Companion pets
The mystical energies of the Wardwood affect certain native animals in unusual ways, rendering them larger, smarter, and longer-lived than normal creatures. Though companions will never develop the advanced humanlike intelligence and speech of awakened guardians, nor form a magical mental bond with their owner (except in the case of witch's familiars), they are more than capable of fulfilling various useful functions and acting as valuable friends and allies during dark times.
- All characters can have an unlimited number of companion pets.
Familiars
Familiars are companion pets that have established a magical bond with a hedge witch, much like a less powerful version of the bond that exists between a chosen and guardian. In addition to providing companionship, familiars serve as a focus through which a hedge witch's magic may become more potent; different species of animals are said to enhance different types of magic. Familiars are distinguishable from regular companion pets by their glowing eyes and blue certs.
- Only hedge witch characters can have familiars. However, hedge witches cannot be chosen!
RABBIT
Rabbits touched by the Wardwood's magic are known not only for their gentle and affectionate demeanors, but also their unusually large size and doglike ability to learn different tasks. They are especially good at differentiating between types of plants, and thus are often trained to help weed gardens or pick herbs. Their keen sense of hearing also enables them to alert their owners to approaching intruders. Fortunately, their usefulness usually outweighs their value as a source of meat.
- Average lifespan: 20-25 yrs (+10 if familiar)
Variations: Default (shown), rare lop-eared
As familiars, rabbits are said to enhance healing and growing magic, the latter especially regarding medicinal herbs.
ROOK
Rooks are clever birds to begin with, so those that have been affected by the magic of the Wardwood often become startlingly intelligent. They are best known for their use as message carriers, though not in the ordinary way; rooks can perfectly mimic human speech, memorizing up to several sentences at a time, so when they reach their destination they are able to verbally deliver their reports. While many people find this ability fascinating, others find it eerie and unnatural.
- Average lifespan: 50-60 yrs (+10 if familiar)
As familiars, rooks are said to enhance magic related to divination and other forms of truth-seeing.
GRIMALKIN
Grimalkins are highly sensitive to magic and are said to have an unerring ability to detect spirits. Over time, unfortunately, this has led to the belief that grimalkins are omens of ill happenings, as they have a tendency to gather whenever granaries spoil, livestock sickens, or other mysterious disasters occur without explanation. Proud, aloof creatures, they usually form a strong relationship with only one person during their lifetime, and are often trained as small-game hunting companions.
- Average lifespan: 30-35 yrs (+10 if familiar)
Variations: Default shorthair, rare longhair (shown)
As familiars, grimalkins are said to enhance subtle charmwork and are superb at detecting magic.
KINGSHAWK
Kingshawks, large raptors with notoriously fierce dispositions, are thought to be named for the crownlike crest of feathers on their heads—but also live up to their title by being a favored hunting companion of royalty and nobility. Kingshawks are usually hand-raised from the nest, as adults captured in the wild are often too violent and unmanageable to train. When well-handled, however, the finest birds are known to take on prey as large as young deer.
- Average lifespan: 35-40 yrs (+10 if familiar)
As familiars, kingshawks are said to enhance magic related to seeking and tracking.
MOUSE
While still considered pests by many, mice that have been affected by the magic of the Wardwood make highly affectionate pets; they are also notably more intelligent than ordinary mice, able to learn their names, respond to a wide range of commands, and accumulate an almost unlimited repertoire of tricks.
- Average lifespan: 8-10 yrs (+5 if familiar)
As familiars, mice are said to enhance minor domestic charms—such as those to prevent house fires and keep food from spoiling.
