Grave Wolf ([gɹeɪv wʊlf])

The Grave Wolf's body is composed of pure white bones, exposed due to losing most of its flesh and fur early in its evolutionary path. Sparse fur remains only on its ears, back, and tail, emphasizing its ghastly and incomplete form. The thin flesh that clings to its frame is translucent, allowing the red glow of the Force that sustains it to shine through, particularly in the spaces between bones, as no organs remain in the wolf's body.

Despite their appearance and their history with the Eshani, Grave Wolves are benevolent and empathetic creatures of extreme intelligence. They share close ties with the planet and the Force and were known to assist Eshani who were strong with its power. These wolves are also known for appearing in dire situations, assisting Eshani on hunts, saving them from danger, or returning them to their villages if lost in the great expanses between Eshani cities. Because of their nature and the regret of hunting them into nonexistence, the Eshani venerated the Grave Wolves as honourable protectors, and they adorned the skin and clothes of those they revered with wolf-like symbols.

Embroideries of Grave Wolves were said to be the bearers of good fortune, and they were a gift given by the matriarch of a family to those they felt worthy of the wolves' blessing. The tattoos the Eshani branded onto their skin sometimes mirrored the bone and fur patterns on the wolves' bodies. Legends told that Kanir was the first to have branded herself as such after being given permission by the first Grave Wolf to leave their kinnik den.

As the Grave Wolf is made up in part of the Force, it is attuned to its surroundings and all life on Eshan.

The Grave Wolf originated from ancient Alpine Wolves that were hunted nearly to extinction for their prized pelts. A small group of these wounded survivors fled to Eshan's northern reaches, seeking refuge in a ravine surrounded by a grove of sacred kinnik trees. Unknown to the wolves, the area was a Force vergence, which began to heal them in an extraordinary way. Over generations, their dying flesh fell away, leaving behind pure white bones, while the Force imbued their bodies with a glowing red energy that sustained their existence. This transformation marked the birth of the Grave Wolves, blending their natural essence with the power of the Force.

Despite their grim appearance and troubled history, the wolves became benevolent guardians, aiding the Eshani in times of need. Revered as protectors and symbols of resilience, they remain an integral part of Eshan's myths and culture.