Dire Creatures

Dire Creatures are more vicious, powerful variants of naturally occurring species. Dire beasts tend to be larger than their kin, covered in armored plates, spines and tougher,  thicker fur or scales. It is possible that magic was involved in either the alteration of other creatures into Dire variants or perhaps summoning them from some other more dangerous dimension. Dire beasts are a popular choice for intermediate mortal summoners, combining greater power and durability with an animal intelligence, foregoing both the power and the difficulties that come with summoning intelligent outsiders.