Weisshund
| Weisshund | |
|---|---|
 A weisshund—shaped-shifted into its large form, pinning its target . Art by Ken Frank (1990). | |
| General information | |
| Size: | Varies by ability |
| Alignment: | Neutral good |
| Type: | Beast |
| Subtype: | Animal |
| Patron deity: | Cuthbert |
| First appearance: | WGA2 Falconmaster |
Weisshunds are a particular species of highly trained shapeshifting guard dogs found primarily at temples of Cuthbert.
Ecology
[edit | edit source]Environment
[edit | edit source]Weisshunds are only found in temples or shrines of Cuthbert (especially the Temple of Cuthbert in the City of Greyhawk), where there are commonly 10-12 weisshunds on the grounds.
They are trained as temple guardians from six months old by specialized clerics of Saint Cuthbert, though the sanctuary where they are trained is kept secret.[1] Most females live at the sanctuary where all weisshunds are trained and pups are exclusively raised there. Litters consist of only one or two pups, and females can only get pregnant twice a year.[1]
Typical physical appearance
[edit | edit source]Weisshunds are universally adorable, appearing to be relatively harmless. "They are agile, lean, and strong, although their appearance belies this."[1] They have solid white fur,[1]
They are shown in art appearing similar to a Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, or Newfoundland. However, most weisshunds are typically about 24" tall at the shoulders,[1] making them a large-sized dog, but are shorter (apx. 5") than those dogs and are more comparable in height to retrievers, collies, or setters.
Personality and alignment
[edit | edit source]Weisshunds rarely bark, even at strangers.[1]
They are very warm, "incredibly friendly",[2] and affectionate, generally behaving like well-trained lapdogs.[1] They are extremely protective and territorial. They have a "docile, puppy-like nature."
"The dogs... seem to have three pursuits in life: eating, sleeping, and begging for affection from their human keepers" and they "have the run of the temple and can be found snoozing in any corner that suits them."[2]
Most Weisshunds are typically neutral good.[1]
Abilities
[edit | edit source]Weisshunds have far above-average intelligence, and are as smart as humans.[1]
Their paws are massive but not sharp and do bludgeoning damage rather than slashing.[1]
They are able to transform themselves, enlarging themselves to twice their natural size. making them larger than most humans (48" at the shoulders and 72" long [192cm x 122cm])[1] and in excess of 560+lbs.[note 1] They otherwise retain their same appearance as when "normal"-sized.[1]
Weisshunds have a "limited empathic sense that allows them to recognize evil and hostility."[1] They become instantly aware of any evil or hostile creature nearby (even if sleeping), including non-planar mortals,[note 2] Weisshunds use this ability to guard their temples, masters, and "persons whom it has been trained to protect."[1] They will growl and guard suspicious persons but won't attack unless they see hostile actions. They are trained specifically trained to bark to call their masters, and to subdue opponents. Weisshunds can hold a person's neck without leaving so much as a toothmark, but will attack unrelentingly if the subject does not submit. They will even sit on subjects to hold them and wait for their masters.
Weisshunds work well in packs, and cooperate with other weisshunds even if they are unfamiliar with the other dogs.[1]
Society
[edit | edit source]The temples and shrines of Cuthbert where the weisshunds are found generally give them the run of the temple. They are permitted to go wherever on the grounds that they like. The priests who take care of them hold them in high regard, and will heal them like they would a person.[2]
Religion
[edit | edit source]While weisshunds obviously aren't able to worship themselves, they are strongly associated with temples and shrines of Cuthbert, and are almost exclusively found those places.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]The church of Cuthbert has raised and trained weisshunds for hundreds of years.[1]
References
[edit | edit source]Notes
[edit | edit source]- ↑ Despite the similar enlarge spell in 2e when the creature was published, the weisshund does not use that spell, but (as written in the creature description) is increased to 200% its normal height. The given weight is calculated from the creature description and average weight of a dog of the listed size.(70lbs. x 23)
- ↑ In 2e (when the creature was published), detect evil and similar effects could detect evil alignments, as well as evil planar creatures like fiends, demons, and devils. However, this ability is spelled out in the creature description, and is not limited by the spell description, or to using a spell action (5e) or spell-like ability (3e).
Citations
[edit | edit source]Bibliography
[edit | edit source]Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weisshund | Monster | WGA2 Falconmaster | 52, 62 |