Jackals are small mammals, 2-ft to 3-ft long and weighing about 25 lbs. They are muzzle-snouted, fur-covered, four-legged and long-tailed nocturnal scavengers and occasional predators. They generally hunt and forage singly or in mated pairs, but occasionally gather in small packs to bring down difficult prey. Jackals can be found in subtropical grasslands, woodlands and wastelands, and occasionally in more mountainous terrain. They are most active at dawn and dusk, which has occasionally led to them being revered by death cults.

The small size of the jackal makes it cautious and an unlikely combatant, but they can bite for 1d4 damage if necessary, such as when defending their cubs.