Shiverwolf

I write from the darkness of a forest, and forgive me if the words are shaky. I have not eaten in a good while, and I am somewhat worried about my Bond - we were separated, and I have not seen her in four days. She is a dragon, though and should be fine. I will be fine, too, if I can get out of this blasted forest. However, the code of my line of work dictates that I write down the observations of what I see, and if I perish, the words and knowledge therein will linger on. It was my choice to make, my risk to take. Hey, that rhymes!
I shall make this entry about the wolves that I have encountered in this forest. For lack of a better term, I shall call them Shiverwolves. I don't know that much, but I will begin to record my findings here.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Four legged, with big, bushy tails and bright green eyes. I have stumbled across what I presume to be their skeletons, and it appears as if they are like regular wolves, only larger. However, the curve and flexibility of the spine, alongside their large eyes, leads me to believe that they evolved from living in caves.

Growth Rate & Stages

I have seen very few pups...but that could stem from me not finding any of their dens. But then, why are they so protective of their young?

Ecology and Habitats

We are, of course, in the forest, but as I mentioned earlier, I believe they are well suited for life in the caverns. Why, then, are they here? A warring pack? Expansion of territory? Gradual evolution? Some other, greater, more dangerous factor?

Dietary Needs and Habits

They are hunters. I have observed one extremely hungry one scrounging for berries, but it turned on me, and I didn't get to observe the scene more. They seemed to be capable of eating fruits, nuts, and roots, but I don't think they would prefer to if they can get their hands on something else...

Behavior

Fiercely loyal and protective, extremely territorial, knows how to get into the minds and fears of its prey.

Additional Information

Social Structure

I believe there is an alpha? And there appears to be a leader of each hunt...

Uses, Products, and Exploitation

Fur could be a very useful coat against water and cold...but I don't want to let them catch me thinking about that.

Facial Characteristics

Pointed noise, large green eyes, rounded ears.

Geographic Distribution

Solely in the Outer Realm

Average Intelligence

Exceptional knowledge of geography and the traits of other species...smart and capable, but not sapient

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They can hear and me quite well - in fact, I must be deadly silent for them not to perceive me; or make sounds that lead them to believe I am nothing but a passing forest creature not worth their time - they are fiercely territorial. I have masked my scent in mud as well. It seems like some sort of magical source within gives them the ability to change size??? I have seen them fit into extremely small spaces and then come out large as ever. Their howls, too, seem to have a paralyzing effect, and have frozen many forest creatures - myself included. I have only just managed to escape them. These howls send a chill up the spine - perhaps that is the science of their magical paralysis. It is for this reason that I have named them Shiver Wolves.

Origin/Ancestry

Perhaps related to the Darkhounds???

Lifespan

Unknown - my guess...20 years?

Average Height

42 inches (107 centimeters)

Average Weight

200 lbs - my rough estimate

Average Length

6.5 feet (2 meters) Odd. There's no height, weight, or size difference between genders...

Average Physique

Lean and muscular, large - I suspect there is an added size difference because of their bushy fur

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Range from light gray to dark black.