Wolf

AUTHOR: Josh Kapfer (ReptileJK)

ISSUE: 10:9

Description

Wolves have existed in Middle Earth throughout recorded history. Accounts of their activities range from the reliable to the supernatural, yet there is always one aspect of these accounts that remains the same: all are somewhat negative in their connotation. As you will read in later sections, the negative view that many have regarding wolves is unwarranted. Furthermore, many of the reported “wolf attacks” occurring in Middle Earth are actually the result of Wargs or wolf/Warg hybrids.

Wolves are predators and scavengers found throughout Middle-earth, although they are more common in northern locations. These animals are cunning hunters, using their highly evolved senses of sight and smell to stalk prey over large distances, while moving silently across the landscape. They are also incredibly social, having packs that consist of many individuals in which strong family bonds are formed. Although extensively (and wrongly) persecuted by the free peoples, wolves are not dangerous. On the contrary, they are shy, unobtrusive animals that do their best to stay out of the way of cumbersome and awkward mammals, like humans and dwarves (note: Elves, in general, have a great respect for the creatures of Middle-earth and wolves do not fear them. Therefore, rather than fleeing from Elves, wolves have often been reported to accompany them for short distances when they are traveling through the wilds). Thus, a wolf will never attack a traveler unless provoked, sick, or under a mind-control spell of some kind.

Wolves are very similar in their physical appearance and size to most breeds of domestic dog, although they are generally larger (reaching weights of over 170 lbs and almost 3 feet at the shoulder). Wolves also have a thickening of hair around the head and shoulders (which is slightly more pronounced in males than in females) that adds protection from the cold. Wolves also have long bottle-shaped tails extending off of their muscular hindquarters. Most have long pointed snouts; erect ears and non-retractable claws on the tips of their padded feet. In general, wolves have yellow or blue eyes, while there is much variability in the eyes of domestic dog breeds. Wolf sub-species vary slightly in the coloration of their coats. For example, northern subspecies, will adopt a white or light gray coat in the colder, snowy months, while the southern subspecies tend to be darker gray or brownish.

Unique Special Abilities

The Blood of Huan: All dogs and wolves are said to be the descendants of Huan, an immortal hunting dog of Orome, Huntsman of the Valar. Therefore, they have an uncanny ability to use their hearing and sense of smell to find quarry, locate their master, or guard a home or encampment.

Effects: Once per day, all dogs and wolves receive a +7 to a Track (Scent) or Observe (Smell) test. In the case of a domestic dog, the person rolling the dice for that test is allowed to choose when it will be used and with which skill it will be used (i.e. Track or Observe). However, the intention to use this ability must be stated at the beginning of his/her turn during the round. Furthermore, if a dog is present at a home or encampment, there is a large chance that it will be alerted to anyone/anything approaching and warn their master of potential danger. Therefore, for every “intruder” that attempts to infiltrate a campsite or homestead, roll 2D6. A result of 10 or less means that the dog has detected the intruder and will warn his master immediately.

Restrictions: Domestic dogs will only perform actions for or defend encampments belonging to their master.

Silent and Cunning Ways: All wild and fell canids have an extraordinary ability to employ stealth to mask themselves and their scents. They also have an uncanny ability to find track scents over large distances.

Effects: All wild and fell canids automatically receive a +3 to the first Stealth (Sneak) test performed during an attempt to catch something unawares. They also gain a +2 to any Track (Scent) skill one time per day.

Ill-at-Ease in Trees: Canids are not physically designed for climbing. Therefore, they cannot climb trees after quarry, no matter how much goading occurs. This is also true of true wolves and dogs. However, what they lack in arboreal prowess, they make up for in patience. Thus, Wargs and Hybrids can wait hours and even days for quarry that is attempting to escape them in trees to come down (or fall down after fainting from lack of sleep, food, or water).

Habitat

True wolves are geographically located throughout most of Middle Earth, and in a wide range of habitat types (although less often in the south). They are found in dense lowland forests, mountainous forests, boreal forests, tundra, temperate grasslands, and prairies. They usually require areas that are less populated by humans, as humans are the most significant source of mortality facing wolves (aside from the occasional territorial battle with hybrids). Although much smaller than hybrids, true wolves operate in much larger packs and can efficiently defend their territories from their larger cousins.

Society

Wolves are highly social animals, often living in packs of two to thirty-six individuals. Wolf packs are typically composed of an alpha mating pair and their offspring, including young of previous years. Unrelated immigrants may also be allowed into the pack if  immediately submissive to the current alpha pair upon approach. The territory of an average wolf pack ranges from 50 to 5,000 square miles, and is vehemently defended against intruders.

There is a strong dominance hierarchy within each pack. The pack leader, usually the alpha male, is dominant over all other individuals. The next dominant individual is the alpha female, who is subordinate only to the alpha male. In the event that the alpha male becomes injured or is otherwise unable to maintain his dominance, the beta male will take his place in the hierarchy. Rank within the pack hierarchy determines which animals have breeding rights and which eat first after a kill. Rank is demonstrated by postural cues and facial expressions, such as crouching, chin touching, and rolling over to show the stomach.

Vocalizations, such as howling, allow pack members to communicate with each other during hunting and to advertise territories to other packs. Scent marking is ordinarily only done by the alpha male, and is used for communication with other packs. Each year, wolf packs have both a stationary and nomadic phase. Stationary phases occur during the spring and summer, while pups are being reared. Nomadic phases occur during the fall and winter, when adequate food supplies can only be found by roaming over large areas. Wolves are mostly nocturnal in their habits and may cover long distances on a daily basis (i.e. up to 120 miles, with a pace of 5 mph). Wolves can run at speeds up to 34 to 43 mph.

Wolves may live thirteen years in the wild, though average lifespan is 5 to 6 years. In captivity they may live to be fifteen years of age.