by Iorveth » Sun Nov 10, 2013 11:32 am
Iorveth from The Witcher 2 game. He is an elf and is the commander of a unit of elves that specialize in guerilla warfare. They were betrayed by their own kind and are not welcome in the elven state of Dol Blathanna. It's a sad story, really, but one that produced one of the most amazing video game characters I have ever seen. He is so well done that it is hard to believe he isn't a real person. My obsession goes so far as to name my dog (hairless, Standard Xoloitzcuintli) Iorveth.
Xolos and elves share so many qualities:
-Long lived-17-20 year old Xolos are not uncommon
-Extremely intelligent-Xolos put Border Collies to shame. Border Collies are VERY smart dogs and I have seen them outsmart their owners
on numerous occasions but Xolos are something else entirely. He makes my other two dogs (a dim-witted Smooth Collie and a genius
Bluetick Coonhound) look like they are missing half their brains. I never thought it was possible to have a dog this smart.
-Amazing survival skills-Xolos are a primitive breed meaning they aren't quite as domesticated as other breeds. They have wicked
survival skills and an unbelievable prey drive. These dogs are designed to fend for themselves in Mexican and South American
jungles.
-Old-Elves are known in most literature for arriving to whatever world the author is writing about well before humans. In The Witcher
stories, the elves call themselves one of the Elder Races. Xolos have been around for more than 3000 years and can be seen on old
pottery. They were used and owned by the ancient Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, and Colima peoples.
Both Iorveth's also share qualities:
-Teeth-The elf Iorveth has a large scar on his face. The injury took his right eye and broke some of his teeth towards the side. Not
terribly visible but you can still see them on occasion. Xolos are known for their wonky dentition. It is linked to the hairless gene.
The coated Xolos have normal dentition like a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd. Being a hairless Xolo, my Iorveth has missing
teeth.
-Trust issues-Because of the betrayal by his own people as well as the poor treatment nonhumans get from humans, Iorveth is very
distrusting. He is slow to trust but earning it will reward you with his undying loyalty (so long as you remain trustworthy, of course).
My Iorveth is much that way. Xolos are known for being aloof with strangers but, because not all get the socialization they need or
are not bred to be outgoing, many can become fearful and snappy. My Iorveth will pick and choose who he is willing to trust right
away but most people will need to earn it. Once earned, you have a best buddy for life. He is the ideal Xolo. Not going to throw his
trust around, but isn't going to hoard it either. He'll gladly give his trust but not always right away. Food will usually do the trick.
Hahaha.
So, I suppose you could add Xolos to my list of obsessions. Iorveth is my dream dog. He is just wonderful in personality and in looks. Plus, no shedding!
Pet's name: Khaos