Kravera

The creation of the Kravera is one shrouded in mystery, although scholars have since theorized their origin to lie in tandem with mana- or rather the lack thereof. Once nomadic desert wolves in nature, these archaic creatures were forced to gradually adapt to the lack of essence within their desolate habitat. Soon enough, through several mutations, the Kravera emerged as a prominent result.

The Kravera (commonly referred to as Hellhounds), are one of the largest wolves to stalk the realms of Aversia. Averaging at a height of 3.0 - 4.5 feet tall at their shoulders, the largest can reach a weight of 250 - 400 pounds. Due to the harsh environment, they are brought into, most typically live between 8 - 10 tsels.

In appearance, the most notable physical mutation they have compared to other wolves, are the multiple heads which adjoin their rather broad neck, typically being around three. Each head can function without each other, brains allocated to all three. Yet, through unknown means, all share a mental connection in thought- acting out their primal desires and learning amidst one another. Subsequently, multiple actions may be performed at the same time, although, this is just one mind controlling each action. Unfortunately, when one head is damaged or otherwise removed, its overall actions becoming much slower and less precise. This becomes more severe until all heads are ultimately removed.

Factoring in their large weight, these mammals are naturally muscular and big boned. A huge proportion of their muscular strength is distributed to the front legs and shoulders. As such, their hind legs are often slightly weaker, hence making these animals futile in chasing encounters. Nonetheless, the jaw of each Cerberus head is immensely strong. Alongside this, they have a considerable grip beneath each paw, claws angled downwards. Often, they are found to ambush unsuspecting prey, pinning them down with their devastating strength before unleashing their deadly bite.

Habituated to volcanic conditions, they often possess minimal, streamlined fur to aid in cooling down their body temperature. Often, most possess slick black fur, whereas those raised nearer to the desert range in darker browns. Universally, however, their eyes are wholly red, black irises highlighting the center.

Distribution

Kravera largely situate themselves in areas of high volcanic activity, often where heat is a large factor of their environment. As such, they can be seen around the base of volcanoes or around the perimeter of a hotspot. When particularly hungry, they may stalk the nearby surrounding area (such as jungle or desert), although for the majority of the time they often prey upon passing herds.

Unfortunately, Kravera have a small, inconsistent reproduction rate, as well as a large number of resources needed to satiate their hunger. Thus, they are considered to be a rare sight within their desolate environment.

Habitat

A single pack of Kravera rarely ever leave the volcanic area upon which they are born in, generations of the same pack occupying the land for tsels to come. As a result, they remain largely territorial, hostile to any which dare enter their land. Despite so, they do not explicitly mark their territory in conventional means. This is to allow other mammals to roam their land without knowledge of their location, upon which they can ambush likely prey.

Often, when not stalking the boundaries of their territory for the next meal, they languish openly upon cool, rocky areas. This is simply a by-product of their environment, the average temperature far too great for a group to rest in a den.

Diet

They are obligate carnivores, often devouring anything which has the slightest hint of flesh upon them. Although, due to their large biomass, a huge amount of food is needed to sustain them through the menses.

Depending on their location, those which frequent mountainous, volcanic areas often prey upon mountain goats, rabbits and mice. When desperate, they may also prey upon Flightless Raptors which incubate their eggs nearby.

On the other hand, those found within the desert hotspots prey upon passing antelopes, vultures and smaller feline creatures. Alternatively, Kadal'tongo (Samburru Howler) nests are an ideal meal when the opportunity arises.

Relations

Kravera are largely pack animals, often working in groups of 3 - 4. One alpha male predominately makes up the pack, the rest consisting of females or young. Growing males may challenge their right to become alpha via attacking the current head- those defeated immediately set as outcasts.

On the whole, these mammals are largely unable to become domesticated, their violent tendencies and history of strife from their genetic ancestors removing any hope of such. Although, in rare instances where the young is obtained within 2 weeks from birth, they may become tamed enough to be kept as guard dogs. Despite so, this is a daring task, one which even the best beast tamers may struggle on, as the Kravera may frequently attack their owner or not abide instructions if they see their captor as weak-willed and lacking any aspect of physical strength. Even then, managing their hunger can become a quick way to drain your own resources.

As such, wild Kravera will often attack anything with sustenance on sight, if they are found invading their territory.

Mechanics

• Three heads, each with their own fully functioning sensory organs, making them typically alert to their surroundings.
• Synchronized thoughts follow through each head, despite functioning separately.
• Strong jaws capable of tearing through flesh and bone easily.
• Fur and skin is largely heat and fire resistant, able to prosper within their volcanic habitat.
• Able to be domesticated, however, it is extremely hard and often yields unsatisfactory results- the beast ignoring commands and killing the owner when care is not taken beforehand.

Material Properties

• Their fur and skin, when treated and skinned well, is extremely good at resisting heat and fire, due to such close proximity to it.

Alchemical Properties

• The red bone marrow found in their skulls, when dried and ground up, is an extreme flame conducting material, and is a perfect catalyst for non-explosive fire in fire breathing alchemicals.
• Strangely, their blood seems to become cooler near heat, keeping the beast cool alongside their heat resistant pelts. If in the right conditions, it can be used as a coolant.

The World of Aethius • The Multiverse of Aethier