Hound-Folk

In the lands of Ælyri Ildûn there is a strange breed of hound that roams the rolling hills. Believed by the natives to be the reincarnated souls of martyred patriots, the creatures are most commonly found near old ruins or battlefields.

Kænōyn (ka NO yhn) appear as large muscular dogs without heads. Where their necks would typically extend, a contorted Yrūn face is embedded between their powerful shoulders. The hound-folk roam in packs, seeking to blind and deafen their victims before closing in to kill. Blindness is achieved with a strange pale glow that shines from their eyes, that can be directed at victims. Deafness is achieved using low mournful sounds, which can also be directed at a single target. Once a victim is rendered “defenseless”, the Kænōyn close-in and tear them apart with their powerful mouths and claws.

Believed to be the ancestors of the inhabitants of Ælyra, the natives of the land do not hunt the creatures. In turn, the Kænōyn seem only interested in the blood of foreigners. The Kænōyn are not mindless predators. Most appear to be more intelligent than standard dogs.