Classification: Ethereal Entities

Temporal Range: 18th Century to present

Geographic Range: Various country roads, England

Diet: Unknown

Horde: Hauntings

Country roads may not seem sinister, but in the sleepy English countryside, tales of Phantom Coaches abound. Witnesses often recount the eerie sound of horses' hooves and wooden wheels, as if a grand carriage were approaching. They turn, expecting to see lanterns held aloft by a well-dressed driver, two strong steeds pulling an ornate carriage. Instead, they see nothing. The sound sweeps past with a chilling breeze, leaving them with the unsettling realization that they’ve encountered the Phantom Coach.

Ghost stories of Phantom Coaches are abundant in English history, with one of the most famous being a carriage carrying a headless Anne Boleyn to her grisly fate. These stories harken back to the carriage's heyday, unsurprisingly most occurring in the 18th and 19th centuries, but going back even earlier if the Anne Boleyn tale is to be believed (which it should). While many speculate these tales are simply ethereal warnings of accidents on the roads, most consider them bad omens and harbingers of doom. With this in mind, we recommend steering clear of quiet roads in the darkness. Or, at the very least, if you decide to hitch a ride, be sure to tip your driver well and ensure it's in shillings, farthings, or currency from the time period. 

The grimoire also includes specific Phantom Coaches that are definitely worth familiarizing yourself with.