HABITAT: Forbidden Oasis, The Western Approach
COMPANION: Yes
MOUNT: How heavy are you? (no)
SHAPESHIFT: Yes
RANGER CALL: Yes

Hyenas are predatory mammals that thrive in the harsh deserts of western Orlais. They are canine in appearance, with a coat pattern of brown, yellow, and white, which provides excellent camouflage against the arid landscape. Known for their distinctive, high-pitched calls that can be heard echoing across the dunes at night, hyenas are both feared and respected by the inhabitants of the region. Their powerful jaws and keen sense of smell make them efficient hunters and scavengers, capable of bringing down prey much larger than themselves and efficiently stripping a carcass clean.

Living in highly organized packs, hyenas exhibit a complex social structure led by a dominant female. This matriarchal system ensures the stability and survival of the pack in the challenging desert environment. Each member of the pack has a specific role, from hunting to caring for the young, showcasing their highly developed social behavior.

Despite their fearsome reputation, hyenas play a crucial role in the ecosystem of western Orlais. By controlling the populations of smaller herbivores and cleaning up carrion, they help maintain the balance of nature. Their adaptability and resilience make them one of the most formidable predators in the desert, capable of surviving and thriving where few others can.

In the lore of Thedas, hyenas are often depicted as symbols of cunning and tenacity, admired for their resourcefulness and feared for their ferocity. Stories of their intelligence and pack tactics are told by travelers and merchants, adding to their mystique and the aura of danger that surrounds them.