Orthrus

Born from an ancient curse that split a noble ranger's soul between two bodies, Orthrus emerged as an unlikely guardian of the forgotten borderlands where civilization meets untamed wilderness. Each of his two heads possessed distinct personalities—one driven by protective instinct, the other by rational compassion—and rather than war with one another, they learned to balance each other's impulses into a harmonious whole. Abandoned by those who feared his unnatural appearance, Orthrus survived by defending isolated villages from the very monsters that hunted them, earning grudging respect through selfless deeds rather than words. His obsidian fur became a beacon of hope in the darkness, and travelers began to recognize that the dual-headed beast was no curse to fear, but a gift sent by kinder forces. When a monk discovered him nearly starved after a particularly brutal winter, she taught Orthrus that his dual nature was not a burden but a strength, allowing him to see conflicts from multiple perspectives and resolve them with both fang and wisdom. Now he wanders the realm as a wandering protector, his two minds forever united in the pursuit of justice for those too weak to defend themselves.

Strength

18, modifier +4

Dexterity

14, modifier +2

Constitution

20, modifier +5

Intelligence

10, modifier +0

Wisdom

16, modifier +3

Charisma

12, modifier +1

Multiattack

Orthrus makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.

Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 4 piercing damage.

Claw Swipe

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d6 + 4 slashing damage.

Protective Howl

As a bonus action, Orthrus can emit a howl that grants allies within 30 ft. advantage on their next attack roll.

Rational Insight

Orthrus can use its action to grant an ally within 60 ft. a reroll on a failed saving throw, usable once per short rest.

Dual Nature

Orthrus can perceive situations from two perspectives, granting advantage on Insight and Persuasion checks.

Guardian's Instinct

When an ally is within 10 feet, Orthrus can add +2 to their AC until the start of its next turn.

strength

+7

dexterity

+5

constitution

+8

wisdom

+6

Piercing

Slashing