Black Dog
| Black Dog | |
|---|---|
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| Biographical Information | |
| Name | Black Dog |
| Counties Present | Nationwide |
| Haunts | Most places, especially burial sites, cairns and combes |
| Active Hours | Twilight to 4:00 AM |
| Omens | Pawprint sounds, howling |
| Disposition | Neutral |
| Resolve | Medium |
| Strengths | Adaptability, pack bonding |
| Weaknesses | Reliant on packs for courage |
| Alternate Forms | Varies by region |
- The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the earliest recorded sighting of a Black Dog.
The Classic Black Dog and its kin are enduring symbols of Britain's undead. Their adaptability and cunning keep them above lesser shadows, greater spirits amongst boggarts, wisps, and poltergeists.
Appearance
A typical Black Dog appears as a shadowy hound of any shape, size, or breed. Most sightings report it as resembling an alsatian, labrador, or mastiff. Its S-Radiation is red by default, though it may shift in the presence of other Black Dogs. The average Classic reaches the size of a yearling calf, while the largest specimens match the proportions of a Shetland pony.
Anomalies among Classic Black Dogs include the famous “saucer” eyes seen in their relatives, missing limbs, a bipedal gait, and shapeshifting. The Classic has a uniquely high rate of mutation, and combined with its Norman-era sightings, its unique biology provides a likely explanation for how the rest of its kind exist. New Black Dogs have not been sighted since the English Civil War, which suggests that there was a surge in S-Radiation that has long since decayed. For this reason, some vampires regard the Classic as a “blank canvas” or progenitor ghost.
Relations with other Ethereals
Barghest
Classics enjoy the company of Barghests, but can annoy them quickly if their pack grows too large for the reaper's liking.
Black Shuck
Classics suffer greatly at the hands of Shucks, and will quickly form packs to protect themselves. Other, more fearful specimens will attempt to serve the Shuck in hopes of it sparing them.
Church Grim
Classics, if threatened by a Church Grim, rarely stay around to see about its bite.
Gytrash
A Classic can tolerate a Gytrash better than other Black Dogs, though not by much.
Padfoot
Padfoots pose a threat to Classics, but their sluggishness prevents most casualites.
Notable Individuals
- The Betchworth Castle dog, who continues to seek comfort in its ruins.
- The Black Dog of Newgate. Rumoured to have reaped the souls of its inmates. After the Prison's dismantling, it remains to haunt the Old Bailey. It remains in waiting for a future event, but refuses to state what this event is or why.
- The Cheney Hounds of St Teah, another pack of a Squire.
- Moddey Dhoo: Haunts the island of Manx, most seen in Peel Castle.
- Richard Cabell's Hounds, said to have spawned at his death. They serve as his hunting pack, and continue to haunt Dartmoor with their new master.