A predatory species native to the sestan continent of Verra, the Verran Hound is an intelligent, reptilian pack hunter that roams the plains and craggy mountains of the planet. Early in Verran history, sestans began domesticating the hounds, where they became skilled hunting partners. Since then, Hounds have found roles in the Republic military as trackers and CQC fighter.
Though they have naturally tough hides, they are by no means bulletproof. Their handlers will often outfit them with a lightweight set of armor to give them limited protection against small arms fire. They have extremely shar claws and teeth, complimented by powerful jaws and limbs, making them dangerous to most light infantry.
Military Hounds are raised from birth by a single handler, who bonds with it and forges and sense of loyalty between the two. They live together, train together, and fight together. Any Hound who’s trainer is killed in action is retired from service, as they cannot be reconditioned to a new handler; once a Hound bonds with someone, that bond is permanent, and it will refuse to take orders from anyone else.
Hounds see limited use in most military operations, as their utility is somewhat limted, but they serve as excellent guard animals, trackers, and flushers when the situation calls for them.