Grimhound
"The Grimhound's howls send shivers down the spines of even the bravest of men, as they know the sound signals the approach of a relentless and deadly predator, and possibly Death itself." - Celyddon Rosser, author of Enchanted Fauna
The Grimhound, also known as the Grimblack Hunter, is a creature of legend and fear. The scientific name of this creature, Canis grimblaecus, is based on its Old English name, referring to the creature's dark black fur. While some believe it to be a mere myth, those who have encountered it know the truth of its existence.
Appearance
The Grimhound resembles a direwolf in size and shape, with thick black fur and glowing yellow eyes that seem to pierce through the darkness. Its howl is deeper than that of a wolf, and it is said to be unnerving to anyone who hears it. In fact, many believe that when the Grimhound howls, it is a sign that someone is going to die.
Habitat and Behaviour
The Grimhound is believed to be native to the British Isles. However, sightings have been reported all throughout Europe. It is, however, unknown how the creatures could have moved across the ocean.
Grimhounds are extremely rare and elusive, hunting only in the darkest of nights. Their speed and strength are unparalleled, making them formidable predators. Even the bravest of hunters know to avoid them at all costs.
Etymology
The Grimhound's name comes from the Old English "Grimm Blaec Hunta", which translates to "Grim Black Hound". Its other name, "Grim Black Hunter" is a mishearing of that name.
History
Between 1764 and 1767, a Grimhound terrroized the former province of Gévaudan (consisting of the modern-day department of Lozère and part of Haute-Loire), in the Margeride Mountains of south-central France. Known as the Beast of Gévaudan, the creature was unusually aggressive with over 200 documented attacks. A group of warden led by Guilhèm Levannier, who was known for his expertise in magizoology, eventually managed to track the beast down and slay it. They then transfigured the animal's body to resemble a wolf and modified the memory of the local hunter Jean Chastel, making it appear that he shot and killed the creature.
Uses
While the Grimhound's fur is sought after for its magical properties, it is exceedingly difficult to obtain due to the creature's danger. The fur is said to be extremely powerful, but using it to make wands or talismans is not recommended, as the results are notoriously difficult to control.
Despite their reputation as harbingers of death, some believe that the Grimhound can also bring good luck. It is said that if one is able to catch a glimpse of a Grimhound without being harmed, they will be blessed with good fortune, if only because they survived an encounter with what many believe to be an avatar of Death itself.
Warning
It is not recommended to seek out the Grimhound. Its ferocity and danger make it a creature best left alone. Those who have encountered it and lived to tell the tale consider themselves extremely lucky, but they also know to never let their guard down in the darkness of the night.
Should any cause exist for believing a Grimhound may be present, the department of magizoology of the responsible magistry should be informed immediately, so measures can be taken to mitigate any danger. Due to the rarity of these creatures, this will likely involve capture and relocation of the animal.