The Alpaca is a hardy, domesticated mammal that can be found in a variety of climates and conditions, from the lush hills and valleys of Stillwood to the frigid tundras of Vithraven. They make excellent climbers, traversing the most difficult of terrain with ease, which smaller humanoids like dwarves have used to their advantage by hitching rides through the mountains. They are prized amongst farmers and tailors for their soft, warm wool, which is often used to craft clothing and other textiles.
Alpacas are herbivores and feed primarily on grass or other plants, but they have been known to take bites out of unsuspecting hermit grass from time to time. In general, they are known for their gentle disposition and considered easy to care for and train. But be careful, they will spit if they feel threatened!
", "Axolotls": "Axolotls were generally peaceful creatures with little influence on the world, but then the togwas took note of their regenerating limbs. Imprisoning them by the thousands, they were used as a sustainable food source when the hunting seasons were light.
The togwas’ capabilities have expanded in recent years, and the need to use axolotl limbs as food has passed. Yet the perceived value remains, as togwas use them as living currency.
While few traders outside the tribes will accept them as a form of payment, occasionally, these creatures make it into the larger society. These pet axolotls may not know true freedom, but they have at least escaped being crammed into money bags.
", "Basilisks": "Basilisks are armored monstrosities descended from the dragon family and became well-known nuisances when the first Adelynians began crossing Dranglin Pass. Their claws and razor-sharp teeth tore through armor crafted by the finest blacksmiths.
Once it was learned their rage could be tamed at an early age, their eggs became highly valuable amongst warlords who now use them as guardians.
", "Beanbug": "Beanbugs are small insect-plant hybrids that share a striking resemblance to puppies. They have soft, bean-like bodies that are covered in fine fur and a single green sprout growing from the top of their heads. During the yearly harvest, more than a few farmers have mistakenly pulled up a disgruntled beanbug from their garden beds.
Beanbugs are known for their playful and curious personalities and can often be found bounding through areas with rich soil and healthy plants. Ultimately, they are searching for a prime location to plant themselves and grow into a fully mature plant.
Although beanbugs are generally harmless and even beneficial for gardens, they do have a tendency to dig more than a few holes in search of a perfect planting spot. Even so, their benevolent nature and helpful attitude make them ideal pets for a budding farmer.
", "Beetle": "Beetle hulks are powerful, hulking bi-pedal creatures with the head of a stag beetle. They have a large, curved lower jaw perfect for crushing rocks and grinding soil as they burrow underground. Their bodies are covered in slatted armor plates, which can range in color from deep red to metallic hues.
Beetle hulks are truly formidable creatures, with immense strength and endurance. They can become extremely territorial once they have generated a sufficient tunnel system underground. One particularly aggressive beetle hulk displaced an entire lowland village in Wevelmont after digging out and collapsing the town square. For this reason, it is common to find enticing bounties posted for adventurers to capture or exterminate these creatures.
Unfortunately, beetle hulks are considered too aggressive and unpredictable for most tradespeople to domesticate. Then again, there are always brave souls with more guts than brains!
", "Bellfries": "The playful bellfry can often be spotted fluttering across the plains and pastures of Serendale in large colorful groups, particularly on summer nights when their bells light up like distant candles. During the day, they can be found exploring lush farms and gardens. Gardeners view it as a source of pride to have a large group of bellfries visiting their greens.
Despite their affable nature, bellfries are sometimes hunted by sages for the unique alchemical properties of their wings and bells. Even so, they are not completely passive creatures and will not hesitate to retaliate against would-be hunters by unleashing powerful defensive pollen attacks.
", "Bloaters": "The humble but sturdy bloater.
Known for its docile beauty and majestic demeanor, this fish can inflate at will. Typically this skill is used to intimidate predators in the wild, but those domesticated use it to fill space temporarily.
Need to plug a leak? A bloater will do. Need to keep a door open? The bloater will diligently perform its duty. They remain practical and reliable companions as long as they are not left alone too long.
", "Blubs": "A nuisance with origins covered in shadow, the blubs are a recent plague to emerge across the lands of Serendale.
Their young invade eggs and assimilate with their hosts, which has raised alarming concerns among Adelyn and its neighboring kingdoms. Thankfully, the process has been slow but could pose detrimental effects to the ecosystem in the future if not watched carefully.
Once hatched, they become harmless. Their cute beady eyes have won over the general populace, resulting in many calling them companions.
", "Boars": "The noble boar is found throughout Gaia, often rolling in the mud or huffing about deep in the woods.
Skilled breeders often breed domesticated boars in the realm of Haywood. An annual competition, to coincide with the harvest season, has been held there since before the founding of Adelyn.
Rarely, a boar may exhibit a trait that endows them with a keen sense of smell for things that grow beneath the surface, making them apt foraging companions.
", "Bocboc": "Bocbocs are domesticated birds native to Serendale known for their plump, round bodies and soft feathers. Many farms and homesteads prefer to raise these birds due to their docile nature and egg-laying proclivities. Bocbocs are surprisingly sturdy, which has resulted in the invention of a particularly cruel sport amongst local children known as kick-boc.
Despite their small brains, bocbocs have shown an aptitude for learning and following basic commands. Some farmers have gone so far as to train their bocbocs to perform tricks and participate in traveling shows, the most prolific of which is titled Bocbocs at the Boardwalk. Overall, the humble bocboc has shown itself to be a versatile animal, companion, and performer.
", "Bun Buns": "Bunbuns are fluffy, cuddly, and chubby critters that can be found roaming above and below ground through gardens and fields across the realms. Despite their adorable appearance, bunbuns are some of the most mischievous animals around and frequently infiltrate gardens to whisk away entire vegetable plots.
Although buns are generally considered simple creatures, there has been some evidence uncovered of a more advanced bun civilization in the far past. In fact, several archeological digs seem to have pinpointed ancient bunbun cities, which featured intricate systems for growing and storing food. Some historians remain skeptical of this evidence and suspect the involvement of a more advanced species.
Regardless of their storied past, bunbuns remain a common sight in many areas of Gaia and are often kept as pets or companions. Most bun owners have discovered at this point, however, that their pet’s love for vegetables outweighs their loyalty.
", "Caedoris": "Caedoris are trickster spirits who hide in the crevices of the world. When one is near, you can hear them chattering happily in tongues long-forgotten by the living.
Those who fear them say they speak with the Nameless One. Yet occasionally, children who get lost in the woods claim to have been guided home by the light of their lanterns.
Being a caedori’s caretaker can be an anxious experience due to their unclear intentions. However, there’s no evidence that they mean any harm to humans.
Legends tell of a caedori who came across Dyan, the God of Craftsmanship and Wisdom, who upon hearing the caedori’s tale, crafted the spirit a hat of pure crystal. It is thought that the god has a habit of giving gifts to caedori whenever he visits the mortal plane, preferring their company to that of people.
", "Caterpillars": "Caterpillars are a common insect found in almost every realm, climate, and region of Gaia. The humble life of a caterpillar begins as a pupa and ends with their final transformation into a colorful bellfry. In between, these creatures can take on a range of sizes, from a few inches up to the length of a full-grown leaf dragon. Luckily for any traveler who runs into one of these behemoth caterpillars, they tend to be friendly and avoid humans whenever possible. Even so, there have been more than a few reports of giant caterpillar-sized paths torn out of crops and gardens, especially during mating season.
", "Cerberus": "They say that all good things come in threes, and heads are no exception. Though their origins are unclear, legend has it that the dwarves uncovered the first Cerberus while digging deep into the earth.
In their quest for gems, they stumbled onto a large underground river. At the edge resided a large stone door, at the foot of which laid a monstrously large three-headed dog, who had fallen sick. When the dwarves noticed the beast was on the nigh unto whelping, they tended to its needs, bringing it food and drink while delivering its many pups. Sadly, the creature did not survive.
The dwarves took it upon themselves to raise the cerberus pups as their own. As they grew, many returned to the wild. But a few remained bonded with the dwarves, becoming the first cerebrus pets on record.
", "Clams": "Hardy little creatures, clams come in all shapes and sizes. The smaller ones are often farmed from the rocky shores, where they’re sent to the dinner table as appetizers. But occasionally, one will hold a pearl that can be sold on the market for a hefty price.
Some of these clams are buried much deeper and are harder to reach, resulting in them spending extended time underground, expanding their size. These larger creatures are not sought for food but as prized companions who are resilient against the elements.
It has been rumored that these larger clams may sometimes produce jewels in the same manner as pearls, but there has been no evidence to confirm this.
", "Corgis": "Short, stout, and the goodest of all pups. Corgis are loyal companions who wish to bring nothing but happiness to their owners.
Long ago, they were viewed as less than capable and often were abandoned. But legends spread that the gods sent them to offer companionship to orphans. Now they have become beloved pets for families with children, though their energetic nature can sometimes lead to “accidents”.
", "Cow": "Cows have provided meat, milk, and hide for the people of Gaia for thousands of years. In addition, these docile creatures take well to training and can perform simple tasks like plowing a field or providing a ride in a pinch. Aside from their practical uses, cows are also popular for their aesthetic appeal and are often kept as pets by bovine enthusiasts. A common phrase amongst cow-fanciers is, “Dogs may be a man's best friend... if that man hasn't met my Cow.”
", "Crabs": "Crabs are one of the most prolific aquatic creatures, with dense populations in both the warm oceans of Serendale and the frigid waters of Crystalvale.
Scholars believe they were initially soft and defenseless, acting as servants to the Krakens who protected them.
As they evolved, their hard shells, sharp pincers, and regenerating abilities made them self-sufficient and capable of relying on a community of crustaceans without an overseer. Even with their newfound independence, their servile nature remains, showing loyalty to anyone who becomes their owner.
", "Dragonflies": "Swift, cunning, and flexible, the dragonflies were the aces of the skies in the insect world throughout the years, approaching the size of small dragons.
Fortunately, they are much too little for their mandibles to do any damage in the modern-day, though they are still quite aggressive, frequently biting at their owners.
Most are willing to put up with the occasional nibble as they view dragonflies as a sign of good luck bestowed by Gaia.
", "Emberlings": "Originating from the frozen lands of Crystalvale, emberlings are birthed from the fallen leaves of Skaddrissale. Their flame-like bodies pose no harm to the environment or those who handle them.
It’s rumored among the citizens of Vithraven that emberlings are the souls of the ancestors reincarnated as playful spirits, offering comfort to their descendants and warding off evil spirits.
", "Ents": "Though bearing striking similarities to their cousins found worldwide, ents are mobile creatures with an insatiable curiosity about their surroundings and beyond.
Their travels eventually cross paths with others who choose to tag along as coveted companions. However, because of the extensive lifespan of ents, they will likely see many companions fade into dust, taking the wisdom and experiences from each one for the day they may become a great ent.
", "Fae": "The Elder Spriggan spun off great acorns in its dying moments, giving rise to lesser spriggans. These smaller trees dropped acorns, which birthed fae to protect themselves from a dangerous and ever-changing world.
Fae are ageless, yet mortal, beings who owe their power to their mother spriggan. Each spriggan has its own tribe of fae, which protect it with utter ferocity. When a fae loses its mother, they will seek a new companion to entrust themselves.
Legends tell of a group of wayward fae who wandered Gaia for many years after their spriggan was slain in battle. It is thought that these sprigganless fae entered into the service of Suneria, the Goddess of Light, where they found a new eternal home.
", "Deer": "Roaming the forests across the realm of Gaia, deer are one of the oldest creations that persevered through several world-changing events such as the Titan Wars and Sundering. Their agile bodies help them to outrun threats while their beautiful display of antlers pummels through small foes.
In a peaceful environment, deer are docile. They graze on greenery in peace, though they prefer company. Lone deer may form a bond with a companion merely due to their prolonged presence. It’s not uncommon for them to follow a family home from a picnic.
If a young fawn forms a bond with its caretaker, being separated causes them to collapse to the ground and remain completely motionless. Once reunited, the fawn springs back to life.
", "Fish": "Fish have been roaming the waters since ancient times, with an extensive evolutionary tree that has resulted in one of the most diverse populations in the world.
These creatures are fished up mainly as a food source, though it has not stopped some residents from relocating them to ponds behind their homes.
Even with their new cramped environment, the fish swim around happily in a circle as if nothing has changed.
", "Frogs": "Frogs are creatures who change with the seasons. Their mucus-covered skin lets them dart about bodies of water, but as the temperature drops, the slimy film begins to harden—nearly halting their movement.
As the days warm, they begin to sing out in jubilation of their returned freedom. Showmen used to abuse this trait by artificially freezing frogs, then heating them for musical performances.
Though regulations have stopped this practice, these shows significantly improved the desirability of frogs as companions.
", "Gaeron Whelps": "Small yet pudgy, the gaeron whelps have an immense appetite. No matter what is put in front of them, they’ll try to consume it. Looters will frequently search their remains in hopes of finding undigested treasures, including various crystals, gems, and precious metals.
When domesticated, gaeron whelps are often kept isolated, else the owner risks rips, tears, and bite marks on anything in mouth’s reach.
", "Garden Sprites": "Garden sprites are a mystical race of sentient fruits and vegetables that can often be found bouncing around in gardens near portals or other magical talismans. Some experts believe they are the result of magical energy leaking through the portals which connect Gaia to the Inner Grove.
Garden sprites come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can take the form of any type of fruit or vegetable. Some common types seen in the wild include turnips, cabbages, carrots, and strawberries. If you listen closely, you may hear them communicating through a series of clicks and chirps.
Garden Sprites are highly sensitive to the presence of magic, which has made them a favorite tool of treasure seekers and even witch hunters. They are considered good luck to those who are able to spot them and many people go to great lengths to attract them to their gardens.
", "Geese": "Displaying a variety of colors among their flock, geese are some of the most unique members of the avian family.
Despite their docile appearance, they are known to pack quite a peck and are notorious for their mischievous behavior. They steal shoes and any other small items they can get their bills on, making them great companions for petty thieves.
Legends tell of a mysterious Golden Goose, whom some higher power has blessed for unknown intents and purposes. Let’s hope its golden wrath isn’t set upon us.
", "Gnomes": "The elusive gnomes of Gaia are a species of small humanoid creatures who love to work and aid any person that they consider friends. They are expert craftspeople and can almost always be found working with their hands, whether it be repairing tools, tinkering with machinery, or creating gadgets. They also happen to be skilled gardeners and take great pride in their ability to raise plants and vegetables from the soil.
While gnomes are generally friendly and helpful, they can also be mischievous and enjoy playing tricks on unsuspecting humans. They have been known to hide tools and other small objects, leading people astray with clever misdirection. Often they return any stolen tools in a better condition than they started, which has prompted some enterprising people to leave tools out purposely near gardens or mine shafts.
", "Greenhorn": "Greenhorns are gentle, friendly creatures found primarily in swamps and forestland, as this is the perfect environment for them to camouflage expertly beneath patches of forest moss. They have chubby bodies covered in soft, vibrant fur, stubby legs, and two buds sprouting from their heads like horns, which are actually tightly coiled flower buds waiting to bloom.
Greenhorns are highly social creatures and can often be found in huddles of two or more. They communicate with each other using a complex system of chirps, clicks, and other vocalizations and have been observed playing amongst themselves.
The buds of a greenhorn are highly prized by gardeners and florists for their unique beauty. Luckily, harvesting these buds can be done in a responsible and sustainable manner to ensure that these precious creatures continue to survive and thrive.
", "Hechus": "All across Serandale, wily hechus can be found scurrying about. Farmers and gardeners alike often shoo them away as pests, for they are known to carry off copious amounts of food in their cheek pouches.
Some do claim to keep hechus as pets. However, it is uncertain if they can be truly tamed. If they catch a whiff of food in the distance, they will immediately abandon their owner.
", "Hermit Grass": "Hermit grasses are curious plant creatures that can be found hiding in gardens and outdoor spaces throughout the realm. Although they appear to be nothing more than a twisted tangle of grass and foliage capped with a small pot or vase, their true form is a small, dark, and damp bipedal creature.
Hermit grasses are shy and reclusive, as evidenced by their life-long sheltering method. Eons ago, prior to human influence, they chose to shelter in shells or the carcasses of larger animals. They tend to be most active at night while trawling gardens and forests in search of food and shelter, and are often quite difficult to spot.
Despite their timidity, hermit grasses are far from defenseless. When threatened, they will lash out with razor-sharp blades of grass and have been known to give even the most skilled gardeners a nasty cut. While hermit grasses are not typically dangerous, it is important to be cautious when moving planters or pots in the garden to avoid an unexpected attack.
", "Highlands Whelps": "Found among the Adelyn Highlands, it is believed these whelps are descendants of the dragons that once ruled the Limera Mountainside, now known as Dranglin Peaks.
Ancient texts show that the Drythenian Empire once had individuals who possessed the ability to communicate with these incredible creatures. It appears you’re one of the lucky ones.
While dragons are known to excel at hoarding wealth, they also hoard caches of their eggs. Legends tell of a hoard hidden deep within the woods of the Adelyn Highlands, laid there by an ancient dragon of the Drythenian Empire who lost her rider.
", "Hydras": "Hydras are among the earliest Blighted Ones to be crafted by the Nameless One after the Sundering, making their stamp on the world as permanent residents.
Even a band of the most experienced Heroes and Druids struggle to take down fully developed hydras. However, their offspring are capable of imprinting on their caretakers, offering a chance to use these unnatural creations for good.
", "Imposter Dragon": "Impostor Dragons are deceptively cunning lizards that take up residence in gardens and pastures throughout the realms of Gaia. These wingless creatures are known for their ability to imitate–only somewhat successfully–the appearance of the noble leaf dragon.
Despite their similar appearance to the leaf dragon, impostor dragons are actually pests and nuisances that feed on the crops and cattle feed of local farmers and gardeners. As some of the most voracious animals in Gaia, impostor dragons are capable of razing entire plantations, consuming every bit of produce and greenery in the vicinity, instantly destroying the livelihood of these landowners.
Due to their grievous behavior, impostor dragons are often associated with bad luck, although sages and scholars have found no solid evidence to support such a theory, and dismiss it as unfounded folklore.
", "Leaf Dragon": "Leaf dragons are small, flightless dragons native to the Riverhold regions of Serendale. Despite their lack of flight, leaf dragons have small, vestigial wings that they use to balance and maneuver while running. Their bodies are covered in lush foliage, which ranges in color from shades of green to bright, vibrant hues.
Leaf dragons are generally peaceful creatures and are not known to be aggressive towards humans. They are often found in gardens and other green spaces, where they help to pollinate flowers and control the pest population which make them prized companions for gardeners and horticulturalists. While not particularly fast or agile, leaf dragons are capable of defending themselves by expelling a small, targeted flame from their mouths.
Leaf dragons are highly respected in Serendale and are often depicted in stories and artwork as symbols of nature and fertility. They are also popular as pets and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as watering plants or fetching small objects.
", "Leviathans": "“The most majestic of beings have humble of beginnings,” says an old Drythenian scholar. Leviathan offspring seemingly come from the minds of their parents as they shift the soil into a new form. What precisely transforms dirt into life is one of the greatest mysteries in the world of Gaia.
To witness such a creation is incredibly rare, a display of cosmic and chaotic energy in such synchronized harmony. But to befriend one? That is most unexpected.
", "Manshrooms": "Manshrooms are strange and mysterious fungi that can be found most often in damp forests, fields, and swamps. They present as a mushroom with a strangely human face and eerily expressive eyes. Although generally docile, they will reflexively release a cloud of spores when alarmed. These spores are harmless to humans but will latch onto the psyche of any nearby animals and result in generalized mind control for a short period of time.
Experts attest that manshrooms use this mind control as a means to collect nutrients, since they are unable to move and must rely on spore-addled creatures to provide sustenance. The effect wears off eventually and these animals will return to their normal routine. Because human teenagers have occasionally abused these mind-control spores as a form of cheap entertainment, local councils have passed strict regulations preventing domestic cultivation of manshrooms.
", "Merfolk": "Many merfolk live together in an underwater kingdom, though some prefer lives as loners, roaming and exploring the ocean floors in solitude.
Though do not mistake them for shy creatures -- frequently they surface to chat with sailors and fishermen. Rarely will one ever find a terrestrial companion; however, those who establish a bond tend to keep their merfolk at a distance.
There are many accounts of merfolk attempting to gently pull their owner from their beds in the middle of the night and into the ocean. Few succeed, but heavy sleepers should beware. Anyone dragged into the depths becomes merfolk themselves, the legends say.
", "Mossfolk": "Mossfolk spread life throughout the land, carrying pollen and seeds in the plant-like hairs on their backs. Small animals and insects will take up residency on them, making them mobile ecosystems. The plant matter can also act as a protective layer from predators.
Mossfolk have an immense fear of open flames; few can put out a fire on their back without the help of others.
Unlike the mossfolk’s more aggressive cousins known as mossmen, they have a welcoming presence and retain the tame features the Druids imbued into them long ago. Many ranchers will set out large piles of fruit to draw them in to help maintain a healthy layer of grass across their fields.
", "Penguins": "Native to Crystalvale, penguins have one goal: to consume fish.
The birds were so plentiful and troublesome that the locals attempted to turn the problem into the solution by training them to catch and release into a bucket. However, no incentive could stop penguins from guzzling the fish whole.
While society has given up utilizing them for fishing, the penguins became quite fond of people. Now, when they’re not stuffing their gullets, they will waddle behind the feet of others on the dock.
", "Petalmen": "Petalmen are a unique species of sentient creatures found in fields and forests. They are easily identified by the giant flower that sprouts from their head and come in three distinct categories based on size and temperament: Petal Buddies, Petal Blooms, and Petal Busters.
Petal Buddies are the smallest and cutest of the Petalmen. They have a friendly and outgoing personality and love to socialize with humans and other creatures. They can often be found playing and frolicking in overgrown fields.
Petal Blooms are larger than Petal Buddies and tend to be more laid back and relaxed. They enjoy spending their time lounging in the sun and enjoying the beauty in the world around them. They can often be found in meadows and fields, surrounded by bellfries and other small animals.
Petal Busters are the largest and most aggressive of the Petalmen. They are happiest when sparring or tussling and can be quite intimidating. In order to prevent injury to these creatures and any others they come in contact with, concerned locals will often slip padded gloves on them while they sleep. Despite their aggressive nature, Petal Busters can be quite loyal and protective of those they consider to be friends.
All Petalmen share a love of nature and are deeply connected with the natural world. They can often be found in gardens and forests, where they tend to the plants and flowers around them. Their radiant personalities and unique appearance make them a beloved addition to any natural environment.
", "Pet Rocks": "This is a pet rock. Is it a friend? Perhaps a rival? Or maybe family? As long as the owner believes in this companion wholeheartedly, it can be anything. Those who form this bond will feel a strength they never knew.
Though everyone else knows that it’s just a rock.
", "Primates": "Primates are a diverse group of mammals that include both monkeys and apes. They are characterized by several unique features in the animal kingdom, most notably their opposable thumbs, which allow them to manipulate objects and tools with enhanced dexterity. In addition, they exhibit high levels of intelligence and problem-solving ability. This intelligence has led to the development of complex social structures, in which individual members of the species form groups for protection and survival.
Primates can be found in a variety of habitats, from tropical forests to deserts. During times of stability in the history of Gaia, colonial expansion has periodically encroached on their natural habitats, but rather than withdrawing, many apes and monkeys have instead adapted by forming gangs and stealing from merchants and farmers to survive.
", "Riverhold Whelps": "Found among the Adelyn Highlands, it is believed these whelps are descendants of the dragons that once ruled the Limera Mountainside, now known as Dranglin Peaks.
Ancient texts show that the Drythenian Empire once had individuals who possessed the ability to communicate with these incredible creatures. It appears you’re one of the lucky ones.
While dragons are known to excel at hoarding wealth, they also hoard caches of their eggs. Legends tell of an ancient dragon of the Drythenian Empire whose hoard was swept downstream by a powerful river current.
Some theorize that the Keep of Riverhold was built on the very spot where these eggs were found, though this is only a tale. Still, visitors to Riverhold often claim to hear the cries of young dragons, piercing through the stones of the old keep.
", "Rocboc": "A direct cousin of the domestic bocboc, rocbocs are large, predatory birds native to the Reyalin Mountains of Serendale. Despite their fearsome reputation as skilled hunters, rocbocs have a deceptively cuddly appearance, with a round, boulder-shaped body covered in fluffy, iridescent feathers. But beneath their docile appearance there is a powerful and muscular physique, including strong legs and talons they use to hunt and kill their prey.
With keen eyesight, rocbocs can spot a potential meal from hundreds of meters away. They have been known to attack a wide variety of animals, including small mammals, reptiles, and even fish. If properly motivated, they also hunt and eviscerate domestic animals, such as sheep, goats, and pigs, which make them a particular threat to farmers and homesteaders.
Despite their reputation, rocbocs are not often encountered by humans and tend to live in remote, mountainous areas, maintaining a solitary existence. Even so, they will eventually mate with a single partner. Hunters should be wary, as they will defend their nests and young with fierce determination.
Rocbocs are respected and feared by many and are often depicted in stories and legends as symbols of strength and power. Those who do encounter rocbocs are encouraged to steer clear, as they are formidable predators who will not hesitate to attack if provoked.
", "Scarecrow": "The exact origin of living scarecrows has been lost to history, but legend has it that they were created in times of peace by wizards and enchanters desperate for work. In modern times, Scarecrows are magical constructs created by wizards for the purpose of protecting crops from birds and other undesirable critters. They resemble traditional scarecrows, with a straw-stuffed body and hat, that are then imbued with magic to make them sentient. Higher potency varieties can also perform basic magic spells to support their work.
Scarecrows are typically stationed in fields and orchards, where they vigilantly keep watch over crops and cattle. When they detect a threat, they become animated and wiggle their bodies to scare away intruders. Other than that, they are generally harmless. Despite their usefulness, they are often considered too expensive for rural farmlands due to the relative shortage of skilled wizards willing to accept the work.
", "Shrubblers": "Shrubblers, sometimes derogatorily called “bush goblins”, are mysterious creatures that are difficult to spot and even harder to catch. Their nickname comes from a popular children’s tale in which a goblin who, to steal from an ogre, covers himself with Redleaf only to find that he can no longer remove them.
Wild shrubblers are loathed by gardeners because of their penchant for mischief. But when domesticated, they can be helpful foraging allies, as they possess considerable knowledge of flora.
", "Snails": "Tiny and slimy—snails are some of the slowest creatures in the world.
Their origins come from slugs who served a thaumaturge, gathering ingredients for him. After much abuse, they abandoned their owner, who cast a curse on them in retaliation. Their descendants carry the burden of a large, heavy shell on their back.
Far from being detested, the upper societies place much value on snails. Many believe their mucus has rejuvenating properties, helping reduce the wrinkles on one’s skin. The proper treatment is as follows: before going to sleep, a snail owner places leaves all over themselves. The snail slowly moves across their skin throughout the night, laying its slimy tracks and munching on dinner.
", "Snakes": "Snakes are known for their long, slender bodies and their ability to move quickly and stealthily. They are found in a variety of habitats across Gaia, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. They can range in size from small, finger-length varieties to large, serpentine beasts that grow to several meters in length. There are both venomous and nonvenomous varieties, though being bitten by either would be less than ideal.
Snakes are carnivorous and will hunt and eat a variety of animals, including rodents, birds, and other small prey. They have excellent senses, particularly their sense of smell, which they use to locate their prey and avoid danger.
Snakes are often feared and misunderstood by humans but they play an important role in the ecosystem as both predator and prey. They are valued in some circles for their unique skins, which make excellent sheaths for small to medium-sized weapons. Although some brave souls keep snakes as pets, it is important to remember that all snakes, venomous or not, should be treated with caution and respect.
", "Snowmen": "It’s a winter tradition among the children of Serendale to build a snowman as a companion for the season.
They say their farewells when the temperature rises and their icy friend slowly melts away. However, there has been a strange occurrence as of late. The once still snowmen have begun to move in a peculiar, jelly-like fashion. They even have started to survive the most sweltering of summers. While parents worry, children celebrate their new long-term playmates.
", "Starfish": "Found along coastal shores worldwide, the starfish is a friendly creature that enjoys being held by those who carry a gentle heart.
If their owner shows signs of loneliness, smaller starfish will re-assure them by wrapping their arms around their fingers, while larger starfish will give full hugs.
", "Starlight Butterflies": "Starlight butterflies are a rare sight in Crystalvale; their name derives from the fact that they emerge from their chrysalis under the star-filled light of the new moon.
A few citizens of Vithraven have domesticated them as the butterflies’ primary food sources are insects and pests harmful to crops.
Those most successful at this hunting process are known to grow quite large. Each year, a competition is held in Vithraven to see who has the largest butterfly.
", "Tenticklers": "Tenticklers are slimy little creatures that can be found playing about in the sea, though most citizens know of them from the onshore farms.
They are kept in small submerged cages where they are forced to expel ink. This liquid is a valuable asset to modern society, as written records and memos drive most business and government operations.
Rarely do they receive love or affection in these facilities, so when they are re-homed to a loving companion, the tenticklers show their appreciation by showering their owner with kisses.
", "Toads": "Other than their gargantuan size, giant toads are no different than their smaller counterparts. What sets them apart is where their eggs are laid; pools of water brimming with mana infuse the eggs with energy, causing excessive growth.
Even when domesticated, it is recommended to keep children and small animals away from giant toads. In the blink of an eye, the toad may nab them up.
", "Togwas": "Togwas are not known for being courageous or loyal creatures. If their survival is at risk, they will even abandon their children, leaving whole nests of eggs behind.
This is becoming a more common occurrence with both the increased presence of the Blighted Ones and the kingdom’s expansion putting their homes at more significant risk.
The young that are fortunate enough to survive take shelter among others who pose good intentions. This sense of abandonment has taught these offspring to be a better example, showing undying loyalty to their companions.
", "Turtles": "Turtles are blessed with hard shells that fend off primitive predators who use brute force to try to consume them. That same durable trait makes them the target of intelligent creatures, who use their shells as material.
Due to the immense number of poaching incidents and a steady population decline, a society was founded to bring turtles ashore into safe habitats. Their eggs are then distributed amongst trusted volunteers who wish to raise them.
", "Warloctopus and Squid Oracle": "Octopus and squids build their home on the seafloor, gathering any shells or hard protective material they can find. In rare cases, one may take up residence near a crevice with a flow of mana seeping out from deep below.
After some time, they will gain magical abilities and rise to the surface. Poachers look for these enhanced cephalopods who carry stave-like objects and carefully tranquilize them.
Once tamed, they follow every command of their owner.
", "Wolves": "Wolves can be found from the snowy tundra of Crystalvale to the deep woods of the Fairling Forest.
Early in their life, they’re susceptible to mana that surrounds them. The type of mana they’re exposed to changes the traits they develop as they grow into adulthood.
Gaining the respect of a wolf is a dangerous and challenging task, though made easier if befriended as a pup. In these situations, they can become life-long companions.
" }