Avlissian Leaping Hound
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authors:
- Cairn Mosslel, ranger of ANRA
- Members of ANRA
Introduction
The Avlissian Leaping Hound is rare dog-like species that is native to the Blandenberg Protectorate. It is typically medium to large in size. It is rather unique in appearance with distinct markings. The hound's (both male and female) head and top of its body is usually brown in color with darker brown stripes that run along its back perpendicular to its spine. Tan, yellowish brown, or pale yellow colors are usually observed upon the hound's legs and underbelly. Unique brown spots/rings mark its lower body. A sketch of a hound is provided.
The Leaping Hound can make an excellent animal companion for a druid or ranger. It is most compatible with those that have a dire wolf fylglia.
Feeding Habits
From observation, The Avlissian Leaping Hound is deemed to be a carnivore. During and after the M'Chek-T'Nanshi War, the Hound has taken to some rather disturbing habits of stalking, killing and eating humans, elves, and other peoples of Avlis as one of their primary food sources. See Present Issues in the discussion below. The hound's natural sources of food prior to the war are presently unknown but is being researched by members of ANRA.
Social Habits
Little is known of the Avlissian Leaping Hound's social habits. They are rarely seen, even in their ideal habitat. The Avlissian Hound have been observed in packs, usually of two to six hounds, or less often as a solitary animal. When they hunt, they are often cunning. They use quick attacks that stun their prey. Their bite can be very painful, cause large wounds, and is potentially poisonous.
The Hound's breeding habits are presently unknown.
A ranger or a druid who is skilled in empathizing with animals may be able to form a bond and friendship with an Avlissian Leaping Hound, taking them as an animal companion.
Habitat
The most common place to find the Avlissian Leaping Hounds are in the wooded areas of the Blandenberg Protectorate, usually north of Blandenberg proper. However, a small population is also maintained in Sanctuary.
Present Issues Concerning the Hounds
The hounds are of concern to those in the the Blandenberg Protectorate. Despite being native residents of the Protectorate, they are often viewed at best as a nuisance to the farmers, and at worst, known killers of many residents there. The Administrators of Blandenberg have voiced concern about the hounds and the trouble they cause. The administration have been proactive in trying to discourage the hounds' current feeding habits with methods such as introducing animals (rats for instance) that might have been more along their line of original prey. Unfortunately, those efforts have been unsuccessful so far. Galedia of Sanctuary has corresponded with Cairn, who inquired about the status of the Avlissian Leaping Hound. Her (paraphrased) reply is as follows:
Galedia wrote: We have made attempts to move Leaping Hounds into the Sanctuary in the past, unfortunately this has been impossible to do. The Leaping Hounds have turned into a carrion breed through the years. Feeding with the dead soldiers in the warzone. It is their way of life and it is hard to change now. With the end of the war and the disappearance of their main source of food they have slowly moved to living elves and humans. ... The Sanctuary isn't the best place for them right now. No food for them and too much danger of them attacking the other animals.
ANRA's present strategy for dealing with the hounds include:
- continuing research and observation of the hounds, to learn more of their former and present habits,
- consulting with skilled rangers and druids in Avlis to gain more lore about the hounds,
- educating Blandenberg residents about the hounds and the potential dangers that the animals present,
- working with the Administration of Blandenberg to encourage protection of citizens via increased patrols of known hound habitat by the Protectorate's Avengers and Equalizers.
- ANRA's druids and rangers have discussed potentially training alpha leaping hounds and "re-educating" them to their previous and hopefully less detrimental habits and instincts. These alpha hounds, with modified behaviors, would be reintroduced to their respective packs with the hope they would lead their packs to new habits.
Below are some recent reports and rumors regarding Avlissian Hounds attacking travelers in the Blandenberg Protectorate:
Other notes regarding activities in dealing with the Hounds:
- ANRA is investigating how the hounds may co-exist in the Protectorate, or if that is deemed impoosible then moved to another location.
- Neirus of Westshore manages an animal care center and has had opinions on the matter in the past.