Wolf

Wolves are a beast native to Asulon and also found in Anthos. Wolves are most common in cold, snowy areas or dark forests. They live in small packs made out of family members. When a wolf is provoked through attack, it will immediately attack the aggressor and fight to the death. Usually, the rest of the pack will join in as well. Their strength, speed and large teeth all play a part in destroying anyone who challenges them, as well as their favourite prey, sheep.

Domesticity

Most wolves in the wild will be neutral to anyone who comes close. Given their natural defenses they are not skittish like other wildlife, so they can be approached to quite a close distance. Some wolves in the wild are naturally aggressive, indicated by their defensive posture and red eyes. Non-aggressive wolves are attracted to bones. They can be swayed to come close when one is offered. If fed enough bones, a wolf will become loyal to the one that offered it and leave the pack to follow them. This loyalty of wolves can be quite strong, showed in the way they will attack monsters that threaten their master. This loyalty can range to great lengths, such as wolf armies that have been used in battle.

Wolf Species

Although all wolves appear to have a common ancestor, environmental variations have produced several varieties of wolves.

Forest Wolves

This type of wolf is more common in thickly treed areas. They are more likely to make their homes in hollows of trees and have a thinner coat than other wolf species. Some claim that they are friendlier as well. Forest Wolves often have larger litters than other wolf species. Found in Asulon and Anthos.

Ker Wolves

The Ker wolves are large seven foot tall wolves. Large beasts with massive bodies, these wolves are known for their dark pelts that seem to meld into the shadows. Their size varies between five feet to seven feet and their weight anywhere from 800 pounds to 1200 pounds, making them smaller than Lur wolves and lighter. However, these wolves are around the same size as thoroughbreds and shire horses, making them perfect sized for a normal elf to ride. Domesticated by the Oussana and Darkspire clans. They live as guardians and mounts for the dark elves. Only a few have been given a Ker'wolf outside of the dark elves.

Mountain Wolves

A larger wolf than most of their cousins, Mountain Wolves are native to the cold, snowy mountains of the Hanseti area. They can often be found in any other cold area. These wolves tend to live in caves and have thick coats to protect them from cold winds. Given the harsh conditions they live in Mountain Wolves often have fewer pups than other species, but the ones they have are larger. Mountain Wolves can grow to extremely large sizes, easily topping two hundred pounds and up to five feet high. They were discovered in Asulon and do not appear to reside in Anthos.

Lur wolves

Lur wolves live only in the desert. Bred by Orcs as mounts, these nine feet tall giants are trained to kill with a single bite. Massive jaws and razor sharp claws, there is little that can bring down these beasts, especially if it is being ridden. Lur wolves are not only used in battle as mounts, but commonly set loose, and allowed to break up enemy formations and strike fear into their hearts. The sight of one of these giant, snarling beasts, covered in the blood of its victims, can unnerve and rout even the most battle hardened warrior. Their fur is naturally dark, but it is commonly dyed red with blood. The largest known Lur wolf is owned by Urak’lur who is also the hairiest of all Orcs. Lur Wolves are not native to Asulon or Anthos. They were bred in Krugmar and transported to other realms by ship.

Snow Wolf

Snow Wolves were discovered in Anthos, and appear to be related to the Mountain Wolves of Asulon. Unlike previous wolf varieties the Snow Wolf has been extensively documented and much is known about them. The Snow Wolf is known for its massive physique. Its well built musculature allows for impressive strength and speed. Although the average Snow Wolf weighs about 180 lbs, they are still quick on their feet and are very stealthy. Another important characteristic of Snow Wolves is their impressive size. These beasts are usually 6 feet long, and 3 feet at the shoulder. This, coupled with their bulk, allows for their incredible perseverance, and they can take many blows before going down. This impressive stature is an evolutionary adaptation to their harsh and unforgiving climate. With a bite force of almost 2000 lbs, they can snap bones in combat. Due to their mass, however, they cannot run as fast as their leaner cousins, but can still sprint an impressive 30 mph. Although known for their pure white coats, some Snow Wolves occasionally have streaks of gray, brown, or black in their pelts. One of the most profound behaviors of the Snow Wolf is its cunning intelligence and ability to work as a team with its pack mates. To overcome their proportionally slow speed, the Snow Wolf plans its attacks, and works in coordination with its team. Usually, they will stage an ambush, when the prey is in an isolated and vulnerable spot. Although mighty, the Snow Wolves know their limits. A pack of about four Snow Wolves would never attack an entire herd of elk head on. Likewise, they would not attack a hunting party of over five. In addition, the Snow Wolf does not usually engage humans unless provoked, but when provoked, will fight until they deem it a waste. The alpha male is the patriarch of the group, and he is distinguishable through his special streak of gray, located on the ridge of his back. He is also noticeably larger than the others. He is the one to coordinate the attacks through a complex system of growls, yips, yelps, and howls. A pack usually consists of about four to five wolves. At around the age of two, the male pups leave the pack to start a new one, or join another one. This ensures genetic diversity. Mating season of the Snow Wolves occurs in late winter, so the pups are born in early summer. The pups are at a hunt able age at one and a half, but won't leave until 3 years of age. The Snow Wolves range in the southern mountains and the arboreal southern forests. Many packs live in the cold north. These two groups of Snow Wolves are genetically isolated, but retain most of the same characteristics in tandem. Theoretically, they could interbreed, but such a feat would be difficult, as they are so isolated. The Snow Wolves are a hardy species, and can survive in icy mountains. Their prime habitat is arboreal forest, but they thrive in the rugged mountains as well. They can survive in any climate, but unless domesticated or forced out of their home, they will never have a reason to leave the snowy lands from which they came. The Snow Wolves prefer to consume wild elk, moose, or deer. In tough times, when this preferable game is unavailable, the Snow Wolves would resort to eating vermin such as mice, rats, squirrels, and beavers. If these are also scarce, they would resort to live-stock. This is rarely done. Eating people is even rarer, as Snow Wolves do not prefer the taste.

If done from birth, a Snow Wolf can become a domestic beast. It would take a large amount of skill and a fair bit of luck, but it has historically been done. If tamed successfully, these animals can be incredibly useful, versatile, and good companions. But if not properly trained, the animal can become a danger to yourself and all around.