Dire Wolf

Dire Wolves are creatures which appear in Games Workshop's Warhammer Fantasy setting.

Description
The reanimated remains of the giant wolves which plague much of the Warhammer World, Dire Wolves are rotted, cadaverous creatures which live only to serve the will of their vampiric masters. The largest of these creatures are often kept as personal pets by vampires, who feed them upon unfortunate peasants, cultivating their vicious nature and enhancing them with the darkest of magics before setting them free to lead others of their kind to slaughter.

Whilst usually acting as the outriders of a Vampire Count's army, their keen senses giving ample warning of any approaching enemy, Dire Wolves are also employed as scouts, fast harassment troops and flankers, roles to which their speed and terrifying aura are admirably suited.

Trivia

 * The fact that these are animated remains is likely based on the real dire wolves (Canis dirus) being extinct.