As EsperCorp’s Head of Field Operations, it’s my duty to research dangerous and unusual Espers, in order to make sure we aren’t exposing our Agents to more than they can handle. One of my most memorable discoveries had been Black Shuck. We’ve scanned numerous instances of Black Shuck for a few months now, but since Autumn we’ve seen a spike in their population-– most likely due to the onset of Autumn (the beginning of seasonal death) and Halloween, a holiday which turns the minds of many towards death and horror. Given that context, I thought it appropriate to use this week’s Esper Profile entry to explore the finer details of this demon hellspawn dog, and maybe get past a few misconceptions about it.

Size: 1.09 Meters

Energy: 20eV

Strength: Shadow

Weakness: Water

Black Shuck is a frightening face to look at, and one of the more stomach churning examples of how Spirit Animals can take forms utterly impossible in the biological world. Its dry, grinning skull of a head is connected to the rest of the body by nothing but spinal column and tongue muscle. From each vertebrae down its back erupts a spear of white bone which take on the shape of grim headstones through the perceptual haze of the Esper screen. Its body is taut, rippling muscle, skinless and black.

Here we have as realistic a depiction of Black Shuck as could be made. As you can see there is no muscle at all on the skull except for the tongue and eyeball.

 Based on all that you’d probably think Black Shuck to be a fearsome, ruthless killer. And indeed that is a persona that they project. As a Shadow-Type Esper they feed upon whatever Fear and Uncertainty they can shake from the Earth, and there is a lot to go around. Upon further familiarity, however, it’s clear that the threatening attitude comes from a fierce sense of confidence and pride. Once comfortably bonded with a trainer they will become fiercely loyal companions. Their powers over Shadow and Electricity are impressive, and they will enthusiastic strike out at any unknown Espers that approach their master unless explicitly ordered not to. Continue reading →