Jhosophant

The jhosophant is a herbivorous species of megafauna native to the arid plains. One of the largest animals originally native to their habitat, the jhosophant stands at nearly three times the height of even the largest of the sapient species. It is a gentle giant, however, known to have an extreme sense of empathy. They have been known to care for the young of other species who have lost or been abandoned by their parents - including the young of species known to hunt jhosophant children. Other animals that have been raised by the jhosophants also seem to inherit these empathetic qualities, which implies that is it a learned trait, rather than an inherent one. However, jhosophants raised outside of their communities also exhibit this trait, implying that there may be some biological basis to it. Some scientiests suggest that there is a magical aspect to this trait, and that spending time around a jhosophant will cause one to exhibit this kindness and empathy.

Anatomy

Jhosophants are large, with flat feet, wide ears, an extended and maneuverable nose, and two long, ivory tusks. They eat nuts and beans, as well as larger fruit such as the udarain, which they have learned to open by picking it up with their trunk and smashing it down onto exposed rock.

Social Behaviour

Jhosophants move in large matrilineal groups, with the adults standing near the exterior of the group and the younger members on the inside for protection. If a group is raising or travelling with members of other species, those species also remain on the inside of the group. The groups are led by the oldest female jhosophant, though the next-oldest may begin to lead when the oldest loses the energy to do so.

Genetic Descendants

• Great Jhosophant

Geographic Distribution

• Arid Plains