Bristle
A marsh herder with a scarred eye and an unbroken heart, who has guarded the Thorne household longer than most people remember.
What People Know
Bristle is the Thorne family dog, a marsh herder known elsewhere as an Australian Shepherd. He is instantly recognizable by his mismatched eyes—one sharp amber, the other cloudy and scarred—and by the way he positions himself instinctively between danger and the people he loves.
In Strangeways, Bristle is not treated like a pet.
He is treated like family.
Reputation
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Fiercely loyal, especially to Corwin Thorne
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Protective of the entire household
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Unusually perceptive, even by marsh herder standards
Most people lower their voice around him without realizing why.
Behavior
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Sleeps lightly, always aware
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Watches doors, windows, and unfamiliar footsteps
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Rarely barks without reason
When Bristle growls, people listen.
Place in the Household
Bristle has been present through arguments, grief, long nights, and quiet returns home. He does not ask questions. He does not forget faces. He accepts everyone Corwin brings home—until given a reason not to.
The Constabulary trusts him.
Children adore him.
Strangers feel judged.
Rumors
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Bristle once stopped someone from entering the house without waking anyone
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He seems to recognize people who mean harm before they act
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He knows when Corwin is lying
Player Notes
Bristle is not a weapon.
He is a constant.
When the world feels hostile, Bristle reminds Corwin what home means.
If Bristle ever refuses to let someone inside, something is wrong.