I've known these creatures since long before I truly understood what astral travel was. Shadow Wolves are easily mistaken for some form of Hell Hound. Though demonic in energy, and exceedingly dark in nature, they are not very closely connected (nor restricted to) realms near the Earthen Plane. What makes them truly unique is their feeding and hunting habits. In other realms, they have been known to work together to purposely "break" one's spirit, feasting on the darkness within the victim during the aftermath, leaving broken shards of light behind. This was the way they were made, and the behaviors were favored by that which first created them. While these spirits are among the darkest and most volatile I offer, I stress that I have known this race and explored it for ten years. The pack I work with is loyal to me and my keep, and a single pack can be hundreds strong, if not thousands if established long enough. They have made it clear to me over the years that they have known me through past lives, and while many of their kind will live out their existence for the thrill of the hunt, this pack has banded for the exact opposite reason: they seek more than destruction. This is why they are listed for companionship, but bindings will be extremely tentative regardless of this. Anyone seeking to bring a prebound or custom into the family will go through a screening process beforehand unless I know you very personally. They simply will not have deliberate disrespect, as they are powerful beings capable of as much vindication as protection. Shadow Wolves manifest in wispy, nearly incorporeal forms. They appear to be made of the shadows themselves (hence the name) and stand at around four to five feet tall from head to paw. Their eyes are without pupils, and glow reds and fiery oranges, depending on the individual. You may often sense them bordering your physical space or astral perimeters, as once they see you as part of their pack, they will become among your most diligent protectors.

Please Note: The terms used in their ranks are general terms, and not associated with the outdated mentality of Earthen canines having Alpha and Omega status. Alpha is simply the closest human term for what they claim to be. It is imperfect and does not encompass all that they are, but it works for them and it gets the point across. These beings were originally created for war and destruction, and everything about their society encompasses that ideal; from packs being separated into factions called Battalions to sub-leadership systems similar to what you might find in a nation’s military. Even for those who seek change and break from the mold, all they have ever truly known is violence from anything beyond their own ranks. When you bring one into your keep, you and everyone around you are considered part of their Battalion which they fight for with everything they are. However, in their culture, such an honor as to be received by a Veiled Shadow Wolf is hard-earned, and they may be aloof to you at first unless they have been assessing you from a distance for quite some time. The key to their companionship is patience and respect. Lastly, while they have no problems devouring the spirits of humans, their bindings are created with the mutual understanding that no hunting is to be done around the Earthen Planes. Once they are bound, they can protect and retaliate against offense, but they will hunt for food on other astral planes with the rest of their Battalion. They will not break the spirits of others, even if asked or deserved. This is because their hunting methods not only kill their prey but prevent the spirit of their prey from ever recovering from the incident. For humans, this is a torment of the highest spiritual caliber and not an act that is tolerated from companions in any circumstance. If they feel pushed to abuse their power by going against the binding agreement, it is grounds for a voluntary bond break which means they can and will denounce companionship, as asking this of them is to go against the wishes of their Ultimate Alpha who has the last say in all such matters. This doesn’t mean they won’t carry out your magical workings if asked, but they will not conduct their own hunts. Please consider this when looking for a partner for your protection team if that is what you are looking for in a companion.