Birral

A large canine best known for it's multiple horns.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These dogs stand about 2ft high, and grow to about 5ft from nose to tail. Adult male and female Birral can be separated by the number of horns they have. Both develop 2 horns as youths, but as they reach maturity females develop 3 horns, while males develop 4. The leader of a pack of Birral will develop 5 horns. If the leader of a pack is defeated and survives the experience, the new leader will break off the former leader's fifth horn.

Ecology and Habitats

Birral roam the continent of Beraca, favouring the savanna though some packs can be found roaming the edges of the deserts. During the spring a pack will usually make their way to a river or other body of fresh water and set up a temporary den. This den is used for giving birth and to protect the young birral until they can keep up with the pack. It is during this period that birral are at their most dangerous as the pack try to ward off any threats and will refuse to leave an area as they would when presented with a threat at any other time of year.

Dietary Needs and Habits

While they prefer a fresh kill, birral will not turn down carrion provided it hasn't decayed too much. When hunting a pack of birral will work together to trap their prey. They don't have the speed to chase down the more agile creatures on the plains so part of the pack is sent to wait in ambush while the rest move to a position where either the sight of them or their scent will cause the prey to flee into the jaws of the ambushers. The leader of the pack is usually with the ambushers to ensure that it gets it's proper share.

Lifespan

20 years

Average Height

2ft

Average Length

5ft

A stylised image of a 5 horned Birral is frequently used in heraldry to denote power and importance. Some lesser nobles also make use of the image of a 4 horn as a way of re-affirming their subservient position, though many regard the 4 horn as a symbol of ambition.