- Joined
- Mar 18, 2014
- Messages
- 752
- Reaction score
- 0
|
| Name: Myrmidōn Hound Commonly Associated Names: Myrmidōn Hound, Myrmidōn Genus: Canis Biology: Myrmidōn are a large breed of canine. In truth they are a truly massive breed, averaging 42 inches in height at the withers, with slight variances between the sexes. As they are a very large breed, they are also quite hefty. The average Myrmidōn weighs around 160 to 180 pounds, with heavier hounds not unheard of. These hounds share features in common with direwolves, mastiffs and mountain dogs. Their heads are large and boxy, with a massive and mighty maw, a keen nose and keener eyes and ears. Their ears are pointed and often cropped, by prideful owners. Myrmidōn’s have large, sloping crowns, with blunt, rigid brows. A Myrmidōn's eyes are deep, introspective, intelligent and full of life. They range in color, with heterochromia iridum a common trait among some of the breeds. A Myrmidōn’s build is quite stocky and powerful. The common description of a Myrmidōn is quite frightening, truth be told. With broad and supremely powerful shoulders and haunches, long forelegs and powerful hind legs and a streamlined core, they are quite a sight to behold. The saying goes that, to witness the sight of a charging Myrmidōn is to gaze upon the abyss and discover the depths of terror. Their entire form was engineered for one primary purpose in life: warfare. To that end, a Myrmidōn requires a rigid and structured lifestyle and upbringing. With frames of rippling muscle and large, padded feet, they storm across the landscape with frightening speed and ease. The tails of the Malvaej subbreed are generally and controversially docked in order to prevent its interference with its work. Since the tail of a Myrmidōn is on average a fourth of its entire length and range from short hair, to long and bushy, there have been past instances of where an undocked tail has allowed an enemy to grasp onto it, or the normally agile hound to trip over it. And considering the subbreeds predisposition to war, such hazards are unwarranted. Distraction has also been a concern amongst breeders, as Myrmidōn require constant stimulation or else they were divert into boredom and over-curiosity. Myrmidōn's are galactically prized as highly intelligent, intuitive and sociable beasts. Their intellect has been widely purported to be just short of true sentience. They are quite capable of analyzing situations and coming up with solutions to complex and intrinsic problems. Likewise, they are adept at comprehending speech. It is possible for a Myrmidōn to learn more than one language, however, it is extremely rare and generally frowned upon. The act of teaching it more than one language is something the breed as a whole seems to disdain, since normally it means that their “partner” has been slain. The primary language a Myrmidōn learns is and will always be its favored language. With such an intelligent breed of canine, it is not truly surprising to discover that their personality is highly formed by their master or “partner” as the hound’s see them. Unsurprisingly, these canines will take on the strongest personality traits displayed by their master. Whether it be for the benefit of all or to the detriment does not really matter to the breed as a whole. Their loyalty, trust and grit are seemingly ingrained into the very chords of their DNA. On a whole and largely separate from a master, Myrmidōn are widely regarded as stoic, solemn creatures that are still extremely sociable. Within their own pack dynamics, they have an intense and intrinsic culture involving complicated social rituals. Interestingly enough, this breed of mastiff mountain dog does not get along well with other canines and creatures of similar genotypes. Despite being intelligent and perceptive or directly because of it, the Xerjn-Myrmidōn can be quite vain and arrogant. Because of this, they often view other breeds of canine and like creatures as inferior to themselves. Once a Myrmidōn has bonded with its owner or “partner”, an act accomplished through a complicated joining ritual, Myrmidōn are impressively loyal and devoted. The actions or demeanor of their partners do not matter to them as much as their heart. Myrmidōn’s are exceptional judges of character. Should one find a person lacking they will act accordingly. Their loyalty and devotion is legendary. Should their partner die, many and more will go to great lengths to track their partner’s killer and avenge their partner’s death. They will do so even despite great injury to themselves or the realisation of throwing themselves in great peril. Once their vengeance has been complete, they will doggedly return to the site of their master’s death and pass away next to them. Should a less violent death befall their partners, they will and usually do spend the rest of their lives mourning their loss. There is not a single being as important and central to a Myrmidōn Hound as their first partner who showed them the world and taught them what that meant. Myrmidōn live relatively long lives for a breed of canine. The average lifespan for a Myrmidōn Hound is 30 galactic standard years. However, there have been records of certain hounds living longer. Because of their lifespan, certain hereditary problems crop up as they age throughout their life. All Myrmidōn are susceptible to hip and joint problems. Slipped discs, herniated discs and the like are quite common. Heart and circulatory problems also plague the species in the later stages of their life. Despite the strength and resilience of their hearts, pumping blood throughout their massive bodies is quite taxing and causes great stress upon them. This is generally why elder Myrmidōn's are kept as companions, guards and studs if their particular lineage was pure. In the later and last stages of their lives, some poor Myrmidōn are susceptible to senility and even dementia. Should this happen, it is often quite a sad and sorry sight. While it is true that their winter years are often plague by maladies, the summer of their youth are not unaffected. Joint and hip problems are still possible should a Myrmidōn be improperly fed or exercised. However, other, less physical ailments can and will occur if the breed is not properly cared for. Because they are highly intelligent and sociable, should the Myrmidōn be neglected, mistreated or abused it will fall into a severe depression or lash out in rage and fear. Subspecies: In total there are two distinctly different subspecies of Myrmidōn. Each species came about through careful and strenuously controlled breeding with other canine and like breeds. Each was primarily bred for a specific purpose and so their temperament reflects this. The two subspecies are also more or less susceptible to the same problems, however the threat of the possibility always remains a reality.
Malvaej The Malvaej subbreed of the Myrmidōn Hound is, perhaps, the most commonly associated canine seen outside of Eremus. Each member of this subspecies was bred to fulfill the rigors of war and law enforcement. Because of this, they are rarely shorter than 42 inches for the males and 38 inches for the females. Likewise, the Malvaej are far stockier than their parent species and directly because of this excess of brawn are heavier as well. One of the most interesting facets concerning the subbreed is the fact that they're also a short-haired breed, despite have twin coats. The other readily identifiable fact concerning Malvaej is that there tails are always docked. Most often and on average a Malvaej will weigh close to 200 pounds if male and 180 pounds for the female. As was previously mentioned, Malvaej are far more heavily muscled than their progenitor. Because of their heightened girth and length they have shortened lifespans and are far more prone to maladies than any of the other breeds. Due directly to the breeds primary purpose, Malvaej are the most prone to arrogance over the two other subbreeds and its progenitor. However, its natural arrogance is stymied by an overbearing sense of duty, purpose and stoicism. When sentients speak about the frightening awe of a Myrmidōn charge, they are most often referencing the Malvaej.
Trikonja This subbreed was carefully engineered to serve as a herder and guardian of both man and livestock. This breed, the Trikonja are most associated with backwater agricultural worlds where they generally flourish. Stemming from such a prized breed as the Myrmidōn, their capable of dutifully and diligently carrying out their tasks. Once they are given a charge, they will do everything they can to protect that ward. Trikonja are on average between 36 and 38 inches, depending on the sex of the subbreed. They also weigh less. Their frames are more streamlined than either of the two subbreeds, yet their paws are no less large. Interestingly, the Trikonja are often viewed as lithe and sinewy and to the untrained eye a shaven Trikonja will appear underweight. Due to their litheness, the subbreed seem to have a knack for hunting and tracking. When out guarding livestock, they are rarely seen, but always near. Trikonja also seem to be the most reserved and introspective out of the species as a whole. They tend to be far more independent than the other breeds and more at home within the wilds with only their wards and their partners for company. Thus, they are often considered the perfect breed for the vagabond. Despite this, social interaction is still important to them, however, it is limited to their partners and the members of their brood and to a lesser extent their charges. Trikonja, either directly because of their smaller size and slimmer frame also seem to have less trouble with aging and physical maladies. Of those they are prone to, slipped discs are the most prominent. However, they are, unfortunately, more susceptible to emotional instability. Due to their isolationism, they are prone to deep depressions as well as possessiveness. They are also extremely territorial and easily threatened. However, this does not make them cowards, but instead over-aggressive at times. Sentience: No true sentience exists for this breed of canine. While it is true that these animals are highly intelligent and capable, they are, unfortunately just short of true, metaphysical comprehension and thus are incapable of being considered sentient. Despite this, their minds work in both rational and irrational fashions. They are driven equally by logic and emotion, however, where a sentient might come to investigate and understand why they are feeling and thinking a certain way, the Myrmidōn is entirely incapable of such thought. Breeding: They breed normally through sexual copulation within their genus. Gestation is carried for a term of eight months and a litter of two to three pups are birthed to the mother on average. For a period of no less than two years, these young must remain with their mother so that they might grow into proper Myrmidōn. It is through this first and fundamental social interaction that pups learn to be. To a lesser extent is the role of the father figure. As Myrmidōn are monogamous, they often mate for life and are just as loyal and devoted to their significant other as they are to their partner. Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Diet: Omnivore. Myrmidōn eat both meat and vegetables. However, most Myrmidōn prefer to catch and forage their meals. Their resilient stomachs are able to digest most organisms. Exceptions, while possible, have not yet been discovered. Behavior/Temperament: Myrmidōn are best known for the qualities that inspire within them and others a symbolism of loyalty, honor and duty. Their loyalty and sense of duty is legendary, awe-inspiring and has inspired envy in many a soul throughout the galaxy. Their tenacity and ferocity in the defense of those they treasure is also commendable. In general and as a whole, Myrmidōn are bright, very intelligent and intuitive creatures. They are constantly observant, vigilant of the world around them, because of this they can seem aloof to strangers and even guarded. The breed as a whole is an excellent judge of character, however, contrary to popular opinion a ‘bad man’ can still bond with a Myrmidōn. This is because to a Myrmidōn it is not what is skin-deep that matters, but what is below that. It is a person’s heart that decide whether or not they are worthy. First and foremost, Myrmidōn are social creatures. Within their own broods, with other canines from their genus, with other creatures and they are social. Within their genus, their social structure is intrinsic and complicated, filled with battles for dominance and quiet moments of tender love. The very way they attach themselves to a single person is a shining example of their extroverted behavior. This deed is conceived and carried out entirely through the individual hound. The intended individual and the intended hound pup first meet every day for several weeks. During this time, the hound will play games in order to test the intended. Through keen observation they slowly determine the intended’s worth. This goes on for a month, with the games growing increasingly complicated. By its end, most bonded partners recall that nothing made sense, but that in spite of it all, they persevered. These rituals are central to domesticated Myrmidōn’s social structure. Similar sorts of bonds are formed among the Myrmidōn. By sentient beings this rite of passage is known as “the Joining.” On a whole, the Myrmidōn’s temperament is widely considered to be moderate so long as proper instruction and care are given to them. They will remain even, social companions. On the flipside, a lacking in any of the aforementioned areas, will spurn the rejected beast towards the more negative aspects of their heightened emotions. They become aggressive, possessive and territorial. They can also slip into a deep depression where lethargy is often commonplace. In the defense of their partner or charge, they are fearless. When carrying out an instruction, they do so to the letter of the word, however, they are literal creatures. Turn of phrases, sayings, and pretty much any use of color in a spoken language will go beyond their comprehension. Communication: These animals communicate through both verbal and nonverbal cues. In truth, it is widely considered that they have a sophisticated language of their own, spoken through the use of grunts, barks, yelps, whines and even panting. More than that, their demeanor must be taken into consideration when dealing with a member of the Myrmidōn. The slight inflection of their ears, a rigid posture or one too lax all have profound meaning to a Myrmidōn and these are just examples. However, their ‘language’ is not the same as a sentients. Largely, this is believed to be due to the fact that they are incapable of comprehending metaphysical thought and deed. Culture: In a word, Myrmidōn culture is complex. There exist hierarchies and a pack structure within a given brood. These broods are always relatively small and act in a way reminiscent to the family structures in sentient beings. Considering the fact that Myrmidōn are monogamous, this means that the father and mother are always at the top, followed by the first litter on down. Once a pup becomes of age to undertake the Joining, they leave their brood to live with their partner, however, they still remain close to their brood. For the Myrmidōn time seems to be irrelevant where the brood is considered. To the culture of the denizens of the Garden (Eremus), a Myrmidōn is as much a status symbol as it is a reflection of a person’s character. It is widely believed that having a Myrmidōn as your partner will bring you good fortune and happiness. History: Perhaps hundreds of thousands of years ago, the Myrmidōn were created. Lore states that their origins can be traced back to a cult of Force Sensitives that were adept at animal biology and handling. The planet they originally came from has been lost to time, but the means of their creation has somehow survived. They were created in part through strenuous and selective breeding and part by imbuing them with the Force to heighten their mortal faculties. As the eons passed, and future generations inherited the benefits of their progintors, evolution took over and direct manipulation was no longer required. Throughout history, there are records of these canines’ existence, albeit minor. However, they were not brought into prominence until they were shipped aboard the colony ships bound for Eremus. It was here through the efforts of the Despot Nenharma that they were brought to their new home and used as tools of war to purge the indigenous people from their homes in the lush Garden. The role they would play in this struggle was crucial as their participation drastically reduced the casualties on Nenharma’s side. In the wake of the purge, they were given a place of honor in the burgeoning society where they were seen as status symbols and honored as guardians. Over time, they would flourish under this newfound grace. When the Usurpers rose from the shadows, they were guarded by Malvaej. When the Usurpers overthrew the tyrannical rule of Nenharma, the Malvaej played a crucial role in the rebellion’s success and many legends were spawned surrounding them. As the years passed, the Myrmidōn found their position secured within the culture and society of the people of Eremus. They began to fulfill roles in everyday society as loyal companions, protectors and watchdogs. Now, their prominence is relegated more as a status symbol than due to their heroic deeds of yore, but this does not detract from the species as a whole. Planet: Primarily Eremus, but they can be found on several other planets in the Outer Rim and the regions between that and Wild Space. They have also been imported to the Core planets and many more found along the main hysperspace routes. Intent: I wanted to populate Eremus with unique fauna and I believe these dogs fit the bill. I also wanted to add to the richness of the lore in place here as well give players and present and future characters an interesting plot device to weave into their characters. |
Last edited by a moderator:
