Hellhound

**Hellhounds** are a species of demonic beasts native to Hell that resemble canines such as dogs or wolves.

## Description

Hellhounds are anthropomorphic demons that resemble canines or canine-like carnivorans, taking after one specific breed or species for their appearance, with some looking like wolves, and others like more traditional domesticated dog breeds but with obvious demonic features.

Similar to imps and Mazzikin, Hellhounds rank as one of the lowest in Hell's hierarchy as they were bred specifically for labor or work, such as serving demons and with some even being their pets. In the beginning, Hellhounds were quite feral and ferocious, running amok throughout Hell until they were subdued and tamed by the red imps. As centuries went by, however, they began to obtain their own independent sentience the more they were domesticated and have even developed a society of their own.

But even then Hellhounds are rarely on their own as most are subservient to their masters like imps are. Weaker Hellhounds are normally taken in by other demons through adoption centers but stronger ones issue a challenge where they are to be tamed into submission by the demon who wants to enlist them in their service.

## Overview

Hellhounds originated from Cerberus and Garm who together bore the first Hellhounds, Geri and Freki. From Geri and Freki the Hellhound race would make their place in Hell, however, the first generation of Hellhounds were known to be ferociously wild beasts. Seeing how much they would disrupt the hard work done by the Infernal Powers, Satan had the red imps go out and tame the hounds which was no easy task. According to Moxxie, it took six months for the red imps to subdue the Hellhounds and even longer to tame them.

As the centuries went by and the Hellhounds became more domesticated they started to gain independence and sentience though the Hellhounds that could not be tamed were left out into the unforgiving wilderness of Hell's terrains and from these Hounds came a subspecies only known as Wargs. Regardless, Hellhounds serve their place in Hell's food chain to where most have been elevated to being "hunting dogs" for demons who performed a Faustian Bargain with a human and when the bargain reaches its deadline, the demon sends a Hellhound to collect the human's soul by tearing their flesh apart.

## Species

### Hounds

Simply dubbed as "hounds" they are the most commonly known and found type of Hellhound in Hell. Hounds are used for labor and work which varies from time to time but given their ranking in Hell they are normally found guarding a demon of nobility.

Hounds all seem to resemble domesticated dog breeds while stronger hounds take after wolves. Thus far they all share red sclera with white irises, as well as distinguishable ears, tails, and muzzles specific to their breed-inspired type. The hounds who resemble wolves reside in Greed whilst those who resemble domestic dogs reside in either Sloth or Gluttony.

### Wargs

Wargs are a subspecies of Hellhounds and by far the most ferocious and dangerous. They are wild, unkempt, and consumed with a desire to devour everything and anything that is living or breathing to them. However, it is possible to tame them but that alone is a feat deemed as madness even by red imps who thrive on battle and challenges.

Wargs are normally found in the Suicide Forest of the Violence Ring and can also be seen wandering the Abominable Sands that borders the Wrath Circle. Wargs are also used in fighting rings similar to dogfight rings on Earth.

### Barghests

Barghests, also known as Black Dogs, are a species of Hellhound primarily used to hunt down a human that has bargained with a demon. They are essentially the reapers of Hell who are enlisted by a particular demon that made a deal with a human and that deal has reached its deadline.

Barghests appear to be anthropomorphic black dogs with an elongated snout, a gray "mask" marking on their faces, sharp teeth, and large, round eyes that have jet black sclera and bright red irises that glow when they are excited.

## Trivia

* The hellhound is a folkloric creature tracing back to Greek mythology; described as a species of supernatural canid of the underworld, the hellhound traditionally features black fur, red eyes, and ghoulish characteristics. They are often assigned to tasks involving the afterlife, such as guarding the entrances to the world of the dead or hunting lost souls. In post-classical European cultures, they were considered an omen of death.
* Hellhounds became associated with the underworld not only through their progenitors Cerberus and Garm but also their ancestors Geri and Freki who would locate the dead and bring them to Hel's domain for Odin.
* Despite having descended from Cerberus and Garm, the Hellhounds do not rever them. In fact, most Hellhounds are unaware of their ancestry.
* It is shown that Hellhounds can also intermingle with other supernatural anthropomorphic canine creatures like werewolves as is the case with Loona and the werewolf Wayne Howl.