Talking Animals

How the Animals came to Speak

In ages past, in a time of desperate need, Vivia, the goddess of Life, called to her children the beasts for help. They answered her call in their thousands, gave their all, and sacrificed much, but thanks to their efforts the day was won.

As a reward, Vivia gifted all those who had answered her call with a Folk nature. They gained the ability to speak, and walk on two legs, and hands with which to offer help to their fellows, and were welcomed into the society of the world by its grateful peoples. This gift would be passed down to all their descendants, for all time.

As the years went on, though, it became clear that not all of the talking animals had been made happy by this gift. Many embraced life among the Folk and lived it fully, but others were unhappy being bound by the laws the gods had set down. They wished to return to their homes in the wilds, and run and hunt and live with only a beast's cares again.

Seeing this, the gods of Joy and Sorrow spoke to Vivia, and they came to an agreement. Any of those who were given this gift would have choice, to accept it or let it pass them by.

And so it is that today, that sometimes a talking animal will tire of his life's cares, and go to the forest, and find a herd or a pack to run with and give up her Folk nature to be one with the wilds. And sometimes a beast will come to a village, and the first words of his new life will be to ask a night's shelter between walls and roof.

Talking Animals in Ariath

Today, talking animals are one of the most populous races in Ariath. As a people they are well regarded by Ariath's other Folk, and hold roles great and small through all the world's societies.

Talking animals are extremely diverse in nature and personality. Some hold close in nature to the beast they resemble; it would be no surprise to meet a talking Mountain Lion who lived alone in the woods and hunted for his meals, only coming into town to trade furs for tools. Others stray far from their beast nature; Squirrels teach in great universities, Wolves heal the injured, and Sparrows rule nations.

Not all Folk with animal features are Talking Animals. Ariath is home to people such as Fauns, Werewolves, Naga, and other fantastical creatures that were not party to Vivia's gift, but have their own origins and ways.

Common Racial Characteristics

All Talking Animals have the "Animal" trait. Many are Sylvan, Aquatic, or Subterranean, according to their animal nature. They have a wide variety of racial abilities; many have claws or other natural weapons, and animals with Mythic Race can often detect wickedness with Scent of Evil.

Players may represent Talking Animal characters with makeup or a mask. Some animals may have tails, ears, or other animal features as well.