Void Hounds

Void-Hounds
Type: Mutated Beast Threat Level: Moderate (Pack Hunters)
Void-Hounds are the tragic descendants of ordinary hunting dogs and wolves that were caught in the Mana Wastes during the Age of Ruin. Centuries of exposure to raw, corrupted Aether have warped them into sleek, predatory nightmares. Their fur is a shifting, midnight-blue color that seems to absorb light, and their eyes glow with a sickly violet radiance. They possess an innate ability to "blink" short distances, making them incredibly difficult to pin down in combat.
These beasts are pack hunters, driven by a constant, magical hunger that can never be truly satisfied. They are often used as trackers and enforcers by the Obsidian Scale and other dark factions, who use specialized collars to control their aggressive instincts. In the wild, they roam the edges of the Mana Wastes in large packs, preying on anything that emits a magical aura. Their bite is not just physical; it drains the Aether from their victims, leaving them magically exhausted and physically weakened.
Plot Hooks:
- The Pack in the Shadows: A pack of Void-Hounds has been sighted in the lower levels of Kigum, preying on residents of The Shadows. The party is hired to clear them out and find out how they entered the city.
- The Alpha's Collar: The party defeats a particularly large Void-Hound and discovers a high-tech, Steamfort-made control collar on its neck. They must investigate the link between the Syndicate and the mutated beasts.
- The Breeding Program: The party discovers a hidden Obsidian Scale facility where they are attempting to breed a new, even more powerful strain of Void-Hounds. They must destroy the facility and its research.