Hopefully, this serves as an appetizer to the upcoming chapter. Theres a 40k reference in here, it's not exactly subtle, but then, I'm only a tepid fan anyway. Enjoy, and as always, check this story out on [Spacebattles] under [The House Aelric] by [The Merovingian]...I add pictures, I think they're good.
The Schwarhund
Features
Typical looks
Unimaginatively, most who have seen members of the Schwarhund would describe their look as being of a wolfish nature. That is to say, a long narrow face, typically dark hair, though that is not the rule and a feral disposition. Members of the clan tend to grow to the average heights typical of most Westerosi peoples (≈180cm for men, ≈170cm for women).
Despite the known look of the clan, Maesters have observed that, unlike most other chimeran, the Schwarhund have no defining animalistic features that would otherwise distinguish them from other peoples. Some Westerosi, including Valemen, believe members have yellow "wolf eyes," but this is a falsity. Their eyes only turn yellow when members call upon the Auldblud. It can therefore be a sign that a clansman is preparing to attack or is otherwise on guard.
Abilities
Typical of all chimeran, the Schwarhund have athletic ability well beyond that of average men, being able to run approximately 30-40 mph and typically being able to keep that pace for one or two hours if unencumbered and in top physical condition. While not known to have the jaw-dropping strength of certain other chimeran tribes such as the Hohen or Urech, members are still known to be able to lift approximately 500-800ibs depending on physicality, and this weight even while in their base form.
The Auldblud
Meaning "Old Blood," the auldblud refers to the Schwarhund's ability to call upon or stir their recessive animalistic DNA. Clans that can call upon the auldblud can transform into humanoid versions of their ancestral animal bases. This transformation oft includes a sharp strengthening of base abilities. In the case of the Schwarhund, this would mean strength, smell, agility, and other miscellaneous features. Given the semi-secretive nature of this ability, most Maesters do not have exact measurements as to the lengths that the auldblud increases abilities, but working theories based on secondhand accounts lead many to theorize that abilities increase between 3-5 times their base speed and strength (at least in the case of the Schwarhund).
This ability, as it were, is found only in the Löwenhart that serve the House of Aurmos, the Bärseel who serve the House of Lodric, and the Meerfolk whom serve the House of Argus. What makes the Schwarhund stand out amongst these other chimeran groups is that it is theorized by Sisters and Maesters that, given their age, the Schwarhund acted as a base of sorts for the similar aforementioned chimerans. It was not until the purported creation of the Löwenhart by Alma V Alm for Aurmos Hartfisk that there was any observable evidence for this theory.
But if the House of Alm could create chimeran that could transform, why not share it between all houses? Could they have foreseen something others could not?
History
Schwarhund, the Black hounds. Their rivals call them mutts, dogblooded, bonelickers and a thousand other curses under the golden sun that lights the land of Westeros, but rarely to their faces. In Bravos, mothers tell their children that the caverns and caves of the Great Vale are haunts for wolfmen who will either help travelers, eat them, or both. Traders from as far as Sarnor have occasionally written that they've observed powerful lords bow low to the Sky Prince's Huntsman. And in Valyria, those that tutor young silver-haired Archons-to-be, teach a history of crushed eggs, burnt pelts, and sleepless nights.
The Schwarhund, or simply, "the clan," as they refer to themselves, do not purport themselves to be the oldest chimeran, that honor supposedly lies with House Aelinor's Säter, if one trusts the oral testimony of the Children. Maester Gormon whom served under Edwaerd XI in 2546 A.M, notably collected a variety of fables and other stories from around the Vale in an attempt to piece together a coherent histography of the Schwarhund, but only succeeded in creating a very popular children's book. Still, most Maesters believe that the Schwarhund appeared around the 3rd or 4th century A.M.
Religious relationship
As can be expected, most Schwarhund are followers of the Seven and Sevenfold faith. None have ever been seen to hold any overtly religious role, save as guardsmen and keepers to the House of Alm. Some members of the clan believe that if they serve in their duty wisely, they will be allowed to serve at the side of their masters in Heaven, though this is not a structured part of their faith. Some are observed to travel to out-of-the-way altars of past saints of Alm, and some smaller sub-clans that do not reside in Almuth have been known to make their homes and cabins near such shrines. Their territorial guarding of these areas has been known to cause problems with local authorities and is likely the cause of legends regarding wolfmen that stalk the forests of the Vale.
Structure
Maesters have observed that the governing structure of the Schwarhund revolves around a central "Primär" pack centered in Almuth, who are assisted by "Sekundär" packs that are scattered throughout the Vale. Occasionally, packs are said to sojourn to other regions of Westeros, but this is rare, and often never permanent. Sekundär packs often assist the Primär by acting as observers and spies to the various regional lords inside and outside the Vale and often provide information on the comings and goings-on of Westeros at large.
The Schwarhund are one of the more egalitarian chimeran groups. Packs are led by either a male or female who is often succeeded by a son or daughter, though in the case of the Primärs, the reigning Prince of Almuth has the final say on who will lead. While strength and fighting ability are prized, many have been chosen for their decision-making abilities or charisma. Seniority, while respected, has rarely taken precedent to ability, and a more able younger son or daughter of a pack leader may be chosen as successor to an elder sibling. Pack leadership can, and has, been challenged in the past. In such cases, single champions from either party may challenge leadership on their own behalf, or on behalf of another. The only exception to this is the Primärs who directly serve the reigning Prince.
Typically, what constitutes a "pack" is a grouping of Schwarhund families, sometimes in different industries, within a given geographic area that often does not fit neatly into pre-established borders. A Duke, for example, may find that one pack claims dominion over his north, while another watches his southern third if he ever finds out at all. A Vale Baron, on the other hand, may find that his entire domain is under the watchful eyes of a Sekundär pack.
Out-of-the-way communities made up of pack members have sprung up in the past due to this, often causing problems with Valeman lords, as such communities often do not pay taxes. Over the centuries, most lords have found it easier to ignore, and in turn, be ignored when it comes to dealing with these communities as unless the lord's actions are tyrannical or treasonous, most Packs take an off-handed approach to their conduct.
Occupations
In their capacity as the eyes and ears of the Royal House of Alm, members of packs will likely employ themselves in a variety of fields. Typically, Schwarhund members act as guides, trackers, professional game hunters, even Chimera hunters when they are considered dangerous enough to warrant their attention. Some who live in the city are known to take jobs as investigators, or thief-catchers, professions they seem to excel at.
Unique Customs
Adoption: It is not unheard of for packs to trade their excess children to each other to prevent inbreeding. Children born out of wedlock but whom have the blood of the Schwarhund are usually welcomed into a pack because of this, though how well they are treated is often dependent on the call; A term used by Schwarhund packs to describe their innate loyalty to the House of Alm. Adults who find they have the wolf-blood may be welcomed but are almost never fully trusted.
Löwenhart & Honor Duels: In 2893 A.M. Queen Aerith II called for a Great Council to discuss the marriage of her daughter and heir, Princess Elrecca (the future Elrecca VII). The two chief suitors were the Princes Elmont and Erin of Houses Alm and Aurmos respectively. Neither party willing to back down, eventually, a duel was issued. Queen Aerith refused to allow royal blood to be spilled in the capital and so alternatives were chosen.
Leema Greyfang of the Schwarhund and John El'lion of the Löwenhart were chosen to represent their Princes, and in an antechamber of the Royal Palace of the capitol, fought surrounded by kinsmen and Aethlings for the right of their prince to gain the coveted right of King-Consort. Clans and prides tell the story differently, whether it lasted three days or seven, who transformed first, drew first blood, but both agree their opponent fought honorably and well. John was ultimately victorious, bringing much honor to the Löwenhart, but unlike Reman, died of his wounds not a week later. This duel was called the First Rondo.
In the centuries since that fateful duel, a tradition between the Schwarhund and Löwenhart has developed by which members from either clan will duel each other when their paths cross. Typically done in good nature, these rondos are rarely lethal and done in remembrance of both brave champions. Perhaps because of this tradition, both clans are known to share an amicable relationship and work well together when compared to their contemporaries.
For those that didn't immediately pick up on the 40k reference. Leema Greyfang and John El'lion are not so subtly based on Leman Russ and Lion El'Johnson respectively, with their duel being an omage to the original Spacewolves x Dark Angels rivalry.
As usual, a great big thank you to AngelFaux for being such a great Beta.