Beast (SSSS)

Beasts are one of the three main types of Grosslings in the Silent World, appearing in the webcomic Stand Still, Stay Silent. Created from mammals infected by the Rash Illness, beasts remain the closest in appearance to their pre-infected form. Whilst most mammals can become beasts, cats are the only exception, due to an unexplained immunity to the Illness.

Characteristics
Beasts, due to forming out of animals, have a higher resistance to winter temperatures compared to humans, trolls and giants. They are also the closest in appearance to their original form, as opposed to trolls and giants, the former possibly appearing human from a distance, and the latter being obviously some other creature. Due to this, they retain specific adaptations to their environment, such as fur, and as such, don't need to build a nest, unlike the other forms of Grossling. Despite appearing the most "normal" of the creatures of the Silent World, close-ups of a beast-dog appearing in Chapter Seven reveal some less visible changes, including partial fusion of the lips and what appears to be either worms or tendrils in the orifices. Another important note is that beasts are fully active in broad daylight, as opposed to trolls and giants, which prefer to hibernate during these hours.

Dog Beasts
So far the only type of beast seen in the comic, dogs are special in that they vary in multiple ways from other beasts. First, their beast forms tend to vary a lot. Second, cases have been documented where beastified dogs appear to retain parts of their former minds, or occassionally, their natural bond with humans. There are three known types of dog beast, though the first sighting of one in the comics, nicknamed Cthulhund, does not seem to fall into any category.
 * Garm - named for the Norse mythological creature Garmr, Garm-type dogs are described as large, bulky creatures with an "armour-like hide," and are commonly found in Norway, Denmark and Sweden. They are also said to be "the only beast known to principally hunt and devour humans."
 * Kyrkogrim - Named after the guardian spirit the Church Grim, Kyrkogrims are said to guard the graves of their former masters. These guardians will remain entirely passive, at odds with the average Grossling, unless someone gets too close to the gravesite they're defending.
 * Manalan Rakki / Hiiden Hurtta - A type of beast found exclusively in Finland, the Manalan Rakki is said to be a miserable-looking dog that seeks human contact, spreading the Illness to them as a consequence. It's name comes from a Finnish spirit, the "dog of Manala/Hiisi," that was believed to be a manifestation of disease, and as such would be the intended target of shamanic rituals designed to heal illness.