Barghest (The Black Dog of the Moors)

"It does not bark, nor does it tread heavily upon the gravel. You know it is there only when the lantern light dies and two coals of sulfur burn in the dark."

The Barghest, often referred to by country folk as the Black Dog of the Shroud, is a massive, demonic hound that haunts desolate crossroads, ancient burial grounds, and foggy country lanes across Shiandria. Standing as broad as an ox with matted jet-black fur and glowing yellow eyes the size of saucers, the Barghest is a fiendish omen associated with death, grave robbing, and dark curses.

Barghests are solitary hunters that feed on the fear of travelers before dragging their corpses into ditches. They possess the ability to alter their physical size at will, expanding into looming monstrosities when enraged or shrinking into common black hounds to slip past town guards. The creature’s very footprint carries a curse, causing metal armor to rust and weapons to dull upon making contact with its hide.

Real World History: In Northern English folklore, the Barghest (or Barguest) is a mythical monstrous black dog with huge teeth and claws that haunts countryside lanes, churchyards, and bogs. Seeing the Barghest was considered an omen of imminent death for the viewer or a loved one.

Culture : Fiend (Demon)

Class : Monster

APR : 2 (due to shadow-infused hide)

Hit Points : 10

Base Behavior : Ominous crossroads predator; uses aura of decay and size-changing magic to crush opponents.

Attack : Crushing jaws and heavy paws

Abilities

Omen of Death : Upon entering an encounter, the Barghest calls out "Omen of Death!". All hostile players, NPC, or Monsters in the encounter area suffer a -1 penalty to their weapon damage for the duration of the encounter, battle, or duel (minimum 1 HP damage).

Size Surge : Once per encounter, battle, or duel when reduced to half HP (5 HP or lower), the Barghest grows in strength and size, calling out "Size Surge". All of its melee weapon/claw strikes deal 2 additional points of damage for the remainder of the encounter.

Rusting Hide : Any weapon that strikes the Barghest loses 1 point of its effectiveness (deals 1 less damage, minimum of 1) until it is repaired by a Smith, as the creature's dark magic corrodes the blade.

Divine Vulnerability : Holy Blast deals double damage. Consecrated ground reduces the Barghest's APR to 0.

Claws: 1 point of piercing damage (3 points of piercing damage if using Size Surge).

Bite: The teeth of the Barghest are very strong and sharp but are not nearly as agile and dextrous as that of its claws. A bit from a Barghest deals 3 HP damage (NOT PIERCING). But 5 damage after Size Surge is activated.