Dire Wolf

Vargar of Ethae

Known as 'wargs' in Novyum, 'vargs' in Anbar and 'Dire' in Jerain, dire wolves can be found in any mountain range on the major continent of Ethae. These canines are famous throughout the continent as dangerous predators. It is this type of Wolf that put the fear of all wolves into people.

The wargs of Novyum is only slightly larger than an average wolf and are often mistaken for them. They work in large packs, controlling their territory fiercely from other predators. Though aggressive, these wolves have an innate fear for Human. They seem to have an awareness that man is the deadliest threat to them. Once abundant the entire Northern Reach, dire wolves are no longer found in the Heartlands due to man. These animals can only be found in remote regions, far away from settlements. In their remote territories, where their numbers are small, humans are back on the menu and dire wolf packs will clean out entire communities if given the opportunity.

The Anbar vargs are similar in size to the dire wolves of Novyum, though it is far harder to mistake them for a common wolf. The vargs have a much more muscularal front body and thick, often matted, hair at their neck and shoulders giving them a wild look. Their eyes are extremely reflective of light, giving them an appearnce that they have glowing eyes at night. Vargs travel in small packs of three or four when hunting and are primarily found in Tinjir. The varg are a deadly stealth hunter, with their coats seeming to shift colors over the year to blend in with the season and surroundings. The varg packs of the western Areian Peaks are smarter than their eastern kin. They have been 'domesticated' by the Besed Orchold. These Orc treat them as allies and equals in the community.

The dires of Jerain, often call 'greybacks' is the strangest of the dire wolves. Larger than their northern cousins, these animals can grow to the size of a horse, and in some cases larger still. To the natives of the Southern Reach these animals have a deep spiritual connection to the world. They are considered guides to the afterlife, protectors of the worthy, and executioners for the guilty. Seeing a dire and living to tell the tale is considered an omen of fortune. Nearly dires have grey and white fur. Females are solitary creatures, usually found alone, and only seek out other dire wolves to mate. Male dires often takeover, and lead packs of standard wolves.