Grave Grim

Guard Dogs of the Lost

When a cemetery lies undefended and vulnerable to graverobbers, or where restless spirits yearn for release, one will often find a Grave Grim. Taking the form of a partially spectral black hound, it adopts a mask of wax to form a more terrifying visage. Some speculate that the wax is from the candles diligently lit at graves, or perhaps formed from a solidified ectoplasm as a grim manifests from the veil. Regardless, their off-putting appearance makes them the perfect guards to frighten off robbers and ill-intended undead, but they are quite friendly to those who share their charge.

Spiritual Stewards. Grim are each bound to a gravesite from which they are born. They can manifest from a loyal hound that died grieving at their owner’s grave, or coalesce from pure ethereal energy when a cemetery is frequently targeted by grave robbers. They can even be created when the soul of an interred body has unfinished business, seeking out the living to resolve the issue. Regardless of their origins, they defend their charge without fear for their own fate, as they will revive at the site as long as it remains undesecrated. 

Death to Desecrators. A haunting sight to all who live, the grim is particularly feared amongst grave-robbers and necromancers. Its howl syphons the life from the living, leaving their cold bodies to be found the next morning. While they can act as protectors of benign spirits, the mere presence of a grim is enough to strike terror into the hearts of malicious undead, as its very nature rattles their instincts. 

Loyal Hound. Despite the fear they imbue in the living and dead alike, grim have been known to show curiosity towards humankind. They become extremely affectionate towards those who share their respect for the dead, and help them resolve the needs of restless spirits. While few would leave their charge, some have been convinced to travel with a party after the safety of their ground was guaranteed. While those ignorant of their nature often flee the sight of this ominous creature, those who know its true purpose regard them as the most loyal of hounds. 

As the graveyard grows eerily silent, you watch as the candles left at the graves flicker on, glowing with an eerie, purplish hue. Stepping out from around the tombstone, you see a slender form emerge from the darkness, a pale mask of melting wax adorning its skull. Eyes aglow with the same unnatural purple as it locks eyes with you, positioning itself between you and the cold stone. It continues to stare, waiting to react to your next move…