Larian Studios Forums Divinity - Original Sin Divinity - Original Sin - General Talking to Animals is Annoying

Let me start off by saying that I love the Pet Pal talent. Animal dialogue is generally simple, but fun to read.

That said, I can't be the only one to think that actually trying to talk to animals is immensely annoying, when their primary behavior is to run directly away from the player. I mean seriously, I've chased rats and chickens across entire cities, just trying to guide them into a dead end or corner so I can finally click on them.

It might be realistic animal behavior, but it rather quickly kills my enthusiasm for chatting with the little critters.

Oh yeah, I was trying to talk a chicken in Cyseal and I literally chased it for like forever. Eventually gave up. :P Rats are annoying too because of their size. I wish they were easier to click on.

I've taken to avoiding talking to most rats and things, cause chances are they don't have much unique dialogue if there is multiple in an area. Same goes for chickens so far.

But you'd think your character friendly enough to be able to talk to animals they wouldn't normally be so skittish. But I guess they just want to avoid getting slaughtered or stepped on. :P

Hint, drop something edible on the ground to lure them
(I think one of the earlier books mentions this as well)

Animal critter behavior is, I believe, fine and working exactly as intended.

If you have the Pet Pal talent, rats and chickens are not running away from you. They are perfectly fine with you and will allow you to run right up to them and strike up a conversation, no epic chase across the city required.

What they are running away from, however, is the other heavily armed and dangerous looking members of your party who do not have the Pet Pal talent. You need to unchain from them (or, if playing co-op, tell your friend to hang back) so you can approach these animals alone with the character who has the Pet Pal talent. Once you've engaged the animal in a conversation, the rest of your group can safely join you.

Ah, fair enough. Didn't even think to drop off the rest of my party before chasing after rats. Duly noted.

Apart from the fun factor and the hints provided by Pet Pal, do you ever gain any extra items or permanent bonuses from it?

There may be quests involving animals...

Yes but I'm asking about the quest rewards. (Besides XP)

XP is the reward of quests, but I assume you wanted something specific?

Makes perfect sense to lure them or keep party away. Didn't even think of using lures. As for the party I thought it might be the case, but I wasn't sure.

Thus far I've done two of the "Pet Pal" quests, that can't otherwise be completed (or even taken, for that matter, without the Pet Pal talent). Both of them provided a decent amount of XP, but no physical reward. One of them DID provide the option of keeping one of the quest items and selling it, though, which could be viewed as a source of gold you wouldn't otherwise get.

when you spot an animal... don't move. Watch it and wait for it to stop. Then... target and click on it with your character that can talk to animals. You will eventually overtake the animal and stop them for dialog.

Problem solved, there is much celebration and happiness!