Loxodon
Loxodites, Cosharan Giants, Elephant-Folk
The humanoid elephants called loxodons are often oases of calm in the busy streets of Astrium. They hum or chant in sonorous tones and move slowly or sit in perfect stillness. If provoked to action, loxodons are true terrors — bellowing with rage, trumpeting and flapping their ears. Their serene wisdom, fierce loyalty, and unwavering conviction are tremendous assets to their guilds.
Lumbering Giants
Loxodons tower above most other humanoids, standing over 7 feet tall. They have the heads — trunks, tusks, ears, and faces — of elephants, and hulking bipedal bodies covered by thick, leathery skin. Each of their hands has four thick digits, and their feet are the flat-bottomed, oval-shaped feet of elephants.
Like that of an elephant, a loxodon’s trunk is a useful appendage. In addition to providing a keen sense of smell, the trunk can be used to lift and carry even heavy objects. The trunk can be used to carry both food and liquid to the mouth and can even act as a snorkel.
Gifted Stoneworkers
Loxodons are tireless, patient artisans with an unrivaled intuition about their craft. Although they make nurturing spiritual leaders, their gift for stonework is so ingrained that they are often at a loss when they try to impart that knowledge to others.
Unbounded Loyalty
Loxodons believe that the members of a group have a responsibility to look out for each other. Once they have joined a guild or bonded with other individuals in any capacity, loxodons devote themselves to maintaining that bond. They coordinate their efforts and are often willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the group. They expect reciprocal loyalty and commitment from the other members of their communities and can be severe in their disappointment when their trust is betrayed.
***In Astrium***
The Loxodon people of Coshar are a serene and deeply spiritual race, known for their wisdom and peaceful demeanor. Towering and imposing in stature, they have thick, elephant-like skin and large, expressive eyes that reflect their gentle nature. These beings value tranquility and mindfulness, often found meditating or performing rituals to honor the natural world. The Loxodon believe in the interconnectedness of all life and have a strong tradition of healing and community-building.
In their settlement on Coshar, they have created a sanctuary of peace amid the lush, tropical environment. Their homes are carved from the island's native stone, adorned with intricate carvings that tell tales of harmony, balance, and the pursuit of enlightenment. They live in harmony with the land, cultivating gardens and sacred groves where they can connect with nature. The Loxodon practice a form of communal leadership, where elders are respected for their wisdom and guide the community through consensus and meditation.
Despite their peaceful nature, the Loxodon are not defenseless. They possess immense strength and are formidable when provoked. However, they prefer to use their power to protect rather than to dominate, believing that true strength lies in restraint and understanding. Their partnership with the Giff on Coshar is a testament to their ability to find common ground, fostering a unique balance between the Loxodon's serene philosophy and the Giff's martial discipline.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Loxodon resemble humanoid elephants, with broad torsos, long arms, and sturdy legs. Their most distinct features are their trunk and tusks, both of which vary slightly in length and curvature among individuals. Their thick, leathery skin is highly durable, providing natural protection against the environment. Tusks are primarily used for foraging and self-defense, while their trunk serves as an additional limb, capable of performing intricate tasks.
Genetics and Reproduction
Loxodon have a slow rate of reproduction and long gestation period, typically bearing one offspring every 7 to 10 years. They have a matriarchal lineage, with a strong sense of family and kinship. The family structure is integral to their society, and Loxodon care for their offspring for extended periods, ensuring they are prepared for adulthood.
Ecology and Habitats
The Loxodon thrive on the lush, tropical island of Coshar, where they live in harmony with the natural world. Their settlement, Serentinel, is nestled among ancient stone structures and sacred groves. They are skilled gardeners and caretakers of the land, viewing the island’s resources as sacred and essential to maintaining balance. Their integration into Coshar’s ecosystems includes sustainable harvesting and the cultivation of native flora to encourage biodiversity.
Behaviour
Loxodon are gentle, introspective, and value serenity. They approach challenges with a calm and measured demeanor, preferring mediation over aggression. Highly empathetic, they are quick to sense the emotions of those around them, using their intuition to foster community harmony. Their respect for all forms of life makes them natural diplomats and healers, and they frequently engage in ritualistic practices to connect with ancestral wisdom.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Slightly above human average, with a strong emphasis on wisdom, perception, and intuition.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Loxodon have an acute sense of smell, relying heavily on their trunks to detect subtle scents, locate resources, and recognize individuals. They also possess heightened auditory abilities, able to pick up low-frequency sounds imperceptible to many other species. Their strong, sonorous voices carry well across large distances, allowing them to communicate even in dense forested areas.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Loxodon names are solemn and carry ancestral weight. Typically, a Loxodon has a first name inspired by natural elements (e.g., Shiraak, Yatuma) and a lineage name derived from their matriarchal ancestry. They often use honorifics to signify elders, healers, or warriors within the community.
Beauty Ideals
Loxodon value physical markings that reflect wisdom and strength. Scarring from ritualistic body painting, the shape and health of tusks, and the clarity of one’s eyes are seen as signs of beauty and character. Intricate jewelry made from natural materials, such as wood or stone, also enhances their appearance.
Gender Ideals
The Loxodon culture holds no rigid gender roles; rather, individuals are encouraged to follow paths that align with their personal calling, be it spiritual, intellectual, or physical. Respect for one's life choices and personal integrity is paramount.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship among Loxodon is a slow, deliberate process that emphasizes emotional connection and mutual respect. Partners engage in shared meditation sessions, exchange symbolic gifts, and observe family traditions together. Community approval is significant, as unions often involve the integration of familial customs and values.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships are rooted in loyalty, understanding, and mutual support. The Loxodon practice extended family living, where intergenerational knowledge and resources are shared. They prioritize relationships that nurture growth and uphold harmony within the community.
Common Etiquette Rules
Loxodon value patience, active listening, and non-intrusive behavior. Interrupting a speaker or showing impatience is considered highly disrespectful. Greetings often include a soft hum and a touch of the trunk, symbolizing peaceful intentions.
Common Dress Code
Dress is simple and functional, made from natural fibers in shades that blend with the environment. Loxodon favor flowing robes adorned with minimalistic designs, often depicting celestial or nature-based motifs. During rituals, they wear ceremonial garments decorated with beads, feathers, or stones.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Loxodon are deeply connected to their spiritual heritage, often reciting proverbs and teaching ancestral stories. They celebrate cosmic cycles and environmental milestones, believing that respecting natural rhythms is essential to sustaining life.
- Meditation Rituals: Practiced daily to honor ancestors and seek wisdom.
- Seasonal Festivals: Celebrations include the Festival of the Winds, honoring the island's spirits.
- Tusk Carving: Symbolic carvings on tusks mark important life events, like adulthood and bonding.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Day of Reflection
Date: 4th Serenora
Purpose: To honor peace, wisdom, and the Loxodon's deep connection to nature, while fostering community and reflecting on their values.
Traditions:
Silent Meditation: The day begins with a period of silent reflection. Loxodon families gather at dawn in serene natural locations, such as groves or riversides, to meditate and seek inner peace.
Communal Feast of Harmony: After the morning meditation, the Loxodon gather for a grand feast. The meal is made from locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing harmony with nature. The feast is a time for sharing stories, wisdom, and experiences.
Storytelling: Elders recount tales of the Loxodon's ancestry, the history of Coshar, and lessons of patience, unity, and understanding. These stories reinforce the community's values and inspire the younger generation.
Ceremony of Blessing: As evening approaches, the Loxodon partake in a ceremony where they light lanterns, representing their wishes for peace and prosperity. These lanterns are either released into the sky or set afloat on water, symbolizing hope and the spread of tranquility.
Drumming and Chants: The day concludes with a gentle drumming circle and chants that resonate throughout the settlement. The sounds are meant to echo their commitment to balance, harmony, and serenity.
Significance: The Day of Reflection is a time for the Loxodon to connect with their inner selves, their community, and the world around them. It is a day to celebrate peace, remember their heritage, and renew their dedication to living a life of harmony.
Common Taboos
- Dishonoring Nature: Wastefulness or disregard for nature is strongly condemned.
- Raising Voice in Anger: Loxodon are taught to resolve conflicts calmly; losing one’s temper is seen as a loss of self-discipline.
- Tusks Damage: Deliberate damage to one’s tusks or another’s is viewed as desecration.
History
The Loxodon were living in peace in the material plane of Ravnica before they had arrived in the Nexus Plane, after arriving in Astrium, through planar tears that only opened in small areas of the world. The loxodon had lived on the island of Coshar which was separated from the mainland, they were living in solitude on their island until they were joined by a race of militaristic hippo-people the Giff.
Today, the Loxodon and the Giff are working towards a joint seat on the Astrium Council with the formation of their city - Serentinel.
Common Myths and Legends
The Great Tusker: A legendary ancestor who, with wisdom and courage, shaped Coshar’s landscape to create a haven for the Loxodon.
The Trunk of Light: A story of an ancient Loxodon who received a vision of the cosmos and shared its secrets, teaching the people that all life is interconnected.
The Cosmic Breath: It’s believed that the winds of Coshar carry ancestral voices, guiding the Loxodon towards peace and understanding. They believe that when they pass, they too will join the wind, eternally watching over their kin.
Scientific Name
Loxodus Cosharus
Lifespan
300 years
Average Height
7 - 8 feet
Average Weight
300-400 pounds
Average Physique
Powerfully built, with a broad frame and muscular limbs suited for physical labor, endurance, and defensive capabilities.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their skin ranges from dark gray to a warm, light taupe, with some Loxodon displaying subtle speckling on the trunk and cheeks. They may adorn themselves with tribal markings or symbols representing their lineage and personal values, painted with natural dyes in muted earth tones.
Geographic Distribution
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