Winter Wolf

“What amazing animals. So noble, so brave. Constantly observing, learning, constant vigilance. Strength in individuals, strength in communal. Selfless and cooperative. What could our sad species be if we were to adopt such true traits.”

— Darcram Regnis, Master of Beasts

 

Winter Wolves are very similar to dire wolves, except that they are larger, stronger, faster, and more intelligent. They have been known to employ cooperative hunting tactics and have a fierce cone of cold, breath weapon that can incapacitate their prey very effectively.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This large species resembles a huge dire wolf with a much larger musculature and head with powerful jaws.

Genetics and Reproduction

These wolves mate and reproduce similar to that of a dire wolf.

Ecology and Habitats

The Winter Wolf can only be found in climates that are permanently extremely cold and snowy. Polar locations and extensive glacial mountains are often the home to these elusive creatures.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Winter Wolf is known to feed upon large quadrupeds and even lost humans. Their preferred food items include Snow Bison, Musk Ox, Ice Deer, Red Stag, Mammoth, Mountain Goat, Dahl Sheep, and Caribou. They will also hunt anything that seems weak, isolated, or tasty.

Additional Information

Social Structure

These creatures are very social and cooperate and coordinate everything that they do, from hunting to defense to searching for dens. They are led by an alpha male and mate for life.

Domestication

While this species may form alliances with other species, it absolutely refuses to be domesticated or serve others. They seem to prefer to lay down and die before becoming subservient to any humanoid races.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Believable sightings of Winter Wolves place them in the extreme environments of Ieces, Hibernus, and the Winter Lands. Rumors continue to persist of sightings located in the territories surrounding the Cold Sea as well.

Average Intelligence

These wolves are considered to be intelligent beyond that of a base animal and often communicate with each other and coordinate hunts together.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Aside from their incredible senses of sight, hearing, and smelling the Winter Wolf also has the capability to withstand sever freezing conditions, even when wet. Perhaps the most interesting and deadly of its skills is the ability to produce a freezing cone breath weapon. Those who are caught in its path are often frozen to death and the few who aren’t, wish that they were as the wolves descend upon them to feed.

Scientific Name

Aenocyon Dirus Hibernus

Origin/Ancestry

An ancient fusion of dire wolf and cold elemental.

Lifespan

Reports suggest that these animals can live for over 25 years.

Conservation Status

There is no conservational effort put towards these powerful creatures. They are considered to be extremely dangerous and not to be approached under any circumstances. While they are not outwardly evil, they are at the top of the food chain and consider anything smaller or slower than themselves, a prey item.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Color variations do occur between members of this species with most showing a shade of grey. Several have been observed with coats of snow white and a few rumors say that the alphas appear with blue icy tints to their fur or even have a frosted silvery coat.

by by me from Midjourney

ENEMIES:
Living in the harsh conditions of the frozen wilderness often put the Winter Wolves in direct completion for food and resources. This often brings them into conflict with other powerful creatures. In a land where only one species can fill a very limited niche, several species enemies have developed. Most notable of these are Icecave Bears, Glacial Wurms, Behirs, and White Dragons.