Falconry
Falconry is the practice of hunting using trained birds of prey. The practice is very common across the central kingdoms, predominantly amongst the nobility where owning such birds of prey is as much a status symbol as it is a means of entertainment. A variety of different birds are used, however, the ownership of such birds is sometimes restricted based upon social standing. In the Grand Duchy, for instance, the gyrfalcon which is the largest of the species is only permitted to be owned by the Grand Duke himself, lower status nobles often owning Duck Hawks or Rock Falcons. Puuri Misantylo, a nobleman famous for his gentle manner and advocate of noble qualities, remarked in his book relating to noble etiquette:
"A king should find a gyrfalcon suitable to his company, large and dignified in demeanor as the king himself. A queen or a prince require the grace of station and manner of subordinance to their liege, a female falcon is suitable to meet these requirements. A rock falcon compliments the sturdy and dependable presence of a Duke, a count may find a Duck Hawk suitable to the granduer of his station. A bastard hawk for the lord and saker for the knight. A merlin for their lady and a hobby for their sons. The common man may suffice for a goshawk at the more gentle stations, a sparrowhawk to serve the heralds and a kestrel to accompany the servant."
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