Rethinking wolves

Wolves are frequent antagonists in history and folktales. I'm not going to judge people from history; the had their reasons for being fearful of wolves. But we know now that wolves are an integral part of their ecosystem and little thread to humans.

I have had an affinity for wolves since second grade, and the trope of villainous wolves in literature and games has never sit well with me. I want to rethink wolves in adventure games specifically to give them a more nuanced—even a positive—role in fantasy worlds.

• Wolves are neutral good
  • View their calling as noble
  • Honor their word
• Social
  • Packs consist of a mated pair and their offspring (2d4)
  • Lone wolves avoid human contact while they search for a mate
• Wolves are the natural protectors of the wild
  • Keep animal populations in check
  • Root out evil creatures
• Diet
  • Will eat evil creatures if necessary
  • Prefer natural game
  • Will eat livestock if there animal populations and evil creatures are in check
• Interactions with humans
  • Mature wolves can speak Common
  • Experts can understand young wolves' vocalization and mannerisms
  • Generally avoid humans
  • Symbiotic relationship with human settlements
    • Wolves protect the settlements from threats
    • Settlement provides wolves with food when necessary
  • Farmers are happy to loose a few sheep to wolves rather than pillaging goblins