Wolfdogs of Helmfirth

For as long as there have been phae in Helmfirth, there have also been wolves. There are several wolf packs across the Tundra Isle that call it home. They have lived side by side with the phae for many generations. This has given them, and the phae, both a healthy respect for what the other can do. Phae understand the dangers that ravenous wolf could represent, but with their knowledge and magic, they do not fear wolves, but respect the role they play in the ecosystem of Helmfirth. Wolves, for their part, are wary of phae, for they know their magic. This has created a balance between what would normally be prey and predator to live harmoniously, for the most part. There will always be outliers like a rogue/lone wolf without a pack, starving, may be desperate enough to try for a phae, but wolf packs will usually leave a pair or more phae alone.

 

In the 700-800 years that phae have lived in the isles, several phae have befriended wolves whether by adopting an abandoned pup or saving an injured adolescent. These saved wolves have always been allowed to return to their home packs, as nature intended, but many had grown fond of the affection and health from their caretakers. As a result, the phae of Helmfirth has had a small population of friendlier wolves hanging round the herd. This has helped protect the herd from wild wolves and other predators that would normally be an inconvenience.

 

As such, some of the phae of Helmfirth, in the last 50 or so years, have specifically started breeding their wolfdogs for different jobs like; protection, tracking, catching, and even for certain appearances to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There is now a variety of different wolfdogs as new wolves are either being tamed or rescued adding to the breeding pool.

 

It is very common for a Helmfirth phae to have a Wolfdog companion at their side, be it from a family line, a trade with other phae, or a current tame. It is respectable to have such an ally at your side, but that ally also needs to be treated with respect. Any phae found abusing their wolfdogs will immediately have it confiscated and rehomed to a different family. The offending phae will then receive punishment fitting of the crime. Currently, most wolfdogs typically have 2-3 generations of domestication leaving them with many wild traits but are still much friendlier than 1st generation-tamed wild wolves.

 

Now, every now and then, some wolfdogs are born different, be it a more water resistant coat or accidentally having their thicker coats bred out. Since these wolfdogs aren’t suited for the life in Helmfirth, they are sometimes traded to trusted and vetted foreign Phae from other isles. Because wolfdogs are so respected in Helmfirth culture, it is a privilege to own one outside of the Tundra Isle. That being said, this privilege can be revoked at any signs of neglect or abuse. In fact, if any rumor reaches the land of snow that one of their beloved Wolfdogs is being mistreated, a recovery party will be formed and will stop at nothing to recover their lost furry friend. May Cephi be kind to that soul when found cause the Helmfirth Phae sure will not be. In the same token, if a foreign Phae decides they no longer want or can no longer care for their wolfdog, the animal needs to be returned to the breeder.

 

There are no exceptions to this rule. The only way for a foreign Phae to get a wolfdog is to visit the Tundra Isle in-game and receive one from a local breeder.

 

All recovered Wolfdogs go through rehabilitation once they return to their home isle. The Helmfirth Phae will do all in their power to help any mistreated wolfdog but will humanely euthanize any wolfdog that can’t be rehabilitated and still shows aggression towards Phae. If this happens, a service is held in honor of the wolfdog for the unkindness in its life that caused its death. The offending Phae better not set hoof in Helmfirth or they face the wrath of the locals.

 

Typical Wolfdogs – 2/3 Generations, Locked; Legendary Reward

Acceptable colors: Image by wolfspirits.net

• All wolf colors
• If it occurs naturally in wolves, it’s available
  • Black
  • White
  • Gray
  • Fawn
  • Isabella
  • Red/Sable
  • Red/Gold
  • Cream
  • Blue
  • Chocolate
  • Liver
  • Yellow
  • Seal

Acceptable patterns: 

• Merle; characterized by irregular blotches of fur coloring. (Remember: Dominant/Double Merle does cause severe health, vision, and hearing problems in canines, keep that in mind!)
• Points; characterized by dark points, feet/legs and muzzle.
• Tuxedo; characterized by a white patch on the chest and chin, and white on some or all of the feet.
• Variations of Tuxedo; characterized as any white on the muzzle, paws, and/or underbelly that doesn’t follow the classic tuxedo look.
• Agouti; characterized by a dark textured fur along the topline that can extend down the shoulders, towards the chest.

Acceptable coat/physiology mutations: 

• Curly tails (like Husky) 
• Longer coats (retriever-like, wavy can be seen) 
• Shorter coats (labrador, etc.)
• Small variation in ear size and rigidity (floppy ears).

 

Lineage Wolfdog – 6+ Generations, Locked; Ultra Rare Reward

What is a Lineage Wolfdog? This is a type of Wolfdog that can have its bloodline traced back more than 6 generations of domestication by the Helmfirth herd. These wolfdogs are highly valued for their loyalty, companionship, and friendliness. These wolfdogs act more like modern dogs but still have a wild edge to them. The wildness has still not been fully bred out of these wolves. They are usually owned by some of the oldest families of the herd.

 

Lineage Wolfdogs can have any of the above patterns, but because of the degree of domestication in these wolves have presented a whole new group of patterns that are only seen in these kinds of wolfdogs.

 

Patterns Available for Lineage Wolfdogs Only; 

• Spotting; characterized as patches of dark color over a lighter base color. (Example, Dalmatian, white base, black spots, not limited to these colors)
• Speckling; characterized as patches of light color over a darker base color. (Example, English Setter, tan base, white speckling, not limited to these colors)
• Harlequin; characterized by a white coat with large colored patches all over the body. These can be any of the accepted above coat colors, not just black. 
• Brindle; characterized as a striped pattern that resembles dripping paint or tiger striping. 

 

Note; Small size/stature is currently not available as no one in Helmfirth has not been actively breeding small Wolfdogs, all are currently about the same size or slightly smaller than wild wolves. This can be achieved in-game, but it will take several generations (10ish) of selective breeding before one would start to see major changes.