→ Breeds of Hounds

[Labyrinth Realm]

Some Hounds have templates on them that make them a different breed of Hound. Through reproduction and sales, some breeds will be more common than others. While there can't feasible be a guide for every type of Hound (as there are hundreds of edits one can choose from), this is a handy guide for the more common breeds one can find.

Customers may make their own breeds. Events and customs will allow for some customers to receive edits that might qualify as a breed, and if they're the first once to receive these edits they can both offer guide information and donate the edits to help make their breed grow. Event edits are up to be used as we see fit unless otherwise stated. Usually, breeds created through events will have a guide created by staff.

As a note to make this easier to digest and help contribute to; we will not write guides for specific generic type of Hounds. For instance, a cat-eared and tailed Hound will not have a guide for cat Hounds, as it is too broad of a type of Hound and not all cats are the same. However, a Hound with cat attributes, unique wings, and gems covering them can be labeled as a specific breed, as it is unique and a specific type of special cat.

By offering your unique Hound up as a breed for us to document, you are stating that the shop can replicate this type of Hound edit and offer it for the shop. You will, of course, keep your Hound and be able to offer lore you think fits the breed, but you cannot dictate who and who cannot be a part of the breed. You may request rarity level, but the edits used on your Hound that pertain to the breed offered may be replicated or re-used. Unique edits not pertaining to the breed, such as clothes, hair, and any colorations will not be replicated, just the edits that make the breed what it is.

Rarity will greatly change how your breed is distributed, so keep in mind what rarity you request if you wish your breed to be easier or harder to obtain. Common types will be given out through games as we see fit. Uncommon will be released through games and RP events once in awhile and rely more heavily on breedings and customs to be distributed. Rare will only be acquired through RP means, customs, and breedings.

To donate a breed idea PM the mule and we'll discuss the information needed.

 

[Labyrinth Realm]

→ General Appearance
Normal Hounds don't exactly have a specific type of appearance save for a few specific traits that will always be present. They can have mouth tails, multiple ears, several eyes, glowing ribs — you name it! What puts them aside from other types of Dwellers is that while they vary in types of edits they have, is that they all have three heads and spikes along their back. They can be considered more powerful than Doggos due to their natural ability to absorb magic, or the fact that they have three heads, but that might not be the case in regards to other breeds. They don't naturally have abilities that will help them survive longer in more dangerous locations, unless they were fortunate enough to inherit or develop a power.


→ Size
Stereotypically, they're three times the size of normal wolves found on our planet once they've matured. As puppies they remain a similar size to wolf puppies until they reach about 7 months old, which is the time Hounds begin to accelerate in growth until they finally reach their full potential once they're a year old.

Keep in mind this is only a generic idea of a textbook Hound; your character does not need to fit this size if you wish.

→ Strengths and Weaknesses
Normal Hounds don't inherently have any strengths other then the generic traits almost all types of Hounds have, which are; sharp claws, powerful jaws, and speed.

As for weaknesses, unless they receive a power or a blessing they're typically unable to enter more extreme realms. If for some reason they're unable to naturally absorb magic directly from the environment then a Hound can become sick and in extreme cases die. Absorbing magic from the environment is a Hound's main source of 'food' and they are required to live in a high magic realm lest they become sick and/or disabled.


→ Magic
Normal Hounds do not typically come with magic except for the amount needed to travel realms safely. Some Hounds are born with a power or inherit one from their parents, but this is seen as out of the norm.

They are able to naturally absorb magic from their surroundings and use it as nourishment.

→ Family
Hounds typically mate for life, although not all Hounds have to follow this way of life. Puppies are expected to be raised by both parents or at least their mother, although abandoned puppies are easily adopted in by adult Hounds who might want a child of their own.

Packs are often considered family as well, as a pack can be the difference between surviving comfortably or struggling alone in the harsh world of Labyrinth. Hounds typically gravitate to a more social life, although a lone wolf here and there isn't unheard of! Remember, these are just guidelines for the textbook perfect, stereotypical Hounds.


→ Courting
Courting is a fairly simple process. Hunting or providing items found during travel is the primary way Hounds court others they're interested in. Those interested in another Hound within a pack may even leave their pack or, if they lack a pack, join the pack their beloved is in. All genders participate equally in courting rituals, although usually the one with higher status (those with powers or are more 'attractive') will allow themselves to be wooed over pursuing the other.

When finding a mate there isn't necessarily an 'ideal partner' for Hounds, other than their own idea of who they may want to settle with. This makes finding a mate fairly easy, as long as the one you're interested in likes the idea!


→ General Behavior
Normal Hounds are primarily pack-seeking creatures who generally want to be surrounded by peers and family. The need to establish their own comfort and stability is great and often leads Hounds to joining or creating large packs or even traveling to realms unheard of in hopes of finding their own safe haven.

Hounds can be incredibly territorial over who and what makes up their daily routine. Their packs, mates, and children will, more often than not, be defended with every sharp claw and each large fang. Blood shed is not avoided when it comes to protecting what they deem theirs.


→ Original Realm
All Hounds are said to have originated from an ancient Realm called The Underworld. This realm is a high magic realm which is why you can find majority of Hounds living there. It had been cut off from the rest of Labyrinth for ages but recently the magic levels in Labyrinth have risen allowing this realm to become accessible again.

Due to the nature of Hounds needing to absorb magic for nourishment they need to live in a realm that contains high levels of magic in the environment. While they can and do travel to 'normal' realms where there isn't high levels of magic, they must eventually return to either The Underworld or another high magic realm in order to recharge as they say.

→ While this is a general guide for the textbook normal Hound, please RP your character as you feel fit! This is for if you want more information on what a typical Hound is, and not to dictate how you should RP.
→ While Hounds prefer to mate for life generally, it's not at all unheard of to move on if a mate passes or leaves, or even to breed and flee. It's up to you what happens!
→ For Hounds who develop a power later on in life it's said that the day they wake with their new power they feel sore from the new experience. Keep in mind not all Hounds will respond this way, however!
→ This guide is for Hounds who aren't really part of any other breed of Hound. This includes those with general templates, such as the extra ears, extra eyes, mouth tail, etc!