Species Description

Howlites are extraordinary, closed-species canine-like creatures with unique anatomical and behavioral traits. Known for their horns, loyalty, and connection to the cosmos, Howlites have been protectors and companions across planets, adapting to their environments while maintaining their core traits.

Physical Traits

Howlites possess the following distinct characteristics:

• Horns: Grow with age and detect atmospheric and spatial changes. Types include rams' horns (gravitational shifts), antelope-like horns (UV/gamma detection), and spiked horns (electromagnetic fields).
• Coat: Fur varies from smooth to wire-haired, featuring natural earth tones or celestial-themed colors with patterns like nebulae or comet trails.
• Size: Fully grown Howlites are massive, about twice the size of a Great Dane. Some smaller subspecies exist for tighter environments.
• Glowing Features: Healthy Howlites have glowing eyes, with horns and back spots glowing faintly under specific conditions.

Behaviors

• Howling: Used to signal emotions and knowledge, their howls carry messages over half a lightyear and can be interpreted by gifted beings.
• Playfulness: Young Howlites are generally playful, though individual temperaments vary with age and personality.
• Guardianship: Intuitive and fiercely loyal, Howlites behave like livestock guardian dogs, with heightened sensitivity to threats through their horns.

Environmental Adaptations

• Space Travel: Require specific gases like helium or xenon to survive and can endure extreme conditions briefly, akin to swimming underwater.
• Activities: Engage in protection, fetch, hunting, stargazing, and repairs like sniffing out leaks on spacecraft.

Behavioral Reactions

• Sadness and Neglect: Neglected Howlites lose their glow and may withdraw or mope, though they rarely abandon their owners.
• Bonding: Roam freely until bonded to a companion. If their charge dies, they seek a noble cause rather than another owner.
• Intelligence: Exceptionally expressive and intuitive, Howlites learn to use simple tools like airlock buttons but can cause mischief when young.
• Natural Connection: Prefer specific minerals for healing or recharging, like lunar quartz or solarite shards.

Societal Roles

• Distinct Types: Different roles and personalities emerge based on their horns and discovered traits.
• Feeding: Eat similar to Earth dogs but can digest certain space elements toxic to humans.
• Protective Rituals: Regularly check on their bonded charges, sometimes whining or howling if separated for long periods.