Animal Companions, Familiars, and Steeds
Companions, familiars, and steeds are often featured as close animal comrades to characters. Witches and wizards may keep cats, owls, or ravens. Knights and rangers may ride mighty warhorses or majestic elk. And both individuals and communities may share tight bonds with specific pets or types of animals. Consider if people or groups within your own fictional world share these types of relationships. In fantasy worlds characters may tame and ride dragons, in science fiction worlds they may find alien critters to keep, and in game-oriented worlds obtaining a pet may be a reward or integral part of the world. And do not forget communities, which may form almost symbiotic relationships with the animal herds they care for. Below is a list of animals that could serve as companions, familiars, or steeds to provide some inspiration. If you think an entirely fictional creature will better serve this role, the Model Creature may help.
A familiar is an animal companion, oftentimes hyper-intelligent or magical, that aids a witch or wizard.
Any fictional animal companion should have a well constructed personality.
| Animal | Description |
|---|---|
| Horse | A magestic horse. What is its color? |
| Donkey | Beats walking |
| Fox | Playful |
| Bear | Bear with me |
| Cat | Who owns who? |
| Dog | What breed? |
| Wolf | The better to be friends with |
| Unicorn | It makes a good point |
| Stag | Majestic |
| Parrot | Fit for a pirate |
| Crow | Caw |
| Mule | Does it bite? |
| Giant Centipede | The more legs the merrier |
| Bat | Would need a harness |
| Giant Eagle | They'll think about it |
| Deer | Dearie me |
| Giant Fox | Large and lovable |
| Giant Wolf | The better to carry you |
| Carribou | I carribou you too |
| Elk | A crown of antlers |
| Zebra | Racing stripes |
| Antelope | Why cantelope? |
| Dragon | Classic fantasy |
| Giant | Is this, like, your step-brother? |
| Buffalo | Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo |
| Giant Turtle | Slow and steady |
| Raven | It knows things |
| Eagle | Watch it soar |
| Hawk | Deadly to vermin |
| Giant Dog | What breed? |
| Mouse | Squeak! |
| Snake | Loves hugs |
| Wolf | You're part of the pack |
| Robin | A songbird |
| Giant Spider | Crawly |
| Ox | Sturdy |
| Giant Crocodile | CHOMP |
| Spider | Is it terrifying, or is it a cute little fuzzball? |
| Elemental | A spirit of fire, wind, earth, or sea |
| Giant Cat | Looking for giant mice |
| Owl | Who owns it? |
| Spirit | Of what? |
| Camel | Does it spit? |
| Imp | Up to no good |
| Dinosaur | Roar |
| Otter | Cute and playful |
Common Groups & their Animal Companions in Worldbuilding
Traditionally, their are many groups that have been associated with specific animals in worldbuilding, such as pirates owning parrots, or evil masterminds and their pet cat.
- Knights: Horses, Dogs
- Traders: Horses, Camels, Donkeys
- Witches: Cats, Crows, Ravens, Owls, Frogs, Toads, Snakes
- Wizards: Ravens, Owls
- Pirates: Monkeys, Parrots, Kraken
- Druids: Bears, Owls
- Scouts: Wolves, Dogs, Hawks
- Shepherds: Sheep, Cattle
- Cowboys: Horses, Dogs
- Villains: Cats, Serpents, Sharks
