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Orthrus (Orthos, Orthus )

A two-headed Orthrus, with snake tail, lying wounded at the feet of Heracles (left) and the three-bodied Geryon (right). Detail from a red-figure kylix by Euphronios, 550–500 BC, Staatliche Antikensammlungen (Munich 2620). Orthrus
A two-headed Orthrus, with snake tail, lying wounded at the feet of Heracles (left) and the three-bodied Geryon (right). Detail from a red-figure kylix by Euphronios, 550–500 BC, Staatliche Antikensammlungen (Munich 2620).

Orthrus (Orthos,  Orthus) the giant two-headed hound the brother of Cerberus, both whelped by the chthonic monster Echidne by Typhon.

He was owned by the three-bodied Titan, Geryon. Orthrus and his master, Eurytion, were charged with guarding Geryon’s herd of red cattle in the “sunset” land of Erytheia (“red one”), one of the islands of the Hesperides in the far west of the Mediterranean. Heracles eventually slew Orthrus, Eurytion, and Geryon, before taking the red cattle to complete his tenth labor.

Orthrus lives on the Red Island beyond the sunset. He serves Geryon and is accompanied by a large herd of cattle and Geryon’s herdsman Eurytion.


Orthos

D&D 5E – Epic Monsters: Geryon and Orthos | EN World | Dungeons & Dragons | Tabletop Roleplaying Games

​In this instance we’re going with the classic three-headed version with the two-headed canine Orthos (also known as Orthrus).

Medium monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 30 (4d8+12)
Speed 40 ft.

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
18 (+4)​15 (+2)​17 (+3)​4 (–3)​13 (+1)​10 (+0)​

Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +5; Proficiency +2
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +4, Survival +3
Senses passive Perception 20
Languages 
Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Two Heads. Orthos has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, or knocked unconscious.

ACTIONS
Multiattack. Orthos attacks twice with its bite and once with its snake-tail.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) poison damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Snake-Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) poison damage.

Orthrus possesses a body that resembles a two-headed hound or wolf with a draconic head sprouting from its tail. His fur is faintly reddish, and both of his mouths bristle with oversized teeth.

Source: Pathfinder d20pfsrd.com

[This content was created for the Pathfinder rules by Paizo Publishing LLC and is part of the Pathfinder RPG product line.]

Orthrus CR 7
XP 3,200

CE Large magical beast

Init +5; Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +10
DEFENSE
AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 18 (+1 Dexterity,+9 natural, -1 size)

hp 85 (9d10+36)

Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +6
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft., Fly 50 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +12 (2d6+6), bite +12 (2d6+6)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

Special Attacks breath weapon (usable every 1d4 rounds), trip, rend (2 bites, 2d6+6), placement of its heads grants it all-around sight.
STATISTICS
Strength 19, Dexterity 12, Constitution 17, Intelligence 4, Wisdom 13, Charisma 10

Base Atk +9; CMB +14; CMD 25 (29 vs. trip)

Feats Power Attack, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception), Toughness

Skills Survival +2, Perception +10, Stealth +4 (+8 in scrubland or brush);
Racial Modifiers +2 Perception, +4 Stealth in scrubland or brush

Languages Draconic
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Breath Weapon (Su)

A Orthrus’s breath weapon depends on the color of its dragon head, as summarized on the table below. Regardless of its type, a chimera’s breath weapon is usable once every 1d4 rounds, deals 6d8 points of damage, and allows a DC 17 Reflex save for half damage. The save DC is Constitution-based.To determine a Orthrus’s head color and breath weapon randomly, roll 1d10 and consult the table below:
ECOLOGY
Environment temperate hills

Organization solitary, pair, pride (3-6), or flight (7-12) (plus Geryon and Eurytion)

Treasure standard
d10Head ColorBreath Weapon
1-2Black40-foot line of acid
3-4Blue40-foot line of lightning
5-6Green20-foot cone of acid
7-8Red20-foot cone of fire
9-10White20-foot cone of cold
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