Rules of the Rabbit
Years ago, I undertook an expedition into the
forests near Myth Drannor. I had not seen a
human face, or a face remotely human in several
weeks and longed for company. As a youth, I had
raised rabbits as pets and knew them to be amiable,
if somewhat dispassionate, companions. Throughout
the day, I had noticed dozens of red-furred rabbits
frolicking in the underbrush. I decided to
befriend one.
I spotted a suitable specimen, a handsome buck
with a powder puff tail and bright green eyes. I
extended my hand, palm open, so as not to frighten
him. To my surprise, he cawed like a crow, stood
erect, then bounded away on his hind legs.
That night, I pondered my experience with this
unusual hare. I concluded that my failure to make
contact was entirely my own fault, the result of
false assumptions. There and then, I began to formulate
what I call the Rules of the Rabbit, general
principles applicable to all creatures of the wild,
animals and monsters alike. A traveler would do
well to remember these principles when encountering
creatures outside his homeland.
Rule One
A rabbit isn't always a rabbit.
That is, a rabbit from one region doesn't necessarily behave like a rabbit
from another, even though they may look alike. I
discovered a rabbit in the Hullack Forest that
sleeps on its back, its feet straight in the air. A
species from Harrowdale can rotate its eyes in
opposite directions. I have heard of a rabbit from
Brynwood that not only whistles like a canary, but
can be taught an impressive repertoire of tunes. A
hippogriff from the Dragonspine Mountains may
be docile, even passive, while his cousin from
Ring's Reach may be quick to take offense. It is
often impossible to make these distinctions from
casual observations. As in the case of the
excitable hippogriff, experience can be a cruel
teacher.
The physical form of an animal can also vary
dramatically from region to region. The pseudodragon
presents a striking example as there is literally hundreds of variants but all variants
exhibit virtually identical mannerisms and attitudes.
They differ only in appearance.
Rule Two
A rabbit doesn't want to be rich.
Foolish is the traveler
who assumes that all creatures share his
motives and emotions. A squirrel may covet a silver
bracelet, but only because it admires the sparkling
metal, not because it desires wealth or wants to
impress its companions. Who would doubt that a
crocodile basking in the sun feels pleasure? But it
seems unlikely that a crocodile experiences passion
or pity. Ah ankheg cannot be stirred to sentiment.
A gelatinous cube will not respond to flattery.
Observing, experimenting, and perusing scholarly
texts are valid ways to learn the nuances of animal
behavior. But wondering how a man would act
in a similar situation is rarely the best approach.
Rule Three
A rabbit doesn't always stay put.
Though I've never
actually seen a rabbit at the beach, it wouldn't surprise
me if I did. Though most animals are associated
with specific habitats, they can turn up
virtually anywhere. Colleagues have told me of gibberlings
that live in crude houseboats on the Lake
of Dragons, and I have it on good authority that a
rare species of couatl nests in the mountains of
Anauroch.
Some use the phrase wandering monsters to
describe creatures encountered in unusual locales or
those who have strayed from their lairs for no
apparent purpose. The reasons for this wanderlust,
however, are many and diverse. A roving gorgon
may be attempting to expand its territory. An urge
to explore may motivate a curious bullywug. Male
leucrotta have been known to journey hundreds of
miles to locate a suitable mate. In any case, travelers
are advised to approach all such wandering
monsters with caution; whatever their purpose,
these creatures may not take kindly to human
interference.
So you would-be travellers are advised to read well the information presented here by meself, the Sage of Shadowdale and to memorize the
Rules of the Rabbit.
There are only three:
A rabbit isn't always a rabbit.
A rabbit doesn't want to be rich.
A rabbit doesn't always stay put.
Modifié par TSMDude, 17 juillet 2010 - 02:13 .
