Runehead Wolf

The runehead wolf is a mysterious creature native to the realm of Hjemtir. Like several other types of Hjemtiran wolves, it is magical, and little is understood about its magic. Unlike the other magical wolves, the runehead is not dangerous unless threatened. It is considered to be a highly intelligent animal; some tribes even consider it sapient.
It is large, around the size of a small horse, with thick white fur which allows it to blend in well in its preferred snowy habitat. Its name comes from the glowing blue rune on its forehead, the same electric blue as its eyes. Winter in Halmark is extremely harsh, and the runehead wolf is perhaps the only friendly creature who will venture outside of mountainous regions during it.
Runeheads are natural enemies of the deathhowl wolf, which appears to be vulnerable only to runehead magic. Nothing else can defend the deathhowl's prey against it (short of a lucky meteor strike, as once occurred). Since nobody has any interest in studying deathhowls up close, even with a runehead on hand, we have only writings by survivors to indicate the relationship between the species. None so far has shed any light on exactly what it is about runeheads that frightens away deathhowls.
Perhaps because of this intriguing dynamic between the two species, or perhaps because of the runehead's striking appearance, many folk tales and legends featuring the runehead wolf have been passed down the generations. Often it is at least partly anthropomorphic, with the runehead possessing or representing wisdom and guidance. It also tends to represent hope in the hopelessness of winter.
While the runehead is hardly domesticated and far from well-understood, it can form an emotional attachment with a person who treats it with respect and affection. Many Freewalkers set out to befriend ("tame" is neither accurate nor respectful) a runehead as a means of protection; while Freewalkers can roam Hjemtir outside of the restrictions of the magic laws, that doesn't mean that it's not a dangerous persuit. Runeheads don't tend to accompany their friends all the time, but roam close enough to provide protection if needed.
Communication with a runehead not in the immediate vicinity is possible with a runehead whistle, a rare magical item that communicates the intention of the user.