Aardwolf

The Aardwolf or Norvulf is a beast native only to the North. It is unique and highly rare, often considered extinct by some. However, the Aardwolf is still thriving in the North, it is simply quite shy.

Appearance
Aardwolves are medium in size, about the size of a large dog. They live solitary lives. Aardwolves are brownish with grey or black stripes, long fur that hangs to the paws, and a sad sort of face. They are canine in form but also cat like, closely reminiscent of southern hyenas. Their skull is stocky and full of sharp teeth. Despite their fierce jaws, the aardwolf hunts mostly insects, rats, and small game. The aardwolf does not interact with other members of its species unless mating or fighting for territory. Despite this, they are not very territorial, permitting the presence of others if it does not interrupt their daily lives.

Aardwolves live in underground burrows or dens. They mate in late summer. Aardwolves are known for their distinct smell, which is described as pungent and musky.

History
The Aardwolf has often been depicted as a more fantastical beast than it is, called now an Alphyn or Aldwolf. The beast is common in early manuscripts and heraldry, but is sometimes seen in modern crests. The fantastical Aardwolf is larger than life, reeking of rotten flesh and death, and bearing a long knotted tail and a poisonous bite. This is not true to the actual beast and may come from early tales told by frontiersmen and travelers. The aardwolf is still marred by this image in modern times, and is feared throughout the north as a bearer of bad omens.

Environment and Subspecies
Aardwolves live in cool places with ample room to dig. They create extensive underground burrows to raise their pups in. Because of this, they dwell most often in Fleur, Korevna, Barland, and Highfjall, though a few have been seen in Skjol. Aardwolves are not part of a greater class of animal, in fact they only come in one type and no subspecies have been discovered yet. Bones unearthed in Highfjall burial sites have been linked to a lost ancient species of Aardwolf that grew to the size of horses.