Wydlans

Wydlan - Idlan

*Megacanis Idlan*

Animal, Canine Mammal

* Largest Recorded Height: 2 metres (to shoulder)

* Average Length: 2.5 metres

* Largest Recorded Length: 3 metres

* Average Life Expectancy: 25 years

* Longest Recorded Lifespan: 38 years

## Description

The Wydlan was a large wolf-like creature the size of a horse which dwelt in Mortia and the surrounding mountains. Wydlan is a Native Nesarian name and is the one most commonly used by English speakers. In Nesarian it is known as the *Idlan* (plural *Idlane*) and in Mortian it is known as the *Widlan* (plural *Widlanner*).

In the broad strokes, Wydlans simply resembled very large wolves, but they had several physical characteristics which set them apart. Most noticeably were their eyes, which were proportionally larger relative to their skull compared to wolves, and their black goat-like horns which sprouted from their heads. Their canine teeth were long and sharp, resembling the sabre-toothed cat, though these were not as long as was typically seen in sabre-toothed cats; they were only slightly visible when the mouth was closed.

Wydlans had highly variable fur colours, typically with lighter-coloured fur on their underside and darker-coloured fur (often black or almost black) on their legs. Fur colours recorded in written and artistic depictions include various shades of black and grey (but not white), dark and light brown, copper-coloured and "dull amber". Their fur was usually unpatterened, but they could sport blotches and spots of either lighter or darker colour. Striped fur was never observed.

The pupils of Wydlans were much like those of felines, in that they narrowed to slits in brightness and widened to take up almost the entire eye in darkness. The muscles which controlled their pupils moved very rapidly, able to transition between the two extremes almost instantaneously. Their sclerae were white and their irises were observed as being amber, bright brown, blue and green.

In addition to looking very canine, the behaviour of Wydlans greatly resembled that of dogs. They were strongly pack-based, operating in the wild in packs typically consisting of between four and nine members, and they were generous towards and loyal to the members of their pack. Though they could clearly distinguish that other species (including hominids) were different to themselves, it was not unheard of for other species to be part of their pack, and the hominid masters of domesticated Wydlans were seen as pack members. Wydlans were typically suspicious of outsiders and extremely aggressive towards those who threatened their pack, but were very affectionate towards their friends and pack members.

It is thought that the Wydlans were domesticated by the Mortians soon after they arrived in Nesaria in approximately 1400 BC. They were initially used simply for transport and as beasts of burden, but their military capabilities were quickly realised. Though they lacked the sheer speed and endurance of horses, they could more effectively traverse rough terrain, were far less easy to spook and could see more easily in darkness - not to mention that their claws and teeth became vicious weapons on the battlefield.

The recommended method of dealing with Wydlan cavalry recorded in Ascarian military treatises was to utilise light horsemen armed with bows and javelins to attack from afar and to immediately retreat when the Wydlans advanced upon them. Horses could outrun Wydlans with relative ease, but if the two came to blows in close combat the aggressive and savage attacks of the Wydlans could quite literally tear the horses to shreds and make the survivors go mad with terror. Against infantry, the traditional method of deterring cavalry - forming a wall of spears or pikes - was recommended, as even the brave Wydlans would refuse to charge into a bristling line of pointy things.

## Conservation

Wydlands were made extinct in the Mortian Genocide as part of an effort to deprive the Mortians of their favoured beast of burden and war. It was assumed that allowing the continued domestication of Wydlans would allow the Mortians to continue to pose a threat, and so they were exterminated. There was also a cultural dimension; Wydlans were seen as an essentially Orcish creature, so removing them and replacing them with horses was seen by both victim and perpetrator alike to eradicate a core part of Mortian identity.