…/species/devils/tyndall_hounds.md

The Tyndall Hound is a species of canine Devil, endemic to the FLIPSIDE.

Morphology

Tyndall Hounds are quadrupedal, with an average shoulder height of ~120 cm and a body length of ~160 cm. They possess a distinctly canine skeletal morphology, closely resembling the bone structure of terrestrial canids. All skeletal edges, including the teeth, are sharp and pointed. Notably, Tyndall Hounds lack a tail. The organism’s body is entirely skeletal in appearance, with no visible skin, musculature, or internal organs. Instead, all biological functions are performed by specialised super-cells, which resemble semi-opaque glass, also serving structural, sensory, and metabolic roles.

Abilities

The super-cells of a Tyndall Hound possess several anomalous properties. They are capable of dispersing light, rapidly adapting to ambient temperature, manipulating local airflow by mimicking the behaviour of gaseous systems, and altering the propagation of sound and sonar, effectively rendering the creature undetectable by visual, thermal, acoustic, or electromagnetic means. As a result of these combined effects, Tyndall Hounds are effectively invisible to all detection methods except direct physical contact. The species lacks eyes and does not rely on vision. Instead, it hunts using a combination of auditory cues, olfactory detection, and temperature gradients, rendering it unaffected by its own stealth adaptations.

Behaviour

Tyndall Hounds are pack animals, typically operating in groups of three to four individuals. Their cognitive abilities are comparable to those of a grey wolf. They are primarily ambush predators, remaining motionless until prey enters close proximity. A defining behavioural trait is their ability to enter extended hibernation states, during which they remain completely undetectable while retaining a semi-conscious awareness of their surroundings. These hibernation periods may last several years, with individuals capable of rapidly returning to full activity when stimulated. Despite their effectiveness as predators, Tyndall Hounds possess a significant vulnerability in their cellular structure, being extremely brittle. A moderately forceful impact is often sufficient to cripple or kill an individual.

Reproduction

Tyndall Hounds reproduce asexually and give birth to live offspring through a process resembling regurgitation. The offspring initially measures ~20 cm in length and rapidly develops into a full adult form. Under optimal conditions, particularly when large quantities of blood are available, this maturation process can take as little as 15 minutes.