Companion Animals

Astorians have kept animals in their homes for a number of reasons throughout the span of Stora’s history. Most instances were due to a mutual relationship whereby the animal provided some form of benefit and the Astorians encouraged the animal(s) to stay.

Occasionally an animal and Astorian will be instinctually, and platonically attracted to one another, which is a noted phenomenon called a Spirit Bond.

Regardless of how first relations with the various types of animals began, Astorians over time have both unintentionally and intentionally bred more desirable traits into what are now considered companion animals.

The main factors which were and are considered when adopting a companion animal were their;
 * Lifespan
 * Difficulty to breed
 * Upkeep costs
 * Loyalty
 * Affection
 * Uses

Working Companions
Working companions, not to be confused with farm animals are kept as they perform a specific role within a household, rather than produce a product;
 * Dogs – Guard homes, guard herds of farm animals, guide herds of farm animals back into their pens, help track various creatures in hunts.
 * Cats – Rodent control, reptile control, bird control, spiritual healing, poison detection.
 * Horses – Person transportation, object transportation, ore detection.
 * Falcons – Target tracking, rodent control, bird control.
 * Parakeets – Sending written messages, repeating verbal messages.
 * Raven – Sending written messages, guard person.
 * Geckos – Insect control.
 * Tortoises – Insect control, weed control.

Social Companions
Social companions do not have any particular role in a household outside of aesthetic or simple companionship which may have been the result of a spirit bond, these companions are usually animals smaller than the average Astorian and can range from rodents to reptiles.