Loxokhala

Loxokhala
The Loxokhala are elephant-humanoids that l

argely dwell within the outer edges of the Oxylo Jungle within Ekuka, particularly within Sogolon - the City of Beasts.

Whilst humans of Tol may see the Loxokhalaa alls a) martial race of mighty warriors (owing to their L a Lot with the Loxokhala), they are in fact a deeply spiritual people; their beliefs and tramditions focused around a form of ancestor worship, and they possess a level of emotional intelligence and connectedness with their kin not seen among other races.6

Appearance
Measuring anywhere from 2m to 3.5m tall, alongside their large elephant builds Loxokhala cast an imposing figure. Their massive ears, long trunks, and tusks reaching out from either side of their mouths are characteristics common to all Loxokhala.

Their skin generally comes in shades of grey, with spotted depigmentation that appears across their ears, face, and torso as they age. Should they not succumb to disease or be otherwise killed, a Loxokhala may live to be as old as around 400, making them the most long lived of the known world. Whilst most do not have significant heads of hair to speak of, it is not too uncommon to see Loxokhala with thick dreaded locks (even covering much of their body), some exhibiting bright red hair.

History
Like many of the Oxylo's inhabitants, the Loxokhala once roamed the ancient savannahs of the Ekuka. Their society revolved around seasonal migrations, with different familial tribes having different migratory paths, passed down through the generations. This way of life gradually came to a halt with the arrival of the Oxylo Jungle, though there remain some families of Loxokhala that still cling to this semi-nomadic way of life in spite of the dangers they now face.

Society
The bulk of the remaining Loxokhala live within the city of beasts - Sogolon. Whilst this has brought about drastic changes to their traditional way of life, the basic organisational structure of their society largely remained in tact; at the base level, their communities revolve around family clans headed by a senior Matriarch. Families inhabiting the same area (the same villages within Sogolon) form communities wherein the matriarchs form a synod - a spiritual council - to rule on collective issues impacting all of those in the community. There is no central authority over all Loxokhala, and all are willing participants in this social structure; any wishing to leave may do so, which is often how Loxokhala find themselves in the likes of Tol.

Being the base unit of their society, a Loxokhalas family (which includes extended family) is incredibly important to the way they live and work.

They are among the greatest foragers in the jungle, their sensitive trunks the keenest of olfactory organs. But any venture into the jungle is beset by danger, and despite their size, they are not immune to the perils the Oxylo presents.

Outside of their foraging expeditions, the Loxokhala are ardent farmers, tending cultivated patches of jungle produce. Traditional field crops not being an option, much of their cultivation is focused around various fungi (including mushrooms), orchards of fruiting trees, and various roots.

Religion
Broadly referred to as ancestor worship, it is perhaps more accurate to describe their beliefs as ancestor veneration. Loxokhala burial sites are sacred, and although few now exist, pilgrimages to their sites are undertaken to perform funeral rites.

The 'suma - the Loxokhalan name for their emotive 'sixth sense' - allows them to experience intensely powerful emotional connections with those they choose to, such that many still feel the presence of those who pass on, in the form of an emotional imprint. In this way, Loxokhala do not fear death, and their funerals are not to mourn their dead but instead to celebrate the lives they had.

Another aspect of Loxokhalan religious culture is the use of tattooing. They use tattoos to mark all kinds of important events, celebrations, tragedies, or anything significant in their lives. The birth of a new family member, the death of a loved one, a blossoming relationship, a great battle, a festival, anything that an individual deems worthy they will ensure is marked upon their body in the form of elaborate traditional tattooing.

Those who have covered every surface of their skin in tattoos are said to have achieved 'Mammut'; roughly, a position of respect and honour, akin to a community or spiritual leader. This is no easy feat, given the massive size of the Loxokhala.

Some Loxokhala are known to commit to the religious aspect of their lives more significantly, taking vows of absolute pacifism (with a few even dedicated to not harming any bug or beetle).

Warfare
Their massive stature gives Loxokhala warriors an innate advantage; few would willingly attempt to engage a fully clad Loxokhala hulking towards them. Despite this, they are not inherently a martial people. In the past, inter-family conflict was usually resolved through intense individual duels between matriarchs. Although this is rarely exercised, it is still the preferred method over full scale clan battle.

Those choosing to depart their communities often find themselves drawn to Tol, where there is ever demand for the services of a Loxokhala, particularly as bodyguards for the rich and powerful (wealthy merchants are among the primary employers). Fully clad in dazzling scale armour, and wielding mighty war axes, they are truly a sight to behold, able to cleave enemies in two such is the strength of trained adult warriors.

Subraces
There are no subraces, per se. Much like humans, there is great personal variation in appearance.