Pigs
Introduction
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Pigs can be found as both domesticated, Livestock animals, as well as wild game on 'Souls. Because of their versatile and largely indiscriminate diet, domesticated pigs would have been able to easily thrive even after the fall of man. Time has, naturally, allowed both domestic and feral groups to intermix indiscriminately or become more distinct from one another. So, depending on their environment and ancestral proximity to human settlements, the pigs of 'Souls may very well look more synonymous with what we're used to seeing in domestic pigs, or, may look more like their wilder, Eurasian ancestors of old. As with most domesticated animals formerly maintained by humans though, specific "types" of this species are likely to have interbred significantly. Breeds are no longer in existence: however, traits of these particular breeds (the most frequently reared) are likely to persist in the wild landrace of this type of animal found in 'Souls. Without selective breeding, formerly domesticated animals would breed indiscriminately. Over a few generations, it's likely they would begin to revert to their former wild type and lose some of the characteristics enforced by humans and breeding. While not enough time has passed for all selectively bred traits to disappear entirely, it's likely many of these traits have become blended into one another. |
1. Speech
According to our Speech Guide, this creature speaks Low Speech naturally. It is therefore not able to communicate with Luperci. This creature is listed as having the ability to learn some limited comprehension of high speech, but generally will never be able to speak it.
2. Uses
- Food: Meat from a domestic pig is often referred to as pork, whereas meat from a feral or wild pig is often distinctly referred to as wild boar. As pig bones are prone to splintering and cracking, they are often best only used for making stocks.
- Pork meat is said to be slightly sweet, but savory. It has a firmer texture than chicken, but is soft and tender overall.
- Wild boar meat is said to have a stronger flavor than pork, often noted to be intensely sweet and nutty. Compared to pork, the meat is leaner and tougher, and has a darker red hue. The texture is more similar to beef than pork.
- Roasted pigs' ears are a common favorite amongst canines.
- By-Products:
- Brushes: Their short, bristly hair can be used to make paintbrushes.
- Pelts and hides: As with any animal, hides and pelts can be made from them.
- Leather: Durable, their leather is lighter and thinner than those made from cattle. It is also more pliable, and does not stiffen even after getting wet.
- Glue: Made from boiling connective tissues (skin, tendons, bones, hooves, etc.).
- Hoof Glue: Best used for wooden surfaces; does not leave any visible marks.
- Companionship: Despite often being reared for food purposes, pigs can be kept as companions as well.
- Foraging: Their sense of smell and foraging tendencies makes them excellent for finding truffles.
3. Types
3.1 Pig↪ Pig (Sus) |
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4. Feral vs. Domestic
| Domestic Pig (Sus domesticus) |
 Seen more around areas of sophistication, these pigs often hold traits more similar to their domestic ancestors. They may be large, and more long-bodied than their wild counterparts. Their legs are typically stouter, and their skin and fur/hair have a greater variety in color and texture. They can come in pinks, greys, blacks, browns, reds, creams, golds, tans, and blondes. When not a solid color, their markings can range widely, from various head markings to spots to broad patches, as well as vertical belts around the stomach or shoulders. Their ears can be pricked or droopy/floppy, and their tails can be curly or straight. While most maintain thin, short, bristly hair, curly hair is not unheard of, even if rare. Domestic pigs may be largely docile, though can show a variety of personality in general. Their meat is distinctly different from wild boars. |
| Feral Pig |
 In human times, feral pigs were often referred to as pigs that had escaped or otherwise gone wild, or to refer to a hybrid of a domestic and wild pig. These types of pigs ran rampant in the United States and southern Canada, and are likely to be more prominent in present time and areas removed from settlements of sophistication. Their body shape, size, and variety in coloration and markings may put them more on par with domesticated pigs, however, their temperament is typically more in line with wild pigs; cautious, alert, and aggressive. Those with longer, denser hair may be better acclimated for thriving on their own in playable 'Souls' colder environment than those that hold truer to their domesticated roots. Without relying on Luperci for shelter, food, or protection, feral pigs are generally more active during twilight hours (dawn and dusk) or are nocturnal, though, they may very well be active during normal hours of daylight, particularly during the leaner seasons of autumn and winter. Their meat is more similar to wild boar. |
| Wild Boar (pig) (Sus scrofa) |
 Pigs that have never been domesticated or have long since bred out their domesticated roots, this wild variety thrives as nature intended of them from the start. Wild pigs have notably longer, more streamline heads than domesticated pigs, which have a blunter snout. Wild boars are also covered in short, dense, coarse hair that is usually a grizzly brown coloration. Their bodies may be more compact, and their legs are typically longer and more powerful. Their tails do not curl. Wild boars are aggressive, cautious, and alert. They more active during twilight hours (dawn and dusk) or are nocturnal, though, they may very well be active during normal hours of daylight, particularly during the leaner seasons of autumn and winter. Their meat is distinctly different from domesticated pigs. |
5. Sources
