A mage using this rote must communicate with the "ridden" animal and attempt to convince it to do his bidding. This magic is not so much a form of control as a sort of barter. Typically, the shaman makes an offering to the animal — a bit of food, a promise of freedom or knowledge — and asks the animal's aid in return. This sort of cooperation is most common with the animals familiar to the shaman's family and culture. A mage from northern Africa would be more at home with snakes, jackals and cheetahs than an eastern-European shaman, who would commune with various sorts of birds and wolves.

[If the mage wishes the animal to do something obviously dangerous, he must either convince it to do so (probably requiring a Manipulation + Animal Ken roll), or the player must roll a contest of Willpower to force it to do so. If the mage wants to force the animal to do something highly dangerous or obviously suicidal, the player must also expend one Willpower point. In either case, forcing the animal to perform any action makes the animal unwilling to cooperate with any further suggestions. A shaman who relies on animal servants too much may acquire a poor reputation with totem and animal spirits.]

[If the mage uses the version of rote that includes Correspondence, she may "ride" any animal she knows, regardless of distance. Mages who know this rote often have many pampered pets and work animals that they use for these purposes. Note, though, that a shaman can commune with animals of this sort due to a profound and natural respect. No shaman would consider trying to make animals into slaves or tools with this magic.]