence of Vesperon’s chaotic energies, there were born creatures of great ferocity and loyalty. These were the Chaos Hounds, beings of canine form yet unlike any hound that roamed the earthly realms. Their bodies, sleek and dark, shimmered with colors that shifted and danced like flames in a storm. Their eyes glowed with a light not of this world, piercing and unyielding, and around them swirled tendrils of chaos, distorting reality itself.

The tale tells that the Chaos Hounds were the guardians of Vesperon’s domain, ever watchful, ever loyal. They possessed the power to bend probabilities, to make arrows veer from their paths, and traps to spring in ways most unexpected. Adventurers who dared to enter the sanctum found themselves at the mercy of these fearsome beasts, their fates twisted by the hounds’ chaotic influence.

One such adventurer was a knight of great renown, Sir Alaric, who sought to challenge the mysteries of Vesperon’s sanctum and claim its treasures. As he ventured deep into the heart of the labyrinth, he encountered the Chaos Hounds, their presence announced by a cacophony of howls and discordant echoes. Sir Alaric, brave and steadfast, fought valiantly, but the hounds’ ability to manipulate the very fabric of fate made his efforts futile. His strikes missed their mark, and the traps he set turned against him. In the end, he was forced to retreat, bearing the marks of the hounds’ chaotic bites.

Defeated but not broken, Sir Alaric returned to his homeland with tales of the Chaos Hounds, warning all who would listen of their fearsome power and unwavering loyalty to Vesperon. The story spread far and wide, and the Chaos Hounds became figures of legend, their existence a reminder of the unpredictability and peril that lay within Vesperon’s Enigmatic Sanctum.

Moral of the Story: Beware the allure of chaos and the guardians it births, for within its grasp lies a force beyond mortal control, where even the bravest may falter and the wisest may be confounded.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Chaos Hound

  • STR: 70
  • CON: 65
  • SIZ: 60
  • DEX: 80
  • INT: 50
  • POW: 60
  • Hit Points: 12
  • Sanity Loss: 1/1D6 (seeing a Chaos Hound)
  • Skills:
    • Brawl: 65%
    • Dodge: 50%
  • Attacks:
    • Bite: 1D6+1
    • Probability Distortion: A Chaos Hound can cause one random event to occur once per encounter, forcing a Luck roll from all nearby investigators. Failures result in misfires or accidental injuries.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Reality Warp: Once per round, the Chaos Hound can cause a nearby attacker to reroll their attack with a -20% penalty.
    • Detect Intruders: The Chaos Hound can sense any creature with INT higher than 50 within a 50-yard radius.
  • Armor: 2 points of unnatural resilience

Blades in the Dark

Chaos Hound

  • Tier: IV
  • Quality: Superior
  • Features:
    • Speed: 3 (Very Fast)
    • Ferocity: 2 (Aggressive and dangerous)
    • Cunning: 2 (Manipulative in battle)
  • Special Abilities:
    • Probability Manipulation: The hound can manipulate outcomes once per scene, causing a critical failure for a single enemy action.
    • Unnatural Loyalty: The hound fights to the death to protect its master, Vesperon.
  • Harm:
    • Bite: 2 Harm (Lethal)
    • Chaotic Aura: 1 Harm to all enemies within close range every time they roll a 1-3 on any die.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Chaos Hound

  • Medium Aberration, Chaotic Neutral
  • Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
  • Hit Points: 45 (6d8+18)
  • Speed: 40 ft.
  • STR: 16 (+3)
  • DEX: 18 (+4)
  • CON: 16 (+3)
  • INT: 10 (+0)
  • WIS: 14 (+2)
  • CHA: 8 (-1)
  • Skills: Perception +4, Stealth +6
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
  • Languages: Understands Abyssal but cannot speak
  • Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
  • Abilities:
    • Probability Manipulation: As a reaction, the Chaos Hound can impose disadvantage on one attack roll, ability check, or saving throw made by a creature it can see within 30 feet of it.
    • Unyielding Loyalty: The hound has advantage on attack rolls against creatures that have damaged Vesperon.
  • Actions:
    • Multiattack: The Chaos Hound makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
    • Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) chaotic damage.
    • Probability Distortion (Recharge 5-6): The hound emits a burst of chaotic energy. Each creature within 20 feet of it must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) chaotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Additionally, all ranged attacks against creatures in this area are made with disadvantage for 1 minute.

Knave

Chaos Hound

  • Hit Dice: 4 (24 HP)
  • Armor: 2 (15 AC)
  • Move: 12
  • Abilities:
    • Strength: +3
    • Dexterity: +4
    • Constitution: +3
    • Intelligence: +0
    • Wisdom: +2
    • Charisma: -1
  • Skills:
    • Stealth +6
    • Perception +4
  • Attacks:
    • Bite: +4 to hit, 1d6+3 damage, chaotic effects.
    • Probability Distortion: Once per encounter, all enemies within 30 ft. must roll with disadvantage on their next attack or action.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Probability Manipulation: Any attack against the Chaos Hound has a 50% chance to miss regardless of the roll.
    • Loyal Guardian: The hound gains +2 to attack rolls and damage when near Vesperon.

Fate Core

Chaos Hound

  • High Concept: Guardian of Vesperon’s Chaos
  • Aspects:
    • Loyal to Vesperon
    • Manipulator of Probability
    • Ethereal and Menacing Presence
  • Skills:
    • Fight: +4
    • Athletics: +3
    • Notice: +3
    • Stealth: +2
  • Stunts:
    • Probability Distortion: Once per scene, the Chaos Hound can force an opponent to reroll a successful attack against it.
    • Chaotic Bite: +2 to Fight when making bite attacks.
  • Stress:
    • Physical: 3 boxes
    • Mental: 2 boxes
  • Consequences:
    • Mild
    • Moderate
    • Severe

Numenera & Cypher System

Chaos Hound

  • Level: 4 (12 health)
  • Motive: Defend Vesperon’s Sanctum
  • Armor: 2
  • Movement: Long
  • Attacks:
    • Bite: 6 damage
    • Probability Distortion (2 Intellect points): All attacks against the Chaos Hound suffer a level of difficulty increase for one minute.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Chaotic Aura: Once per day, the hound can create an aura that affects all creatures within immediate range, causing them to take an additional 2 points of damage from all sources for the next 10 minutes.
    • Ethereal Presence: The hound can become insubstantial for one round, allowing it to move through solid objects.
  • Loot: Chaos Essence (minor glowglobes, oddities)

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Chaos Hound

  • Creature 4
  • Perception: +10; darkvision
  • Skills: Athletics +10, Stealth +11, Perception +10
  • AC: 19; Fort: +9, Ref: +11, Will: +7
  • HP: 55
  • Speed: 40 feet
  • Melee:
    • Bite: +11, Damage 2d6+4 piercing plus 1d6 chaotic energy
  • Abilities:
    • Chaotic Aura (aura, primal, transmutation): 20-foot aura; ranged attacks in the aura have a -2 circumstance penalty.
    • Probability Manipulation (primal, transmutation): As a reaction, the Chaos Hound can impose disadvantage on one attack roll, ability check, or saving throw made by a creature it can see within 30 feet.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Unyielding Loyalty: The Chaos Hound has a +2 circumstance bonus to attack and damage rolls against creatures that have damaged Vesperon.

Savage Worlds

Chaos Hound

  • Attributes:
    • Agility: d10
    • Smarts: d6
    • Spirit: d8
    • Strength: d8
    • Vigor: d8
  • Skills:
    • Fighting: d10
    • Notice: d8
    • Stealth: d10
  • Pace: 8; Parry: 7; Toughness: 7 (2)
  • Edges:
    • Loyal: The hound is exceptionally loyal to Vesperon.
    • Quick: The hound can redraw initiative cards of 5 or lower.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Bite: Str+d6
    • Probability Distortion: The Chaos Hound can cause one opponent to reroll a successful attack against it as a reaction.
    • Chaotic Aura: Ranged attacks against the hound are made at a -2 penalty.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Chaos Hound

  • Attributes:
    • Body: 6
    • Agility: 7
    • Reaction: 6
    • Strength: 6
    • Willpower: 5
    • Logic: 3
    • Intuition: 5
    • Charisma: 2
    • Edge: 3
  • Condition Monitor:
    • Physical: 12
    • Stun: 11
  • Skills:
    • Unarmed Combat: 8
    • Perception: 6
    • Stealth: 7
    • Initiative: 11 + 3d6
    • Movement: 12m/24m/+6m
    • Defense Rating: 16
  • Attacks:
    • Bite: 8P, AP –1
    • Probability Distortion: The Chaos Hound can spend Edge to cause one reroll per combat encounter, forcing the opponent to reroll a successful attack.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Chaotic Aura: Ranged attacks against the Chaos Hound suffer a –2 dice pool penalty.
    • Unnatural Resilience: +2 dice pool bonus to resist damage from physical attacks.

Starfinder

Chaos Hound

  • CR: 4
  • XP: 1,200
  • Type: Magical Beast (Extraplanar, Chaotic)
  • Init: +7
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +12
  • Defense:
    • EAC: 16
    • KAC: 18
    • HP: 55
    • Fort: +6
    • Ref: +7
    • Will: +5
    • Speed: 40 ft.
  • Attacks:
    • Melee: Bite +11 (1d8+8 P)
    • Special Attack: Probability Distortion (DC 15, once per day): Forces all creatures within 30 feet to roll a DC 15 Reflex save. Failure means their next attack roll, skill check, or saving throw is made with disadvantage (roll twice, take the worse result).
  • Special Abilities:
    • Chaotic Aura: All ranged attacks made against the Chaos Hound suffer a –2 penalty.
    • Loyal Guardian: Gains +2 to attack and damage rolls when protecting its master, Vesperon.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Chaos Hound

  • Characteristics:
    • STR: 9
    • DEX: 11
    • END: 9
    • INT: 6
    • EDU: N/A
    • SOC: N/A
  • Skills:
    • Athletics (Coordination): 2
    • Melee (Unarmed): 2
    • Recon: 1
    • Stealth: 1
  • Traits:
    • Natural Weapons (Bite): 2D damage
    • Probability Distortion: Once per encounter, the Chaos Hound can force an opponent to reroll a successful attack against it.
    • Chaotic Aura: All ranged attacks made against the Chaos Hound suffer a –1 DM.
  • Armor: 4
  • Movement: 10 meters
  • Endurance: 9

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Chaos Hound

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  • Skills:
    • Athletics: 45
    • Dodge: 45
    • Perception: 40
    • Stealth: 45
  • Traits:
    • Fury: The Chaos Hound deals +1 damage with all melee attacks.
    • Natural Weapons (Bite): Deals 1d10+4 damage.
    • Chaotic Aura: All ranged attacks against the Chaos Hound suffer a –10 penalty.
    • Probability Distortion: Once per encounter, the Chaos Hound can force an opponent to reroll a successful attack against it.
  • Special Rules:
    • Loyal to Vesperon: The Chaos Hound gains +10 to all attack rolls when within 10 yards of its master, Vesperon.