Spectans canis (Eyeing hound)
Other names: four-eyes, watching hound, beholder pooch
Description:
Eyeing hounds are large canines, close to the size of grey wolves, but are closer in appearance to sheepdogs. They have a relatively short muzzle and long shaggy fur. Their most distinctive physical attribute is the four eyestalks that grow from their skull. The eyestalks are flexible boneless organs, capable of movement in 360º and retreating into the eye-sockets in the skull.
The skull of the Spectans canis has a wider cranium in comparison to other canines, in order to accommodate the four eyes and their eyestalks. There are four eye-sockets arranged around the skull, a frontal pair in the approximate location expected in canine skulls, and a hind pair that mirrors the frontal pair on the back of the skull. The eye-sockets are enlarged, allowing the eyestalks to be pulled in comfortably. The eyestalks are somewhat similar to that of snails, which made some suggest that the Spectans canis should be considered Mixturidae. However, the operation of the eyestalks in Spectans canis is based on muscles and therefore the resemblance is in appearance alone, and even that is debatable, as the Spectans canis eyestalk are covered with fur and have eyelids.
Spectans canis have inferior hearing to most canines. This is because the additional eye-sockets in the back of their skulls necessitate a much shorter ear canal than that of most canines. However, their eye sight is much improved, not only in range, but also in adaptability to different light conditions. The flexible mobility of the eyestalks covers every angle around the hounds. Furthermore, because the eyes blink consecutively, unless the hound is asleep, there is never a moment when all of them are closed. The Spectans canis has excellent vision in all light conditions. Their day and night vision are nearly identical and they have the ability to switch to heat vision in complete darkness. Their eyes emanate a low glow in dark conditions, a greenish glow at night and a reddish glow when switching to heat vision, suggesting that these abilities are magical in base.
A less obvious feature of the Spectans canis anatomy is their poisonous molar teeth. The back molars on their upper jaw contain a cavity filled with a unique paralyzing poison known as Venenum Vracis or Vrac̆ Extract, named after Lyda Vrac̆ (978-1062), who was the first to find a way to extract the poison safely. The Spectans canis poison numbs the victim by slowing the blood flow, thus reducing heartrate and causing sleepiness. In small doses it can be used as a sleeping drought, but in larger doses it can cause irreversible damage to bodily systems and death.
The poison-molars have a protruding sharp tip that can puncture the skin of the victim to inject the poison into the blood stream. Their location at the back of the mouth may seem odd, but is connected to the location of the poison glands right above the jaw and the pressure-based distribution. The poison fills the cavity in poison-molars constantly, and is dispensed from the glands when the pressure inside the molar is reduced, i.e., when the poison is injected into a victim. The location of the poison-molars also gives the Spectans canis more control, allowing them to choose whether to inject it or not when they bite down on a creature.
by Peculiaris
by Peculiaris
A less obvious feature of the Spectans canis anatomy is their poisonous molar teeth. The back molars on their upper jaw contain a cavity filled with a unique paralyzing poison known as Venenum Vracis or Vrac̆ Extract, named after Lyda Vrac̆ (978-1062), who was the first to find a way to extract the poison safely. The Spectans canis poison numbs the victim by slowing the blood flow, thus reducing heartrate and causing sleepiness. In small doses it can be used as a sleeping drought, but in larger doses it can cause irreversible damage to bodily systems and death.
by Peculiairs
Habitat:
Old records of encounters suggest that the Spectans canis used to be found in Eurasia, particularly in cold climate woods, however, they are no longer found in the wild. All of the extant specimens in our world are domesticated and registered for monitoring under the Magion Protection Creed.
Diet:
The Spectans canis are primarily carnivorous, but do enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables as well. They are very capable hunters, but because all specimens in our world are domesticated, none of them lives off hunting and many live on human produced dog food.
Habits & Culture
Eyeing hounds are related to non-magical Canidae, and it is unclear whether they are a natural breed or the result of magical breeding by Magic-Folk. In the past, some Spectans canis were found in the wild, but it is highly likely that they originated in lost or abandoned domesticated specimens. 
The majority of Eying hounds were always found in domestic environments. The oldest mention of domesticated Spectans canis is from the 8th century, in a grimoire of the the Vrac̆ family. Later grimoires and records of the family continue to mention the Spectans canis, suggesting that the Vrac̆s were breeding Eyeing hounds, and that the species became favored house pets of magic-folk.
Similar to other domestic dog breeds, the Spectans canis have close and loving relationships with their owners. They show great loyalty, and their magical attributes make them wonderful watch dogs and hunting companions. They are also very playful, both with each other and with their humans. Young pups enjoy chasing and wrestling each other, and adults, too, would play fetch for hours.
Sadly, the Spectans canis were as misunderstood as their magic-folk owners by the general human population. They were victims of witch persecution and were hunted down by so-called monster hunters. By the 15th century the Spectans canis became extinct in our world.
by Peculiaris
by Peculiaris
Sadly, the Spectans canis were as misunderstood as their magic-folk owners by the general human population. They were victims of witch persecution and were hunted down by so-called monster hunters. By the 15th century the Spectans canis became extinct in our world.
by Peculiaris
by Peculiaris
The species was saved from complete destruction because a few specimens were adopted by Fae, and thus taken off-world during The Departure. It seems that they have adapted well in a number of fae worlds and prosper there. From the mid-20th century, a few specimens were re-introduced into our world. They were all placed into loving magion homes and registered for monitoring under the Magion Protection Accords. Their numbers are kept low in order to ensure their safety, and only about 30 individuals live in our world at one time.
The Spectans canis history is a cautionary tale and a reminder of the mistreatment magions can suffer in our world, and the reason they stay in hiding. We are lucky to have these loving, loyal creatures back in our world, and can only hope that their future will be far brighter than their past.
The Spectans canis history is a cautionary tale and a reminder of the mistreatment magions can suffer in our world, and the reason they stay in hiding. We are lucky to have these loving, loyal creatures back in our world, and can only hope that their future will be far brighter than their past.
Spectans canis
by
Peculiaris
Taxonomy Chart
Magion - Crinitidae - Pilosidae - spectans - canis
Basic Information
Lifespan
16 years on average, the oldest recorded specimen lived to 22
Average Height
100-120cm length; 80-85cm shoulder height
Average Weight
40k
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