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Resources for Worldbuilding

Animal Companions, Familiars, and Steeds

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.

Model Creature

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.

AnimalDescription
HorseA magestic horse. What is its color?
DonkeyBeats walking
FoxPlayful
BearBear with me
CatWho owns who?
DogWhat breed?
WolfThe better to be friends with
UnicornIt makes a good point
StagMajestic
ParrotFit for a pirate
CrowCaw
MuleDoes it bite?
Giant CentipedeThe more legs the merrier
BatWould need a harness
Giant EagleThey'll think about it
DeerDearie me
Giant FoxLarge and lovable
Giant WolfThe better to carry you
CarribouI carribou you too
ElkA crown of antlers
ZebraRacing stripes
AntelopeWhy cantelope?
DragonClassic fantasy
GiantIs this, like, your step-brother?
BuffaloBuffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo
Giant TurtleSlow and steady
RavenIt knows things
EagleWatch it soar
HawkDeadly to vermin
Giant DogWhat breed?
MouseSqueak!
SnakeLoves hugs
WolfYou're part of the pack
RobinA songbird
Giant SpiderCrawly
OxSturdy
Giant CrocodileCHOMP
SpiderIs it terrifying, or is it a cute little fuzzball?
ElementalA spirit of fire, wind, earth, or sea
Giant CatLooking for giant mice
OwlWho owns it?
SpiritOf what?
CamelDoes it spit?
ImpUp to no good
DinosaurRoar
OtterCute 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

A Primer

  • Getting Started
  • World Archetypes
  • Regions & Biomes
  • Historical Events
  • Worldbuilding Terminology
  • Naming Places in Fictional Worlds

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