Chapter

Redcap

The ruin of Dryholme Tower stands in a commanding position overlooking the coach road from Carlisle to Dumfries. Destroyed during the time of the Border Reivers, it is shrouded in legend and I was eager to survey the ruins. I quickly found, though that no one local could be induced to venture there at any price, for the tower was said to be haunted by those violent northern spirits known as red-caps, and it was held that to trespass there was death.

— William Stukeley, July 1714

Redcaps make their lairs in ruined castles and amongst other scenes of violence. They look almost human, appearing as hunched and wrinkled figures with stringy hair, large teeth, fiery red eyes, and fingers that end in talon-like claws. In addition to the red caps for which they are named, they wear iron boots and a few scraps of armor, and carry pikes or other polearms. They raid around their lair and attack trespassers without mercy, dipping their hats in the blood of the slain. It is said that no mortal can outrun a redcap.

Ritual

Redcaps are terrified by readings from Scripture or the sight of a cross. Either will cause them to vanish with a dismal yell, leaving one of their long teeth behind. Redcaps are immune to normal weapons, but may be wounded by blessed or magical weapons or by violence from other vaesen.

Hide ritual

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