The Mundane Bestiary: A druidic compendium of the often overlooked

Chapter One

An introduction

Druid Anise Altletter has traveled the Forgotten Realms for many an age, seeking to know all the animals, great and small, magical and mundane. While many write of the great beasts and monsters that dominate the stories and legends of heroes, Druid Anise has found much more use and opportunity comes with the creative use of the plethora of mundane animals that inhabit the world, animals that are worthy of every druid’s attention.

In these files are her descriptions of the more interesting choices she has made, and some of the outcomes of their use.

Chapter Two

Urban Animals

The sentient races of the forgotten realms have carved out of the world their own dwellings and ways of being, separate from the growth of trees and cycles of nature. While often we druids eschew these enclaves of monoculture, nature has not and over time, she has clawed in her own foothold.

The unique ecosystems of the urban world should not be ignored by the attentive and thoughtful Druid, if for no other reason than they can provide access to the urban even for the most introverted among us.

Click here to see a page in process.

Chapter 3

Domestics

Do you like horses? You do don’t you. And who doesn’t like dogs?
The Sentient races have been working with animals for as long as history remembers. This has lead to unique adaptations that a thoughtful druid can put to good use.

Though including this section might be controversial in Druid circles, there are examples of non-sentient, purely natural creatures domesticating other creatures, and making use of other animals to further their own survival and comfort. To exclude these creatures purely because they are cared after is folly and prejudice, and at the very least a druid should be familiar with these creatures that will often end up in the wilds with their masters.

Chapter Four

Creatures of Low Lands

Can we talk of the plains and valleys? Of flightless birds and deer that can almost fly? Of Bison and elephant and mammoth and sloth, tigers and lions and snakes.

Chapter Five

Creatures of the Highlands

Mountains. I mean mountains. Mostly, I’ll be talking about Goats but also some birds and rodents. And bears.

Chapter Six

Creatures of the Deeps

There are things that live in the darkest parts of the world, the places where only Dwarves and Drow go. My opportunities to study these creatures has been rare, but I have made the most of the few and dangerous chances I have had.

With added notes from my dear friend Isldre, Dwarven Druid of the Caves.

Chapter 7

Fresh Waters

While much attention is given to the monsters of the open oceans, the creatures of the rivers, lakes, and swamps are certainly worthy of their own legends.