Pygmee Trunk Tucker

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Pygmee Trunk Tucker
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Fauna
Official Name Pygmee Trunk Tucker
Common Nicknames Little Phant
Classification Mammal
Habitat Jungles of Jadeheart
Domesticated Yes
Current Status Rare

The Pygmee Trunk Tucker is the smallest of all Elephau in Aloria, and its original homeland were the distant continents of Jadeheart, which guaranteed that they would never be seen beyond the Sihai sphere. Their appearance and attitude today is sure to earn them fans among the youth of Aloria, and they are the most common species of Elephau to be found domesticated in circuses and entertainment enterprises, with such examples being new exports from the Sihai kingdoms.

History

The Pygmee Trunk Tucker was discovered very early into the history of the Sihai, where a now famous children’s story tells of the animal coming down from the heavens and over a waterfall to the tooting of its own nose, to the great amazement of the assembled townspeople. The real tale is more down to earth as the animal was discovered when a juvenile was pulled over a waterfall and crashed into the lake used by a town in Sheng’s northeast region. Injured, it was saved by the townspeople, and they were soon greeted by the arrival of the herd. Since that time, the Pygmee Trunk Tucker has had a close relationship with the Sihai, quickly being domesticated and used in the Race’s entertainment industry but also, eventually, their warfare. Whether they were imported to the Zhong Kingdoms somehow or thrived since the region first existed is unclear. Still, they became staples of the area, and when contact with Sheng was lost, the animal lived on in the lands of Zhong. Since that time, the animal has continued to live on in domesticated menageries, or as entertainment for the masses. But, this has ultimately left their numbers in the wilds of Zhong limited. The future of the Pygmee Trunk Tucker is uncertain, but its rapidly grown persona as an adorable and lovable animal is likely to ensure there are future generations of Sihai and Regalian children who will fight to keep such a creature around.

Physical Appearance

The Pygmee Trunk Tucker stands at a mere nine feet tall, is only ten to fifteen feet long, and weighs some 400 to 600 pounds. Their heads are large, with huge floppy ears on either side, with a pair of small brown eyes resting above a pair of short white tusks emerging from a small mouth. Their face is also dominated by the physical feature most associated with them, that being their trunk. Unlike other Elephau species which often have their trunk hanging loose, the Trunk Tucker does just that, rolling its trunk up beneath its head, only extending it to help it eat or drink. At all other times, it remains curled, giving them a “bashful” look in the eyes of those who have seen or known other members of this category of mammal. The rest of the creature is standard for other Elephau, with a large physical body supported by four strong round-footed legs. However, unlike other members of the category, the Pygmee Trunk Tucker has a long tail, one so long that it slightly drags on the ground behind it. Additionally, the animal is covered in a thick hide of varying shades of gray.

Diversity

The Pygmee Trunk Tucker has no sexual dimorphism between the different genders and is believed to have an equal gender population. However, considering how few are left and the long time it takes for them to produce a single child, such a fact is liable to fluctuate within only a few years.

Life Span and Development

The Pygmee Trunk Tucker has a gestation period of twenty months before one child is born. In this state, the calf is a very pale gray with ears almost comically too big for its body. However, within a few weeks, its skin tone darkens and it grows into its ears. The animal’s tusks don’t come in until the age of one, and following this, for the next ten years, the animal will gradually grow into its adult size. At the age of ten, it is considered fully mature and it will break off from its parents to live a life on its own. The animal is believed to be capable of living some 80 years.

Mental Overview

The Pygmee Trunk Tucker is a naturally shy animal, having only recently come into contact with sentient Races. It will shuffle its feet, give small sputtering noises and generally appear “bashful” when approached by new people. Once the creature gets used to them, it will be very affectionate, which can be hazardous as while they are the smallest of their kind, they are still very heavy and can accidentally harm people if not trained properly. They also show this same caring and affection toward their offspring as well as their mates, for this species of Elephau mates for life. Pygmy Trunk Tuckers are also capable of a range of vocalizations, though as their trunk is often curled, these are usually quiet, sputtering acts. However, every juvenile Trunk Tucker is known to fall ill with “The Toots,” a harmless disease which makes the animal loudly sneeze, producing deafening and sudden blasts from their trunk. They also let loose such calls when they are in danger.

Territory and Groupings

The Pygmee Trunk Tucker is a herd animal, existing in collectives of about seven to twelve family units together which roam through the jungle terrain of their homeland. They often ford rivers and travel the same roaming paths, leading to well known “Tucker Trails” through the lush growth in Zhong’s eastern lands.

Trivia

  • Pygmee Trunk Tuckers are often trained to balance on balls and perform other feats that appear extraordinary for such large creatures.
  • There are well-loved Sihai children’s tales of a baby Pygmee Trunk Tucker who, thanks to an enchanted feather, is capable of flight.

Accreditation
Writers HydraLana
Processors BillyTheScruffy, LumosJared
Last Editor HydraLana on 01/9/2024.

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