This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Shiba Inu Cerberus.
Environment: Underground and Along the Rivers into the Underworld
Monster Type: Loyal Guardian
Color: Tan with a White Belly
Features: Three Heads, Massive in Size, Curled Tail, Glowing Red Eyes
Abilities: Terrifying Presence
Recommended Equipment: Sweets and Music
Introduction:
A Cerberus is a particular kind of monster famous for guarding entrances into the underworld. With the body of dog and three heads, they make excellent guardians. A Cerberus reaches a mature age very quickly growing to the size of a barn. They will stay this size even as they become ancient in age. More so than just its sheer size, a Cerberus has a terrifying presence staring down with red glowing eyes. Even the bravest of champions could succumb to fear when confronted by a mighty Cerberus.
Investigation:
The ornate multi-needle compass Manny gave us was a true object of wonder! There were five needles in total; gold, silver, pale wood, shiny black, and the crimson one we were warned to never follow. As per instruction, we faithfully followed which ever direction the gold needle pointed. Most fascinating, anytime we were hungry the needle directed us to a room with a pantry and cooking fire. If we were tired, it took us to a room with bedrolls and cots. My assistant spent time analyzing the device, but was unable to discern the details of how it worked. Nor could we figure out what the other needles were tracking. Eventually we found ourselves in a massive hallway. The ceiling was so high even our magic torch light didn’t reach it. We were at a junction of three paths to choose from. The gold, crimson, and black needle all pointed forward. Reluctant to head in the direction of the crimson needle we paused for a moment until the crimson needle slowly tracked to a different tunnel. We proceeded forward with caution.
Observations:
We entered a massive banquet hall that was almost empty except for a scattering of large bones and a huge pile of hay covered by a massive mound of hair. Audible snores could be heard coming from the mound of hair as it expanded with each inhale of breath. The green needle pointed ahead, the crimson needle behind. Were we safe from whatever this monster was? We crept forward to get a better look. As we got closer the snores stopped and became a quick succession of sniffs. The crimson needle shot around the compass to point directly at the massive three headed dog that stretched and rose in the corner. It was a Cerberus. It was too late to run. It stared down at us with 6 blazing red eyes. Our hearts raced. My assistant froze gripped by fear, unable to move.
Conclusion:
The Cerberus approached us slowly with a low growl in two of its throats. In the gripe of its terrifying presence, I maintained just enough composure to notice the three matching collars around each neck. Hanging from each collar was a name tag. The tags read Rey, Kit, and Robin. My eyes widened; we had found Manny’s dog! With the slowest of movements I pulled the other item of wonder he gave us from my pack. I opened the lid on the box and a sweet melody played. The growls stopped. I slowly placed the music box on the floor which prompted Rey, Kit, and Robin to lay in front of it. The crimson needle tracked away from the Cerberus and I gently coaxed my assistant from the room.
About:
The Shiba Inu Cerberus is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.
Artist: Joshu Johnson – joshing.com
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