My question is, what kinds of animals are present in Valenar? Now I don't mean by category like, there are bears, I mean what animals could feasibly be present there?
She was leaning towards African Wild Dog. I'm thinking that since it's a Savannah type terrain similar critters would be present, but if anyone knows of Eberron exclusive animals that would be great. Come to think of it, for a cat I might suggest a Tasmanian Tiger.
However, since wild dogs would probably simply be reflavored versions of traditional canines like wolves, dogs, or riding dogs, I'd say the warm regions of Breland, Dargunn, Zilargo, and Q'barra would also be likely places to see African wild dogs in Eberron. And since Tasmanian Tigers were actually very canine like, these would be places I would expect to find them as well.
Again, this is all supposition based off the 3.5 ECS animal companion list, which is far from a complete ecological survey of Valenar, let alone Khorvaire.
Wiki:
The Thylacine (pronounced /ˈθaɪləsaɪn, -iːn/) (Thylacinus cynocephalus,Greek: dog-headed pouched one) was the largest known carnivorous marsupial of modern times. Native to Australia and New Guinea, it is thought to have become extinct in the 20th century. It is commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger (because of its striped back), the Tasmanian Wolf, and colloquially the Tassie (or Tazzy) Tiger or simply the Tiger.[3] It was the last extant member of its genus, Thylacinus, although several related species have been found in the fossil record dating back to the early Miocene.
I could definetly see them as native to the Q'Barra region
Okies now onto the OP question, and the answer is whatever the player wants. The answer might seem a little silly but give me a moment to explain.
The Valenar are obsessed with the past, they see all the glory and strength of their race in the battles they had against their giant oppressors and the dragons millennia ago. For them what we see now of the elves is a pale decadent shadow, hence why such a large group have moved to Khorvaire to find "glory in battle" and perhaps renew their culture. For them their ancestors and their spirits are everything.
So for a ranger looking to take the beast-master trend picking an animal companion is easy. Find a beast that best emulates/represents that Valenar's elves ancestor and go with it. If they were known for being quick to strike, decisive and cunning go for a hunting cat. This isn't just any cat that the Valenar has found out in the wilds, this is the spiritual reflection and reincarnation of the cunning, strength, speed and stealth of their ancestor. This is their ancestor given form through the acts, faith and glory of the Valenar Ranger.
Remember for them glory in battle is everything and success is everything. This isn't chivalric, european, romanticised knights fighting, these are cunning and ruthless warriors who will use hit-and-run tactics, poison wells, midnight strikes and whatever they deem necessary to win in battle (from pg 140 of Players Guide to Eberron).
Hope that helps
Orangutan
That is a baboon.
Okies now onto the OP question, and the answer is whatever the player wants.
The problem is that the player does not know what she wants. She is in a state of extreme indecision.
Thank you very much! That actually helps me a lot! I was so worried about what kind of animals lived in Valenar that I didn't even think about that part of their history; which is really silly considering how much of a big thing it is for them. You're awesome. *gives you a hug*
The problem is that the player does not know what she wants. She is in a state of extreme indecision.
You could have put my situation in better terms ya know. It wasn't "extreme indecision", it was not wanting to pick something that would seem ridiculous considering where Kylar comes from.
Happy to help Jathis, the more Eberronian players the better I say. Keep us posted on what animal you choose and the background, I'd love to hear how it works out!
*grins broadly*
Happy to help Jathis, the more Eberronian players the better I say. Keep us posted on what animal you choose and the background, I'd love to hear how it works out!
I picked a boar finally because of its additional damage when it charges and stuff. I figure my character got him while he was doing mercenary work for Thrane and they met when the boar decided it was a good idea to try and gore him. ^ ^
So very, very tempted to make a bad joke about "wild bores"...
My vote is still for a Babbon.
Silly. :P
On Topic
Vulture? Perhaps a small Raptor (dino, not bird)? Wolf, Blink Dog, or Cooshee (Elven Dog) would all work, but wouldn't be very original. Same for Falcon or other hunting bird.
A flying Monkey (Monkey-bird?) would be cool, although perhaps a bit too 'Oz'.
I guess giant Scorpion would be more Aerenal.
If you're trying to be a Troll; at least spell the word baboon right when you do it.
Yes sorry, I thought a Baboon was an Orangutan then misspelled Baboon.
But there is no trolling intended (as I explained above):
I always liked the Orangutan picture (ECS) in the Undying Court, maybe the Valenar transported some from Aerenal.
It's a very old joke that I picked up from a friend in my D&D group. Don't worry, I'm sure he's lurking out there somewhere on the boards (Saint Matthew) rolling his eyes and chuckling.
I think the Valenar would definetly have prarie style animals. Creatures that fit the landscape and geography rather than strange creatures that couldnt possibly exist in such a strange environ