Dire Animals

Dire animals are larger, tougher, meaner versions of regular animals. They fairly closely resemble their normal counterparts, only they are slightly larger and more powerful, and often have a feral, prehistoric, or even demonic countenance. Sharp, ugly, bony ridges protrude from their spines, limbs, and head. Some say they are creatures that have been exposed to demonic energy or cursed by the gods, while others say they are regular creatures who have been experimented on by mad wizards. Dire animals cannot speak, and are of normal animal intelligence.