Field Howler (Ursocyon domesticans)

Alias: None
Origin: Inland Thazvaar / Berinu (refuse zones near settlements)

The Field Howler is a distinct, semi-domesticated breed found in refuse zones surrounding human settlements in Inland Thazvaar and Berinu. Evolved from domesticated stock that retained limited tame behaviors, it diverges notably from the wild Plains Smilohound. With a short, broad skull, reinforced jaw, and compact musculature, it is adapted for scavenging over sunbaked, refuse-strewn terrain. Its single-layered coat of ochre and stone-gray blends into its surroundings. Known for its persistent high-pitched yelps and defensive calls, the Field Howler aggressively protects scavenging claims, though it rarely engages humans directly.

Terrain

Field Howlers inhabit refuse-rich zones near settlements in Inland Thazvaar and Berinu. They favor disturbed environments with scattered waste and low vegetation, and are absent from wild plains, dense forests, or subsurface regions.

Lifespan

They live 12–20 years, maturing between 2–4 years, with reproduction linked to the stable human-adjacent rhythms of settlement life.

Height

Mature Field Howlers stand 2.3–2.6 meters at the rear and weigh 700–850 kg. Juveniles under 2 years measure between 1.0–1.6 meters tall.

Uses

• Ecological Role: Maintains ecological balance in refuse zones by deterring larger predators and competing scavengers, indirectly protecting settlements from invasive species.
• Cultural Significance: Tolerated by Thazvaari and Berinese communities for their alert systems and scavenging utility. Their vocal presence acts as a natural perimeter warning, though their proximity to human stores poses logistical risks.
• Guidance: Secure exposed supplies and avoid direct engagement near active packs. Monitor vocalizations to track movement and density. Observation from fortified points is advised during heightened activity.

Notes

Documented in the Comprehensive Field Codex during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 years before modern Geba), Field Howlers were recognized for their ecological niche along settlement boundaries. Their semi-domesticated lineage and distinct behavior distinguish them from the fully wild Plains Smilohound. Their resilience and vocal persistence render them both asset and nuisance across refuse-adjacent biomes. Extant and commonly observed, they continue to shape human-animal dynamics near Thazvaari and Berinese population zones.