Houndmaster

"A lawman and his faithful beast - a bond forged by battle and bloodshed."

- The Ancestor

The Houndmaster is one of the playable Character Classes in Darkest Dungeon. He was released in the Corpse and Hound Update on July 15th, 2015.

Combat Skills
"A tough and uncommonly compassionate ex-lawman, the Houndmaster and his faithful Wolfhound work in tandem to bring down their enemies and protect the innocent. Together they stalk the back ranks, bursting forth in a flurry of harrying bleeds, gnashing teeth, and stunning blows. Should the tide of battle turn, the pair can support an ailing party by protecting the weak, and rallying the stressed."

- Guild

Note: New Houndmasters will always come with the Hound's Rush skill.

(All buffs and debuffs last for 3 rounds unless otherwise specified.)

Camping Skills
"A clever lawman knows the value of preparedness and information. To this end, the Houndmaster can send his Wolfhound to scout ahead, or put him on watch to ensure a good night's rest. If spirits are low, the dog's affectionate companionship can soften the heart, and ease the mind."

- Survivalist

Tactical Analysis
The Houndmaster is a generalist support class. His greatest assets are the PROT-reducing abilities of Target Whistle and the stunning strength of his Blackjack. His main attack, Hound's Rush, tears into anything marked and has more bonuses against Beasts, while Hound's Harry exchanges raw damage for the ability to inflict bleed to the entire enemy group. Bear in mind that the bleed ticks of those skills are not very strong, though.

His supportive skills are not to be ignored either. Guard Dog lets him guard an ally on top of granting him a high DODGE boost, which can result in potentially devastating attacks missing completely. Even though it says guard for 2 turns on application it immediately will tick down on the turn it is cast so if you want to guard your teammates you will have to keep selecting guard dog to guard your teammates over multiple turns. Lick Wounds only heals himself, but allows some self-sustain and frees up other healers to work on other injured party members. Cry Havoc also offers Stress relief, and while the numbers look insignificant, using Cry Havoc each turn has the approximate Stress-healing effects of landing critical hits, and grows stronger as it's improved.

Naturally, his bonus against Beasts make the Houndmaster a party staple when entering the Warrens. In other dungeons, though, his support skills still allow him to back up the party from positions 2 to 4, and his Target Whistle is always appreciated in a mark-focused party. His Camping skills are also highly useful, influencing chance of surprise rounds, scouting ahead, and providing great Stress relief to his companions.

Equipment
"Still clad in his worn Gendarme's uniform, the Houndmaster's focus is on evasion over mitigation. His cudgel is an effective stunning tool, but it is the Hound who delivers the pair's most crippling blows, especially when he's been fed an invigorating snack!"

- Blacksmith

Each Hero has Trinkets unique to them that only they can equip. The Houndmaster has seven; 2 common, 2 Crimson Court and 1 uncommon, rare and very rare. In the base game, his common trinkets are whistles, his uncommon trinket is a weight for his club and his high level trinkets are dog collars. The Color of Madness DLC adds another whistle, though one covered in crystal, while The Crimson Court DLC adds incriminating evidence and his old badge from when he was a lawman.


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District Bonus
The Crimson Court DLC adds Districts to the Hamlet, some of which confer passive benefits to heroes.


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Customisation
As for every hero, the Houndmaster has four different colour palettes to choose from: red, grey, green and yellow.

Barks
Battle =

Landing a Critical Hit
Fearful =
 * Praise the steadfast hound!
 * For Justice!
 * The quarry falters!
 * Mercy is for the courts!
 * No quarter given!
 * Hah!
 * Let us finish the hunt!

Becoming Fearful

 * Terror overwhelms duty!
 * The pursuit of Justice leads only to agony and death!
 * This simple beast fears death as I do.
 * Let it be swift and painless!
 * Each step leads deeper into this waking nightmare!

Stressing Party

 * Even my brave hound cowers!
 * These fiends are beyond any of the evils I have thwarted!
 * This is something from my darkest nightmares!

Switching Position to the Back

 * Ayee!
 * Too close!
 * Back girl - watch out!

Passing Turn

 * If the dog doesn't want to, I don't want to.
 * We're doomed either way!
 * The trail reeks of doom, why follow it?

Camping Stress

 * We're exposed, surrounded.
 * We don't like the scent of this place.
 * She growls. Stay alert, there's something nearby.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * This is what they want isn't it?!
 * Now will they leave me alone?!

Enemy Missed Self

 * Why have we not fled?!
 * That should have been the end of us!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * The beginning of the end..!
 * Terror shakes us all.

Enemy Hit Party Member

 * That would have certainly sealed my demise.
 * How much more blood does this place demand?!

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * We are exposed!
 * Your lack of focus dooms us all!

Refuses to Move

 * Prickling fur, low growl...No, we stay.
 * What is it, girl? Danger..?

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill
Paranoid =
 * We need to save our strength in this horrible place!
 * N-no, I must stay close to her.
 * Every act brings us closer to our terrible fates!

Becoming Paranoid

 * Corruption seethes around us!
 * Stick close, girl! lawless miscreants lurk at every turn...
 * It's a sting! We're surrounded!
 * They're out to get me - can feel it in my gut.
 * What is it, girl? Have they turned on us?

Stressing Party

 * One of our own has misled us!
 * Someone... or some THING has corrupted our cohorts!
 * What is it, girl? You smell something foul in our midst...

Switching Position to the Back

 * Betrayers! Turncoats!
 * hm. I don't like it.
 * We're not falling for that!

Passing Turn

 * We smell corruption and we won't fall prey to its schemes.
 * I won't be betrayed again!
 * No more lies! No more ruses!

Random Action

 * Our methods must remain secret if we are to catch the conspirators!
 * Corruption is ripe here in these ranks! We will find you!
 * Flush them out, girl! Get'em!

Camping Stress

 * Any of you try anything and the hound will tear you to pieces.
 * One of you is on the take - we can smell it!
 * Someone - or some thing in the darkness means to do us harm.
 * At least one of you has the aspect of villainy.

Attacking Party Member

 * Let's see you try something now!
 * The hound can sense your deceit!
 * You! Conspirator!

Refuses to Retreat

 * No! We stay to fight for the law - for order!
 * Gnash your teeth! Growl your defiance!

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * Show yourselves, transgressors!
 * This what you wanted, isn't it my cohorts?!

Enemy Missed Self

 * And my cohorts conveniently slink away!
 * Who is in league with whom?!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * Duplicity!
 * What disgusting miming!

Enemy Hit Party Member

 * We are mired in wicked plots.
 * That blow was proof of corruption in our ranks!

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * Are you throwing the fight?
 * Why would you do that?! Why indeed...

Refuses to Move

 * Back, girl. Let us sit and watch for signs of conspiracy.
 * A fixed position forces corruption to expose itself.

Refuses to Use Item

 * The hound smells venom!
 * Too freely offered!

Refuses to Get Healed

 * We don't like the smell of it.
 * She growls - best your back away.
 * (growls)

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * There are always strings attached.
 * I don't take bribes. Never have.
 * We know where you stand in this, craven.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * Are you mad? They could be attacking any second now!
 * Feign injury to bait the trap eh?
 * Never try anything with the hound watching.

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * That might play tricks with our instincts. Which we assume was your ploy.
 * Aha - the criminal element exposes itself...

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Masochistic =
 * Who packed the food? I don't trust it.
 * Fah! We once hung a man who killed by crushing glass into meals.

Becoming Masochistic

 * Blood makes the hunt more thrilling!
 * I can take a beating - come on!
 * Pain sharpens our senses, doesn't it, girl?
 * Crime made poignant through flayed flesh and mortified bruises!
 * The law is held fast by the blood of lawmen!

Stressing Party

 * Blood fuels all Justice!
 * Give it to me. I can take it.
 * Pain! Better us than the innocent!

Switching Position to the Front

 * Duty made sweeter with delicious sacrifice!
 * Give me another one! Right in the jaw!
 * Wounds heat up the chase!

Random Action

 * I've been beaten up before, this is nothing!
 * More - give me your best shot!
 * What's one more wound to lick?

Camping Stress

 * Hand me that poker. I need a lashing.
 * We bask in the raw glow of a stitched wound.
 * Dull sleep or the raw thrill of senses pushed beyond their limits?

Marking Self

 * Time to prove ourselves!
 * Deliver the pain - if you can!

Damaging Self

 * I need more...!
 * Agony sharpens our wits and our senses!
 * I'll show you how to do it!

Refuses to Retreat

 * Victory or defeat, if it ends in pain then we are richer for it!
 * But these wounds are so...disappointing.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * Barely satisfying, harder next time!
 * Ah that was worth the wait!

Enemy Missed Self

 * Oh you want me to beg for it!
 * Not even a taste of sublime violent bliss?

Enemy Hit Party Member

 * Unfair, we have been yearning...
 * Save one of those for me!

Refuses to Move

 * This feels like the spot of greatest danger and excitement!
 * We dare not move lest we miss out...

Refuses to Use Item

 * You ignore the virtue of suffering.
 * There is no better balm than searing wounds!

Refuses to Get Healed

 * Are you blind to my enjoyment of this sting?
 * We prefer our wounds unlicked.
 * Only salt for my wounds, thanks.

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * Agony sharpens our senses!
 * You can't understand the ecstasy we experience.
 * Now is the time for bleeding, stitches can come later.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * You rub it in our faces, you with your delightful cuts and bruises.
 * Suffering drives away corruption!
 * Is it too much pleasure to suffer so?

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * Every wound is an ensorceling kiss from Lady Justice herself!
 * Our suffering is ecstatic!

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Abusive =
 * It is violence and blood that feeds us.
 * Starvation is a fine pain to savour slowly.

Becoming Abusive

 * Rats! Snitches!
 * You all make for a sordid lineup, indeed!
 * Time for a shakedown, you louts!
 * Have none of you dogs been trained?
 * Lawless brutes - all of you!

Stressing Party

 * If I require counsel I will confer with my dog.
 * Lawbreakers - all of you!
 * Brace up, you damnable fools!

Random Action

 * I wouldn't expect any of you to understand our veteran methods!
 * The hound has a better instinct than any of you lot!
 * Hamper not our investigation!

Camping Stress

 * Swine! You will make room for my dog at the fire!
 * Go on - ask her to return your 'share' of the stew...heh
 * Yes, she bites. Buffoon.

Attacking Party Member

 * I told you not to touch her!
 * That's what you get for fouling the trail!
 * Smarten up! Your incompetence will get us all killed!

Party Member Attack Hits

 * I am the judge, the jury, and the gallows!
 * My faithful hound - my sweet princess! Tear at their flesh, that you may be adorned in bloody finery!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * The hound should get your share!
 * Untrained buffoons, all of you!

Enemy Hit Party Member

 * You belong in cells.
 * Oaf! You foul the trail!

Refuses to Move

 * And I suggest you take it up with my dog!
 * Do not try that again or I will see that she feeds on your hand.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * Hahahah! No.
 * (growls)
 * I'll save that for those I consider my equals.

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill
Selfish =
 * Maybe if you seemed more competent?
 * We're fine without your pity!

Becoming Selfish

 * The hound comes first. Then me. Then you...
 * Pay me my retainer - I've long since quit the force.
 * Our loyalty deserves a larger share.
 * I have double the expenses, I want double the pay.
 * The two of us are worth more than twelve of you!

Stressing Party

 * This hound deserves more praise than any of you.
 * We uncovered the trail, you merely followed along.
 * We've spent our lives keeping the order - we want what's ours!

Switching Position to the Front

 * Step aside! We alone can bring these fiends to justice!
 * I deserve the reward for apprehending these miscreants!
 * Thank you for your work, we'll take it from here.

Switching Position to the Back

 * The hound's health comes before any of you.
 * Not all glory requires sacrifice. At least, not my sacrifice.
 * What? Risk our lives in pointless melee?

Passing Turn

 * We don't take orders from anyone. Not anymore.
 * I have my own methods, back off.
 * East, girl, best to sit this one out.

Random Action

 * I do what's best for me and my girl.
 * We follow our instincts!
 * Our senses are attuned to the ways of disorder!

Camping Stress

 * Of course we're out of meat. Have you seen the size of my dog?
 * Put out that pipe! You'll foul the hound's nose for the trail!
 * I have no control over where the dog does its business!

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * And why did no one move to stop that?
 * This would have felled a lesser being!

Party Member Attack Hits

 * The reward will still be mine to claim!
 * Respect our right to the quarry!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * We could have landed that!
 * Feel free to sit this one out.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill
Hopeless =
 * We are busy de-lousing.
 * Too busy trying to sleep!
 * We're fine here by the fire.

Becoming Hopeless

 * Her tails hang low, the trail is lost.
 * Law and order - they are delusions.
 * Bah, the trail's gone cold.
 * What can one man do in the face of such rampant corruption?
 * The law is a cheap perfume - masking the stench of malfeasance

Stressing Party

 * Where does one start to fight that which rots everyone and everything?
 * I've led you astray, girl. Wasted our lives.
 * Feh - going to turn in my badge.

Switching Position to the Front

 * This is a death march, thus onwards to finish it.
 * Come quickly, Death. You've found us at last.
 * Each step heavier than the last...

Switching Position to the Back

 * This hopeless pursuit puts my girl at risk - I won't have it!
 * Back, girl. it's hopeless, but maybe you can save yourself...
 * Slink back, suffer not another blow.

Passing Turn

 * Mired in corruption!
 * Never commit yourself to Justice, it demands too much.
 * Good a place as any - let us fall here.

Random Action

 * I feel nothing - do my instincts still serve me?
 * We have fallen for a red herring and now we flounder.
 * Nothing makes sense, the scent is lost.

Camping Stress

 * I wonder if lawlessness is simply the natural way of things.
 * Not hungry.
 * There was a time when such a ribald tune would have us clapping and howling...

Marking Self

 * I will be the bait, it's all I have left to give.
 * On me, villains. Claim your due.

Damaging Self

 * Even the pain is dulled by this lacklustre existence.
 * Ah! The old familiar sting.

Refuses to Retreat

 * Trail leads here. Here's where we stay.
 * Time to face the music.

Refuses to Use Item

 * Every dog knows when its time draws near.
 * Surely a waster.

Refuses to Get Healed

 * And what would this pathetic wretch do with that?
 * Just go away.
 * There is no cure for corruption of the spirit.

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * (whimpers)
 * There is nothing left inside to remedy.
 * We would go quietly.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * We are of no benefit to the party.
 * Ask one of our cohorts with something to offer this retinue.

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * It still wouldn't help us any.
 * We are long past any aid.

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Irrational =
 * I won't eat if the hound has no will to eat.
 * We have no will for it.

Becoming Irrational

 * This is no mere dog, this is the first being to orbit our terrestrial sphere!
 * Gah! This snake has usurped the leash!
 * Havoc! Havoc! uh...I forget the rest...
 * It seems my stitches conspire to knot together and hang me!
 * Help! I am leashed to dozens of these hellhounds!

Stressing Party

 * By all that is holy, this buzzing is merciless!
 * Be careful, everything is covered in blood!
 * Of course the hound talks, it's the one that told you it could!

Switching Position to the Front

 * The evidence is irrefutable!
 * Suit yourself but I won't tolerate another chamber pot dumped on our heads!
 * Aha! The final clue!

Switching Position to the Back

 * AAARRROOOOO!
 * A cascade of knives! Everyone get back!
 * I smell delicious bones 'neath this spot!

Passing Turn

 * Lady Justice?! B-but I thought you were blind?
 * Hush! I can smell their thoughts!
 * Unbelievable - they let him walk? Who paid off the judge?!

Random Action

 * Rule number one! Always follow a primrose scent!
 * Tonight, she will have the steak, while I eat from the floor!
 * We may have our disagreements, but the hound and I both agree that blue is best.

Camping Stress

 * How strange none of you have laughed at my hound's brilliant jest?
 * No Captain, I won't shake him down - I won't!
 * ...but poor Saunders saw fir to prosecute anyway, and well, you can imagine how that played out.

Marking Self

 * I'll bring the whole brigade down upon you!
 * The thread has frayed here, take a look!

Attacking Party Member

 * A nip on your heels! Ha ha!
 * Where was the Opium going? Answer me! Where?

Damaging Self

 * ... had me cornered - said if I didn't talk they beat it out of me!
 * ...and then Paulson struck me - just like this!
 * ...so I beat him to a pulp - like this!

Refuses to Retreat

 * ...wait - I'm at the best part of the story!
 * ...they had hidden the grog beneath the floorboards! Well, I couldn't help but admire their ingenuity...

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * Hah! I am housebroken!
 * ...ow!

Enemy Missed Self

 * That was a bit close for melee practice!
 * Keep fanning, the heat in this cell is dreadful!

Party Member Attack Hits

 * We don't like you either!
 * Quickly! Describe the incident, that I may apprehend the culprit!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * Paulson couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, either! Died his first week on the force.
 * Are we fighting AGAIN?!

Enemy Hit Party Member

 * ...so I said I'd let him off with a warning...
 * ...but of course, Captain, I will wash your horse!

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * ...they met me in the warehouse, at the scene of the crime.
 * ...well, of course I couldn't go to the Duke, he was in on it!

Refuses to Move

 * Quiet, I'm close to cracking the case!
 * I'm staying put - I won't be forced from duty!

Refuses to Use Item

 * We're busy sharing this bone!
 * That is not the card I picked - cheat!

Refuses to Get Healed

 * We prefer the pretty nurse who smells like roses and roasted chicken.
 * Not a chance - I remember you from the lineup!
 * I've seen your face on a wanted poster, I'm sure of it.

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * I'm simply too buried in paperwork right now...
 * ...no, no. I won't be party to...whatever it is your accused of doing.
 * It is for the hound to decide. What do you say, girl?

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * Ruff! Ruff! Grrrrrrr!!!!
 * Wait, try putting the collar on me - just so see how it looks!

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * I walked a beat for so many years, feels good just to lay here in the grass...
 * ...well sure enough, by the time we arrived, the evidence had destroyed...

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Stalwart =
 * The hound and I cannot seem to agree on what to eat!
 * They eat better than this in prison!
 * ...and deny the roaches their supper? I think not.

Becoming Stalwart

 * Miscreants! Fly from our unerring pursuit!
 * Nose to the ground - we always get our man!

Reducing Own Stress
Courageous =
 * My conscience is clear! I fight for what is right!
 * The hunt must continue!

Becoming Courageous

 * I've stood up to worse - we can do this!
 * I am the Law!

Stress Healing Party
Focused =
 * No lawlessness, corruption or scandal will thwart our righteous purpose!
 * Be inspired by the purity of the hunt!

Becoming Focused

 * Look closely, you can see their weaknesses!
 * My gut tells me they are faltering!

Buffing Party Member
Powerful =
 * Follow your instincts! They lead true!
 * Gather your wits!

Becoming Powerful

 * Bring down the hammer of justice!
 * Her ears perk up - strike hard and without mercy

Buffing Party
Vigorous =
 * Get'em girl!
 * Now is the time - take them down!

Becoming Vigorous

 * Our ideals bring us strength!
 * We'll never stop, never compromise.

Self Healing
Final_Boss(spoiler) = "Steady, girl. If we're called, we answer."
 * I cannot - I WILL not - falter in the pursuit of evil!
 * There is no time to bleed!

- Houndmaster when confronting the Heart of Darkness death call.

Trivia

 * The Battered Lawman's Badge and Evidence of Corruption trinkets reference the Houndmaster's lore comic which depicts other lawmen killing a missing woman that the Houndmaster was searching for.
 * This is further evidenced with the quote that is attached to the trinkets.
 * The current predetermined name for the Houndmaster is Willam, and his hound is named Fergus.
 * The Dog Treats are a reference to the Scooby Snacks from Scooby Doo.
 * This is further reinforced by the previous predetermined name for the Houndmaster, Shag and Scoob.
 * The meaning of Gendarme in the Houndmaster's last armor upgrade, Gendarme's Pride is a French word referring to "a soldier who is employed on police duties." This makes sense as the Houndmaster was previously a lawman and it may also hint that he is French in origin.
 * In the Houndmaster's artwork, he is shown with a bloodhound, but in the game, he has an Irish Wolfhound.
 * One of the lines uttered upon turning Irrational references Laika, the female dog that was loaded on the Sputnik 2 satellite, becoming the first animal to be put on an orbiting space vessel.
 * The skill Cry Havoc was named after Mark Anthony's line: "... Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war..." in Act 3, Scene 1, line 273 of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
 * The "I am the Law!" bark when the Houndmaster becomes courageous is a direct quote from Judge Dredd.
 * The Hopeless dialogue line "Ah! The old familiar sting" is likely a reference to the song "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails.
 * There is a small inconsistency of the dog's gender. The blacksmith says "when he's been fed an invigorating snack" implying the dog is male. However, many barks from the Houndmaster himself refer to the dog as "girl", "princess" and other related terms, implying that it is actually female. However in English a masculine neutral is common, such as saying "you guys" to a group of males and females. So, the Blacksmith not knowing the dog's gender would refer to it as such while the owner would appropriately call them female.