SPECIES PROFILE: DIRE HOUND
SPECIES NAME: Dire Hound
ORIGIN: Northern Highlands of Tenari
CLASSIFICATION: Apex Canid Predator
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PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Build: Large, muscular quadruped with broad shoulders and powerful limbs.
Size: Shoulder height 1.8–2.3 meters; length 3.5–4.2 meters.
Fur: Thick, coarse double coat; ash-gray to black with bronze or red highlights in sunlight.
Eyes: Pale amber or yellow; darken when hunting or agitated.
Teeth & Claws: Oversized canines and retractable claws capable of crushing bone.
Other Features: Bushy tail for balance, pronounced snout ridge, low rumbling vocalizations.
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HABITAT:
Environment: Rocky highlands, dense conifer forests, mountain cliffs, and river valleys.
Climate: Cold to temperate; thrives in snowstorms and frost.
Territory: Packs defend extensive hunting grounds of several kilometers.
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DIET:
Primary Prey: Mountain deer, giant boars, smaller canids.
Secondary Diet: Fish, birds, small mammals, occasional carrion.
Hunting Style: Pack coordination, endurance chases, ambushes, and nonverbal communication.
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REPRODUCTION & MATING RITUAL:
Maturity: 7–9 Tenari canine years.
Season: Late spring to early summer.
Rituals: Alpha pair displays dominance through synchronized howling, fur bristling, and ceremonial prey offerings. Subordinates may participate in social rituals but rarely mate.
Gestation: 65–70 days.
Litter Size: 4–9 pups.
Denning: Deep caves or cliff hollows; alpha pair leads care while older siblings assist.
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LIFESPAN:
Typical: 45–60 Tenari canine years.
Predation: Adults are apex predators; juveniles face occasional threats from large draconids.
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SOCIAL BEHAVIOR:
Pack Structure: Hierarchical; alpha pair governs with clear rituals.
Communication: Howls, growls, tail and ear signals, scent marking.
Cognition: Intelligent, capable of strategy, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Territoriality: Fiercely protective of dens and young.
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ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Dire Hounds are legendary guardians of highlands and sacred ruins in Tenari's myths. Their loyalty, intelligence, and endurance make them central figures in the ecosystem and cultural lore.
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