Hounds (Inanimachinae cannis) 

Hounds resemble massive six-legged dogs, employing their extra limbs to impale smaller prey. These aggressive creatures exhibit exceptional speed and can inflict significant damage, even destroying entire vehicles in larger groups. Their presence in the Hollow Steps makes this area perilous for travelers. Among them, “Alphas” of the group possess smaller heads attached to their torsos, but they often lose these heads during conflicts, with other Alphas.

Appearance: Crafted from metal, primarily steel and copper, these beings possess elongated legs, reaching a height of approximately 8 feet (2.5 meters). Their torsos feature a protruding crystal at the top and are equipped with skis at the bottom. In the front, a small disc-shaped head with various apparatuses is present, although many of them have lost this element over time and now rely on their sense of hearing for navigation. Their slender legs have a blade-like appearance, with sharp ends that have endured through the years. Their joints are constructed using a robust pulley system, which is largely protected from the elements.

Headless

Statistics: B5 S2 M2 W2 L15 Ev8 T1 D8 A2

Skills: Athletics +2, Attack -3

With head on

Statistics: B5 S2 M2 W2 L15 Ev8 T1 D8 A2

Skills: Athletics +2, Perception +7, Speed +3, Attack +2 

Abilities:

• Spiking – The creature plants its legs firmly into the ground at the source of suspicious sounds. All creatures within the area beneath them are forced to perform an opposing Athletics check to evade suffering D8 + Body damage.