publish: true
aliases:
- Shadow Mastiff Alpha
created: 2026-03-09T12:15:33.941-04:00
modified: 2026-03-09T12:15:33.941-04:00
published: 2026-03-09T12:15:33.941-04:00
tags: - ttrpg-cli/compendium/src/5e/mpmm
- ttrpg-cli/monster/cr/3
- ttrpg-cli/monster/environment/forest
- ttrpg-cli/monster/environment/hill
- ttrpg-cli/monster/environment/swamp
- ttrpg-cli/monster/size/medium
- ttrpg-cli/monster/type/monstrosity
cssclasses: - json5e-monster
obsidianUIMode: preview
Shadow Mastiff Alpha
Source: Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse p. 215, Volo’s Guide to Monsters p. 190
Each pack of shadow mastiffs is led by an alpha, the smartest one of the group. The sound of an alpha’s howl strikes terror into those who hear it and is a sure sign that a pack is on the prowl.
Shadow Mastiffs
Shadow mastiffs—hounds of the Shadowfell—move invisibly through the shadows, always on the hunt.
Statblock
title: Shadow Mastiff Alpha

*Medium monstrosity, Typically Neutral Evil*
- **Armor Class** 12
- **Hit Points** 44 (`8d8 + 8`)
- **Speed** 40 ft.
|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
|16 (+3)|14 (+2)|13 (+1)| 6 (-2)|12 (+1)| 5 (-3)|
- **Proficiency Bonus** +2
- **Saving Throws** ⏤
- **Skills** [Perception](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Perception) +5, [Stealth](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Stealth) +6
- **Senses** [darkvision](Mechanics/CLI/rules/senses.md#Darkvision) 60 ft., passive Perception 15
- **Damage Resistances** bludgeoning, piercing, slashing from nonmagical attacks while in dim light or darkness
- **Languages** —
- **Challenge** 3
## Traits
***Ethereal Awareness.*** The shadow mastiff can see ethereal creatures and objects.
***Sunlight Weakness.*** While in bright light created by sunlight, the shadow mastiff has disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.
## Actions
***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* `+5` to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit:* 10 (`2d6 + 3`) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked [prone](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Prone).
***Terrifying Howl (Recharge 6).*** The shadow mastiff howls. Any Beast or Humanoid within 300 feet of it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be [frightened](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Frightened) of it for 1 minute. A [frightened](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Frightened) target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a target's save is successful or the effect ends for it, the target is immune to any shadow mastiff's Terrifying Howl for the next 24 hours.
## Bonus Actions
***Shadow Blend.*** While in dim light or darkness, the shadow mastiff becomes [invisible](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Invisible), along with anything it is wearing or carrying. The invisibility lasts until the shadow mastiff uses a bonus action to end it or until the shadow mastiff attacks, is in bright light, or is [incapacitated](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Incapacitated).Environment
forest, hill, swamp