Read The Files First

To say I hated moving those two Channel cats without Tauran's help was an understatement, miserable wad more like it,, the two Fulkerson were slimy. We persevered, and with the catfish pair safely transported into the pond, I sat down to recover inside my living room. An epiphany hit me soon after. I realized I hadn't read anything on Zone 4 and 5and I would need to go down there eventually. I pulled up the files and began to read. I mean how many could there be?

Zones 4 and 5 differ heavily from zones 1, 2 and 3. While the first zones resemble a normal forest, the former ones are located in deep canyons in which the tops of trees located within could be mistaken for shrubs when stood away from the canyon walls. Within the canyon itself, it is warm and humid, forming a temperate rainforest of sorts. The climate alone can not be the entirety of the reason the trees are so large. It is almost as if something is providing the tree with enough nutrients to grow this large…

Anthros that live in these zones have to be tough and agile to survive. The anthros tend to value these Traits in potential mates. Much larger anthros tend to live here due to the abundance of food.

Species: Squirrel

The squirrel is an agile anthro that lives among the massive branches of the zone 4 and 5 trees. In order to tame a female of the species you have to run the gauntlet among the branches. Luckily the branches are often as wide as a race car track, but if you fall it's curtains. If you catch her you'll have a life long companion who is content with you and you alone. That's not to say that having multiple partners for both of you is impossible. A male squirrel has a similar practice however it has a few key differences. Rather than catching you have to beat him to a predetermined destination. There are no rules, trickery, bitchery and just plain old cheats are the way this game is played. If you manage to tame a male squirrel you will get a horndog of a partner that can deliver powerful and concise blows both in fights and in bed.

Species: Raccoon

The raccoons are a generalist omnivore with a preference for piscine cuisine. They specialize not in agility or strength but rather thievery. They steal from squirrel stores, eggs from any nest, and anything you happen to have in your pockets. However the ability to catch fish is coveted in their culture. Thus an offering off any kind of fish is a sure way to their heart.

Species: Wolverine

These bulky mustelids don't care about much, and constantly steal kills from the large predators that inhabit these zones. To tame one involves a lot of red meat and showing your ability to provide food for them. After the taming process you have a brawler of an anthro that can power through most attacks.

Species: Moose

The moose anthros are the second largest anthros in the forest and aren't exactly the most intelligent. Pregnancy for females is one of the longest so proving that you can defend them from danger is necessary. To do so, a battle with a nearby anthro is needed. Afterwards you need to seal the deal with an offering of their favorite food, pondweed. The males on the other hand are perhaps the strongest anthro in the forest, and have the arrogance and cock size that goes along with it. Defeating one in battle and then giving them pond weed in a show of goodwill is a sure way to befriend them.

Species: Wolf

The Wolves of Lustwood are a pack orientated species and are ruled by a dominant pair. If you want to tame a female or male wolf you have to first get the approval of their parents. After meeting a young wolf and checking if they're interested in joining you, you must prove you can lead, provide for and run a pack. If you have healthy looking anthros with you, it shows your ability to provide. If you have high loyalty from your anthros that proves your ability to lead. A battle with the dominant pair and your anthros will prove you can run the pack in the midst of combat. Only then can they come with you.

Species: Spotted Owls

High in the canopy of Zone 4 you may hear the hoots of the Spotted Owls. Taming them is unique in the fact that you need the male to attract the larger females. Or more specifically their calls. The females respond to the deeper calls of the males and you need to either have a male or a recording of a male in order to attract them. Taming a male means having a female of any species respond to his calls.

Zone 5

Zone 5 differs from zone 4 in the larger trees and the unusually thick foliage that dominates the forest floor, despite the lack of sunlight. Larger, more dangerous anthros live here.

Species: Porcupine

Porcupines aren't fit or agile, rather they use their natural defenses to ward off predators. They're the main diet of inner tree bark, which fortunately is rather low on salt. Since salt is something everything needs to live, these prickly rodents will follow anyone who has their favorite mineral.

Species: Northern Rubber Boa

These nocturnal creatures are one of the few reptiles that live in Lustwood and are perhaps the easiest of any animals to tame. Just give them an egg and you'll have a chill companion that is relaxed in all aspects of life.

Species : Grizzly Bear

The largest carnivores in Lustwood, these bears are both difficult to tame and difficult to fight. Taming themselves involves feeding them a honeycomb and then feeding them a few primal salmon. These bears are brawler in every sense of the word and anything involving them is rough. Being in a pack, group, or herd is foreign to them, and any kindness to them will be taken to heart. Insults are shrugged off easily due to the species' feisty nature. Though insult one of its friends and you suddenly find yourself deceased.

Species: Red Wolves

Perhaps the rarest of all animals in Lustwood. These creatures are reclusive and finding them is perhaps the hardest part of taming them. They, like the gray wolves, introduce you to their pack leaders, but there are no trials. When you are as rare as they are you can't have high standards.

When my reading was done I began to pack. This sounded like a challenging couple of zones and it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. But what would I meet first? Only time would tell.