Loxodon

[Lestat]

Homebrew Race: Loxodon

Loxodon are a powerful, thoughtful, and deadly species. They wield politics, economics, and religion as equal tools in trade, war, and civil unrest. Originally a non-space faring species split into countless family tribes, their first encounter with extra-Spherical entities was with a group of Skaven slavers. The defenseless Loxodon were made to mine the abnormally high saturation of gold found on their homeworld of Bhuloka in addition to being forced to lure and capture more slaves. With the previously scattered species now clustered teaching them how to build farms, understand basic math and Skaven language, and how to operate mining charges became necessary. The exact events that surround the liberation of the Loxodon and subjugation of their captors is debated by outsiders, but the tale given in scripture claims a four armed Loxodon appeared upon a hill calling for a turning of fortune, pulling guns from the hands of slavers, and putting tools of labor in their place.

Modern Loxodon society is a Religious Oligarchy based on Caste. Families from higher Castes send one relative to Parliment, while the people elect a President. The Constitution is a loose set of mantras, proverbs, and writings written by publicly recognized religious scholars named Sadhu. This Constitution also functions as state religion, and a set of laws which all Loxodon, immigrants, and visitors must adhere to. The enforced Caste system is the most notable part of their society. Loxodon fill the upper four Castes while other species are forced into the Dalit Caste which takes the most grueling and brutal work. Life is short and painful as a Dalit. Decriers call the system slavery based upon race, while defenders note the high number of Skaven Presidents elected. Without a willing Parliament however the position is powerless.

Physical Characteristics
Average Height: 2.1-2.8m
Average Weight: 240-410kg
Languages: Trade, Loxo, Skaven
Common Personality Traits: Duplicitous, civil, ambitious, accommodating, judicious
Common Physical Traits: Leathery skin, soulful eyes, imposing stature, gently curved tusks, long skulls
Example Names: Batyr, Hanno, Jumbo, Kandula, Topsy

Racial Statistics
Characteristic Bonus: +1 to Intelligence or Strength
Skill Bonus: +1 to Academic Lore and Athletics
Power - Hippocampus Maximus: A Loxodon never forgets. Begin play with the Eidetic Memory feat. You also have a relatively short trunk which may carry and lift objects, but isn't meticulous enough to fight with or use delicate technology.
Size: 5

Racial Feats

Diplomat's Bargain [Loxodon]
The first time in a scene you are successfully influenced with a social attack you may make a social attack of your own as a reaction. If successful their social attack fails unless they become or choose to become influenced.

Emperor's Tusks [Loxodon]
Your tusks are large and pronounced giving you a natural tusk weapon (1k2 R; Melee, Brawling), and you may use the Command skill to order around those who are not your subordinates.

Laborer's Trunk [Loxodon]
Your trunk is much more developed and capable, acting as an extra arm in every way, a roll of 3 when determining hit location strikes it instead of the body. You also gain the Heightened Senses (Smell) feat.

Master's Servant [Loxodon]
Gain an extra raise to tests you make that benefit from the Aid Another action.

Philosopher's Mind [Loxodon]
You gain the Foresight feat, and you may activate it as a Half Action.

Paragon Racial Assets

Ganeshian [Loxodon, Paragon]
There is a rare genetic mutation which has been revered for years in Loxodon society, the doubling of arms and stature indicating a life twice as substantial as that of a normal Loxodon. You gain +2 size, and two additional arms which are hit on a roll of 4 and 5.

Racial Classes

Lakshmian (Mogul)
Lakshmians are the most successful of business owners, stock brokers, and money lenders who build the wealth the rest of society reaps the benefits from. They are committed to strong partnerships and alliances, building communities that all work together for a single goal.

Maharathi (General)
Maharathi are legendary warriors who are knowledged in all forms of battle, tactics, and strategy. Maharathi lead armies in times of war, and manage politics in times of peace. Though Loxodon no longer rule by King or Emperor the Maharathi still guide Parliament to vote in a manner best fitting the evolving needs of the people.

Sadhu (Sage)
Sadhu are ancient Loxodon who have stepped past the curtains of the material world, and can view the universe objectively with no distractions. Their writings become the future foundations of the Ganeshian scripture, and their insights are used to guide the path of future research, political decision making, and social change.

Vakarman (Artisan)
Vakarman are master craftsmen who are trained in multiple professions. Their wide expertise allows them to better serve as managers, and consultants for important projects and innovative design. The shape of the cup you drink from, the chair you sit in, and window you peer out of to view the beautiful skyline are all thanks to Vakarman.

Physical Qualities

Loxodon are blessed in both mind and body. While less densely packed than a normal brain a Loxodon brain is over twice the size of an average humanoid's. Their skin is tough, wrinkly, and does not sweat. On hot days Loxodon either wear thin clothing to deflect the sun, or dip into public ponds and lakes. This tough skin is more sensitive than one might expect as a Loxodon can feel an earthquake coming through their soles sooner than most animals. Their arms end in 5 digits including an opposable thumb, while their legs end in what might first appear to be a hoof which is actually a fatty mass cushioning a digitigrade skeleton with three protruding nails.

Loxodon have several other observable features. Their large ears help cool off their massive brains, and can pick up very low frequency noises. Their tusks are often small, usually under a foot, though some Loxodon families have tusks that grow multiple feet long. The same can be said of their trunks which lack any bone, and contains more muscle than most entire humanoid species. Most Loxodon have a trunk that reaches to their pectorals, while a few have extremely powerful trunks that reach past their pelvis. This large body and brain call for enormous caloric needs. Loxodon are herbivorous feeding mostly on grasses, fruits, and tree bark. Loxodon cities have multiple skyscrapers filled with nothing but grass farms in order to keep up with population growths.

Playing a Loxodon

Loxodon society is tough. Toughest most for the Dalit, but every Caste is weighed down both by the Caste above it, and rivaling families within one's own Caste. From the top there are the philosopher priest Brahmin, the warrior Kshatriya, the mercantile Vaishya, the artisan Shudra, and beneath all the laborer Dalit. Creating allies and connections is the only way to survive, lone wolves are beaten and thrown down regularly. While there is no escaping one's Caste there is always a way to game the system. A clever Shudra is capable of holding more sway than a Brahmin so long as they loose the right lips, grease the right palms, and pay respect to the right players.

The trials of the homeland prepare Loxodon for success anywhere they go. Many are forced to learn the pronunciations of Loxodon family names as they brand banks, real estate firms, and trade ships throughout the Wheel. Even the most xenophobic of societies have Loxodon enterprises run by local workers as a sign of good faith. Allying with the Loxodon can bring trade opportunities, connections, and political security while going without puts one at the mercy of ostracization, embargoes, and calls for leadership change. This does not enshroud all Loxodon in a politically untouchable bubble wherever they go however. It is understood that Loxodon laws, and scripture are things one must agree to observe, and that outside their Crystal Sphere the laws and customs of the local land must be followed.

Loxodon are naturally very social beings. Their primary instinct is to build up rather than break down. They are outwardly cordial, and pleasant, however there is a notion of superiority Loxodon frequently keep hidden from other species. This feeling manifests itself as pity and a desire to guide rather than repulsion. Perhaps related to this: Loxodon are very fond of small creatures and often own pets. Birds are the most popular kind of pet for Loxodon as there is no risk of trampling them. While there is a great romanticism for archaic weapons and armor plated in gold their military is fully modern, and the most common personal defense weapon is the boltgun. Warp manipulation is regulated, but it is possible to earn a license to practice certain rituals. Robotics and automation are frowned upon as it threatens the Caste system, and concept that each person in the universe is born with a certain role

Loxodon Heroes

There is a cautionary tale in Ganeshian scripture that speaks of the danger of transcending one's Caste. The story of Kujarak, a tall well built Shudra who wishes to be a Kshatriya warrior, and a smaller Kshatriya general's son who is terrified of dying in the emerging war. The two meet and agree to exchange places on the day of deployment. However things turn for the worse when the factories lose the blueprints for a critical component, and a platoon commander dies putting the two unprepared Loxodon into leadership positions they are not ready for. The story ends with them asking for forgiveness from Ganesh, and returning to their rightful positions, turning the tide of the war.

Many outside Loxodon society know nothing of the tale that brought M.G. Services to become one of the leading delivery, security, and banking firms in the Great Wheel. M.G. stands for Mata'Gga, a banker's son from the Datta Vaishya family. With his inheritance he put everything into refurbishing and repairing the Spelljammer the Skaven slavers brought with them centuries ago. When he ran out of money he borrowed from the current Matriarch, and began an expedition using the ancient Astral Sea charts still preserved from years ago. The mission took three decades in total, but when he returned he brought news of a primitive species of tribal humanoids living in a neighboring Crystal Sphere. This planet was eventually colonized, and was used to springboard greater ventures into the Astral Sea. The only stipulation M.G. made before his expedition was that his family would receive a small cut of all extra-Spherical profits made. This promise has been kept for millennium, and places M.G. as the face of Loxodon power in the Wheel.

The Skaven at times will tell trusted others the tale of "The Casteless One", a Ganeshian prophet, business owner, carpenter, and custodian. As an infant he was left for dead, only to be raised and saved by a Skaven couple. When he was taken away by authorities he became a carpenter, and built a respectable business. He warned the people of a time of strife and anguish, but none would listen. He sold his business just days before Skaven riots brought the city to a halt. He reunited with his Skaven parents, and told them to take the money and escape. He promised to become the voice, and champion for the Dalit. Eventual retaliations by the Loxodon had the Skaven ready to relent and return to business as usual, however the Casteless One know the value of the Dalit after having been one, and demanded that the riots would not end until the King would agree to meet him in a debate of ideals. Before an audience of Loxodon the Casteless One and the King debated for hours. The King, unable to defend his beliefs called for the traitor's head. With one arm he grasped the King by the neck, with two more he held back spears impaled through his palms, and with the last held a book of Ganesh scripture high, declaring the King the "true rat", and that a leader must be able to walk among the people, including the Dalit with no fear in their heart. This event is supposed to have occurred shortly before the revolution that turned the monarchy into what was hoped to be a republic.

[Lestat]

Loxodon have undergone various changes since first posted. Most Hindi/Sanskrit words are more sparingly used with more context clues. Diplomat's Bargain works once per scene now, and instead of negating the target's Jadedness until you influence them you get a one time reaction to try and place an addenum on your target's attack like a second parry, or perhaps a fair deal that won't burn bridges later. Paragon Racial Assets no longer have multiple extra options. It now simply provides the original baseline benefit: bigger with extra arms. The racial classes haven't changed, but they should be easier to see inside of their own boxes.
Edit 2: Minor change to classes, their Peer feat now references a job/position in life rather than an exact Loxodon clan, making them more general, and removing more fluff from crunch.