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Redcap
Murderous goblins that inhabit ruined castles on the Scottish border. They dye their caps in human blood—if the blood dries, they die. They push boulders onto travelers and are impossibly fast despite iron boots.
Medieval - Present
Anglo-Scottish Border
200+ witnesses
Redcaps are the most dangerous goblins of British folklore.
The Legend
According to Border folklore:
Redcaps are:
- Murderous goblins
- Live in ruined castles
- On Anglo-Scottish border
- Must kill to survive
- Dye caps in blood
Appearance
Described as:
- Short and wiry
- Old man appearance
- Long teeth
- Thin fingers with talons
- Iron boots
- Red cap (from blood)
Their Nature
They must:
- Kill regularly
- Keep cap wet with blood
- If cap dries, they die
- Always hunting
- Never show mercy
Methods
They attack by:
- Pushing stones on travelers
- Direct assault with talons
- Extreme speed despite iron boots
- Overwhelming strength
- No warning given
Protection
Only defense:
- Quote Scripture
- Brandish crucifix
- They flee with howl
- Leaving one tooth behind
- Cannot harm the faithful
Famous Location
Hermitage Castle:
- Most notorious haunt
- Associated with evil lords
- Many deaths occurred
- Redcaps drawn to violence
- Still reportedly active
The Paradox
Strange aspect:
- Wear iron boots
- Iron usually wards evil
- But cannot be outrun
- Move impossibly fast
- Defies logic