Great Enemy - Hellhound

Other names: Barghest, Black Dog

A mutated canine with a chilling howl.

General attributes: Derived from the common canines that still live among humans, hellhounds are examples of these creatures that have become corrupted by the Great Enemy. They possess clusters of dark eyes similar to some of the demonic races of the Great Enemy, along with unnaturally large mouths and tongues, leaving no doubt as to their controlling influence. They feed primarily upon living animals, but may still eat vegetation if driven to desperation.

They rarely travel alone, and will form large packs of potentially dozens to hunt larger prey, including humans. In a dark reflection of the common dog, many other races of monsters will utilize hellhounds as pets, and they have lost none of the loyalty with which their progenitors are known.

Aside from its vicious bite, one noted trait of the hellhound is its unearthly howl, whose notes stretch beyond human hearing and inflict a chill into the hearts of even the most stalwart warriors. The howl has the effect of not only drawing the attention of other monsters, but of invigorating those nearby, granting them newfound energy.

Although instinct might lead one to believe the hellhound is a creature of Fire, it is, in fact, a creature of Metal.

Symbolism: Much as the Fallen are a dark reflection of humanity, hellhounds show that our lifelong animal companions are not safe from the Great Enemy’s corrupting touch either. Numerous fairy tales and horror novels revolve around lone travelers being pursued by a hellhound, its piercing howl usually one of the last things they hear.
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Hellhounds hold a special place of contempt by the druid clans, as their pragmatic way of life sees them raise numerous dogs to aid them in hunting and other tasks, and to see such loyal companions twisted is a grievous insult. Many druids will go out of their way to destroy any hellhounds they might encounter.
 
Sources:

1. The Royal Bestiary Project – (Royal Academy of Magic, 1008)
2. Interviews with the Autumn Shield clan – (Self, 1012)

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