Alpha's Hunting Hound
(Conjuration/Summoning)

Range:  10 yards
Components:  V, S, M
Duration:  12 turns + 6 turns per level
Casting Time:  1 round
Area of Effect:  One creature
Saving Throw:  None

This spell calls a canine creature to be a helper and boon companion to the wizard for the duration of the spell. The type of hound summoned depends upon the wizard's level, but the hound will always understand verbal commands given it, so long as they are 12 words or less and relatively simple. The hound will further also be capable of tracking as a ranger of half the level of the summoner, and can hunt sufficiently well to feed the wizard for one day, provided there is game existant in the wizard's area.
The type of hound summoned is as follows:

	Wizard's Level	Hound
	1-3	jackal
	4-7	wild dog
	8-12	wolf
	13+	dire wolf

If the wizard takes a lower-level hound (or a dire wolf when he is eighteenth level or higher), it will have maximum hit points, gain a +1 to-hit and on damage, track at +1 level, and can understand even relatively complex commands of up to 50 words in length. The material component is a piece of fresh meat.

