Onyx Wolves

Summary

Native to both Southern Bevrasten and Northern Qiana Onyx wolves, sometimes called shadow hounds, have proven themselves to be voracious and cunning Apex Predators of the dense rainforests and deep valleys of the Stranded Easts. They have adapted their hunting strategies with extreme success to make use of their dark hide as they hunt both animal and sentient prey. They are the bane of travelers in the east, and their attacks from the deep and shadowy reaches of the rainforest have influenced many a campfire ghost story.

Description

Onyx wolves are recognizable due to their powerful and muscular builds, but are best identified by the that gives them their name, a smooth coat of onyx black fur. On the rare occasions where an adult is seen in the open long enough to measure they are typically anywhere between 315-350cm long and 85-110cm tall, but many travelers and Kiari tribesman attest to the presence of much larger individuals stalking the deepest areas of Qianna's rainforest (colloquially called Onyx Direwolves). 

Hunting patterns

Onyx Wolves earnt themselves the nicknames of Shadow hounds and Traveler's Blight through their voracious, indiscriminate hunger and their hypnotic hunting techniques. The wolves smooth black hide makes it difficult to recognize the animals shape when it moves, particularly when the deep shadows of Qianna's forest fall over it's form. The hide blends in so well that it does not need to be fully covered in shadow to hide it's form as the wolf's fur blends well with shadows in most situations, making the uncovered sections of the wolf seem like an extension of the forest as opposed to a powerful apex predator.
Their hunting techniques, along with those of similar copycat predators has lead to the term 'hunter's shadow' spreading among the natives populace to describe shadows that seem to move unnaturally. Common knowledge dictates that when a 'hunter's shadow' falls near it is best to seek civilization, or failing that set up camp in a defensible position and wait until all signs of a potential predator have dissipated for longer than a day. Most Kiari guides refuse to break these rules, no matter how often the shadows appear to be a false flag, due to the risk of one such predator falling on an unprepared group of adventurers.

Size

Fully grown Onyx wolves stand 85-110cm tall at the shoulder, and 315-350cm long.

Animal Family

Mammals-Canines

Diet

Carnivorous, various medium-large prey animals

Preferred Biomes

Rainforests and deep valleys.

Regions of Habitation

Native: Qianna and south Bevrasten Introduced: Northeast Bevrasten Domesticated: Instances are few and far.

Geographic Distribution

• The Stranded Easts