The Hounds of Tindalos
Angular hunters stalking the angles between dimensions to devour those who disturb time's geometry.
The Hounds of Tindalos are not biological creatures but interdimensional entities that dwell in the angles between dimensions. They serve as relentless predators within the Cthulhu Mythos, specifically targeting those who traverse forbidden geometries or disturb the angles of time. Often described as having a faint, blue, phosphorescent haze and a vile, slobbering appearance upon entering our reality, they represent a cosmic hazard for occultists dabbling in chronomancy. First introduced by Frank Belknap Long, these beings are considered part of the wider Mythos canon, though Lovecraft himself never incorporated them into his own writings. They do not worship gods but act as natural guardians or scavengers of the temporal stream, pursuing those who travel through angles—not as enforcers of a defined rule against unauthorized time travel, but as instinctive hunters drawn by the scent of angular disturbance. Their existence underscores the dangerous indifference of the universe to human curiosity regarding the fourth dimension.
Lore & Background
Originating from a place called Tindalos, which exists outside conventional space-time, these entities perceive reality differently than humans do. They navigate the sharp angles that connect different moments in time and locations in space. When a sorcerer uses magic to peer into the future or past, they leave a scent trail across these angles, alerting the Hounds to their presence. The creatures are drawn to this energy like sharks to blood in water. Manifestation occurs when the Hounds cross from their angular dimension into our three-dimensional world. They appear as shifting shadows that solidify into glowing, geometric forms resembling hounds with elongated snouts. Once they manifest, they hunt until the source of the temporal disturbance is consumed. There is no negotiation or mercy; they are a force of nature akin to radiation or gravity, simply fulfilling their function as cosmic hunters.
In Their Own Story
The candle flame flickered violently, casting long, sharp shadows against the stone walls. Elias knew he had pushed too far with the chronomancy text, his mind still reeling from visions of tomorrow. Suddenly, the air grew cold, smelling of ozone and ancient dust. He looked at the corner of the room where the wall met the ceiling—a perfect right angle that seemed to stretch infinitely deep. A flash of white light ignited within the geometry, coalescing into a snout and glowing eyes. The Hound had found him through the angles.
Reader's Guide
The Hounds of Tindalos function less as an organized society and more as a relentless natural force within the cosmos. They are interdimensional predators that inhabit the angles between dimensions, specifically tracking those who attempt to manipulate time or traverse non-Euclidean spaces. Unlike cults seeking worship, these entities seek sustenance through predation on reality itself. Their primary objective is to hunt down individuals who utilize forbidden chronomancy or access ancient texts regarding temporal travel. By following the scent of such magic across the angles of space-time, they manifest in our dimension to claim their prey. There are no specific ranks or leaders; the pack operates as a singular, hive-like instinct driven by hunger and territorial defense against intruders. In the broader conflict of the Mythos, they serve as a warning against tampering with forces beyond human comprehension. While not allied with Cthulhu or Azathoth directly, they represent the hostile indifference of outer space. Survivors often find that sealing off angles or avoiding specific magical practices is the only defense, making them one of the most feared entities for occultists and scholars alike.
Did You Know?
- H.P. Lovecraft praised Frank Belknap Long's story but never incorporated the Hounds into his own writings, though he fully endorsed their place in the Mythos.
- They are described in Long's original story as having a 'faint, blue, phosphorescent haze' and a 'vile, slobbering' appearance, not as invisible flashes of light.
- Tindalos is a location existing outside conventional geometry.