Approved Species Vylmiran Hounds

[Kyyrk]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To expand on the wildlife of Vylmira, both wild and domestic
• ​Image Credit: X
• Canon: N/A
• Links: Vylmira

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Name: Vylmiran Hound
• Designation: Non-sentient
• Origins: Vylmira
• Average Lifespan: 25 years, though Domestic Hounds have been known to live longer.
• Estimated Population: Planetary
• Description: The Vylmiran Hound, while bearing the hallmarks of a canine, is noted for its scaled skin. All four legs feature fur and claws, though the back legs often have a thicker fur coat than the front. The mane covers the chest, and extends down the spine to cover the tail in a large plume of fur. Males feature large horn-like spikes made from a chitinous material on the head and shoulders. Females may also posses these horns, but much smaller than the males. Females are often noted for green scales and tan fur, while males are predominantly known for purple scales and white fur.

PHYSICAL INFORMATION

• Breathes: Type 1
• Average Height of Adults: Approx. 1 Meter tall at the shoulder.
• Average Length of Adults: 3 Meters, tail and fur included
• Skin color: Purple in males, Turquoise in females
• Hair color: White in Males, Tan in females
• Distinctions: The Vylmiran Hounds walk on all fours, using their large claws to latch on to prey, or to tear flesh from a carcass for easy consumption. Their back claws are used for purchase in climbing, and are far less pronounced than the front claws. The general age of a hound can be determined by their stripes. They begin life with very dark stripes, that begin to grow lighter in shade as their life cycle continues. Fur is often very short as pups, but can grow quite thick on adults, particularly around the jugular. The fur also tends to grow pale and patchy as the creature advances in age.
• Races: N/A
• Force Sensitivity: All

Strengths:

• Force Sensitive: Vylmiran Hounds posses innate Force Sensitivity, having evolved over the centuries with the ability to sense prey. Additionally, in rare cases, the creatures are capable of confusing and sedating their prey, though this ability has not manifested in domestic creatures.
• Combat Spikes: The horns on the males can be used to devastating effect in combat.
• Fangs + Claws: Vylmiran Hounds posses fangs and claws that also make them formidable combatants, and very capable as hunters.
• Excellent Hunters: Owing to their ability to track their prey over long distances, the Vylmiran Hounds are excellent hunters.
• Big: These creatures are rather large as canines come, adding to their prowess in combat.

Weaknesses:

• Long Gestation period: Vylmiran Hounds will carry their young for 1.5 years, which then take 3 years to reach maturity.
• Force Sensitive: The Hounds have displayed adverse effects to Ysalamiri bubbles, and will shy away from such occurrences. Though not lethal, cutting the creature off from the force causes considerable pain.
• Big: Those looking to keep one as a pet must be ready to accommodate the creature's massive size.
• Hungry: Being large creatures, they eat a lot.

CULTURE

• Diet: Carnivore
• Communication: Barks, Yips, Growls, Pants, Whines
• Technology level: N/A
• Religion/Beliefs: N/A
• General behavior: Vylmiran Hounds are often solitary creatures, though they are not hostile towards each other, save during mating season. Female Hounds will often band together into packs of anywhere from 2-8 to raise young, before the pack eventually splinters when the pups begin reaching maturity at age three. Though mothers will only allow their own young to nurse, they will all take part in raising the pups, and teaching them how to hunt. Hounds are fiercely intelligent, and make excellent working animals, be it for combat, guard duties, or simply as well trained pets. Males typically make poor pets as their temperament lends itself to hunting and fighting, but for this same purpose make excellent allies on a battlefield.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Much of the history of the Vylmiran Hounds remains unknown, but scientists theorize that the creatures were initially created by the Rakata or some such civilization, but developed Force Sensitivity separate from this. The creatures have only been discovered existing naturally on Vylmira, though they take well to other climates. Ages ago, great packs used to roam the jungles of Vylmira, until settlers began domesticating them and employing them as guard dogs. Though their population has diminished from its original numbers, the species is still healthy and in no danger of extinction. With a growing market offworld for Vylmiran Hounds as guard dogs, the species is beginning to find purchase on planets beyond Vylmira...