Tenmar

A creature that is known to be aggressive and will openly attack humans. It hunts in the evening and nights. It is known to inhabit the Harlon wood, the Jafinem Hills, and eastern Galladia. It has rarely been seen, but has been described as a four-legged animal that keeps low to the ground, it has large claws and teeth. It has a long tail, powerful legs, and pointed ears. It has a coat of black fur peppered with gray and tan, allowing it to easily disguise itself with its environment. They are expert stalkers but are not by any means the fastest animal in Gloratium. They have been known to be tracked and hunted by packs of bane wolves, although often they are able to elude such animals.
Of all of the large animals in Gloratium, the Tenmar are one of a few that are thought to tap into the inherit Aura of the world. Hypothesis exist that they use the Aura to hunt, while others believe they are able to draw power from the aura while in hibernation, which helps to balance out the excess aura produced by their kills.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Four legged wolf-like creature. Extremely muscular, with especially strong hind legs. Can grow up to 5 feet long, and can weigh up to 175 pounds. A long tail helps them keep balance and distribute weight more effectively when stalking prey. All have a deep black coat, capable of absorbing visible light, which is then peppered with white, tan, yellow or brown patches acting as a camouflage.
Face is relatively short with pointed ears and large eyes ranging from yellow to red in color. Specifics are somewhat rare as they are difficult to kill, much less catch, and often put up severe struggles when captured.

Genetics and Reproduction

Unknown, although assumed to follow course similar to humans. Some travelers and hunters have reported seeing Tenmar cubs stalking small birds, but sightingS are few as they are to be avoided, knowing a parent is nearby.

Growth Rate & Stages

Unknown. It is assumed that they can live for up to 15 years. Most of this knowledge comes from villagers reporting attacks during these periods which they assume to be the same animal, or seeing scarred creatures for these lengths of time, but it is not yet entirely clear.
Some, including renowned bioaurist Lily Rolid, claim to have spotted cubs on multiple occasions, and based on these observations place the maturation from cub to adults at somewhere between 3.5 to 4 years

Ecology and Habitats

The Tenmar is known to inhabit dense woods and tall grasslands, which are assumed to be its most desirable habitat. However, many have sighted the creatures roaming the edges of the Dry Sea, hiding behind scrub and boulders.
They are known to find burrows left by Archar, or form their own homes high in trees above the underbrush. They are mostly nomadic,however, and it is thought they only stay in one place to raise cubs for up to a year before moving on.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Tenmar is the worlds most skilled hunter. They feed on neatly every animal in the realm, large or small, that is unable to defend themselves against the fearsome predator. Tenmar have been known to eat fully grown Valar, cows, young Ekipters, the small agile Arbraq, as well as Harleqs and horses.
 Their exact hunting procedure has rarely been observed up close, but it is thought they are able to use the Aura to sense their prey and determine if it is worth the risk to commence the hunt. Their expert stalking skills make them adept at hunting at night, but make them equally as dangerous during the day. That being said, they are mostly nocturnal creatures (which dramatically adds to the fear surrounding them). 

Biological Cycle

Tenmar are thought to experienced very little change during the seasons. Their coats have been seen to change from a deep brown, to orangish-tan, to white during the seasons, but this has been a difficult thing to observe up-close. Their activity rapidly declines in winter months leading most scholars to assume they enter some state of hibernation, although this has yet to be directly observed.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Little is truly known about the Tenmars hunting capabilities besides their apparent efficiency. Dogs, bane wolves and Ekipters will sometimes even have difficulty perceiving them. As far as professors at the Academy can tell, their long legs and low profile are able to keep them close to the ground and minimize noise, while their ears are also able to pick up even the slightest noise and help them build a mental image of their environment while hiding in the grass. Some have also hypothesized their eyes are able to pick up on faint trails of Aura given off by most living creatures, including humans, and can help them differentiate between possible prey and danger. This is not yet clear.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Lupre

Conservation Status

None, hunted as a pest.

Geographic Distribution

• Arborvale Region
• Eteran Plains
• Tercian Plains
• The Riverlands