Wolves
History
In the Roman and in the Medieval period [1], wolves were hunted to extinction in the UK as farmers’ livestock were being dwindled and roads were becoming dangerous. As time went on the British population had an advantage, that they didn't have to worry about bears or wolves and other dangerous animals attacking them when out in the countryside. As time continued however, domesticated dogs were left abandoned and were forced to fend for themselves. Similar to domestic pigs escaping and turning to wild boar, domestic dogs returned to the wild and became wolves.Basic Information
Anatomy
Wolves are quadrupeds and are binocular and have a strong sense of smell.Biological Traits
Life Span
Wolves in the wild live upto 14 years old for females and 13 years for males.Weight Averages
Male Wolves can grow to 30 - 80 kg (66.15lbs - 176.4lbs) when they reach maturity [4]. For Female Wolves can grow to 23 - 55kg (50.72lbs - 121.28lbs).Gender Roles And Structure
Wolves are pack animals. Within the pack is a male and female pair who are the alphas of the pack and are the only ones that breed, and are the ones who eat first at hunted kills [5]. Wolves continually fight to be alpha and will growl as part of a status challenge. If the alpha doesn't growl back a fight will ensue. If the challenger wins they will be the new alpha.Genetics and Reproduction
Mating season for wolves occurs around January and March. Wolves begin breeding between 2 and 3 years old and are thought to breed for the rest of their lives. Gestation period lasts for between 62 - 75 days.Ecology and Habitats
Wolves can enjoy a whole range of terrains including woodlands, tundra, grasslands and deserts. Wolves hunt on a regular basis and are opportunity hunters. This sadly includes areas where human settlements are, these settlements give a challenge to the wolves and their numbers dwindle if they come across humans in their settlements or on roads. Wolves will attack humans when they are hungry themselves but are regarded as a difficult hunt or go for the food that the humans have for themselves.Dietary Needs and Habits
Wolves when they reach maturity can eat 9kg (20lbs) of meat in a single meal [7]. Wolves communicate through a variety of methods such as body language, scent marking, barking, growling and howling [7].Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
When wolves are encountered within settlements or while caravans are going along or even when hunters are on the hunt. Wolves will be hunted and their pelt will be removed on trading bands from Villages will trade processed pelts. After the skinning of the wolf the carcass is burned so as to not attract more wolves as wolves can be cannibalistic. It may be a good idea to bring more wolves by using the carcass as bait and to kill the wolves that take it, however this is not worth the risk for more pelts. META SpoilerDungeons and Dragons Equivalent
Wolves can be inserted into a Dungeons and Dragons campaign of this world. [2]Wolf
Medium beast, unalignedArmour Class 13 (Natural Armour)
Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
Speed 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 3 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (-2) |
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages None
Challenge 1 / 4 (50 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
Keen Hearing and Smell. The wolf has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pack Tactics. The wolf has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the wolf’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
(2d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC11 Strength Saving throw or be knocked prone.
Keen Hearing and Smell. The wolf has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pack Tactics. The wolf has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the wolf’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit : 7(2d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC11 Strength Saving throw or be knocked prone.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Domestic Dogs
Lifespan
14 Years [3]
Average Height
80cm - 85cm (2ft 7.50in - 2ft 9.46in)[8]
Average Length
1m - 1.6m (3ft 3.37in - 5ft 2.99in)[9]
[2]DND Beyond - Wolf
[3]Google Search on Wolf Lifespan
[4]Google Search on average weight of wolves.
[5]Google Search on whether wolves are matriarchal or patriarchal
[6]Wolf Ecology and Behavior (westernwildlife.org)
[7]NWF: Gray Wolf (National Wildlife Federation)
[8]Google Search on Wolf’s Height.
[9]Google Search on Wolf’s Length
Domestic Dogs
Lifespan
14 Years [3]
Average Height
80cm - 85cm (2ft 7.50in - 2ft 9.46in)[8]
Average Length
1m - 1.6m (3ft 3.37in - 5ft 2.99in)[9]
Article Contents
Further Resources
References
[1]Wikipedia Article on Wolves in Great Britain[2]DND Beyond - Wolf
[3]Google Search on Wolf Lifespan
[4]Google Search on average weight of wolves.
[5]Google Search on whether wolves are matriarchal or patriarchal
[6]Wolf Ecology and Behavior (westernwildlife.org)
[7]NWF: Gray Wolf (National Wildlife Federation)
[8]Google Search on Wolf’s Height.
[9]Google Search on Wolf’s Length
Acknowledgements
Dazzlikat
Dazzlikat's World Anvil Author Page
Laura Bones
Laura Bones’s Authour Page
Lethann
Lethann’s World Anvil Author Page
Monad_danoM
rowean
Rowean’s World Anvil Author Page
whitesithmale
Twitch
