Paws and Claws

GM-Info!
Work in progress!
Slightly NSFW!
Paws and Claws is a pet shop situated in the East Gates district of Bridgeport. The shop caters to a wide array of clientele, from nobles seeking rare and exotic pets to shopkeepers in need of working animals and even the city’s Black Guard, who rely on trained animals for patrols. Whether it’s an elegant lapdog, a loyal guard dog, or a playful companion, this shop has built a reputation for providing animals that are both well-cared-for and expertly trained.  

Owners

  Two enterprising young men, Philbert and Sigwald, are the core of the business. The older of the pair, Philbert is sharp-witted and handles the business side of things. Philbert's skilful communication skills enable him to effectively negotiate with suppliers and captivate the affluent residents of the city. With a keen eye for spotting potential in animals, Philbert ensures the shop is stocked with the best offerings. Sigwald, on the other hand, is a hands-on and practical partner. Being a natural with animals, his stocky build and patient manner make him a favourite among their furry and feathered wards. Sigwald oversees the grooming, training, and care of the animals, earning their trust and preparing them for their new homes.  
Philbert and Sigwald by Tillerz using MJ
 

History

  The shop occupies an old, disused cooperage that had fallen into disrepair. The two stumbled across the property while scouting for an affordable location to start their business. Its sturdy wooden beams, high ceilings, and large courtyard offered everything they needed to house, train, and display their animals.   After securing the building - thanks to some crafty negotiations with the absentee landlord - they worked tirelessly to clean, repair, and transform the space. They started with a small collection of stray animals that Sigwald had successfully rehabilitated, along with a few exotic creatures that Philbert had procured from his network of traders. Word quickly spread, and soon the shop became the go-to place for those in need of quality animals.
Bridgeport
The map of Bridgeport, a harbour city located in the south of Farenia, showcases a maritime center characterized by vibrant activity and bustling trade.
 
Type
Pet Shop
Parent Location
Bridgeport, East Gates District
Owner
Philbert
Sigwald
  GM info / spoilers / plot hooks.
This is GM information
 

The Business

  Philbert and Sigwald run a professional yet lively operation:  
  • Acquisition: They buy animals from hunters, travellers, and traders, ensuring a steady supply of healthy, promising creatures. At times, they adopt strays, providing them with rehabilitation and a fresh start in life.
  • Preparation: Every animal undergoes a rigorous process of grooming and training. Lapdogs are taught tricks and manners fit for noble households, while guard dogs are trained for obedience and protection. Even the exotic animals are handled with care to bring out their best traits.
  • Sales: Their clients include affluent nobles in search of exotic pets, shopkeepers looking for reliable mousers, and the Black Guard, who regularly purchase trained hounds for patrols and estate security.
 

Animal Suppliers

Darven Bellows: A skilled trapper specialising in fox kits, weasels, and other small mammals. He is a patron of the Crooked House.   Marla Greenfoot: A wandering druid who occasionally supplies rescued and tamed wild animals.   Tavrin the Trader: A travelling merchant dealing in rare and exotic creatures, though his methods are sometimes questionable. He frequently resides at the Silver Dwarf Pub.   Elric and Edda: A pair of streetwise twins who bring in stray animals they’ve found - or “liberated”. They can often be found at Lili's Orphanage.

Notable Customers

Lady Emmaline de Veuve: A noblewoman renowned for her extravagant taste, recently purchasing a parrot capable of mimicking sophisticated conversations.   The Black Guard of Bridgeport: Loyal patrons who frequently buy trained mastiffs for estate patrols and city security.   Garrick Fiddlemore: A tavern owner who purchased a pair of ferrets to keep his cellar free from vermin.   Osgood Hatterfield: A wealthy merchant who bought two sleek cats to complement the opulence of his shopfront.
 
Pet Shop by Tillerz using MJ
 

Current Animals Available

 
Noble Companions
  • A golden lapdog, bred for loyalty and charm.
  • A white peacock with iridescent tail feathers, perfect for garden displays.
  • A parrot trained to mimic greetings in several languages.
  • Shopkeepers’ Helpers
  • Black cats known for their agility and vermin-catching skills.
  • A trio of ferrets, nimble and effective at rooting out pests.
  • Guardians and Protectors
  • Three black mastiffs, trained for loyalty and vigilance.
  • A pair of hawks, ideal for messaging or pest control.
  • A sturdy boar, a favourite among rural landowners for its fierce guarding instincts.
  • Exotic Curiosities
  • A cheeky monkey with a penchant for shiny objects.
  • A vibrantly coloured snake with mesmerising patterns.
  • A turtle with a naturally intricate shell, rumoured to bring luck to its owner.
  •   GM info / spoilers / plot hooks.
    This is GM information


    Cover image: pet-shop-header by Tillerz using MJ

    Comments

    Please Login in order to comment!
    Dec 1, 2024 09:58

    Such a smart idea for a shop. This really ads to the realism of Bridgeport. Good luck with the rest of WE!

    Dec 1, 2024 10:37 by Tillerz

    Yah, I found I had to do that when I made the prompt list using the city map.

    Dec 1, 2024 09:58

    I really do like the name! That's quite cute! Do they also sell some exotic magical animals?

    At the end of everything, hold onto anything.
    Dec 1, 2024 10:39 by Tillerz

    Thanks. And yes, they do. Sigwald is a "special" guy, hence his easy bond with animals. He has some tricks up his sleeve, and the occasional magical animal for a special customer might be an option.

    Dec 1, 2024 23:04 by Imagica

    This is such an imaginative idea- truly inspiring! I love the name, too <3

    I survived Summer Camp! Check out what I wrote in my Summer Camp Hub Article
     
    Come visit my world of Kena'an for tales of fantasy and magic! Or, if you want something darker, Crux Umbra awaits.
    Dec 2, 2024 07:04 by Tillerz

    We wanted to start playing in Bridgeport at some time, but for one of the character archetype it was still missing a contact, so that's available now. :)

    Dec 2, 2024 12:31 by Marc Zipper

    What a great idea for a pet business, and in your world. I truly appreciate the two co-owners; what they bring to the table is fantastic, and I'd love to go get a pet from them.

    Let's have fun creating the impossible, building new worlds, and all types of possibilities. Valcin
    Dec 2, 2024 13:47 by Tillerz

    Thank you! A city should always have more than just a tavern, a potion trader, a blacksmith, and a general goods store. :D

    Dec 16, 2024 07:44 by Michael Chandra

    I want to spam all the heart emojis. <3 <3 <3   The parrot reminds me of a comic I once read with a parrot betraying a mob plot to kill their boss. "Grawk! Gonna kill boss tonight! Grawk!" and the final panel was streetlight-shadows in the street behind the window, showing them getting gunned down by their boss. O_O If she trains that parrot to only repeat some overheard stuff on command... Great way of spying.


    Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young
    Dec 16, 2024 07:53 by Tillerz

    Thanks. <3

    Jan 19, 2025 19:08 by Kitty V

    This is such a beautiful article! I love the description of the available animals and shopkeeper helpers.

    they/them
    Jan 22, 2025 18:24 by Tillerz

    Thank you!

    Feb 7, 2025 10:05

    Love the details about the shop. You added many ways for this shop to be used in play with some intrigues and mysteries. Especially like the idea that the nobles get access to a secret basement with the magical creatures. Really seems like the sort of stuff those nobles would pay extra for.

    Feel free to check my entries for the World Anvil Worldbuilidng Awards if you want to see what I am up to!  
    Feb 7, 2025 14:10 by Tillerz

    Glad you like it. \o/

    Powered by World Anvil