The basilisk is a great serpent spoken of in many different legends across the realm. It is known for its captivating gaze, silent beauty, and most notably... its deathly poison. These giant serpents of olden tales are rarely sighted these days since they tend to inhabit remote or forgotten locations far from the fearful eyes of man, choosing to stake their claim over lost and crumbling ruins of ages long passed. Most with common sense avoid them at all costs, giving an air of mystery to their already foreboding notoriety.

It is believed that the basilisk is an immortal creature that does not perish with time. Many speculate them to be one of the oldest species of this realm, once living alongside the extinct Phoenix. On top of that, basilisks are known to keep growing with age, able to reach terrifying lengths the older they get. Young basilisks tend to be 15 to 20 feet long, while the oldest ones can grow to a few hundred feet, able to go toe to toe with a sandwyrm.

However, what is truly frightening about the dreaded basilisk, is its fabled venom. Legend has it that their venom can down a drake with ease. A single drop of this deadly liquid from the serpent's six, arm-length fangs can be enough to paralyze its unfortunate victim almost instantaneously as it turns their skin as pale and grey as stone-- a trademark sign of the snake's bite. Sadly though, the basilisk's venom does not kill its victim for another 20 minutes or so. Those afflicted by the deathly poison are still alive as the snake consumes their prey with agonizingly slow intent. A fate worse than death, many would say, since most would rather perish to the venom than to being swallowed whole and fully conscious of their demise. It seems the basilisk always prefers a warm meal with a beating heart to a corpse.

Because of this, they are perceived as cold and murderous beings. The trueborn races have always despised and been revolted by this creature who, to a degree, resembles their Ancient deities, yet slides on its belly with wicked intent. Many used to believe that the basilisk was not a creature that could be bonded to... that is, until humanity emerged from the ashes.

There are a select few humans over the ages who have been seen with a basilisk as their faithful companion. Each have revealed that it was not they who sought to bond with the serpent, but the serpent itself that sought to bond with them through binds of blood alone. These individuals have documented that the creature whispers the tongue of man, but only to those it sees as worthy of its magnificent presence. Each was also a human who had dabbled in the forbidden art of necromancy. The basilisk is very specific in its taste and will take no other it seems. It serves its chosen master dutifully while quietly disposing of any who would do its precious human harm, all the while whispering secrets lost to time to aid in their necromancer's studies. However, why they have chosen to only bond with mankind through blood bonds is never revealed by the serpent, who is all too eager to do so when it finally finds its perfect match.

Many mistrust and intensely fear those who harbor such a terrifying creature by their side. Both humans and trueborns share in this thought it seems, as they either attempt to drive away such a bonded individual, or simply hope that they move along without causing them harm. What is certain, though, is that people always seem to mysteriously go missing when the pair is around...

These creatures of the wood thrive within the seven elvian forest kingdoms of Eldemore. These furry little winged rodents make their homes within the canopies of the grand elder wood, a massive tree only found deep within untouched forests, protected by the elvian people and revered as an ancient entity that houses old spirits of wisdom from a time long since passed.

It is here that hundreds of these bundles of fluff flutter freely and safe from harm within sanctuaries untarnished by man, never fearing those within and befriending elvian and elkrin alike. Indeed, it is not an uncommon sight to see the playful critters fly over to rest upon the antlers of a rider or mount as they pass by, joyfully chattering away as they enjoy their moving perch of transportation.

Such interactions make chillawings a favored companion among elvians, especially to the children who match their ever-energetic personalities. They are as much a part of their society as the rare cervines they care for, a welcoming and cheerful sight to all who appreciate their presence. They tend to glide about the homes and palaces of the elvian people, exploring the kingdom and searching for treats and knickknacks to chew on. Although elvians do not magically bond to chillawings like they do with elkrin mounts, they are considered wonderful little companions to both adult and youth alike who enjoy the small bundles of warmth and feathers that seek out their company with open hearts.

Chillawings are generally thought of as precious, innocent creatures. The forest children often refer to them as the elder tree's messengers, and believe that they hold a child-like purity within their fragile spirits. Sadly though, such innocence is easily preyed upon by outsiders. Human society covets their beautiful, plush fur, and hunters know that capturing one alive would profit them a small fortune on the black market.

Despite this, no one can deny that these creatures are an adorable sight to behold. It is their appealing appearance and inquisitive nature which makes them so favored by many, both within and outside the forest kingdoms that they call home.

These six legged canines of desert origin are often referred to as dhol'kai, or dune runners, by the natives who live there. They are never bonded to the wolfkin people since wolfkin can only create bonds with dire wolves, but it doesn't help they have always shared a sort of ancestral animosity.

They are barely half the size of the noble dire wolf and are built for swift speeds and agile movement. Because of this, they are mostly harmless on their own or within a small group, and can be easily overcome by a dire wolf in a one-on-one fight. When it comes to brute strength they are sorely lacking, but their true strength lies in their speed and crafty demeanor. They know their limitations and the limitations of others, and are more than eager to take advantage of an opportunity if it arises.

These little devils often travel in large packs that can easily grow to over fifty members or more. Their sharp yip-like barks bring dread to those who hear them in mass, for where there is a hoard of dhol'kai stalking you at night among the dunes, death is sure to follow. They overcome their potential prey with numbers, and have quite the nasty bite that can potentially make their victims bleed out if not treated immediately. If the hoard is allowed to converge on their target, death will be certain since they often tear their prey apart while it is still alive, feasting in unison since their are so many hungry stomachs to feed.

Fiercely protective and a force to reckon with in battle, especially as a pack, the dire wolf is depicted in many tales and tapestries across the realm for their uncanny intelligence and image of prowess. However, it is with the wolfkin race that they truly shine and garner the utmost respect.

Though dire wolves are found in established wild packs throughout various inhospitable territories across Eldemore, their true origins lie within the golden dunes of Darak'i. There, they still roam loyal and free to this day alongside the beast people of the sands as valued members of their own clans. Dire wolves often treat and respond to wolfkin as if they were one of their own, whether they be of trueborn or halfborn decent, and are often seen magically bonded to wolfkin and humans alike.

Their adaptability to various climates, and willingness to do any task you give them despite the hardships, make them a popular choice for those searching for headstrong companions to stand faithfully by their sides.

They do not falter, even under the most fearsome of adversaries. Whether that be fighting alongside the hardy Norsland people of the north as they hunt the mighty drakes within their frozen kingdom, or defending their wolfkin clanmates from the terrifying sandwyrms of the searing dunes to the Mideast, dire wolves have proven time and time again across the ages that they stand by those they trust, no matter who you are, to the bitter end.

One of the most elusive and elegant creatures of these lands, the elkrin are cervine-like in appearance, yet boast an array of plumage upon their shoulders, haunches, and long, flowing tail. Elkrin are rarely seen by those outside the Elvian race, so many other races garner a glimpse of one as a blessing. They are quiet creatures and inhabit only healthy forests and woodlands that still retain an abundance of magic within their roots.

Their timid personalities are usually fleeting when faced with something new, since they are quite inquisitive by nature. However, it is their curiosity of the outside world beyond the protective forest walls that often cause an elkrin's demise. Many hunters would not hesitate to take such a rare prize. Not only are their horns greatly valued for magical and medicinal purposes, but a live elkrin itself can fetch a small fortune to the highest bidder. Because of this, the elkrin have learned not to leave the safe homes of their Elvian keepers, which is why so few humans ever claim one as a bonded companion, and their presence in the realm is nearly non-existent.

Despite their hardships and increasingly dwindling numbers, elkrin are still widely revered and marveled in the ancient lore, art, and stories of the four races. Many still speak of the great white stag, Mythandian -- the Ancient of Life and father to the Elvian people and their mounts. They depict him in their tales and tapestries leading a herd of elkrin into the Silver Pines of legend, forever protecting his kin and giving them his blessing of life to outrun the swiftest of foes and to leave no hoofprints where they tread upon. It is because of these abilities that hunters view them to be the ultimate challenge, but many a hunter that does try to take one of the old Ancient's children do not return. Sometimes, those that do aren't the same, uttering fearfully about the massive white stag whose maw splits open unnaturally to reveal predatory fangs, gnashing fiercely, and a thick mist that drags them into the forest's dark depths, the screams of their companions forever etched into their minds...

The elkrin will always be a fable worth mentioning as time goes on, and though they are rarely seen these days, it always pays to respect the forest and its creatures. The Elvian people always warn outsiders of their Ancient lord's wrath as much as they preach his blessings.

Glasswork dragons are small creatures no larger than a dragonfly. They can fit in the palm of a hand and live primarily in empty pocket watches that they call home. A glasswork dragon usually builds it's own pocket watch by weaving rare metals and glass it finds while working its small dainty paws to create a beautiful work of art that it calls home. These creatures are very independent for something so small and are certainly not afraid to fight for materials that are rightfully their own. In fact, the glassworks are quite the miniature warriors, and will smith small armor suits for themselves to do battle in, all the while appearing quite charming and adorable in the process.

They are master craftsman, glass-workers, and metal-smiths; they use their small magical flames to blow glass or melt metal into remarkable and intricate pieces, while also using their dainty paws to construct pocket watches that are always on time. A glasswork dragon prides itself on its chosen talent. Some will choose to remain in workshops, helping the local smith or glass-blower perfect their works, while others will travel the large world in search of the perfect metals to construct a new suit of armor. This just goes to show that the tiniest of creatures is also one of the greatest artisans in all the land.

These insect-like birds are one of the realm's smaller species and are only about the size of a child's palm. Petite and somewhat skittish, humming bumbles live on the go and are speedy flyers due to their two sets of wings. Insect-like ones located just under its first pair allow the creature to hover in place during feeding and examination, while the upper ones with feathered plumage give them more steer and control over their aerial acrobatics.

Hum-bums and glassworks are known for having turf wars over their sky-space. It is not uncommon to see the two small species fight on a regular basis. Both are stubborn and light on their feet, and being about the same size, it's no wonder they don't get along most of the time.

Despite their ongoing war with the glassworks, they are excellent little flyers who mainly feast on nectar and smaller insects to keep up with their fast metabolisms. Because of this, large flocks of varying breeds of humming bumbles migrate across Eldemore every year in search of a richer supply of food. All the races appreciate these small birds in some way, but it is most commonly the human youths who take a shine to them. Humming bumbles naturally bond to young children due to their similarly innocent natures, and are surprisingly quirky, yet ever-protective guardians of their small charges. Though it is very small itself, a humming bumble is unafraid to challenge even a wild drake if it means to protect their bonded from danger, a testament to their 'larger than life' attitude. They are usually quite tactful and effective at distracting whatever would wish their companion harm.

Swift and agile, jackalopes are ever the alert prey whom all of the realm seems to hunt eternally. The jackalope is a creature valued for its meat, fur and horns, and is always a welcoming sight to many a hungry hunter in need of a meal... if they can catch it of course.

The jackalope is no easy morsel to be snatched nor does it make itself so. The horned hare spends all its life running from the moment it is born, and more often than not, the agile creature will hear you before you ever catch sight of it. It has plenty of tricks up its sleeve to slip away from those who would do it harm. A swift and crafty jackalope who can outwit and outmaneuver their would-be pursuer gets to live another day as they say. Because of these traits, it has become a popular saying among hunting folk to always be as alert as the fabled jackalope!

However, for those who value the jackalope for more than just a quick meal, they find that the horned hare has a far more noble talent that few creatures can hope to achieve. Messenger jackalopes are valuable assets to those who wish to pass along intel unseen where flight is impossible or travel by mount is far too dangerous. While most would give them only a passing glance, well trained messenger jackalopes have saved many lives by slipping past enemy lines to deliver messages to their masters.

Using their swiftness and tricks, they are able to outwit their foes and dance with death, allowing them to prevail were so many have failed before. Often it is the Watch Crows who use these creatures on the field, but there are also those who breed and train jackalopes specifically for this job. With all their unseen potential, jackalopes truly are Eldemore's jack of all trades!

Playful and charismatic, these creatures are widely known to inhabit healthy rivers and seas across the realm. They are just one of the many species that make their homes in the eleven seas of Eldemore, with even more species populating the many winding rivers that cut through port towns on their way out to the ocean. Otterlings are roughly the same size as their fellow aquatic neighbors, the sea servals, but are far more eager to play, and hold an intense curiosity for anything or anyone new they happen across in their travels. Many seafarers tend to refer to them as 'sea dogs' due to their playful nature and unending love for adventure. It is also a common sight to see children, fisherman and pirates alike have a bonded otterling stand proudly by their side with its chest fur puffed out.

Otterlings are a valued seafaring companion for various reasons. Whether it is helping with deep-sea dives for lost treasure, or aiding in rallying large shoals of fish into their bonded human's nets, otterlings are versatile thinkers that have an advantage over most other creatures...hands! Or very flexible paws in this case. Their paws are what set them apart from many since the otterling is keen to use its surroundings as tools to aid in their thought process for complex situations. Because of this, many otterlings love to get their paws on anything they think may be shiny or fun to play with, while those who are more experienced put their tools to good use for acquiring food or opening old rusted locks of sunken treasure.

However, what many humans seem to value most about these creatures are their magical attributes. Having the 'luck of an otterling" is a term created to describe the sea dog's innate ability to always get out of trouble unscathed and on top, no matter the situation. Some may consider this to be just dumb luck that never ends, but for the otterling, they always seem to bring this luck streak upon their bonded as well, hence why so many seafarers and their children always have an otterling or two as a valued member of their family group. They are loyal creatures, yet fierce when need be. You don't get the title of 'sea dog' just for being playful, after all.

Finally, the last and most obvious thing that sets these aquatic creatures apart from the rest is that they have a tendency to hold some sort of favored object within their twin tails. These items can range from clear orbs of glass, to pearls, or very personal items like a stuffed bear or some intricate jewelry. Many believe that these items are blessed with the otterling's innate luck as well. Unfortunately, there are some who would do anything to take such a prize for themselves, usually for profit. The item often holds great meaning for the otterling, whether they are mementos from a past bond now gone, or simply objects they favor, those who know the creatures best understand that it's not the otterling's item that holds their luck, but the otterling themselves. Steal or forcibly take an otterling's good luck charm, and you may be cursed with bad luck forever; treat the otterling as your companion and friend, and good fortunes are sure to follow.

Once believed to be extinct, the phoenixes of legend are spoken of all across the realm as one of the rarest and most unique creatures in Eldemore. These large-sized birds have a vast abundance of magic at their disposal, so much so that they are able to defy death and be reborn again after their life cycle has come to an end. It is believed that at one point in time the rare phoenix was commonplace across the land, but due to catastrophic events mentioned in ancient texts, they were hunted down and slaughtered for some unknown reason. The tomes and tattered scrolls only seem to mention that they were "swallowed by ash and darkness", but beyond that is anyone's guess.

The phoenix was revered by many for their innate healing abilities. A single feather gifted to an ailing soul could cure any disease, be it life threatening or terminal. At one point, a traveling doctor with a bonded Phoenix was a blessing to any isolated town, village or kingdom of any race, but these days such a profession and creature no longer exist as famine and plagues come and go as they please. Now there are only whispered remnants of phoenixes being spotted in far away places, or many on the black market scrambling for but a single feather of the mythical bird long-since passed. Eldemore has suffered greatly and wept for the creature that once graced its lands, now only one or two still dot the land-- forever in hiding or living out their existence in fear of the ash and darkness which still hunts them relentlessly to this day until every last one is gone.

Rune Dragons are small, bird-like dragons with rune marks upon their wings that carry a bit of Eldemore's magic within them. These creatures are vast in numbers, with a variety of breeds throughout the lands. Many runes are paired with Rune Bearers and share their magic with the chosen host. Most stay with their bearer till they pass away. Very few bearers are seen without at least one rune by their side.

Rune dragons are quite popular with young human children due to the legends of the very first bonding in Eldemore between a human child and a young rune hatchling. It is because of this grand tale that many favor this creature since they symbolize the cooperation and friendship that was shared between the first humans and their chosen, bonded companions.

Rune drakes are massive dragons that rival all the great creatures in size. These rare beasts are known to only ever bond with humans, and for very good reason. It was often thought by the other races that these creatures were far too chaotic in nature to ever be tamed or considered an honorable companion. However, leave it to the one race that is seen as the same to find a way to tame these so called 'chaotic beasts.'

Humans were the first to reach out to the drakes, not in a show of strength or overzealous dominance, but as equals. It only took a few to learn that these proud and fearsome beasts deserved respect and understanding, and those who are chosen by a drake to ride with them know all too well how much effort and risks it takes to even be considered an equal to these complex creatures. Though it is far easier and safer to bond with a rune drake when it hatches from an egg or is an adolescent teen, there are a few great and well known individuals in human history that have bonded with an adult drake in its prime and lived to tell the tale. Only four humans have been known to have done this, and it is from these great four woman and men that the Northern kingdom of Alabaster now has its fabled Dragoons.

This lurking predator of sand and stone is a creature who instills terror into even the most veteran explorers and hunters across the realm. The sandwyrm has been described as a violent beast that resembles a dragon-like insect, with a winding, nimble body that twists and turns in an almost serpentine manner, as multiple legs claw and propel it through sand and rock at terrifying speeds.

This species is most commonly found within the desert depths of Darak'i, where even the native wolfkin respect and avoid them at all costs. Sandwyrms are highly aggressive and territorial creatures, creating large nests that resemble deep pits within the dunes they lurk beneath. Acting with a hive-like mind, many sandwyrm drones defend these massive nests to the death, protecting their colossal queen and her brood, while tearing off limbs and dragging their victims alive beneath the catacombs they create deep below the winding dunes to feed their hungry masses.

Many horrific tales have been told of the travelers that wander too close to these large, trap-like nesting pits. Even if you survive your encounter with a sandwyrm hoard, most perish due to the creature's acidic venom that slowly and painfully poisons their victims if bitten, till death finally releases them from the torment.

Due to their hive-like mindset and vicious natures, sandwyrms can not be bonded with through magic or blood. All sandwyrms respond to their queen and their queen alone, which makes bonding virtually impossible and death quite imminent if one attempts this foolhardy task. They are simply far too wild and powerful to be tamed by any one being.

The only other creatures which can stand up to these fearsome predators are the Hubris wolfkin who hunt them as the ultimate prize, which they traditionally give to another as a show of strength and affection-- if they survive the encounter of course.

There is a tale in wolfkin lore that speaks of one individual who befriended a sandwyrm baby queen of all things. It is said that this wolfkin was one of the first alphas to help establish the fabled golden city within Darak'i, and that deep below the city's catacombs, the sandwyrm queen still remains, all grown up and colossal in size, forever protecting her dear friend's home after all these centuries, as she continues to grow and consume any who dare tries to harm her precious golden nest above.

But of course, that is just a tale. No such sightings have been documented around the city or in the catacombs below, which have been sealed tight ever since its foundations were laid. But though the wolfkin may lay claim to the sands above, the sandwyrm's kingdom is below, and it is theirs alone. Avoid the pits within the deserts of Darak'i, and perhaps you will never be dragged into their domain, for none return once they are swallowed beneath the sands.

Crafty, sly and beautiful, sea servals are a favored companion among many, regardless of their aquatic origins. Long, slender bodies, coupled with a flowing, yet strong, fish-like tail propel them through the water gracefully and with purpose. Sea serval bodies are engineered to excel on both the land and sea and are roughly the same size as their otterling neighbors -- however, the 'dogs of the sea' do not get along well with the 'cats of the sea' for obvious reasons. The feline even has unique webbing between each toe that makes it an excellent swimmer, and sleek fur, which they meticulously take care of, helps keep water and salt from clinging to their form and ruining their complexion. Sea servals do make great companions, however, they also turn out to be quite independent, and largely favor those who are the same.

They are mainly seen with pirates, rogues and thieves, which is a testament to their true nature and reflects their preferences. Others usually take this as a reason not to trust sea servals at first glance. They are notoriously wicked felines that know how to get their way and enjoy a challenge. This usually means helping their bonded cohort break into homes, steal valuables, hunt, and dive for lost treasure; you name it, and a sea serval is bound to figure out a way to do it...all in due time of course, these cats like to go at their own pace. It is usually they who decide if they feel like lending a paw or merely watching from the sidelines. Apart from their more devilish revels, sea servals are adamantly loyal to the one they are bonded to and are craftier than many give them credit for. Their ability to be silent stalkers and problem solvers makes them an asset to any would-be rouge out on a mission. Many will plainly state that if you failed at a steal, then it was because you did not have a faithful and beautiful feline by your side.

Sea Servals are felines that are filled with personality and individuality. Only those who are just as carefree and wily as them can truly call one of these highly independent creatures a 'faithful' companion.