Animal companion

An animal companion (or more informally, a pet) is any tamed animal (currently, only quadrupeds and mammals) that accompanies the player character.

They're a less versatile version of a human companion to the player character. Depending on an animal's exact species, they can serve as a guard or fellow-fighter, a source of food and organic materials, as a packhorse for carrying extra loads, or as simply a non-human friend to keep around. Player characters can name their animal companions, and even give orders to some and feed them.

Starting scenario

Currently, the surest (if not only) way for a player character to acquire a pet right from the start is to choose the Not All Who Wander Are Lost scenario. Depending on the character's chosen culture, they will be granted a tame specific animal companion when they start out. For the companion species available, please see the list below.

Animal companions by culture

Western Cultures

Dog - Serves primarily as the player character's companion, helping during hunting and fighting, or as a guard dog while at the character's home.
Pig - Used primarily as a source of food, leather, etc., or just as a pet to keep one company.

Eastern Cultures

Dog - Serves primarily as the player character's companion, helping during hunting and fighting, or as a guard dog while at the character's home.
Pig - Used primarily as a source of food, leather, etc., or just as a pet to keep one company.
Sheep - Used primarily as a source of food, or just as a pet to keep one company.

Northern Cultures

Reindeer - Can be used to carry extra loads on its back, in the manner of a packhorse. Can also serve as a source of food, fur, antlers, etc.

Interacting

Initiating communication with animal companions can be carried out in the same manner as with human NPCs and human companions, though to a more limited extent. Dogs can receive orders or be fed with food. Dogs, pigs, sheep and reindeer can all be given a name by the player character (via the player, of course).