Introduction

A common classification used in the Dominion is that of Companion life forms vs Xenoforms.  Xenoforms are identified as being native to one of the life-bearing planets (such as Felline, Pristine, Zargonia, etc.) whereas Companion plants and animals are found ubiquitously alongside humans across the Dominion.

There are on the order of 10-15,000 Companion forms, most of which are small and obscure plants and microscopia.

Humans and Pigs are the largest multicellular Companion animal forms in the Dominion, the next largest being Goats, various species of fish, Cats, Chickens, Rats, several species of smaller birds and fish and Mice, before moving down to various classes of insects such as earthworms and bees.

Common companion plants include wheat, rye, hemp, corn, canola, bamboo, hops, various edible members of the brassica family (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard, radish, turnip…), breadfruit, potatoes, grapes, lime trees, coffee trees, mulberry bushes.  There are several commonly seen species of decorative plants.

The comparatively small selection of Companion forms (which are well-suited to human domestication and industry) when compared to the much wider variety that may be found natively in major complex planetary biospheres (such as on Felline, which is believed to have millions of native life forms) has an economic impact due to the scarcity and utility of Companion life forms.

Mythological Animals

A number of so-called ‘Mythological Companion animals’ are commonly represented in popular culture, such as Dragons, Elephants, Dogs, Horses (with and without horns), several large ‘predator’ birds and Cows.  

These mythological animals are often adopted as unit mascots by military units, such as the Legion’s 37th Fighting Dragons, or the 101st Screaming Cows.

This is less common with plants, although comedian Larry Cortez has a routine where he jokes about the Lime being boring because it was named after its colour and misses its imaginary fruit friends Lemon, Orange and Blue.