Chocobo
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These large, herbivorous birds are unable to fly, but their powerful legs allow them to run at high speeds. Its size and impressive speed make it the most popular type of mount in Vana'diel. Although too small to allow flight, the chocobo's wings assist in keeping balance and also function as a type of brake. In the past, the Elvaan primarily used chocobos as mounts and general labor, but as of late, chocobos have been raised all over the world and are a popular form of transportation. Great skill is required to ride them due to their wild nature. These birds are very fond of Gysahl Greens. When given a gysahl green, a chocobo will be able to dig for buried items. Although chocobos do love gysahl greens, when they are housed in the stables they eat San d'Orian Carrots for their high nutritional value and Cupid Worms to build strong bones and muscles. In order to obtain a Chocobo License to ride a chocobo, you must first have attained level 20, and completed the Chocobo's Wounds quest in Upper Jeuno. Once a license has been obtained, players level 20 or higher may rent a chocobo from a number of Chocobo Renters scattered across Vana'diel with a base riding duration of 30 minutes. Players level 15 through 19 may rent a chocobo from the stables in San d'Oria, Bastok, or Windurst but can only ride for 15 minutes, and are not affected by equipment bonuses. |
History of the Chocobo
A species native to the La Theine Plateau, the wild Chocobos were once seen racing across the plains in great numbers. However, as the people of Vana'diel began to realize the utility of this fleet-footed creature, more and more Chocobos were captured and domesticated. A truly wild Chocobo is now a rare sight to behold.
Elvaan had raised Chocobos for use in farming, hunting, and general labor since before recorded history. But once the practice of riding bareback was civilized with the invention of reins and saddles, the number of people using Chocobo mounts suddenly soared. Merchants now preferred Chocobos for long, overland journeys, and the military adopted the creatures for use in highly mobile cavalry units. Today they are raised by the Vana'diel Chocobo Society who over see their care and dispatch them to Chocobo stables throughout Vana'diel. People have begun selective breeding programs since the unprecedented fascination with the creature has spread to every corner of Vana'diel. Recently, the Chocobo Racing held at a local level has been elevated to the world stage, garnering unprecedented attention.
Chocobo Breeds
Quick note: It is a common misconception that the different colored chocobos can do different things in FFXI. These descriptions are just for flavor, and while you can certainly raise your chocobo to reflect its traditional archetype, the color you end up with will not affect stats or abilities.
Destrier
These knightly mounts were bred in San d'Oria. They underwent training that allowed them to bear the weight of heavy armor and withstand the shock of cavalry charges. Destriers were characterized by their large, jet-black bodies and thick, powerful legs. With the decline of lance combat and improvements to ranged weaponry, destriers lost their place in battle to the faster coursers. These days, there are no remaining purebred destriers, but it is possible to see their proud bloodlines occasionally reemerge in the birth of rare, black chocobos.
Courser
The courser is a larger-than-average chocobo and is the most common breed found in the Kingdom of San d'Oria. They are characterized by their streamlined bodies, and long, graceful legs. They were originally bred for scouting duties, but their adoption into the military was accompanied by a general acceptance of the courser as an everyday mount. On extremely rare occasions, a red-colored courser will be born.
Palfrey
The mid-sized palfreys were bred to withstand the searing air and blazing heat of the desert. They are mainly raised in the Republic of Bastok and on Zepwell Island. With a relatively gentle demeanor, these chocobos are suited for those with who lack advanced riding skills. Palfreys are known to come in both blue and yellow.
Jennet
This breed of chocobo has been magically reduced in size to provide mounts for the diminutive Tarutaru. They have short legs when compared to other breeds, but like the Tarutaru themselves, jennets are capable of maintaining a rapid pace. Due to a request from the southern Mithra wishing to blend into the jungle, there are some jennets that can be found in a shade of green.
Rounsey
With its huge population of adventurers, Jeuno boasts more frequent use of chocobos than any other nation. The main type of chocobo to be found in the duchy is the mid-sized rounsey. The pride of the famous trainer Brutus and his family, the rounsey is the result of a lengthy breeding program involving wild chocobos. This program has produced a robust mount of somewhat unpredictable temperament that is suited for long, punishing treks.
See Also
- Chocobo Digging
- Chocobo Raising OOE
- Chocobo License
- Chocobo Renter
- The Chocobo Hot and Cold Game OOE
- Chocobo Raising Guide OOE
- Chocobo Racing Guide OOE
- Chocobo Digging and Gardening
- A Chocobo Riding Game (Kazham)
- A Chocobo Riding Game (San d'Oria)
- A Chocobo Riding Game (Windurst)
- A Chocobo Riding Game (Bastok)
