Redcap: The Goblin of the Castle

The Murderer of the Borderlands

The Redcap (or Powrie) is the vilest goblin in Scottish folklore. He inhabits the ruined castles and peel towers of the Scottish Borders (like Hermitage Castle). Unlike other fairies who might just trick you, the Redcap exists solely to kill. He is a sturdy, short old man with long teeth, burning red eyes, and heavy iron boots. Despite the iron boots, he moves faster than a sprinting man.

The Hat

His name comes from his cap. It is dyed a deep crimson. This is not dye. It is fresh human blood. The Redcap suffers from a biological curse: he must keep his cap wet with blood. If the blood dries, he dies. This forces him to murder travelers constantly to "re-dye" his headgear.

The Weapon

He hunts with a pike-staff (a long spear). He is incredibly strong. He can catch a spear thrown at him and snap it in half with his bare hands. He stones travelers to death or impales them.

The Weakness

Physical weapons cannot harm him. Swords bounce off his skin. His only weakness is Scripture. If you recite a Bible verse or hold up a cross, he shrieks in agony and vanishes (or leaves behind a single tooth). He is a creature of pure malice, repelled by the divine.

The Final Warning

Ruined castles are romantic by day, but at night, they are slaughterhouses. The Redcap does not kill for sport; he kills for survival. His hat must remain wet. If you are exploring the Borderlands and hear the heavy clank of iron boots on stone steps, do not turn around to check the source; just start praying.