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Available Specie List as compiled by a number of historians and added to by the author:

An Editor's note:

Said author had very loose and unorganized notes. This is a bit of a rush job to bring to print and obviously not as polished or comprehensive as the work of a learned historian. The author unfortunately refuses to make any apologies for any discrepancies between this work and any factual assertions of his betters. One would be well advised against relying on the unverifiable speculations added to the distressingly few accepted facts. The additions of his snarky comments sheds even more much needed light on his dire lack of intellectual discipline.

The terms ascension and raise are used interchangeably. The meaning of both is used to describe the process of a species over a period of time and a large number of generations to finally achieve a level of intelligent sentience. How's that for a run-on sentence? I'll bet you got the gist though. The earlier species exact point of ascension are somewhat vague while the later species are often referred to as being recognized. Over time the elder species set a standard of sentience and only after that level was met would they recognize a new species as among one of the people.

Species: Average Height:

Otter 5.5'

Perhaps the first to ascend, although that's disputed by raccoons. Ranged literally all over the world from coastlines inland. Known as very clever they are seen as responsible for helping many of the other species development. Well liked despite their playful and irreverent nature mostly because they are not condescending to the younger species.

Raccoon 4.5'

Also claim to be the first to ascend to intelligence. They tend to lose the dispute due to originally only ranging across North America. They are seen as very clever and sociable. They also lack the reputation otters enjoy in that they do not get much credit for helping other species toward their ascension. Some have accused them as having actively hindering many of the otter's early efforts.

Bear 7-8'

North America, mainly western states and northern reaches of Canada. Raccoons are saddled with credit for the rise of bears. Its not explained why they would even contemplate helping a species of carnivore more than ten times their size. However it happened they were enormously successful for the obvious reasons. They are now far less feared than during the age right after their ascension. Still, what the fuck raccoons?

Cougar 6'

Ranged over most of North America and all of South America early in their ascension. Rose to intelligence even earlier than lions. History tells that otters actively and aggressively helped them to intelligence. The real reason otters did such a thing has been lost to history. Speculation says otters were at the time suddenly under pressure from bears that had just ascended and were desperate for a large powerful ally. They are seen as pleasant enough and rank as the most accepted carnivore. Maybe the otters did it right?

Lion 7-8'

Its said that otters are responsible for their early rise. Those that make that claim attribute the otter's success with cougars as motivation to try the same with lions for much the same reasons. Lions are undisputedly the most successful carnivore in Africa. As such soon after their ascension lions put enormous pressure on the other cats seeing a rival and competitor in them. Lions also to a lesser extent put the same pressure on other species. As such they are still not well liked by other species originating in Africa.

Weasel 5'

One of the earliest to ascend. Very widespread across Europe Asia and both Americas. Its thought that they needed little help from otters and are also seen as helping others species during their ascension. While not openly condescending to other specie they do have a strong sense of pride in being one of the earliest species.

Mink 5'

Widespread across the Americas and Europe. A late arrival mostly due to weasels diligently helping in their ascension. Its said almost accusingly that weasels only tried so hard as to have a species see them as a higher more advanced form of the same species. Mink defend themselves by pointing out the successful cooperation of otters and beavers. Weasels don't give a fuck.

Mongoose 5'

They were lucky enough to rise to intelligence before lions. Had a wide range throughout the southern half of Africa and soon after ascending spread through the rest of Africa and beyond. They did as much as otters to protect many of the prey species in Africa during their early ascensions. They are well liked by many for their early sacrifice.

Vulpine 4.5'

Widespread across Europe and North America. Its speculated that the fox needed little help from anyone to gain intelligence. Its also said in reply that they are smug self important bastards. Its not really known who helped the fox but there he is.

Tiger 7-8'

Widespread across India and eastward all the way through to China. They are thought to be responsible for most prey species failure that could have also risen within their range. Due to their reputation all species tend to be extremely cautious around them. And yeah, remember, a family of tigers moved in across from Jeremy's family.

Coyote 5'

North America, range was largely throughout the current western countries of North America and into the Central Americas. Another success story of otter intervention. Coyote are seen as safe enough to be around, for the most part. They do have a bit of a reputation as being clever enough to talk a beaver out of his own pelt. Definitely the mark of being helped by otters.

Jackal 5'

Northern Africa and along eastern coast down to South Africa, one of the widest ranging african species that rose after lions. For ages they fought a vicious war with lions. Only after the rise of the hyena were they able to gain enough strength in numbers to force lions into an armistice.

Wolf 5.5'

Widespread across Europe and North America, ranging a bit wider than the fox. We've all heard of their reputation, however unearned it may be. Wolves are actually very social and welcoming even with prey species. They were among the first carnivores to embrace domestication to turn from predation.

Cheetah 5.5'

Limited to parts of Northern Africa during their ascension. While they had been driven close to extinction due to stubbornly remaining in their range. They have prospered since the rise of true civilization. While they could be forgiven an almost pathological haters for lions the seem to get along well in the modern age.

Panther 6'

The last species to come about but not by ascension. They are largely an genetic offshoot of jaguars and still few in number but are gaining in population. This is apparently due to several factors. Unlike nearly all other species, they can mate with most of the other cats of similar size and produce offspring. Said offspring are most often panthers causing their numbers to continue to climb.

Jaguar 6'

Limited to Northernmost two thirds of south America during their ascension. Their numbers are known to be slowly dwindling mostly due to being bred to extinction by panthers. Since they are oddly attracted to panthers they are ambivalent and even accepting of their fate.

Leopard 6'

Was forced to the coastal areas of Africa but prospered in the Middle East and parts of Asia. Unlike Jaguars they avoid pairing with panthers. Because of this they've gained a reputation of being slightly speciest against not only panthers but jaguars by extension.

Lynx 4'

Faired well in the mountainous parts of North America prior to ascension. Not seen as aggressive as they likely should be. Their small size allowed them to thrive and ascend despite being in direct competition for the same resources as the other cats of North America.

Ocelot 5'

Same range as the jaguar. The two are an interesting comparison against the competition of the cats of Africa. Instead as in the case of the african cats they got along other felines in their range mostly due to having only a slight overlap in prey species and desire for type of territory.

Hyena 5'

One of the few species where females are larger than males. Only successfully ascended in the Middle East and India. Due to lions rising sooner they were forced out of Africa very early in the process of their ascension.

Kangaroo 6'

Obviously Australia. The dominant species of the continent but at the same time very accepting of the rise of other species. That attitude was helped by very few species bothering to migrate to the isolated continent. In modern day they are seen as a bit smug and aloof due to being the first native species to ascend on their continent.

Wallaby 4'

Rose much later than Kangaroos and only made it due to the 'roos good nature. Low in numbers due to some apparent lack in their genetic diversity. There is a notable difficulty in adult breeding pairs bringing viable young though full gestation. They face the choice between either eventual extinction or the nearly equally unthinkable solution of including feral genes to their population. Chances are should they make use the later choice they would very likely fall below the recognized level of sentience. Modern technology may provide a solution to their dilemma.

Opossum 3.5'

Another case of early ascension helped by otters. Seen as strangely out of place, the only marsupial in North America and yet not seen in Australia. Due their constant low population they're currently seen as an unsuccessful ascension by some. While not confirmed there is rampant speculation they suffer from the same genetic malady as the wallaby. Its thought they're just waiting to slowly go extinct. They seemingly know this and have as a whole taken it to heart. They tend to be sullen and withdrawn when not actively engaged socially. History shows they were always low in number and not affected by the knowledge brought to bear by the fate of the wallaby.

Meerkat 4'

These plucky little guys made it despite the overabundance of predators on their original range. they did well enough to gain sentience in Southern Africa and rapidly recognized the need to expand out of the range of their ascension birth. They flourished once they'd migrated out of their cradle range.

Ferret 4.5'

Another specie only recently recognized as intelligent. Well known to have had help from raccoons as a bid to prove something to otters. It went well, or so raccoons think. Ferrets tend to be a little edgy and unpredictable when stressed. Despite their reputation they are well liked and trusted.

Rabbit 3'

As widespread as any species. One of the earlier species to attain intelligence. Also hugely successful, they comprise the bulk of the population in many areas of the world. Rabbits were under extreme pressure early after their ascension. Once they introduce domestication that pressure rapidly eased. They thank the wolf with a special day during Celebration Day week for taking the lead in accepting domesticated meat as a substitute to predation. Wolves privately acknowledge the praise but rarely attend the rabbit's celebration.

Rat 3'

By the time they were accepted as having the intelligence to be considered one of the people they had already spread across the entire globe. Raccoons deny this but its often attributed to them in helping rats ascend. Rats are widely despised and often the targets of open discrimination. As a result they have an even larger chip on their collective shoulders than any other species.

Mouse 3'

Mice gained recognition well before rats and somehow avoided the stigma they got. There's speculation that the reputation of rats originated with mice. They of course deny it as much as rats assert it. They do not get along well with each other. Having been largely accepted they are almost as populous as rabbits.

Red Panda 4.5'

After ascension they were widespread throughout Chine and Eastern Asia. Their numbers also took a huge hit during the Continental Wars. Are still populous but not as they had been. One of the few species to be able to claim to reach ascension without any help from otters. They do however get along very well with otters and yet are seen as rivals by raccoons. Maybe its the tail.

Beaver 5'

First ascended exclusively in North america. However once they ascended became as widespread and successful as otters. Since they compete for few of the same resources they get along well with otters and see each other as almost brother species.

Lemur 4.5'

Limited to Madagascar even in modern day. Rose only due to the help of otters. Hugely xenophobic with the sole exception of otters. No one else is allowed admission to their island. Its thought their xenophobia due to not socializing with anyone other than otters during their ascension. For some reason otters do not dispute this.

Skunk 4'

An early recognized intelligent species they are still relatively few in number. Its speculated that history prior to the continental wars has been revised to hide a purposeful attempt at exterminating skunks. They however brush this off. It may just be that they never were very populous. Their ascension is attributed to raccoons, Perhaps meant as revenge on otters in some way?

Squirrel 3'

Oh, gods, who's responsible for these guys? I kid. Squirrels are actually well liked. They are populous across the world only less numerous than rabbits and mice. Its thought they are the one time cooperation between otters and raccoon in helping a rising species. Thus we have the neurotic squirrel. Not kidding there.

Badger 5.5'

One of the last to ascend. Arose across much of Europe and northern Asia. Not only are they still retaining a bit of their late feral nature they also have a bit of a chip on their shoulder about being one of the last to ascend. Individually they are personable and very dependable.

Wolverine 4.5'

Truly the last to ascend. They were widespread across both Americas and much of Europe and rapidly rising in numbers before the Continental Wars. However due to their still aggressive and often almost feral nature they readily volunteered for military duty in any service. Their numbers were devastated and are now only found in small enclaves in the Rockies of North America and Canada where they migrated after the Wars. They are purposefully and almost single-mindedly working like none other to regain their numbers. They are now thought to be almost as sociable as any of the other species. Their aggressive breeding program appears to be having some success already.

Lizards 6'

Widespread throughout South America and Central America. One of the first to rise after otters. Its thought they were originally only four foot tall after their ascension. If that is to be believed its not known how they could have gained so much in stature while every other species has largely stayed the same. They are seen as somewhat insular and almost secretive but individually very likable.

Lost but not forgotten;

Salamander 4' ?

Not much is known about them now. They went extinct well before half the current recognized species became intelligent. Otters are accused of causing their loss, however they point out that they'd have no reason for doing so and claim they were not in direct competition. Most don't bother arguing and simply keep their conclusions to themselves. Its worth noting that feral salamanders are still on the otter's menu. The same can also be said for the raccoon's eating habits.

Legend;

Human ?

Nothing but wild speculation remains. Legends tell that they went extinct long before even otters or raccoons ever started their ascension. Occasionally a fossil or artifact will turn up in the strangest of places. A small slice of the populace believe them myth and the things that turn up nothing but a long running hoax invented by coyotes. Others, a smaller section, assert that they were real and point to the same artifacts and fossils as proof of their past existence.

Most don't give either faction the time of day. There's simply too much more to life than the dusty prehistory of the people.

There is now very little differentiation in territory among the diverse species. Many still celebrate and honor their areas of origin but have very little emotional ties to that region of the world. Differences between species are likewise celebrated, with the one notable exception, also accepted as the essential division between each individual species. Currently there appear to be no further attempts to help and feral species toward ascension. Only time can tell if that will change.

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Okay, there it is. Now that you lot have access to it let the questions come. thanks to a question slash request by Neopuc last week I've decided to add to and publish this from my notes. Hope you lot like it.