Pets, Atmosphere and the Iron Fist
Pets and the Lord
From the humble canines summoned out of the depths of the planes of Fire, or demon imps enslaved with contracts of rulership, companions are to the Iron Fist as butter is to soft, warm, bread. Both are essential. Bread keeps your minions fed, pets keep them in line. A Lord must arrange for a pet of appropriate stature. This does not mean one should search for the greatest of beings. The humble feline with its razor sharp claws is as effective in tearing a minion to shreds as the greatest of Dragons. There have been detractors of mine, who claim my disregard of wages, my 'cutthroat mercantilism'; keeps the Dragons far from my domain. I will not attend to this slander, for I am Lord Nine. Dragons require a great deal of impetus to act. They do not accompany a Lord through her lands, they do not curl around her throne as she gazes at prisoners and passes judgement for failures. They do not lovingly curl around a successful attendant, a brave minion, or an honourable steward and provide the warmth of fur and approval of their Lord. A pet may be magically inclined; and it is best that it is. Mundane pets are excellent companions, but the spells required to connect telepathically are of the fifth tier and many a Lord may not have the wherewithal to maintain the Persistence Lock's for continuity.
Magical pets with inherent telepathy, while rare, are obtainable for a certain price. Consider
for acquiring the latest and fiercest companions smaller than an elf child.
Imposition of your will
From the moment a foreign diplomat cowers under the eaves of your vaulted chamber and shivers at the sight of your terrifying throne, even from the moment they step through the castle gate pulled open by muscled guardsmen displaying their might, every moment as they approach you builds the atmosphere. Garrolax famously lounged amongst his courtiers as dignitaries bowed to the mithril statue that served as his simulacrum before sliding behind them to whisper threats in their terrified ears. Ormania filled her court with the infamous hundred laughs, captives tickled to laugh in an eerie chorus. They understood atmosphere. Until it came to themselves. Armour and magical power can only take you so far.
- A pet at your side shows the willingness of others to bow before you. Do not belittle the service of the least. One may despise the weak their servitude, but servitude freely offered is alluring. It is Protection. It is the Aegis of the Lord.
- A pet's nonchalant ease can put courtiers on edge. It fears none because you fear none. A fearless ruler is a terrifying ruler.
- It's a distraction before combat begins, dividing attention, though only fools or the incompetent would allow their companions to be harmed.
A pet of suitable size remains by your side, or on your lap. An accompaniment that must be watched, that operates independently of court and dignitaries and enemies. A being who can be used to deflect because it arched its back, or threaten because it eyed a courtier into submission. Aspikia himself said:
Gaze into my allies eyes to face your fear. Gaze into my pet's eyes and know you Face ME. -Court Proceedings of the Teleran High Council 555 AD
Why not a Dragon? Many ask me this question. A Dragon could watch from the rafters, but only its bulk would be noticed. Even the Dragon's own grand halls are laced with magnification spells when dealing with the 'small folk' as we are humourously dubbed. It's presence of course would inundate the room. ITS presence. Not yours. Impose YOUR will. Lord Nine awaits your response.