to everyone

[cointosser]

Greetings to Summoned friends and strangers alike;

I come to you with an inquiry -- rare for me, I know. As much as I like discovering things on my full own efforts, I can admit I'm a little perplexed with the current predicament. On a recent bout of monster huntering in the desert (not on my part, of course), my companion and I came across a most peculiar specimen. These great beasts appear to be quite domesticated, and are not suited for a desert environment, what with their thick plumage and docile nature. One was caught in the midst of an absorber's hunt (which I do insist all stay away from; the monster hunter in question was very aware of how to deal with one) and injured, while the others appeared to be a mother with a chick.

Now, I have studied the Free Cities' bestiaries to the best of my ability, and have not seen mention of such birds before.

I thought saving the beasts would be all to speak of the story, but I'm afraid one has followed me back to Cadens and taken a liking to me. However, I do not have the heart to turn her away, and thus have taken to stabling her alongside a family horse. She did not appear to mind being tied or bridled. She is in fact a terribly sweet creature, and though she seems happy enough to eat the hay provided, I would be remiss if I did not attempt to find out her proper diet.

And so I ask, friends, thus: have you any knowledge of a similar creature? She is large in stature, towering over myself, and with bright golden plumage. She does not appear to be capable of flight.

[And because he's a little medieval man, there's a portrait following the letter:]

Comments

[boltaction]

[ text that's unfamiliar lights up near jaskier in response; it types itself out, glowing a faint, electronic blue. ]

You said she's yellow?

[cointosser]

Oh, yes. Lovely yellow feathers. There are a few that are a bit silvery, I suppose, underneath all the yellow. And she sheds them like mad.

[boltaction]

A big flightless bird, domesticated... but yellow. Huh.

[satanicpanics]

yeah
that's a muppet, dude

[cointosser]

I assume you meant to elaborate in a more helpful manner...?

[satanicpanics]

nah
not really

but that joke would have been way funnier if you actually knew what a muppet was

[aquaveiled]

Oh, it's Donut!

[cointosser]

Donut! Himeka, this isn't a joke! I don't want this lovely creature to die because I do not know its dietary needs!

And I DO know what a donut is!

[aquaveiled]

No, no, not A Donut. MY Donut!

Tell me, does she make a sound that's kind of chirpy? Like a "kweh"?

[a_better_man]

Well that, Master Jaskier, sounds like a big chicken.

A very big chicken.

[cointosser]

Mat, my dear, sweet apprentice. I do know you and appreciate your input, but I am very aware of what a chicken looks and sounds like. This is clearly not a chicken.

[a_better_man]

But how can you be sure?

How many giant magic chickens have you seen before?

[supersoldier]

[Wait. Wait, what.

... ]

That looks like a chocobo.

[cointosser]

[For the love of fucking Melitele, is this finally a straight answer??]

So you've seen one before! A chocobo... what an adorable moniker. I can't tell if she understands the term, but she seems to react to it? Have I finally found my answer?

[Thank you, pigeon man. One could count on you to know more birds than pigeons.] Are you also from Eorzea, then?

[supersoldier]

No, my Planet is called Gaia. But they are common there, and come in various colors. I had created a green one for my own Horizon domain to show Ciri once.

You said this one was golden?

[nomnoms]

[ ARE WE DRAWING ANIMALS WE LIKE ?? ]

[cointosser]

[While normally an answer like this would be annoying -- this is an information-gathering attempt, thank you -- there is not a world in which Jaskier does not encourage all artists, even novices.]

While I do appreciate your portrayal of a -- a cat -- that is a different animal than the one I attempted to illustrate. However, you certainly have the basics down. The very basics. Absolutely ground-level basics. And that's an accomplishment!

[nomnoms]

[ He recognizes the word CAT ]

[funbreaker]

[ So Reno didn't just send him some drunken 3AM text after all?

Hmm. ]

As Himeka has already deduced, that looks a great deal like a chocobo, save for the little sprigs sprouting from its head and neck. Perhaps those are embellishments?

They are large, rideable birds from our star. Some people even race them, but they are often used to transport goods or to take an adventurer from place to place. Wild ones tend to live in forested areas rather than deserts, though they are quite capable of protecting themselves when the need arises.

[ He could probably go on, but that's a decent primer on chocobos, he thinks. ]

[oversurge]

What'd I tell ya?

[cointosser]

[While that is not exactly criticism of his art, it comes dangerously close. You better watch yourself, Thancred.]

Embellishments? It's called a crest, dear, and many birds have similar. My apologies if you do not have a head to wrap around the sort of art that comes from my sphere. The very talented art from a proficient hand.

[However, in typical Jaskier-fashion, he's instantly distracted.]

Rideable, you say? Like a horse? You ride these things? I... oh. That does explain the size. What about saddles? Is it normally ridden bareback? Must they be kept together, or will one thrive on its own? I did notice the very large talons, but they do not entirely seem inclined to use them. At least not on me, nor any other people. In fact, I would say she must be quite accustomed to crowds.

[lightkeeping]

I like it better as a real animal. Kind of cute.

[cointosser]

I can happily report she is utterly precious. But -- er, I'm not sure what you mean by the first comment. Have you never seen a bird before...?

[wiedzminka]

I can't believe this.

This is how I find out?

I thought I was your favorite niece!

You'd best show me your chocobo right now, or I may never forgive you.

[cointosser]

Ciri? Look, this is a very new development... in that I got her in the stable and realized exactly what I've done.

You are my favorite niece! It iwas -- it was going to be a surprise! Now, come outside and see her.