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A war dog was a large dog that was trained for battle, hunting or watching over its masters.[1][2]

Description[]

These hounds, which were up to twice the size of wild dogs, grew up to be about 6 feet (1.8 meters). Canines with great senses of hearing and scent, as well as combat prowess, such as huge mastiffs or wolfounds were considered to be war dogs. Dogs of such ability were not common, but could be found to live in most environments.[1][2] Such hounds were known to wear barding, which was often spiked all over.[2][3]

Behavior[]

Unlike almost all other canines, they were not found in packs. War dogs could survive alone, or take the company of their masters, who may also have owned other war dogs.[1][2]

Combat[]

Extremely loyal to their masters, they were fierce and dangerous in combat. To assist in their fighting, their owners usually equipped them with spiked collars and studded leather barding.[3]

Ecology[]

War dogs were found in many places, such as in the Moonsea region,[4][5] Cormyr, the Dalelands, and Sembia.[6] Luiren marchwardens chose war dogs as their animal companions.[7] The prince of Corwell, Tristan Kendrick, owned a particularly powerful war dog known as Canthus.[8]

Trained war dogs were also known to inhabit and guard the Cavern of Rest, the divine realm of Marthammor Duin.[9][10]

Notable War Dogs[]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Doug Stewart (June 1993). Monstrous Manual. (TSR, Inc), p. 57. ISBN 1-5607-6619-0.
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 David "Zeb" Cook et al. (1989). Monstrous Compendium Volume One. (TSR, Inc). ISBN 0-8803-8738-6.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 29. ISBN 0-935696-00-8.
  4. Ed Greenwood (April 2001–May 2003). Elminster Speaks archive (Zipped PDF). Elminster Speaks. Wizards of the Coast. p. 19. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2016-09-03.
  5. Ed Greenwood (2001-04-04). Part #15: Serving the Dark Sun. Elminster Speaks. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2016-10-28.
  6. James Butler, Elizabeth T. Danforth, Jean Rabe (September 1994). “Explorer's Manual”. In Karen S. Boomgarden ed. Elminster's Ecologies (TSR, Inc), p. 29. ISBN 1-5607-6917-3.
  7. Thomas Reid (October 2004). Shining South. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 37. ISBN 0-7869-3492-1.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Ed Greenwood, et al (1989). Hall of Heroes. (TSR, Inc), p. 38. ISBN 0-88038-711-4.
  9. Ed Greenwood (October 1990). Dwarves Deep. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 22–23. ISBN 0-88038-880-3.
  10. Eric L. Boyd (November 1998). Demihuman Deities. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 74. ISBN 0-7869-1239-1.
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