Loxodon

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

All Loxodon have three letters which makes up their first name, such as: Vev, Nem, Sis, Boz, Sel, Ven Loxodon last names are often quite complex, each is a unique expression which the parents choose to individualize their child, such as: Shoosnom, Utrezulya, Thrisookozh

Beauty Ideals

Loxodon universally adore poetry. The Hall of Requiem is perhaps the greatest reliquary of poets and poetry on Potestatem.

Gender Ideals

Gender is not a solid concept in Loxodon society. One can generally present themselves however they wish without judgement. Most present themselves in an androgynous fashion, as gender identity is generally viewed as frivolous by the Loxodon.

Courtship Ideals

Loxodon tend to have large families and little regard for courtship or monogamy. Sex is often viewed as necessary for reproduction, but not otherwise useful. Indeed, it is a point of pride amongst Loxodon that they do not angst about such things.

Relationship Ideals

The large families and polyamorous lifestyle of many Loxodon means that children are raised collectively by the community. Relationships are also quite fluid, with concepts and relationship dynamics such as "parents" and "relatives" being less important then other societies. The most important relationship a Loxodon will develop in life is that of, "mentor;" which in Loxodon society, replaces the traditional role of the biological parent.

Average Technological Level

The Loxodon of the Snaleshi Swamps maintain an significantly higher technology level then their Snaleshi counterparts. Despite this, their society is also stifling to new ideas, as the rigidity of their ancient culture does not allow change.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common, Lizard and Loxodon are the three languages most Loxodon can speak.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Loxodon cultural heritage is not an organically created phenomena. Rather, The Hall of Requiem has shaped the society to revolve around it's continued existence. As such, Loxodon soceity has been segmented into 5 castes.
Prophets: The highest caste. Prophets are those who took the heralds path and successfully returned to Loxodon society. Prophets are the honored few who get to converse with the inhabitants of the Hall of Requiem directly. They are seen as the equivalent of legendary heroes by their society.
Poets: Those who have successfully passed the trials and tribulations of a Professor; letting them become a Poet. Poets are permitted to enter into the Hall of Requiem and rehearse poetry. They are often seen as the equivalent to village elders in other societies.
Professors: Adult Loxodon who have yet to craft a Professor Orb. But have not become Perilous. Professors are seen as the equivalent to respectable working age adults in other societies.
Protected: Children and those who have yet to obtain a mentor. Upon reaching adulthood and obtaining a mentor, they will graduate to the caste of Professor. Protected are seen as and treated as children would be in other societies. (Even if they are not minors.)
Perilous: Loxodon who have broken a taboo. All outsiders are also considered Perilous. Those who announce themselves as taking the Heralds Path. Perilous are seen as subhuman.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

The Heralds Path is a specialized journey which leads a Loxodon away from the Hall of Requiem. A Loxodon who declares they are taking the Heralds Path automatically become Perilous and they are banished from society until they complete their journey. The Loxodon cannot return until they find and bond with a unique sentient magic item; which is not yet in the Hall of Requiem. "Heralding" the sentient magic item into Hall fulfills the qualification to become a prophet.

Common Taboos

The destruction of or misuse of sentient magical items is seen as the gravest taboo in Loxodon society. Such a thing is seen as deserving of a punishment worse then death.
Leaving Loxodon society without the permission of the Hall of Requiem.
Speaking ill of the Hall of Requiem.
Breaking with the various other rules of Loxodon society.

History

The Loxodon of Potestatem arrived during the first century of the 4th era; travelers from the Astral Sea. This group would settle in the foothills of the Foisham Range, just inside the Snaleshi Swamps. They were allowed to do so by the Snaleshi, in exchange for the task of containing the Sine Fine Vitem, which was at the time threatening to encroach into the Swamp proper.
The voyage occurred because of the significant concentration of Zeal on Potestatem. This enables an equally impressive amount of sentient magic items, which are important for Loxodon society.
Most Loxodon would remain in the village set up around the Hall of Requiem. Those that chose to turn their back on traditional Loxodon society were banished from the village, forced to live away from their kind. This has created a small enclave of Loxodon in the City of Snalesh, who generally opposes the oppressive Hall of Requiem and the culture which it imposes on the Loxodon. These outcasts refer to themselves as, "Snaleshi Loxodon."