Loko

The Loko are a secluded race who make their villages deep within the forest of Darkwood, with many still questioning why they would settle in that wretched, monster-infested forest to begin with. Loko are the shortest of all other sapient species, often standing only 3-4 feet tall on average, with brightly glowing colored eyes, dark green skin, four fingered hands and pointed fluffy ears. The Loko are often described as being very mischievous, jovial and smug, even to an uncomfortable or annoying degree, sometimes scaring or pulling pranks on travelers. Loko are highly regarded due to their excellent company, helpful nature, games and quality ale. Despite their tendencies, the Loko care deeply for others and will go out of their way to assist those who are lost in Darkwood, bringing them back to their safe villages in the trees. Despite their small stature, the Loko choose to wield large, curved weapons such as scythes, hooks and axes, using them to latch onto and swing from tree to tree, using their momentum to travel great distances or make sweeping attacks. A traditional garb for Loko is their green cloth hoods and leather and fur armor. A staple of Loko craft is that of their warding lanterns, which are made by placing lumenflys into glass lanterns, the glow and spice-like smell of these specific bugs seem to cause the dangerous creatures of Darkwood to stay away; the Loko fill their villages with these lanterns and have farms for the lumenflys. The Loko never leave their towns without a warding lantern, usually attaching them to the ends of their large weapons. Having spent almost their entire histories within the dark confines of Darkwood, the Loko have managed to stay out of almost every major conflict and war that has shaped Latani. Though the Loko do not have a large organized military, those that are considered warriors are never seen without their kelba mounts, wrist blades and javelins. They rely on their speed and maneuverability to defeat their foes. Many often disregard the Loko as being short, weak and immature, but many also forget that they have learned to live in one of the most dangerous regions of Latani. In reality, the Loko are a resilient and resourceful people who have learned to make the most out of life.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Despite being around for most of recorded history, the Loko are the least culturally developed. The only art they have is in great tree carvings, they are not heavily religious, their government is almost nonexistent save for a content queen, and they have participated in almost no historical events. Their stagnant way of life is not seen as a problem to the Loko, who are content in doing what they want, when they want to do it, without strict rules or codes to hold them back.

Art & Architecture

The towns of the Loko are expertly crafted, huts, hammocks and cabins made from large leaves, wood, sap and rope. Loko have been known to carve great tapestries into the bark of large trees, depicting creatures, landscapes and other beautiful works of art. Although, this practice is no longer as common anymore, most new carvings are that of crude graffiti (even pornography on some accounts).

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Though Loko often lead reclusive lives within the Darkwood, many consider it a great honor to leave the forest in search of adventure, companionship and treasure. This could stem from the Loko's very curious and knowledge-hungry attitudes. Loko are a common sight outside Darkwood, though they always return home eventually.

Ideals

Relationship Ideals

Many consider the Loko to be extremely taboo, mostly due to the fact that Loko are not shy about their feelings or desires in the slightest, even towards different species, which is often considered to be looked down upon or outright illegal in most other regions of Latani. They can be very forward, as sexuality is very casual in their culture, so in some cases travelers have braved Darkwood's dangers just for pleasure-seeking in Loko villages, which they are more than happy to comply.

"Trekking the shaded home of monsters that is Darkwood led me to a surprisingly bright and laid-back village of Loko, and let me tell you that it was by far the most fun I have ever had in my entire adventure across the entirety of Latani's lands, creatures and people."
F.L.

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