Hi! Knight biologist here. It’s important to remember that all knights are working animals, and they were either bred to a specific task or else found their niche naturally. Many knights are a lot alike but it’s important to know which kind you’re dealing with:
Jouster — This knight is very playful! It’s a show dog at heart and wants to play-fight and be praised. It an urban, social creature, and thrives in an environment with other knights and ideally some squires as well.
Quester — Conversely, this knight is a loner. You can think of it like playing fetch but the fetch quest will last anywhere from overnight to a couple years. This is a knight you have to let come back to you. It needs a lot of alone time out in nature, sometimes with a trusty steed or squire. And don’t worry! A lot of first-time questing knight owners worry that their knights are Coming Back Changed, that’s normal! If you as a responsible owner want a questing knight to bring you relics and visions and tales, you have to accept that being transformed by their journey and the boundaries they cross is part of their role.
Chivalrous—If you thought a jousting knight was social, watch out! Chivalrous knights are lovers, and loyal to a fault. Sometimes a dramatic, deadly fault. They need attention at all times, and will pine fiercely when left alone. But if you can meet their needs, they will be some of the most ardent, selfless, loyal beasts out there. And once they’re hopelessly devoted, you can teach them tricks!
Farm—These are working knights! I know they’re large and hardy and a little simple but just because that’s popular and hot right now doesn’t mean you can take them out of their intended environment and expect them to thrive! These knights work with their hands and the land. They will not do well at court without training, and even then you need to get them some quiet time with rough tools of the trade to keep them even-keeled. That being said, this is a quieter breed. If you aren’t up for the constant attentions of a chivalrous knight, maybe a country knight could be for you.
Guardian—One of the reasons I started this post. I know we expect all knights to be dogged and loyal (and they are!) but I feel like we forget that there is a breed made especially for that role! A guardian knight is the most vigilant and stern protector a girl could ask for. They’re usually more severe and duty-bound, and won’t play around as much as other breeds like jousters. Just make sure they have a post by your door or a spot at the foot of your bed to rest, and thank them for their constant eye and steeled nerves often 💜 I know guardians get a bad rap for being scary or violent in some circles but that’s because you’re trying to lavish them with affection and that is not how they work!
Duelist—These were bred off of jousters recently, so everything I wrote above still applies. But they’re a little less playful and little more vicious. Not quite guard dogs either, duelists have a specific job and I see a lot of owners keeping them just for their sharp aesthetics without understanding the kind of training and rigor it takes to keep them on a leash.
Conquest—Everyone thinks these are the scary knights, but no! They’re herding animals at heart. They muster their forces and raise their banners and keep their soldiers and other armsmen in line. But if they don’t have banners to herd they will get anxious :(
Green—A bit of an acquired taste, and debates are ongoing if they really should be domesticated. You see a lot of adoptions crop up around New Years, but these knights aren’t just about pretty reciprocity! You have to have a home that can provide the right mythic and folkloric inspiration for them to thrive.
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