Vralihan

Other Names

Wolfgliders, Echo Dogs

Summary

The Vralihan is a bizarre and seldom encountered family of wild canines found almost exclusively in the northern and northeastern regions of Bevrasten, typically never nesting outside of coniferous forests. This family contains three distinct species, one of which roams the northern forests of Bevrasten, one roams the waterways north of Stone heath and one that is found under the mountains of Aerust.
These creatures are almost universally unknown outside of their native lands but are a staple of Kiari hill clan and Aerustan myths, often giving visiting historians and scholars the false impression that they are not real. However those who have encountered the animal know better as the Vralihan has an extremely distinct appearance.

Description

Appearance

The Vralihan is a long bodied animal similar in appearance to a wolf, albeit much larger and with long legs that can bend both forward and backward that end in clawed hands. These arm-like appendages can function identically to the legs of a wolf when the creature needs to move quickly, and when running appear similar. However when bent forward they seem more akin to true arms and can be used to climb vertical surfaces or to strike unexpectedly with their talons at prey that wanders out of range of their bite.
The creature possesses four long wings that extend from their forearms/shins that usually rest at the creature's sides, extending a little above it's head when folded. The wings are perhaps the animals most distinct feature, however the beasts high triangular ears are similarly distinct as they look more akin to a bat's ears than a wolf's.
The Vralihan are divided into three species. The smallest of which, the Iniri Vralihan (Prince's Vralihan) is native to Aerust, and stands 150cm at the shoulder. It's fur is the same stony grey as the walls of the caverns it lives in. In between the other two varieties in height is the Lake haunter Vralihan. It is much larger than it's Aerustan cousin, standing at 175cm at the shoulder and is a dark grey in coloration with a lighter underbelly. Standing above both of it's relatives is the shadow glider, which is 205cm tall and onyx black in coloration, similar to the Onyx Wolves.

Behavior

The Vralihan travels in small familial packs typically consisting of one Adult male, between two and four smaller adult females, occasionally as many as four sub-adults and adolescents and often a litter of one or two pups. These packs often nest within proximity of four to six other packs that ensure their pups are protected at all times, and may even form temporary cross-pack hunting bands to defend their home or take down particularly dangerous game.
The Vralihan are adept mimics capable of copying many sounds, or even complex combinations of sounds with little difficulty, though they only understand basic meaning as they have no comprehension of true speech. They use this mimicry both to draw in or distract prey and as a means of warning their neighbors of potential threats. When a particularly dangerous predator enters their territory they will mimic it's sound at a much louder volume, warning their allies not only of the predators presence, but it's rough location and it's behavior. In many cases they can learn what different predators sound like, making their early warning system more effective as it can tell them exactly what predator has entered their territory.
The Vralihan, despite their wings, cannot fly, however they are excellent gliders. They use their gliding abilities to access lower elevations more quickly and to move quickly across treetops. Because of these abilities they typically build large their nests at the highest elevations possible, and maintain hunting grounds of 20km or more around it as their wings allow them to traverse rough terrain quite efficiently.

Uses and Relevance

The Vralihan are a staple of the mythology of both The Aerustan Nialir and The Clans of Bevrasten, where they are believed to be a form of nature spirit, protecting the sanctity of Sericil's northern most gardens.

Size

150cm-205cm

Animal Family

Mammals (Canines)

Diet

Carnivore

Preferred Biomes

Coniferous forests and caverns

Regions of Habitation

Native: North Bevrasten, Aerust
Introduced: None
Domesticated: None