Void Wolves

Namer Information

Generic True Name: Void Wolf
Short Lived Sentient
Has an extra Aura overlay indicating level/seniority by size and complexity of a blue shape on a black background. An increase in sides to the shape, dimensional depth and amount of glow and spin denote increasing seniority. "A fighter of moderate ability seemed to have a darkness overlay with a blue outlined triangle. The big bad front line fighter had a flaming blue cube, which flashed and dazzled."

Language

Derivative of Dire Wolf

Size and Physical Appearance

Obviously related to the gray wolf in appearance, but 40-50% bigger and heavier than wolves from Carzarla. Some have been seen up to small pony sized, maybe even larger. Seem to be about as strong as a good fighter and have good natural armour from their fur.

Combat

Even the shamans wear armour and have some sort of claw attachment - extra sharp - to cover their own claws, hitting for sword level damage
All have >8 point armour - combo of leather, chain and scale plus natural armour. The more senior wear better armour. The biggest and most senior wolf seen so far has mithril chain.

Racial Abilities

All Void Wolves have a Racial talent of anti magic of greater or lesser effectiveness based on seniority Options include, but are not limited to:

• Magical weapons do damage, but at subtractions (low level)
• Could only be harmed by non-magical weapons (high level)
• Reduce the effectiveness or damage of incoming magic (low level)
• Able to bounce magic back and temporarily reduce the caster's rank in the spell. (high level)
• Break down walls and make magic items vibrate as if they are going to be destroyed. (high level)

In addition, the Shamans are able to work together harmonising their howls to create a magic dampening effect. As they howl an effect similar to a combination of Bane, Disjunction, Spell Barrier and Dispel Magic comes into effect around them, and the mana levels are steadily diminished in the area. This effect grows in power and size over time. This effect is most effective when stationary, though it can be moved, albeit slowly, while never quite reaching full power while on the move.

Known examples include:

• A scout level group of 4 shamans created a Rank 5, 10 ft radius of effect that grew by 1 hex and 1 rank for each pulse they continued to howl. Big Bad Void Wolf
• Multiple medium level shaman groups created a camp area some 200 ft across that had no mana, and dampened all magic in the area, suppressing even permanent magics. They had been present and howling for at least 2 months though Wolves of Winter
• Multiple high level shamans created a specifically directed blast of anti magic at the Drow warship that anchored near the Ffenargh, removing its ability to float. The Siege of Ar Eeb

They can also open a wormhole/portal through the void to known locations and summon more wolves through.

Social structure

The Void Wolves are very structured and hierarchical. They have two main types, being fighters and shamans, with the shamans focused on "anti magic". They normally operate in groups of 10, split into 4 shamans and 6 fighters always lead by a fighter of higher rank. At least 6 levels of seniority have been noted, from scout types through to command types. They are fiercely against magic and magic use, with a singular hatred for the Drow who are seen as a legendary enemy who must be fought at all costs.

They have half elven serfs who farm livestock for them. The serfs have their tongues removed at birth to remove all chance of them ever learning magic. This has lead to an extra ordinary use of sign language at levels higher than normally seen.

Some of these serfs are obviously used to upkeep and make the armour and weapons the wolves have, as it seems unlikely they can work the materials themselves. There is also a warrior caste of serfs, the best of which do travel with the higher order wolves. Part of their training includes being howled at by the shamans for extended periods. This removes their connections to magic, making them untargetable by magic of any sort, though area of effect still works on them though at a diminished effect. They also seem to gain some of the wolves defenses versus magic weapons and the like. These serfs are called the Impenetrabilus

Location and Numbers

They are based north of the Sea of Ash in northern Terranova in an area of unknown proportions. Heavily forested and rugged seem to be the main attributes
More than 10,000, less than 100,000 are the only estimates so far based on previous encounters.

Currently 20 bands of 10 are operating in and around the war effort, answering to the King and Blitzkrieg as to disposition after making an arrangement between the two parties for a combined effort. The leader and his most senior band are stationed for the protection of the king. 4 other senior bands were positioned initially at 4 key points around the Ffenargh and have helped to react to threats since. Each of the senior bands has 6 Impenetrabilus with them. 10 of the bands are scout level performing exactly that function. The other 5 bands are medium level and involved who knows where.