Domestics of Ludwag

## Introduction

Amongst its many peoples, animals dwell in many shapes and forms. Most are singular individuals lulled to service through taming or enslavement while others are bred into service through generations of careful planning. These animals are fewer than most- but no less important to the machines of Ludwagian society. Across its cultures and peoples have risen a handful of these creatures designed to meet the specific issues which befell their masters. Some are doting, some are merely subservient, all represent the peoples they’re derived from. How these animals came to serve the sapient species of Ludwag is often by accident, though the bonds they’ve formed have strengthened their species beyond any in the region.

### Plains

The plain's open landscape and abundance of ample farmland made it an ideal settling ground for Elves and Man alike. However, they weren’t the only ones living here. The reigning carnivores turned cattle stealers as their native ranges were decimated in the wake of the rise in agriculture; the people needed something to keep them off their herds. So, through generations of selective breeding, the mons of Latteras created two wholly unique species of domestic animal.

#### Lattish Horned Shepherd

   Selectively bred to guard herds, the Lattish Horned Shepherd makes for the ideal cattle hand. In size they’re roughly middle of the pack for dogs, though have long lean striding limbs to keep pace with their herds and chase down rustlers. They earned their name from the odd bony protrusions which exit the back of the skull, effectively forming a set of ram or wyvern-like horns. This headgear allows them to more appropriately direct Lattish Longhorns as they’re driven to follow the lead of the herd’s horns. Their keener sense of smell and eyesight make them effective watchdogs and allow them to direct their herds away from potential danger. Despite their protective role they’re ill-fit for combat against predators like Gnangleorks but have on occasion been seen assisting farmers in eliminating smaller pests like Virnam Segas and foxes. Lattish Horned Shepherds are born without their titular horns which then grow out as the dog matures, this is to prevent the mother from being wounded when she has her litter. Their owner must trim their horns as irregular or overgrown growth can lead to serious balance problems and a shortened lifespan.

#### Lattish Longhorn

Bred as a buffer against Gnangleork attacks, Lattish Longhorns are built strong and sturdy. Superficially they resemble yaks more so cows with long breathable hair which drapes down off their backs down to their ankles. Oftentimes this hair is collected to be fashioned into rope or string for instruments. As the name suggests, both cow and bull Lattish Longhorn possess a row of horns upon their heads for rutting and defence. Cows typically have horns which extend outward by a foot whilst bulls can have arrangements that extend a full three feet, allowing them to catch and gore would-be predators. Lattish Longhorns are mostly beef cows as their milk isn’t palatable for human consumption. While they can be exceptionally aggressive toward predators they’re generally tolerant of Lattish Horned Shepherds, the running theory being that they mistake them for calves. Lattish Longhorns need open grassland to graze as they can often get entangled in vegetation by their enormous headgear.

### Desert

The desert’s inhospitable environment and severe depression in water makes life a struggle for everyone. The people of the desert needed animals that were hardy enough to be relied upon so they bred ones who could meet that mark. The result was some of the most extreme iterations of domestic animals, all in service to their masters. Indeed, if it were not for some of these creatures there may not be a civil presence in the desert whatsoever.

#### Condioeles

A breed of hairless cat, the Condioeles was intended to serve as a low-maintenance pet for the common Aridian. The result is one of the hardiest felines on the continent. They’re able to enter a state of coma-like torpor in the absence of water and food- effectively drying themselves out in a process similar to mummification. Despite a deathly appearance, the cat is not dead and will rouse from their cloak of decay when water and food return to vibrancy. These cats make for exceptional survivors and are some of the few creatures that can survive total drought in the desert. It’s not uncommon for drought-ridden villages to be only represented by their surviving house cats. Given their versatility and fortitude, they’re often put to work eliminating vermin where typical means would prove too taxing or fatal to install.

#### Aridian Spined Donkey

A beast of burden, selectively bred to deal with the hardships of the Aridian desert and its predators. Rows of keratinous spines act as a deterrent against large carnivores and as a means to fasten rope and bridle. Their spiny appearance is complimented by an equally spikey demeanour, known to act with aggression towards new and alien creatures that they may presume as a threat. They’re often used as an early warning sign against bandits or as a means to keep cattle eaters off rancher’s herds.  Once they develop an understanding they can be doting and gentle creatures, occasionally seen permitting other animals like birds to roost upon their bladed backs. Affection can be expressed to a Spined Donkey by grooming their manes which they have significant difficulty in doing themselves. Families rich and poor often style their respective animals’ manes with braids and clips to keep them from irritating the beast. As a result, the quality of a donkey’s mane is viewed as a status symbol.

### Swamp

Since the mass arrival of Trepheonic peoples, much of the swamp’s domestic animals are not native. Indeed, several were introduced from the maiden continent of many of its inhabitants when they arrived. Of course, their small vessels couldn’t carry large beasts like cows or horses so they’re represented by strange creatures amongst the mangroves. Generations have passed for many of these creatures to get further accustomed to life along the swamps and the new homes of their old masters.

#### Amayan Kitsune

Named in honour of the late Empress of Shijon, the Amayan Kitsune began as a small population of partially domesticated foxes. These animals were bred by the noble upper class of the Eastern Kingdom to serve as decadent pets within their grand villas but along the swamp, they’ve achieved a different purpose. Survived by few, they were interbred with Ludwagian foxes to ensure they did not go extinct. Through the generations of Shijonian habitation of the swamp, they too have adapted to its quirks. Amayan Kitsune have sleek watertight fur so that they may move through the mire without being bogged down. They possess webbing between their toes so that they may displace more water whilst swimming to move faster. Finally, the Amayan Kitsune has developed a glassy covering which emerges once the fox is submerged so that it may see underwater. In day-to-day life, it is used by Shijonian fishermen to collect prizes under the water and to keep pests from eating the farmer’s crop. These Kitsune are often kept by the lower class and thus have messier grey fur whilst the animals kept by the nobles are typically bred to have pristine white coats with red accents along the ears and snout.

### Taiga // Mountains

In the cold embrace of the Ludwagian mountains, the people’s animals had to be as hardy as their spirits. In no short supply did beasts emerge that could meet this demand- though not all of them are expressly Amnisican. With the advance of the Umbusan Empire so too did their domestic animals encroach upon Amnisican soil. While they were derived from more amiable and hot climates, some proved preadapted to the hardships that would face Umbuso’s land campaign. Shouldering these beasts are those left by the waning Nixan people; as while their kingdom may have fallen, their culture and ways remain steadfast.

#### Rarrzixi Gornaya Sobaka // Great Nixan Mountain Dog

The last of Nixia’s truly domestic animals, the Great Nixan Mountain Dog stands as a testament to their will to survive. They’re the largest breed of dog found on Ludwag, standing taller than the human waist on average. Their bodies are layered in blubbery fat and thick fur to keep warm in the freezing mountainous landscape. They also possess large paw pads which act similar to snowshoes, preventing them from sinking in thick snow. Great Nixan Mountain Dogs aren’t generally considered the smartest of dogs, they can be a trouble to train, but they are emotionally loyal and doting upon their masters. Given their large size and fortitude, they’re generally used to carry supplies or pull sledge wagons where typical horses would just freeze. Though they’re exceptional in frigid environments they are prone to overheat in normal conditions, requiring that their hair be shaven down to not suffer heat stroke. Pups are born with a fluffier coat akin to the feathery downing of hatchling birds which is often used as pillow stuffing instead of hay.

#### Sahelkh

Initially bred by Amican steppe nomads, the Sahelkh was preadapted for life on the move when the Umbusan Empire enveloped them. Initially bred as a hunting dog able to keep up with nimble prey, it has found use in the Umbusan army as a support animal for both cavalry and infantry. Amongst the dogs of Ludwag, it is the fastest with long striding legs and a comparatively lightweight body. Their sleek fur makes them aerodynamic pursuit predators- though in the mountains they need artificial coats to not freeze. While their sense of smell isn’t as good as other dogs, they have keen night vision to spot targets in the cover of darkness. Sahelkh aren’t built for head-on combat but have a set of sharp teeth to inflict lacerations as they duck and weave out from between slower enemies, wearing them down through their stamina and inflicted blood loss. Sahelkh are best suited for open steppe environments as they find dense foliage difficult to navigate with their fragile bodies prone to breakages should they make an unfortunate fall, translating well to the mountains and plains campaign.

#### Gahar Zebu

Sacred to the Diveep peoples, Gahar Zebu often represents a sense of hope during trying times. Despite being beef cows, it’s taboo and intermediately illegal to eat Gahar Zebu within the Diveep province. Bred to serve as a beast of burden, there’s no better animal to rely upon to move something heavy. They have thick muscular limbs and a great fatty hump which may have rope fastened to it to pull carts and plow alike. Their horns, unneeded in defence, instead curl upward like an antelope in intricate curls- often used as holy symbols amidst Diveep worship. Gahar Zebu keeps a reserve of water like camels within their fatty hump to stave off drought which can be harvested -to the dismay of the Diveep- to produce packed fat; a useful resource that burns exceptionally well. Gahar Zebu calves during the wet season to capitalize on the abundance of water, this coincides with a rain season festival which doesn’t begin on a specific date but rather when the first Zebu begins to calve in any specific region.

### Forest // Jungle

The forest and jungle are represented by several vibrant people, and so too are their animals. Many were bred for specific purposes amidst a melting pot of ideals and ways so the environment that they came to be formed by is less identifiable; whether it be an order’s need to sustain war, a senate’s need to sustain food, or a kingdom’s need to sustain decadence, each are equally represented.  The result is a place where domestics are most numerous and diverse beyond any other place on the continent.

#### Arborbred

The Antem Order’s predicament in the jungle is one that demanded correction; typical horses proved sluggish and unmaneuverable within the mess of roots and vines or too afraid to enter lest a beast be waiting to snag them. The result of selective breeding generated a beast that would refuse the faults of their less specialized cousins. Though Arborbred Horses are smaller than most, they’re far more effective in the tangled environment of the jungle. Exceptionally fast and agile, special hooves like them latch into and manoeuvre through the understory with the ease of smaller ungulates. Their stripes disrupt their outline which makes it difficult for sight-based predators to lock onto them, particularly when they become eerily still. They show little fear of the crang or vine and may oftentimes use it as a refuge to escape the jaws of a would-be predator. Imprinted at birth, Arborbred Horses are exceptionally loyal to their herd and their allocated riders. Arborbred Horses can be particularly spiteful and communicate by biting when they feel mistreated.

#### Bombyx Ovis

    A symbol of Amaran pride, Bombyx Ovis were bred for the luxury of the Electi nobility. Their wool is of a fine yellow-gold which is often spun into garments alongside silk and satin. They were bred to be docile, complicit, but cooperative. They share a strong relationship with Nectoapis who often guide them to areas of abundance. While not necessarily intelligent, they do understand this social bond and will defend it aggressively. They’re known to ram beings that attempt to remove Nectoapis hives with their curled horns and expressly avoid eating flowers when grazing. Due to this many nobles are comfortable allowing them to roam freely in their gardens- though the same mercy will not be given to fibrous fabrics that they can wrap their jaws around. Bombyx Ovis are vulnerable to rain as they can quickly become waterlogged so farmers are advised to provide them ample shelter from which to wait out the rain.

#### Nectoapis

The guardians of the golden fleece, Nectoapis, were bred specifically to ensure that the Bombyx Ovis flocks remained safe and secure. A species of true honeybee, these eusocial insects are easily identified by their pink coloration. They were bred in such a way that nobles could distinguish them at a distance. They weave their nests from Bombyx wool and glue strands together with caramelized honey spit, creating something similar to a basket. In exchange for the wool the bees pollinate the surrounding plants to keep them germinating for the Ovis to feed upon and may even come to their aid should they be attacked. Their stings are quite painful though they can only sting once before death. From this relationship of defence and construction, they produce a rose pink sugary honey which is incredibly sweet- though collecting it would require one to smoke the nest first to not raise a deadly defence. Nectoapis cannot survive without Bombyx Ovis so one must be near to ensure a mutual symbiosis is formed.

#### Cerataless Deer

As Silvadomus’s relationship with other animals is often positive, killing much less eating them is viewed in a sour light. Pinestag remains off the menu for most but beyond that, there is not much worth eating. The Silvic needed an animal that they could feel less of a mutual bond toward; through generations of breeding a smaller species of deer, they achieved such. The Cerataless Deer is a species of entirely domestic deer bred solely for consumption. They’re without antler regardless of if they’re a buck or not and are instead wholly reliant on their elvish farmer’s defences and their ability to flee. They haven’t lost their keen cervid senses though many become complacent to the hustle and bustle of an urban life- lulling them into a false sense of security. They can be docile, even friendly, though lack the nerve to be commanded beyond mere herding. Their meat regularly replaces typical beef or mutton within Silvic lands and their fashionable pelts are turned into dazzling green-white cloaks.

#### Silvic Rosella

Amongst the jungles of Silvic territory did some of its first settlers come across a vibrant bird. Despite its small and timid appearance, it proved social and amicable- a perfect friend for newfound people. As time went on its home range would be destroyed and thus its wildness taken from it, survived only as a domestic pet to the people of the Silvic Kingdom. Despite being a parrot, the Silvic Rosella is flightless. Weighing as much as a rabbit, they’re incapable of producing enough lift to take flight. Instead, they can assist their landings from high-up places and use their claws to climb up surfaces with relative ease. Their keen intellect and multipurpose beak make them intelligent if not mischievous pets, known for their ability to get into places they shouldn’t. In an endearingness to their oftentimes whimsical hijinks, they’re kept in a similar vein to the family cat or dog. They can be trained to perform tricks and obey simple commands- that is if they don’t get distracted with something more interesting.

### Kahursa Island

Kahursa hasn’t been inhabited long enough for any native animals to undergo domestication- though that doesn’t mean they aren’t present. Lizardmen migrants fleeing Trepheon brought many things to the island including many domesticated species. Alas, only one of them is survived by any descendants today, a testament to both it and its master’s adaptability.

#### Kahur Kunekune

Introduced by Lizardkin settlers, Kahur Kunekune is a breed of hairy pig. Smaller than most pigs, they were bred to be easily housed in small accommodations. Their hooves and snout make them effective diggers, often specifically trained to unearth mushrooms and truffles buried in the ground. A gluttonous beast, they can digest most rancid material. As they grow their piri piri grows out into a luscious beard which is often styled by their owners into a variety of curls and knots. Kahur Kunekune are often kept instead of a dog and have ample waste disposal as they’re both affectionate and keen to eat whatever their masters do not. Kunekune piglets are known to hide inside their mother’s beard when they feel threatened, the hair concealing a set of tusks which could cause grievous harm should a threat get too close. Their pick-shaped tusks can certainly push stones out of the way for feeding but can equally cut crescent-shaped cuts right through leather.