Description

The Lotoran of The Ever Haven are victims of unfortunate, but not historically inaccurate stereotyping. Small, and historically uncombative, this species of raccoon-folk are said to be expert pickpockets and thieves due to their soft paws and agile bodies. However, while vilified for their traits as nuisances, these people are also admired for their more ingenious traits. The Lotorans are naturally clever and explorative, and take part in the arts with surprising alacrity. Additionally, the Lotoran thrived during this period of mass industrialism in The Ever Haven, not just surviving the Iron War, but thriving.

Trash “Bandits”

Lotoran are small mammalian creatures, and while each of their four limbs is mechanically identical, they walk upright like any humanoid and have fully articulated paws that act very much like hands, though with shorter, stubbier fingers and short claws that are used almost like nails. While they walk upright like any humanoid, it is shown that they sometimes run in a quadrupedal way. A Lotoran’s paws are vital, as they house the most nerves compared to any other part of their body. Approximately three-quarters of their sensory brain is dedicated to the sensation of touch, and because of this, Lotorans are known to love touching things.

Lotorans have bushy fur covering almost their entire body that can come in a small variety of colours, usually grey, brown, or in some cases stark white. Some parts of their bodies do appear black, but those blacks are not naturally occurring. Lotorans are often known to use black dyes as a way of decorating their fur. Most decorations vary by region and culture, but certain patterns unite all Lotoran.

For example, a Lotoran’s thick, bushy tail is often decorated with several black rings. Children typically have zero rings, while adults have rings as little as 1 and as many as 6. What the rings signify varies as well by region and culture. In some cultures, a Lotoran gains rings with age, for some, it represents the importance of one’s accomplishments, and for some, it represents their station in society. A Lotoran’s rings and their “mask” are the two dyed decorations that unite the Lotoran people.

Lotoran Society

Lotorans typically adapt to any societal environment but are known to congregate in close-knit communities of their friends and families, often all living in the same domicile. They live a very eclectic way of life, taking the best qualities of many regions into their living space. Many constructed Lotoran spaces include tunnels that easily connect every room in the space. Everyone in a Lotoran household works to contribute to the group, having diverse skill sets among them to help bring utility to any situation.

The precipice of designation in Lotoran society is the “Shadepatch Ink.” This aforementioned thick, black ink is what is used to mark the Lotoran’s fur, making individual designs, or unified designs like the tail rings or the mask. The making of the Ink can vary by culture and by region, but primary ingredients can range from blackberries to squid ink, and even shop oil.

A distinct marking on the Lotoran is their “mask,” which they design once they become old enough to contribute to their household. The “mask” is meant to reflect the Lotoran’s occupation, but not to have that meaning immediately recognizable. Many career thieves have a mask that is meant to reflect a bandit mask, but it shouldn’t be immediately known to everyone that the Lotoran is a bandit. Because of this, a Lotoran’s mask carries special meaning only to that Lotoran and to their companions, inspired by their great feats and skills. Much Lotoran resort to stable trades of artisanship, or revelling in mechanical prowess and tinkering, a growing economic focus in The Ever Haven. Their masks also reflect these trades and skills.

The Treasures of the World

Curious by nature, Lotorans are likely to adventure when there is the promise of treasure or unique artefacts that might attract their fancy. An even more characteristic reason a Lotoran might adventure is for the well-being of a loved one. Lotoran form powerful familial and platonic bonds with those in their community, and some would go to the ends of the earth to accomplish a goal that would contribute to a loved one’s safety or happiness. Regardless of why they adventure, Lotoran will adapt to any environment just fine but may struggle not to hoard everything they find.

Stealing Hearts

Lotorans tend to be quite friendly towards strangers, some out of genuine kindness, but most in hopes of gaining something from the interaction. Many will testify that these small creatures are not above using their adorable exterior to their advantage. Lotoran does indeed have an innate fascination with objects, and many will take objects that aren’t being watched without a second thought. It’s because of this that Lotorans tend to be hoarders and many will steal trash in hopes of creating something worthwhile from the rubble. If they aren’t taking things from shops and merchants, they are known to haggle. Lotorans typically use strangers to their advantage but are fierce and loyal friends to those who they consider close.