Iron Fang Wolfhound

Written by StillnessandSilence

Iron Fang Wolfhounds are considered some of the most loyal wolfhounds in all of Selenia. These imposing creatures are fiercely devoted to their masters or mistresses, forming an unbreakable bond from a very young age. Each wolfhound is paired with a partner early in life, and training and bonding with an Iron Fang is regarded as a lifelong commitment.

Iron Fangs by Sorianna Choate

Bred exclusively at Ironbluff Fortress, nestled deep within the Ashen Crown Mountains on the border between Stormer and the Craglands, these wolfhounds are raised with great care. The kennels are overseen by a Forgemaster who can trace the hounds’ bloodlines back over five hundred years. Detailed records exist for every pup born, even those that did not survive. Iron Fang Wolfhounds are highly prized for their exceptional skills and lineage.

These animals are incredibly intelligent and respond well to training. Primarily used as war hounds or for protection, they are rarely kept as mere pets. Their sheer size and strength make them formidable;, if their master is small enough, an Iron Fang Wolfhound is large enough to be ridden. They live for a lot longer than most breeds of wolfhound, they live for thirty years and sometimes past that. Bonds formed with an Iron Fang can transcend and be enhanced by the life force of its master.

The Iron Fang is a fierce and tenacious breed, renowned for its unwavering loyalty in battle. They follow commands with relentless determination, obeying until explicitly told to stop. This double-coated breed boasts a striking appearance, with fur colors ranging from liquid silver and russet red to charcoal and midnight black. On rare occasions, pure white Iron Fangs are born. These exceptional creatures are highly prized and often kept by forgemasters, who hold them in great esteem.

Iron Fangs are highly adaptable to various terrains, though they are best suited to cooler climates due to their thick double coats. They also possess a natural affinity for swimming, enjoying the water as much as they do the land. When gathered in groups, Iron Fangs instinctively form a pack mentality, recognizing trainers and masters within their established hierarchy. This trait makes them exceptionally effective in coordinated attacks. Each Iron Fang is trained to respond to commands in unique dialects, ensuring they only obey their master.

Their eyes, often referred to as “glass eyes,” are one of their most distinctive features. Heterochromia, with combinations of blue and golden hues, is not uncommon, although the most common eye color is a rich golden shade. Their keen eyesight, particularly effective at night, makes them exceptional hunters. This skill is frequently utilized at Ironbluff Fortress, where Iron Fangs are often released in the evenings to patrol and hunt the surrounding grounds.

Iron Fangs are massive creatures, standing between five and six feet tall at full maturity. Males of extraordinary size can weigh anywhere from 500 to 800 pounds, making them both an imposing and formidable presence on the battlefield. Their keen sense of smell is unmatched, and once someone has crossed an Iron Fang, it will never forget what was done to it.

These wolfhounds cannot be bought or sold. To possess one, a person must either be chosen by the Forgemaster of the kennels or earn the right through the Crucible—a grueling and unforgiving trial that tests physical endurance, mental fortitude, and the ability to bond with the breed.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Iron Fang is a quadrupedal species with massive, muscular frames built for power and endurance. Males are significantly larger than females, typically outweighing them by around 200 pounds. Both genders possess impressive tails, thick and powerful, which serve as a balance aid during movement and a tool for communication within the pack.

Genetics and Reproduction

Female Iron Fangs reproduce once a year, and breeding is a carefully managed process due to the chaos it can incite within the kennels. A single female in heat can cause a frenzy among the males, necessitating strict supervision and separation to maintain order.

A typical litter consists of one to eight pups, though larger litters of eleven to twelve pups occasionally occur, depending on the health and lineage of the dam and sire. These larger litters are considered a rare and significant event, often producing some of the strongest and most sought-after Iron Fangs. The pups are closely monitored from birth, as their development is critical to maintaining the strength and prestige of the breed.

Growth Rate & Stages

Iron Fang pups take three full years to reach full maturity, but their rapid growth during this period often feels like it passes in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re cradling the most adorable bundle of fur, and the next, you find yourself face-to-face with a 500-pound wolfhound standing in the middle of your room.

Despite their rapid growth, each stage of their development is a marvel to witness, as they quickly transform from playful, curious pups into the powerful, disciplined creatures Ironbluff Fortress is known for. Their training and socialization during these formative years are crucial, shaping them into the loyal and formidable companions they become.

Ecology and Habitats

Mountainous Ranges and open glades of the Ashen Crown.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Iron Fangs maintain a fresh, natural diet that reflects their predatory nature. They hunt their own game, which ensures they stay lean, strong, and agile. Their hunting instincts are finely honed, allowing them to capture a variety of prey, depending on what is available in their environment.

Within the kennels, their diet is supplemented with large cuts of fresh meat, ensuring they maintain their impressive muscle mass. They are also provided with nutrient-rich additions like carrots, blueberries, eggs, apples, and roasted bones. These ingredients help keep their coats glossy and their bones strong, with the roasted bones also serving as a natural source of dental care. The variety in their diet helps maintain their health and stamina, crucial for their role as both protectors and warriors.

Biological Cycle

Iron Fangs shed twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, when their thick double coats are replaced with lighter fur suited to the changing seasons. This shedding is a major event, as it leaves behind thick, heavy tufts of fur, which are often collected and used for crafting or ceremonial purposes.

At the age of ten, Iron Fangs undergo a significant change: their iron-like fangs begin to emerge. This teething process is uncomfortable and lasts for about six months. During this time, the pups experience considerable discomfort as their new fangs slowly push through, making them more irritable and restless. This period is closely monitored, as their behavior shifts during the transition from their juvenile to full-grown, formidable state.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Iron Fang Wolfhounds possess extraordinary sensory abilities, making them unparalleled hunters and guardians. Their keen hearing allows them to detect the faintest sounds, even from great distances, while their sharp eyesight can pierce through the darkness with ease, granting them exceptional night vision. Their sense of smell is unmatched, capable of tracking a target across vast terrains and remembering distinct scents for years. Together, these heightened senses make the Iron Fangs both fearsome predators and vigilant protectors, ensuring nothing escapes their notice.

Scientific Name
Animlia, Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora, Canidae, Lupotherium, Lupotherium ferox
Origin/Ancestry
Lupotherium arcanus
Lifespan
30+ years
Conservation Status
The Iron Fang Wolfhound is a highly protected breed, exclusively maintained and bred within the confines of Ironbluff Fortress. These remarkable creatures are the unique result of the fortress’s controlled breeding program, which has refined their traits over generations.   Very few Iron Fangs exist outside the fortress, and those that do are spayed or neutered to prevent the unauthorized breeding of the species. This strict control ensures the purity of the bloodline and maintains their exclusivity as a symbol of Ironbluff's strength and prestige.
Average Height
5 to 6 feet
Average Weight
500-800lbs
Average Length
6-7 feet
Geographic Distribution


Cover image: Colorless Kingdom by Sorianna Choate

Comments

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Jan 24, 2025 13:05 by Imagica

I love, love, love them! And now I want one :D Great art as always! I particularly liked the description of their eyes, this "glass eyes" description really sticks to mind. Beautiful <3

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Jan 24, 2025 20:39 by Sorianna Choate

Thank you, I had a dog with Glass Eyes, it was indicative of the breed, which always stuck with me. I want one too, I am glad you enjoyed it!

Jan 30, 2025 18:29 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Can I pet the big doggos? I love that their diet of the game they catch themselves is enhanced by eggs and apples and things. I bet they are happy about that.

Emy x
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Jan 31, 2025 19:28 by Sorianna Choate

Very happy! Giant Iron Fangs for all! I am glad you liked this piece! I am hoping to write some more on Ironbluff soon.

Feb 16, 2025 14:10

Gotta love some loyal doggies! Quite interesting that they are no sold but can only be earned, they must be quite wanted I can assume!

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Feb 17, 2025 02:06 by Sorianna Choate

Highly sought after, I am hoping to expand further on this soon.