Frosthound

Frosthounds are massive, dog-like creatures with a blend of fox and wolf traits, adapted to the harsh tundras of Tanaria. Their thick, snow-white fur, accented with frosty blue tips, allows them to endure the cold while maintaining agility. With muscular builds, short legs, and large, bushy tails, these creatures are built for power, endurance, and ridability across frozen landscapes. Frosthounds are loyal companions to the Ice Zemanii, playing key roles in hunting, companionship, and survival.
Frosthounds are considered domesticated and fully dependent on the Ice Zemanii tribes, with no known wild populations remaining. Their existence is entirely maintained within the care of the Zemanii, making them a vital part of the tribe's way of life. Due to their reliance on the specific environmental and cultural conditions provided by the Zemanii, Frosthounds are not at risk of extinction but are vulnerable to the potential threats facing the tribe’s way of life, such as environmental changes, resource depletion, or external conflict.
As the last of their kind, Frosthounds are often viewed as living symbols of the Zemanii's survival and strength, and their conservation is directly tied to the continued existence and well-being of the tribe. The Zemanii work tirelessly to ensure their Frosthounds thrive, cultivating breeding programs to maintain genetic health and ensuring their survival in the harshest of environments. However, if these tribes were to face collapse or relocation, the future of the Frosthound species could be at risk.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Frosthounds have broad, muscular bodies covered in thick fur that keeps them warm in freezing environments. Their fur ranges from snowy white to frosty blue, with the ends of their fur often shimmering like ice. They possess large, expressive ears that are fox-like in shape, allowing them to hear the faintest sounds in the tundra. Their short, sturdy legs are designed for strength and endurance, and their paws are large with thick pads for stability in icy conditions. Their tails are long, bushy, and powerful, resembling that of a fox but robust enough for balance. Their amber eyes gleam with intelligence, reflecting their heightened awareness and connection with their handlers.

Biological Traits

These colossal Frosthounds are capable of carrying a full-grown rider, heavily armored or lightly equipped, and still maintain their agility across frozen landscapes. Their size makes them one of the most majestic and imposing creatures of the tundra, revered not only for their physical prowess but for their deep bond with the Zemanii.

Ecology and Habitats

Frosthounds are native to the cold, desolate tundras of Tanaria, where they roam the vast, snow-covered plains. They make their dens in sheltered caves, often beneath the roots of massive, frost-covered trees or within the natural caves of frozen mountains. The harsh winds and frigid temperatures of the tundra make this environment their natural home, where they thrive in the cold and remain agile despite the overwhelming landscape.

Behaviour

Frosthounds are highly intelligent and emotionally attuned creatures, forming deep, almost symbiotic bonds with their Ice Zemanii handlers. Their behavior and psychology are influenced by both their natural instincts and their close relationship with the Zemanii, making them unique among other beasts of the tundra.
Frosthounds are fiercely loyal to their handlers, often displaying protective behaviors not only during hunts but also in the face of danger. Their deep connection with the Zemanii goes beyond mere utility—they view their handlers as packmates and will defend them to the death. This loyalty is mutual, with the Zemanii providing care, warmth, and companionship in return. Their protective instincts extend to other members of their tribe, especially the young and elderly, who they watch over with great care.
Frosthounds are highly intelligent, capable of learning complex commands and discerning their handler's needs. They can track prey across vast distances, navigate treacherous frozen terrain, and even understand the emotions of those around them. Their sharp senses, especially their acute sense of smell, make them excellent hunters and guides. They are also highly observant of their surroundings, quick to react to subtle changes in their environment, such as shifts in the wind or the presence of predators.
Frosthounds are pack animals and they live within the tribes, often near their handlers, and form strong social bonds not only with their human companions but also with other Frosthounds. These creatures have a complex system of communication that includes body language, vocalizations, and even scent marking to communicate their status and intentions within the pack. Frosthounds are often seen curling up near their handlers for warmth and comfort, exhibiting affectionate behaviors like nuzzling and licking.
Despite their imposing appearance, Frosthounds have a playful side. They enjoy interaction, particularly with younger members of the tribe. Play is often seen during the quieter seasons when the tribe isn’t engaged in hunting or heavy labor. Frosthounds will often engage in games of chase or tug-of-war with their handlers or other Frosthounds, displaying a level of youthful exuberance. However, when it comes to duty—whether it's guarding the tribe or tracking prey—they become serious and focused. Their demeanor shifts swiftly, displaying an intensity that matches their immense strength.
The Frosthound's psychology is heavily shaped by the daily interaction with their handlers. While other wild wolves or canines might maintain a more distant and independent nature, Frosthounds view their Zemanii handlers as part of their pack. They’ve been raised to trust and rely on the Zemanii for their survival, developing a deep emotional and instinctual understanding of their companions. In return, the Zemanii treat their Frosthounds with respect and care, forming a relationship based on mutual respect, communication, and emotional connection.
Mentally, Frosthounds are incredibly resilient. They thrive in the harshest of environments, showing remarkable endurance during long hunts or blizzards. Their psychological resilience is closely tied to the bond with their Zemanii, as the emotional support from their handlers strengthens their ability to endure tough conditions. They can continue hunting and performing tasks even when the weather is most unforgiving, driven by the instinct to protect their tribe and fulfill their role.

Additional Information

Domestication

For the Ice Zemanii, Frosthounds are much more than hunting tools—they are sacred companions and integral to the survival of their people. These beasts are often featured in tribal rituals, where their strength and loyalty are celebrated. Frosthounds are symbolic of resilience, protection, and the unyielding spirit of the tundra. In some tribes, Frosthounds are seen as protectors of the spirit world, guiding the souls of the departed across the frozen wastelands to the afterlife.
Frosthounds are incredibly loyal to their Ice Zemanii handlers, forming strong, lifelong bonds. These creatures are not only companions but also essential hunting partners. They are capable of tracking large prey across vast snowfields, using their sharp sense of smell and stamina to cover miles of harsh terrain. In addition to their hunting skills, Frosthounds help their handlers navigate the frozen tundra, leading them through snowstorms and dangerous ice. Their loyalty is unmatched, and they are known to protect their tribes, often serving as guardians during blizzards or enemy raids.

"Frosthound not only walk in snow, they live it. We bond with them, they carry us, protect us—without them, tundra would take us. They are spirit of cold, we walk together, survive together."

— Elder Kaalik of the White Winds Tribe

Scientific Name

Canis frigidus

Lifespan

15–20 years

Conservation Status

Endangered

Average Height

5–6 feet at the shoulder

Average Weight

500–800 pounds

Average Length

9–10 feet from nose to tail