The Tuskari are a proud and resilient species of humanoid elephants that inhabit vast expanses of The Sands of Serrakhan. Known for their nomadic lifestyle, towering stature, and indomitable strength, the Tuskari are deeply connected to the desert they call home. Legend holds that their ancestors were once majestic elephants that roamed the Serrakhan Sands during the Third Age, thriving in harmony with the arid landscape. However, their transformation into humanoid beings occurred during the catastrophic events of the Third Continuum Crisis, when Malekith manipulated the Unknown (High Elves) of Tolria into wielding unstable Rift Energy directly from Unknown.
This tampering with cosmic forces tore a rift through reality, causing a wave of mutations that altered both creatures and landscapes across The Sun Realm. The elephants of the desert were among those affected, their forms reshaped into sentient, bipedal beings who retained their primal strength while gaining intelligence and culture. The Tuskari see this transformation as both a curse and a blessing, believing it to be their destiny to endure and protect the desert from further corruption.
Physical Characteristics
- Tuskari stand between 8 and 10 feet tall, with broad, muscular frames built for survival in the harsh desert environment.
- Their thick, leathery skin ranges from sandy beige to dark gray, providing natural protection from the sun’s scorching rays. Their heads resemble those of their elephantine ancestors, complete with long, powerful trunks and large, expressive eyes.
- The Tuskari's tusks are not only symbols of status but also tools and weapons. They are often engraved with tribal markings, blessings, or personal achievements.
- Tuskari live exceptionally long lives, often exceeding 200 years, which has earned them a reputation as wise and patient beings.
Culture and Society
The Tuskari are organized into tribal clans, each led by an Elder Tuskmaster, who guides their people with wisdom passed down through generations. These tribes traverse the Serrakhan Sands, following ancient migration routes to oases and fertile hunting grounds.
A unique aspect of Tuskari culture is their relationship with Rift Energy, the force that mutated their ancestors. Tribal shamans, known as Tuskseer, study the residual energy left behind in the sands, using it to divine guidance or protect their people from its corrupting influence.
Tuskari artisans are renowned for their intricate carvings and sculptures made from tusk, bone, and sandstone. Their works often depict scenes from their ancestors’ lives, the Continuum Crisis, or their battles against desert threats.
As a species shaped by adversity, the Tuskari are formidable warriors. They wield massive weapons such as crescent-bladed axes and obsidian-tipped spears with precision and ferocity. Their warriors are also trained to use their trunks in combat, making them unpredictable foes.
History and Origins
The Tuskari believe their transformation was both a punishment for the Aesir’s arrogance and a divine mandate to safeguard the Sands of Serrakhan from further desecration. Many Tuskari revere Unknown, believing their endurance and strength to be gifts from him, enabling them to shield the desert’s balance.
Tuskari tribes carry oral histories of their ancestors’ lives as elephants, viewing their primal past as a symbol of purity. These stories are preserved by Tuskkeepers, tribal historians who recount the tales during sacred gatherings.
Despite their resilience, the Tuskari are wary of the lingering effects of Rift Energy. Many believe the scars of the Continuum Crisis can never be fully healed, and they work tirelessly to protect their people from areas tainted by its power.
The Tuskari have a complicated relationship with the Serrakhan Sultanate, whose laws often clash with the nomadic lifestyle of the tribes. While some tribes maintain trade relations with the Sultanate’s merchants, others resist its authority, seeing the sultan’s rule as an affront to their autonomy and the sacred traditions of the desert.
Mystery and Mystique
An ancient Tuskari shaman is said to have witnessed the Continuum Crisis in a tranced vision, warning his people of the dangers faced by the past. Some tribes believe his spirit still lingers in the desert, guiding them through visions and omens.
Many Tuskari claim that the sands surrounding the Serrakhan Scar conceal the remains of sand Elementari who fell during The Aeonic Struggle. These areas are said to be cursed, with Rift Energy anomalies that twist time and space.
Legend speaks of a set of golden swords, once carried by Serrakhan, the mythical Mythar hero for whom the desert is named. These relics are believed to hold immense power and are sought by treasure hunters and Tuskkeepers alike.
Legacy
The Tuskari face constant threats, from encroaching forces of the Sultanate to the natural dangers of the Serrakhan Sands, including Sandwyrm, Kroot, desert basilisks, and rift anomalies. Despite these hardships, the Tuskari endure, their lives a testament to their indomitable spirit and unyielding connection to the land.
The Tuskari are living monuments to the resilience of life in the face of cataclysmic change. Their history, shaped by the Continuum Crisis, serves as a cautionary tale of hubris and an inspiring story of survival. To this day, their thundering footsteps across the Sands of Serrakhan remind all who hear them that strength, wisdom, and unity are the true hallmarks of their legacy.