Playful and sociable, Suna Hundo are a common sight anywhere prey is plentiful. They travel in small, tight-knit packs led by alpha pairs—usually a male and female, but sometimes two males or two females. Hunts are coordinated by the alphas, who give commands in soft barks and high-pitched whines as they follow their quarry’s scent. There appears to be nonverbal communication through body language as well, though the nuances of this have yet to be investigated. Their coats range in colors and patterns but often feature large or small spots. Wild Suna Hundo living in warmer climates tend to have lighter coats than those living in cooler climates. Although their mane and tail lengths are variable, observed social behavior does not seem to indicate either trait is more desirable. Packs work together to raise juveniles, with females and males alike taking turns to watch the cubs while the others hunt. Suna Hundo are extremely protective of their young and will fight to the death to protect them.

The creatures that dwell in this rather desolate world still display some diversity in appearance, eating habits, and social behavior. Whether they have fur or feathers, skin or scales, their unique genetic makeup allows for a variety of colors and markings within each species. Despite limitations in food sources, herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores are all present in the food chain, and each species requires specialized care within a laboratory. Although the artificial setting of housing units and breeding pods precludes most opportunities to study true interspecific behavior, the interactions within and between species has been studied extensively in the wilderness by scientists daring enough to venture beyond the outpost’s walls.

Creature Notes

• Suna hundos, at least for Val, breed even less well than saltantas, and her parents were especially stubborn about actually producing offspring. Arfilis, thankfully, was worth the long wait, as she takes after her mother.
• Arfilis is effectively a pet, thanks to considerable socialization efforts by Val as soon as she emerged from her capsule. She loves walks, playing fetch, and flopping over on Val's feet when he tries to put her back in her enclosure.
• Val is still careful to never have Arfilis out at the same time as fluganta ratos or stranga sciuros, though she's never shown much interest in them. She may be tame, but the prey drive is still there.