Screeching Hounds

Introduction: These creatures are uncommon on Scalvoris, which is currently the only place they have been seen (adding to the notion of them being cursed). Details: Screeching Hounds are fierce creatures, looking like a hybrid of many different canines. Their eyes are black and hollow, seemingly empty. This is due to the fact that the creatures are actually blind, believed to be cursed or even demonic beasts. Instead of sight, they use sonar to guide themselves through the harsh environments of wherever they roam.

Lifespan and Development: Screeching Hounds mate similarly to other wild canine, with the development not being far from the same. However, they grow noticeably quicker than their fellow canines. This has it's drawbacks, however, as the fast development leaves them with poor muscles and physical strength. As well as this, they live to only four arcs on average due to their weakened bodies.

Diet: Any kind of meat, usually small so they can preserve their strength. However, when encountered, a larger prey will be pursued if the hound is with a pack or a couple of others. Although weak on their own, in both physical strength and abilities, a pack has been known to take down beasts the size of elephants, or even outsmart and kill large predators.

Temperament: It's rare that a hound is without at least two others, but the occasional one is either caught hunting alone or outcast by it's pack and searching for another. When faced with any other creature, the hounds will analyse the situation and decide if it's too dangerous to fight and if they should flee. Normally, however, this analysis will result in fight, unless the danger is beyond all odds and the favour stacks massively against the hound. When in a pack, however, the odds of fleeing vanish completely, as pack pride and honor is shown through scars and wounds. Those who obtain the most damage as well as killing the most enemies of the pack are rewarded well, sometimes with females of the pack.

Abilities: Their sonar is used as a weapon, making up for the lack of strength they have. Their names are earned from a screech sound they make. Screaming so loud, the air reverberates in front of them visibly. Anyone within a mile radius can hear it, and those unfortunate enough to be close to the hound will develop an instant headache. From one hound, a headache is all, but a pack is where the danger lies. A group of just four hounds will bring a common man or creature to their knees, weakened enough that even the underdeveloped hounds can take them out with ease. A pack of hounds screaming breaks glass and other fragile objects nearby, as well as causing ears to bleed and sharp pains to appear in the head of those near.

Weaknesses: Their physical strength betrays them, as well as their inability to see. This means that someone not near to them make for difficult prey, and anyone using a ranged weapon able to kill them with relative ease before they do any kind of damage. They also rely heavily on packs, so a lone creature is an easy kill for any animal or person with any level of weapon, be it natural or forged.

Creator: Rey'na