Guidebook
Taming
Background
Taming pets traditionally was reserved for the noble classes. This is largely due to the fact that nobles had the time and resources to invest and care for another creature. Those in poorer classes could not afford such a luxury, and often would raise animals with the sole purpose of bringing them to market. As wealth equity has slowly begun to take root in Rionnach, more wolves are beginning to take an interest in caring for other species. Since the war, there has been a proverbial
boom of pets as more and more wolves find emotional support in their companionship.
Rules
1. Pets
may appear in posts although they
cannot be used to gain an IC advantage (such as by participating in battle like a Pokemon).
2. Currently, a wolf can only have
one companion.
3. Birds such as corvids can be used to send
letters if you specify that your bird pet is trained (either by you or by the aviaries).
Types of Pets
Farm
Traditionally raised for meat, these animals are less fearful of wolves. Also includes trained corvids |
Wild
Common wild animals found in Rionnach, these small animals can become loving pets. Also includes wild corvids |
Risky
Risky animals are those that have the capacity to hurt wolves and are difficult to tame |
Event
Event animals are earned through on-site events |
Taming
Anyone can tame an animal if they wish to!
Note: Taming is mostly OPTIONAL. You may acquire a pet at any time so long as they are farm, wild, or event pets. Animals classified as "Risky"
must be tamed.
Step One: Encountering an animal
Encounters are randomized and can be initiated by adding
[roll=encounter] to the beginning or end of your post (preferably outside of your posting template).
If you do not want to spam a solo thread or look for animals in an existing thread, you can post
HERE without the pressure of writing any text around your encounters.
NOTE: In the Hinterlands, use
[roll=encounter_h] to access Hinterlands exclusive animals. (
currently unavailable)
Step Two: Taming
To tame an animal that you have encountered, please post in the discord in
#updates letting us know the animal you have encountered and what character encountered it!
We will set up a
raid channel for you. You will have
5 rounds to tame the animal and each roll will boost the animal's affection for you. The amount of affection needed is...
Farm: 10 affectionWild: 30 affectionRisky: 50 affection
If you fail, you get one more chance to restart the raid before having to encounter a new animal.
Farm Animals
Chicken
Usually wild chickens can be found in the Mainlands. Commonly raised as farm animals for food and not much more. As of recent, some have taken a liking to their feathered friends and have kept them as pets. It is a regular sight to see them among the Commonwealth due to their simplicity in training and are known as a "poor man's pet." It is extremely rare to see them among nobles as they can be quite filthy if not groomed properly. Chickens can be quite kind and loving creatures once enough time has been spent with them. They are quite clingy to their owners and have a tendency to follow them around. Chickens often show affection to their owners by "talking" to them with small clucks or rubbing their beaks into a lifted paw or free foreleg.
Duck
Another popular pet among the Commonwealth are ducks. An animal that is found roaming the Lowlands where water takes a liking to. Though they might not appeal to only the lower class, as they have pretty feathers that some nobles, and those alike, decorate their fur with. Farmers and salesmen in the Marketplace hold them in high regard. Mainly for food, but some can be offered as pets to those who find a certain shine in the waterfowl's eyes. They are easygoing pets that can be easily trained to follow around at a wolf's beckon and call. Ducks show their signs of loyalty and love to a wolf by nibbling on the sides of their fur and grooming the miscellaneous debris out.
Rabbit
Skittish by nature, it is much harder to come across rabbits as pets. They stay mostly in the realm of the Highlands. A pet seen mostly in makeshift cages in the Market; being sold off as a nice meal to those who can afford them. Soft to the touch if you approach gently and quietly. At first, they are nervous pets who seem to need to be bound against their owner. Born with natural anxiety, they are high maintenance but give off immense affection in return. Rabbits can be known to be quite the cuddlers and are the more so "prettier" pets, which means they can be seen hopping around Castle Stuart alongside their noble owners
Sheep
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Goat
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Highland Cow
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Wild Animals
Squirrel
Squirrels can be found virtually everywhere in Rionnach, scurrying across branches in nearly every territory. Wary and sassy by nature, a squirrel is more likely to leap just out of a wolf’s reach and chitter in its face than to sit comfortably on a shoulder. However, if a wolf manages to tame this zany creature, it can be taught to do incredible tricks, such as flipping and fetching! Squirrels are challenging but energetic pets and need to be constantly entertained.
Hedgehog
Timid and naturally solitary, these critters can only be spotted by the keenest eyes on the borders of Perth and Aberdeen, though they’re more likely found in the hedgerows around Melrose, Edinburgh, and Castle Stuart. Long snouts will sniff an approaching wolf for mere moments before disappearing in a hissing, trembling ball of quills! The most determined and patient tamers can gain the trust of a hedgehog, and knowing their favorite treats helps. The diet consists of berries, roots, various insects, and crunchy mealworms. Hedgehogs will spend golden afternoons clambering over the limbs of trusted owners, gnawing gently on fur to soak in the special scent and taste, and running marathons for fun
Frog
Frogs make unusual and unsociable pets. However, some wolves are drawn to their unique qualities and natural camouflage. These amphibians can be found in locations with plenty of freshwater: the lake in Perth; the riverbeds of the Fae Forest; Mirror Lake; and the mysterious Wyrwood. Their association with medicine and swamps means that anyone owning a pet frog may be subjected to accusations of witchcraft. Be sure to keep them wet and warm for their well-being.
Tortoise
Just like the wolves of Rionnach, tortoises come in a variety of sizes, colors, and levels of intelligence. Similarly, they can be found in several different habitats: the arid fields of Inverness; the sandy swath of Aberdeen; and the dense Yorkshire forest. Myths pervade that tortoises are slow creatures, but they are constantly on the move. The warmer the weather, the more active they are. Tortoises can be found crawling in underbrush and prefer to avoid bodies of water, but a good mudbath is a different matter entirely. Catching them is easy, but gaining their trust is the biggest challenge as they show little to no emotion. Feeding them grass, leaves, berries, fruits and vegetables and fungi will keep them happy.
Pine Marten
Holed up in the Highlands, pine martens can be found hiding in the crags of the mountains as well as stowed away in deeper parts of the forests. They tend to be found in other places, but are in abundance where the great heights can be obtained. Pine martens catch the eye of those looking for a hunting companion, or someone looking to steal valuable items away when someone is distracted or out. They can be quite the bother if left to their own devices, either tearing up dens or eating way too much. Their owner must keep them busy with tasks or on the go with them during their daily routines, otherwise these creatures can become restless and aggressive.
Polecat
Polecats are commonly known to take up homes in the Lowlands, but can be found almost anywhere there are old buildings to nest in or fresh airy spaces where they can hunt freely. They are known to be problematic, more so than their alike cousin, the pine martens. If you're wanting to catch a glimpse, you can find them amid the market-place where either nobles wear them around their shoulders or tamers sell them for high prices. The frolicking creatures are an eye catcher to hunters, nobles, and thieves. Common predators to pests of different sizes, they well known size up even larger predators than themselves. Polecats tend to be kind to those they deem as worthy and keep close when they can — even if they are told to stay, they mostly follow their owners, wanting to keep them safe and company on their many adventures.
Hummingbird
Flying differently than any other bird known, hummingbirds are uncommon pets, but not because they are unwanted. Nobles as much as common folk seek these nervous creatures. They are quite fast and easy to frighten. Those who search for hummingbirds want to keep them for various reasons. Most think they just look pretty, and show them off as much as they would a new pelt or bouquet from their love. But those who are interested in agriculture or medicinal herbs seek them for the genetic diversity that they bring to plants that they pollinate. They can be found buzzing around the Lowlands, most commonly, flitting from flower to flower, garden to garden. Good luck getting one to stay in the same spot long enough to tame it. Most tamers find this bird quite the challenge!
Skunk
These stinky little creatures make quite the pet to own. Most turn their heads at these fellows, especially nobles. Though, skunks are good for a variety of reasons. Farmers often use them for keeping their crops free of pests that plague most gardens. Some turn them into body guards, using their spray as means to keep others either off their trail or to threaten when one gets too close. Otherwise, they make wonderful companions once bonded to their owner. A loyal follower of whomever provides them a good home. This is all dependent on the skunk, of course. These creatures can mostly be found in the Mainlands, where forests are in abundance.
Muntjac
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Mink
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Otter
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Wallaby
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Puffin
Hinterlands (currently unavailable) coming soon
Risky Animals
Fox
Most commonly found in the Mainland's densely wooded areas, foxes are typically regarded as pests. They love preying upon chicken and duck farms and are known to be clever opportunists. Commonly hunted for their brilliant pelts, foxes are difficult to keep safe as pets. Not only do they run the risk of hurting your neighbors' pets and livestock, they can be trapped and killed by merchants and tradesmen. As such, it is important that a fox owner be watchful and mindful of these dangers. After all, foxes are rewarding pets. They fit neatly into a wolf's life and are easily fed. They are clever companions and are able to learn simple commands.
Scottish Wildcat
Often found roaming the Highlands, the Scottish Wildcat is a skilled predator with excellent nightvision. Carnivores, the scottish wildcat is a capable hunter of small mammals and birds, although they have been known to pick over the corpses left after a wolf pack finishes off its kill. Given their incredible hunting skills, it is not uncommon for a scottish wildcat to pick a rabbit farm as a hunting ground. This puts the cat in tension with its wolven neighbors, and they are often chased off or hunted down as pests. Nonetheless, they do keep mice at bay and some wise farmers have formed a synergy with the wildcats: they get scraps and runts and in return keep the mouse and rat population low. As such, they are not hated nearly as much as foxes. Their furs are also less desirable, making them unlikely to come to harm from other wolves. As a pet, the scottish wildcat has a tendency to be reclusive and a tad moody. However, when they do show affection, their purring is incredibly loud and they have a tendency to knead "biscuits" into their owner's fur.
Badger
Frequently, badgers are found tied to the Lowlands, in connection to the prey that they find desirable. They traipse anywhere they please with no concern for those around them. Almost at the top of the food chain, badgers can be a pain to tame. They are knowledgeable enough to know that they can get away and are mainly bribed with food to become companions to their owners. Badgers can be lazy, found in farmer's chicken pens, wherever wolves throw their scraps, or stealing what looks appetizing. When they are approached, whether taming or shooing off, aggression comes off in thick waves and it can end up where wolves get serious injuries if not careful of their strength and agility. Even after all these issues, they are still found in high regard to those who can train them right. Those who see eye-to-eye with them seem to have a closer bond. Close enough to where badgers will share whatever they find with them
Event Animals
Newt
An uncommon creature found in the Lowlands, newts are semiaquatic and known for their striking orange scales. Due to their large, wide-set eyes, they are often a favorite among children to capture and play with. Similar to frogs, newts tend to be rather unsociable pets. They also require access to water, although many prefer stagnant pools as opposed to rushing rivers. Still, some are not afraid to come close to them and brush a paw over their rough skin.
[Offered in the corn maze event]
Fruit Bat
The fruit bat, also known as the "flying fox", is not uncommon within the mainlands. Seemingly having immigrated to Rionnach from other nations, these large bats feast on the various fruits that the many tress of the nation provide. And, while they enjoy roosting high within pear and peach trees, it is not uncommon for them to take over the rotting rafters of various castles and high-ceilinged buildings. As such, they can sometimes be viewed as pests. Their distinctly fox-like faces, however, make them desirable pets. Despite being shy, many heiresses and poets alike seek these bats to amplify their muse and provide quiet company.
[Offered in the corn maze event]
Cat
No one knows where they came from or how they made their way onto Rionnach, but cats have quickly started to make their mark. While distinctly unfriendly to wolves—what with their willingness to scratch and near constant hissing when a wolf comes close—some have started to assimilate into Rionnach's society. Drawn to feed upon the scraps left by butchers and the mice that like to dig through an apothecary's stores, cats have begun to integrate. No longer the pests they once were, some have started to show remarkable affection for the wolves they share Rionnach with. And, in truth, who could deny their adorable little faces?
[Offered in the corn maze event]
Owl
Found predominantly within the Highlands or the Mainlands depending on the species, owls are shockingly silent hunters. Long used as symbols of wisdom, owls were never converted into message carriers out of superstition and respect. Now, some eccentrics have started to train the birds due to the majestic aura that they add to any proper rookery. While particularly aloof and proud, owls have become more and more common in Rionnach's society. That said, they are largely nocturnal and bond best with wolves that keep similar hours.
[Offered in Eleanor's day & corn maze events]
Corvids
Crow
Black with a notable green or purple sheen in the light, the common crow has become a prolific symbol throughout all of Rionnach. Intelligent, capable of solving small problems and escaping idle traps, and largely solitary, they are the ideal candidates for delivering messages. Bold enough to brave long distances, but disciplined enough to be trained, crows have taken over most all of the roosts in Ayr. Found all over Rionnach, crows were among the first corvids to be tamed by the mere intrigue that they felt toward their candidae neighbors.
Jay
Medium-sized, colorful, and noisy, jays are rarely trained to deliver messages unless it is to whole towns or congregations. As if they had been made to be seen, the various jays are found throughout all of Rionnach. Gifted with a wide vocal range and a proclivity for chattering in-between sentences in their messages, they have a talent for drawing the attention of all those around them. As such, they are not great secret keepers. In fact, if intercepted, they often blabber whole messages so long as they are paused long enough for treats. This friendliness has led them to fall out of favor among corvid trainers, although young children often enjoy them due to their delightful plummage.
Magpie
One of the world's most intelligent animals, magpies are not only capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors, but they memorize messages with shocking speed. Having long-lasting relationships with wolves, magpies were the first corvids to ever be trained for message delivery. Their intelligence, however, is occasionally their greatest downfall. Capable of actively choosing not to deliver messages, magpies have single handedly caused the downfall of clans and noble families alike. Common thieves, they are known for knicking shiny objects from the roosts they alight in and the homes they visit. As such, they have fallen out of favor recently and require a clever owner.
Nutcracker
Lovers of seeds and nuts, nutcrackers are commonly within the arboretum. Wherever botanists flock, nutcrackers are sure to appear, always sampling their exciting morsels. Capable of storing as many as 30,000 pine nuts in a single season, and remembering multiple stashes, nutcrackers have impeccable foraging abilities and memories. This makes them ideal for carrying messages—so long as the appropriate treats are given in return. Native to the highlands and commonly migrating to the lowlands in winter, nutcrackers were traditional message carriers prior to the rising popularity of crows. Early nest makers, they seek out the tallest nearby conifers and build their nests as early as the middle of summer so as to capitalize on their autumn foraging.
Raven
The common raven is one of the heaviest passerines and have distinct calls that are reminiscient of deep croaks. Due to their wide range of vocalizations, they are capable of mimicing the sender's voice when relaying a message. Capable of thriving in multiple climates, ravens are found throughout all of Rionnach. That said, they tend to prefer wooded areas such as the Redwood and Perth compared to the plains of Edinburgh. Often traveling in mated pairs, a bonded raven's mate will either work within the same roost or live close-by. Despite their impeccable ability to relay messages with incredible detail, they are far more rare than crows. Therefore, they are often reserved for the nobility. For example, the royal family use solely ravens.
Jackdaw
One of the smallest corvids, the jackdaws are commonly found within the Mainland. Known for their mischievous personalities and skilled "jerky" flying pattern, wild jackdaws are often being shooed away from hunters' morning kills. Despite their ability to maneuver efficiently, they are rarely trained for message delivery. Their small size makes them better for going unnoticed, but it comes at the price of messages taking longer to be delivered. As such, they have fallen out of fashion. Nonetheless, a few eccentrics still keep them as pets. It has an adorable short bill and gray nape that distinguish them from other corvids.
Rook
Large, gregarious, and non-migratory, rooks are commonly found in the Lowlands. They nest high up above the Maiden's Braid and within the spires surrounding Mirror Lake. Due to their thick, strong bills, they're capable of driving furrows into the land whilst searching for grubs and other larvae. This further aerates the land to improve growing conditions. Prone to forming tight-knit family bonds, and disliking leaving their homes, rooks were rarely the first choice to train and sent to deliver messages. When trainers succeeded, the rook often flew away with a miraculous display of dives and tumbles that drew a fair amount of attention.
