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Of the favorite creatures to keep as pets in Anduruna, ryuu-nekos
indisputably top the list. But bright-eyed intelligence and fluffy
affection are only a part of their appeal. Easily trained, they
fill purposes ranging from nighttime household guardians, pest hunters,
mail fetchers, even alarm clocks. And, with their rudimentary opposable
thumbs, assiduous mischief makers. However, there is a serious side
to ryuu-neko ownership.
Ryuu-nekos
have a very unique life cycle. They reach adulthood in four years,
but 'adulthood' and 'fully grown' are not synonymous. Indeed, nobody
really knows how large ryuu-nekos can become. Their size is dependant
upon diet. If they consume beyond their current needs, the excess
nutrition will trigger a corresponding growth spurt. Licensed Anduruna
pet owners must adhere to daily calorie feeding guidelines, to ensure
their pets stay within certified weight limits. In nature, ryuu-nekos
have been known to reach thirty feet in length, and possibly longer.
Ryuu-nekos of this size generally have less fur, but develop claws,
teeth, and horns. Large wild ryuu-nekos are predatory and potentially
very dangerous.
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Fortunately
for the breeding industry, it is possible for adult ryuu-nekos to
reproduce regardless of size. Hobby and professional breeders specialize
in creating pure-bred ryuu-nekos, in addition to exotic cross-breeds
and elusive black or white color tufts. Although occasionally something
truly unique will break out of the eggshell, most ryuu-nekos are various
combinations of the primary types listed below. They are capable of
completing a full reproductive cycle annually, yielding a clutch of
one to five eggs.
Wild ryuu-nekos seem disposed to breed within their subtypes, which
makes crossbreeds in nature exceedingly rare. Their breeding cycles
also extend as their size increases, with the largest adults rarely
if ever breeding. Life expectancy is tied to a ryuu-neko's size as
well. The domesticated pets generally live for fifteen years, whereas
full sized natural specimens can live to be nearly one hundred.
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| Water
ryuu-nekos can store water in two large glands on either
side of their neck, and squirt it out in a high pressure stream.
In larger specimens, this stream is so powerful it can erode
stone. Water ryuu-nekos also have the ability to sense the nearest
source of water, making them excellent desert companions. Waters
are especially empathetic towards their owners, ranking among
the most affectionate of the breeds. |
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| Fire
ryuu-nekos can take a lot of effort to tame even from a
young age. They are free spirited, temperamental, stubborn -
and their tendency to spit jets of flaming saliva makes their
care even more difficult. However, once their trust has been
won, they are the most loyal and protective of all breeds. Their
fierce devotion is coveted by any ryuu-neko enthusiast who cannot
attain it. |
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Spark
ryuu-nekos are the most hyperactive and energetic. Unendingly
curious, they’re constantly sprinting about and poking their
heads into things. They are incessantly intrigued by their owner's
every move, and love to watch (and meddle with) their everyday activities.
Hyper as sparks are, as soon as they tire, will flop into exhaustion
for hours. When startled, their hair generates a strong static charge
to shock enemies and sneaky children.
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Plant
ryuu-nekos are precociously happy creatures, and anyone owning
one can look forward to a lighthearted and playful companion. Eager
to please, they make one of the best pets out of all the ryuu-nekos.
Their unique fur consists of velvety leaf-shapes which are extremely
soft to the touch. Also singular is their saliva, containing a special
aloe with healing properties. Whenever their owner gets a scrape or
a bruise, the plant ryuu-neko can heal it with a kiss.
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Rock
ryuu-nekos are happily awkward things, adventurous yet clumsy
above ground. Under the earth, however, they are the masters of their
environment. Using large digging claws, they tunnel through dirt with
ease. Although one of the least popular breeds due to their lackluster
coloration, their personality is among the most endearing. Watching
them good-naturedly bumble around can provide hours of entertainment.
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Dark
ryuu-nekos are notoriously mischievous, malevolent, and
even harder to manage than fire ryuu-nekos. Rare is the pet
owner with the patience and force of will to train one. Even
a successfully domesticated dark ryuu-neko makes for a challenging
pet, as they will be vicious towards other dreamkeepers and
ryuu-nekos. In the wild, their primary dietary staple is cannibalism.
But once you get to know them, they make for intriguing pets
with a... distinctive sense of humor.
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| Air
ryuu-nekos are the rarest breed to be found in captivity.
If they don't want to be caught they can move like quicksilver,
and possess a satirical aptitude for sliding through nets and
traps. Toying with hunters seems to give them some level of
amusement. They’re incomparably beautiful singers, able
to compose melodies suiting the weather and their moods. |
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