A scragglepaw is one of the most fearsome predators known to many lands. With a deafening roar, they will descend upon their prey like a lightning bolt.

Their wild and tangled hair often paralyses their smaller targets with abject fear. Both the males and the females have this distinctive mane, making distinguishing the genders a little tricky. Not that you're going to want to squint at them long trying to figure it out. When you see a scragglepaw, what you really should be doing is running or reaching for your weapon.

These beasts often travel in prides ranging in numbers from as small as 3 to as large as 20 or more. To see a solitary one is rare, and often means that one's so exceptionally dangerous, even other scragglepaws avoid it.

Which is exactly what I was staring down right now from the temporary cover and safety of a bush. He was a monster, with dark fur and tattered mane. His eyes glowed red like a balefire. I could see him sniffing the air carefully. Searching for my scent.

My sword wouldn't be enough against the creature, but I gripped the hilt anyway. Preparing to draw it and rush the scragglepaw before it could locate me.

At least that's what I was in the middle of doing before I heard a growl and snapping underbrush behind me. Guess I was wrong about this one being alone, then...