Fanton Griswold

Fanton Griswold is a bogeyman spoken of in Barovia, Falkovnia, G'Henna, and Tepest. Such legend holds that he made a gamble with a hag that he could kill a dragon, putting his face on the line in order to win vast amounts of wealth. Griswold lost the bet and thus his face. He now is said to stalk the night looking for new faces, and will take the those of children he comes across. Griswold is taken seriously enough that the people of above said domains observe the proper rituals to thwart his visits on Fanton Griswold's Day, the first full moon of each year.

Every year, Fanton journeys out from its secret lair—the Castle of Bones, hidden in the most inhospitable part of the Balinoks—only once or twice a year, dragging a huge sack behind it. In many ways it seems a festive figure, dressed in the green, brown and red garb of a minstrel, a long-nosed mask, and broad-brimmed, feathered hat. The creature ignores all other creatures on its long journeys, responding with a sudden, vicious attack only if others interfere with its sack or mask. He searches for a house where happy children are present, and where the precautions (ring of salt around the house, blocking the chimney) have not been taken. If he gains entry, he will steal the faces of any children present, wearing one beneath his mask, and putting the others in his sack.