Warp Wolves

"When you hear a wolf howl in the woods, take care for how the sound travels. If you hear the bend as it moves through the brush, prepare to deal with a pack, or else you'll end up as lunch.
_<BARK!>
But, if it stops, only to reappear again elsewhere, well, you better have some lunch, otherwise they'll follow you all the way home.
<BARK!>
...
Yes, I am speaking from experience.
<BARK!>"

The result of Fae interference with certain species of Wolves, Warp Wolves combine the predatory skills and instincts of a mighty wolf with the magical ability, intelligence, and jovial nature of the Fae, resulting in mobile, speedy, yet playful creatures. The few that have been domesticated by mortal hunters prove themselves to be valuable partners with their mind for strategy and teleportation abilities, and those that remain in the ownership of the Fae often find themselves being trusted friends and partners, or terrifying guards sent after wayward mortals who sneak into the Fey Court.

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Basic Information

Anatomy

At first glance, a Warp Wolf is similar to your standard Grey Wolf. However, closer inspection will not only reveal their larger size but also the usually teal gleam of their eyes. Adult Warp Wolves also have similarly colored bioluminescence in their double coat, often glowing when in fast movement or when using their warping abilities.

Biological Traits

The luminescent color of a Warp Wolf largely depends on which part of the Fey Court has claimed ownership over them. Teal, the color of the Court of Beasts, is the most common, and unclaimed wolves who remain in the Fey Court will gain this color as well. Some notable others are the Court of War, where they will gain a crimson coloring, and the Court of Mischief, where they will gain a pink coloring.

Genetics and Reproduction

Warp Wolves originally began as simple grey wolves that had wandered into an area of the Fey Court and were taken in by one of the Fae. While enough of them have been taken in that they can breed amongst one another if they breed with any other wolf variant they will only produce a mundane wolf.

Growth Rate & Stages

Naturally born Warp Wolves grow at the same rate as standard grey wolves do. For those who are taken in, it takes about a month for the influence of the Fey Court to make a noticeable change.

Ecology and Habitats

The dark Seite Forest in central Magnum Opus is their preferred environment, although their adaptations allow them to traverse not only into the Fey Court, but also into the spaces between either realm and see into both, giving them ample opportunities for adaptation and hunting strategies.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Their dietary preferences are still carnivorous, but with the added Fae influence they can metabolize otherwise poisonous things easily and can digest vegetation better, leading them to be more omnivorous, but preferring meat. This is good not only for the variety it brings but also because their larger size and magical abilities expend much more energy than their non-magical counterparts.

Biological Cycle

Warp Wolves who remain with their owner for more than a year will begin to change with the seasons the same as their owner. In the winter their coats will be pure white, gain a light gray tone in the spring, turn a golden hue in the summer, and darken to a rich brown in the fall. Their double coat stays the same color either way, although sheds more easily in the warmer months.

Behaviour

Warp Wolves are largely friendly, taking on the playful and irreverent behavior of the Fae that changed them. While they still hunt and feed the same as any other predator, they very much enjoy playing with their food, and when running into mortal hunters, they tend to either hunt alongside them or spook them in a prank-like manner.
Often times though, they follow along with the hunters in hopes of more food with less effort, making them prone to domestication. While it takes a LOT of patience and dedication to properly train a Warp Wolf, they are intelligent and skilled creatures, making for a hunting partner beyond compare when successful.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Warp Wolves don't have that much of a different social structure to normal wolves, although even the small familial hierarchies present are mostly ignored in all but the most serious hunts.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Grey Wolves are largely found in Magnum Opus, although some exist in Hippolyta and other breeds of wolf exist elsewhere. Therefore, Warp Wolves also appear in those areas frequently, and are skilled at adapting elsewhere. Many of them enjoy remaining in the Fey Court though, which is where you'll see them most prevelantly.

Average Intelligence

Wolves are already intelligent predators, and the added magical boost given to Warp Wolves only increases that. Many have said the only thing separating a Warp Wolf from a mortal hunter is they have not yet gained the ability to speak aloud.
Fortunately or unfortunately, they use most if not all of that intelligence towards gleeful pranks and irreverent dashes through the night forest.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like similar creatures, a Warp Wolf has enhanced senses of hearing, smell, sight, and taste along with night vision. Due to being magically enhanced, they are also able to see Faeries and similar creatures and are able to trace the residual energy behind teleportation magic for a small period of time after its been used.

Scientific Name

Canis Lupus Lux

Lifespan

40 years

Average Height

3.5 Feet

Average Weight

80-192 Pounds

Average Length

6.5 Feet

Geographic Distribution

• Seite Forest

Related Ethnicities

• Middle Magnian