Difference between revisions of "Monster:Mournhound"

Latest revision as of 15:38, 11 June 2010

Mournhounds are the result of dark magic corrupting wild dogs. Mournhounds get their name from the disquieting baying howl they give when excited. They resemble large black dogs with short black fur, slavering jowls and glowing green eyes. One can sometimes identify the presence of Mournhounds in the area by the smell of sulphur they give off.

Mournhounds feast on flesh and fear. Mournhounds literally feed on the frightened emotions of those they pursue, getting stronger and more terrible, the more terrified their prey becomes. Mournhounds enjoy hunting in packs, chasing their quarry for as long as possible, taking great pleasure in exhausting them. Against a stalwart group whom Mournhounds cannot cause to flee, the hounds attempt to circle the weakest member of a group, nipping, feinting and backing off, creating confusion and fear. Once a member of the group is shown to be vulnerable, the hounds attempt to isolate and destroy. Lone mournhounds will flee if outmatched, often returning for revenge with other members of their pack.

The bite of a mournhound is particularly dangerous to other canines, since the poor animal is subject to transformation into one of these evil creatures. Over three days, the infected canine shows signs resembling rabies (unquenchable thirst, ultra-violent mood swings, foaming at the mouth, convulsions) as its fur falls out and its skin blackens. Coarse black fur eventually grows in to cover the body.

Mournhounds are most active at night, seeking out dens and caves for shelter while asleep. Mournhounds are most often found in forests and hills, which allow for greater darkness than open plains and easier ground to navigate during a chase than mountains. They avoid cities and large groups whenever possible. As soon as a pack of mournhounds becomes greatly outnumbered, they attempt to flee. The flesh of a Mournhound is inedible and tastes awful.

All Mournhounds have the following powers:

Aura of Darkness

Mournhounds seem to actually "steam" darkness. It rolls off of their bodies like coils of inky smoke. It is this which gives them a sulphurous smell, and aids in camoflauge at night. Mournhounds receive a +2 to Hide and Dodge checks at night.

Disquieting Howl

Mournhounds can howl at will, the equivalent of an Intimidate check.

Nasty Bite

Damage caused by a Mournhound's bite is considered Tainted damage. Also, anyone bitten is subect to a Level Three Disease (Mutation, DL 15).

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Basics

• HP=
• AP=
• Speed=ft/AP

Skills

Combat