The Briar-Hound
Homebrew
The Briar-Hound CR: 8
STR
22 +6
DEX
16 +3
CON
20 +5
INT
8 -1
WIS
16 +3
CHA
14 +2
Perception +8, Survival +8, Athletics +11
Tremorsense 30ft., Darkvision 90ft., Passive Perception 18
Heart-Bound Guardian
While the Mad Huntress is within 60 feet, the Briar-Hound gains:
- Advantage on all saving throws
- Regains 10 HP at the start of its turn
If the Huntress drops below half HP, the Briar-Hound immediately moves up to its speed toward the creature that damaged her (no reaction required).
Thornblood Vengeance
When the Briar-Hound takes damage, each creature within 5 feet takes
5 (1d10) piercing damage from erupting thorns.
Rooted Persistence
The Briar-Hound cannot be knocked prone and has advantage on saves against being moved or restrained.
Pack Anchor
All allied Thornshadow Wolves within 30 feet gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened and knocked prone.
Actions
Multiattack
The Briar-Hound makes two attacks: one Briar Bite and one Slam, or two Briar Bites.
Briar Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) piercing + 9 (2d8) necrotic.
The target must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution save or become Briar-Wounded:
- Takes 7 (2d6) necrotic damage at the start of its turn as thorned vines sprout from the wound.
- Speed reduced by 10 ft.
- Ends with an action to remove the vines 9 (2d8) Piercing or successful DC 15 Medicine check
Root-Crush Slam
Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) bludgeoning and the target must succeed on a DC 17 Strength save or be grappled (escape DC 17 Strength).
While grappled, the target is restrained as roots coil around them.
Verdant Rush (Recharge 5-6)
The Briar-Hound charges up to 40 feet in a straight line.
Each creature in its path takes 22 (4d10) bludgeoning + piercing damage and must make a DC 19 Dexterity save or be knocked prone.
Bonus Actions
Guardian's Interpose
When a creature the Briar-Hound can see targets the Mad Huntress with an attack, the Briar-Hound moves up to 20 feet to interpose itself, becoming the new target if within range.
Reactions
Heart-Fury
When the Mad Huntress is hit by an attack, the Briar-Hound may make one Briar Bite against the attacker if within range.
Motivation/Compulsion
The Briar-Hound was once a real animal companion, bound to the Mad Huntress by love, not magic.
The curse did not create it — it refused to leave her.
Its eyes still soften when she speaks its true name.
Usual Tactics
- Prioritizes body-blocking and grappling high-damage threats.
- Uses Verdant Rush to disrupt backlines.
- Will fight to the death unless purified.
- Never retreats while the Huntress lives
Its body is a living tangle of bark, sinew, and black roses.
Moss hangs from its shoulders like a mane.
Where its heart should be, briars coil around a glowing ember of feylight.
Find your way!
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