Garm

I tell you you shall never find a more loyal companion than a Garm. Good in a fight, capable of carrying you long distances, and it'll stick by you no matter what happens, and you can teach it tricks! Just don't mistreat em, they're nasty when they get mean and can hold a grudge better than a scorned lover.

— Garm Trainer

Garm are a species nearly ubiquitous to the lands of Adua. Almost as wide spread as the mortal races themselves these animals have ever been popular for their great size, patient attitudes and loyalty. Used as mounts and pack animals Garm are theorized to have seen domesticated use even before the calamitous events of The Age of Storms. Certainly they have been companions to the mortal races long enough that they have had a vast variety of different traits bred into them depending on the needs of their masters.
Appearing to be large canines in appearance, the specific features of a Garm tends to be as varied as the people who raise them. In the north of Ordyn they are sleek and fast, capable of dashing across the open plains on the hunt for food. In the south of Ordyn they are massive and hearty, with thick jowls, perfect pack animals for helping in the mines. In Fersoix they breed their Garm for beauty and agility and in mountains of Natal they are bred to be hearty and surefooted. So varied are the breeds of Garm that it is not unheard of for some intrepid captain to stop on an island for supplies and come away with a completely new breed.
While domesticated Garm are common sights, it is equally common to see large packs of the beasts roaming the woods and plains of the world. These creatures are nothing to trifle with as the same bravery and power that makes them such excellent companions makes them fearsome enemies when riled. The country of Illsyvania in Ordyn is well known for the dreadful Garm that roam its haunted woods, called Temut by the locals.
For most people, however, there is no more appealing companion than a well bred Garm and so the beasts continue to be one of the most prolific domestic species on the planet.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Large canines ranging in height from four feet to eight feet tall. Other features vary heavily based on breed.

Genetics and Reproduction

A Garm has a fairly standard reproduction cycle for a mammal. They tend to have liters of three to five puppies at a time with a gestation period of sixty three days going into a heat about two to three times a year based on breed.

Growth Rate & Stages

A Garm takes about two and a half years to reach maturity, but reaches adolescence quickly.

Ecology and Habitats

Garm are extremely widespread due to the variety present within the species. They tend to be alpha predators in most locations they inhabit hunting medium to large sized animals in large roaming packs.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These large carnivores tend to roam their environments in packs, with a given pack claiming a large amount of territory as it's own. They tend to band together and hunt medium to large sized animals by running them down, though single Garm are known to work as ambush predators as well.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Typically possessed of an excellent sense of hearing and smell.