Lotophagi

## Evolution and History

The Lotophagi (lo-toe-pha-gee) or Lotos for short, are a carnivorous subspecies of Lagomorph.

## Lotus Village

### Location

Near the equator of the planet, there is a large tropical forest with rich biota. It's extremely humid and almost unbearable. When you go in deep enough, you'll find the village. The village can be entered through multiple ways. A shallow, long river crosses over the entrance of the village from the north, and runs west to east. You must make your way through the water and some thickets in order to enter. To access from the east and west, there is a moon gate on either end. There is no true entrance from the south, since most of the south is surrounded by ocean.

There is a lot of overgrowth surrounding the town, as most of the natural ecosystem's prey died out long ago. Planet lagomorph is unaware of this subspecies, as they have always been secluded and have stayed in the same place for centuries. Some Lotophagi have left the village though, so only a select few of the planet is aware of their existence. Besides that, they're urban legend.

### Elder

Highest authority in the village. Traditionally, there are always two elders. Only one being present isn't very common through history, its

## Anatomy

##### Diet/Digestive system

Lotophagi diet mainly consists of meat and bones. Red meat is a necessity, as it provides the Lotos with the most energy. However, they can draw energy from almost any food source. Lotophagi can enjoy white meats, seafood, and insects as a primary component of their diet as well. In moderation, Lotos can enjoy fruit, vegetables, bread, candy, and dairy. If a Lotophagi consumes too much of these items though, they will fall ill.

Lotophagi can go a week without eating at maximum, but only after consuming a large meal. If it's smaller meals, then around three times a week. The pH of a Lotophagi's stomach is so low, that they can digest bone.

##### Claws

The Lotophagi have retractable claws. With the combination of their teeth and claws, they rarely need to use any form of weapon, but they aren't above using one.

The claws of a Loto are regularly maintained and cared for, usually by scratching on tree bark or stone. Lotos also enjoy kneading blankets and pillows to get comfortable before they sleep.

##### Teeth

Lotophagi have extremely powerful jaws with very heavy bite force. The bite force of a Lotophagi is equivalent to that of an alligator. That's a psi of around 2,980 pounds. Their jaws are defined and larger than the average lagomorph.

Their teeth anatomy resembles a felines. They have four large, sharp canines of equal length, with the rest of their teeth being smaller but still just as pointy. They also have incredibly long tongues with spines (papillae) that are rougher than sandpaper. They open their mouths very wide to intimidate others and to give a warning before they strike. They take out chunks of their food and hardly chew, much to everyone's dismay who isn't a Lotophagi.

##### Body

Lotophagi are naturally stronger than Lagomorphs, and possibly stronger than Carnis. They are agile, have quick reflexes, and incredible eyesight. They have reflective eyes that they use for seeing in the dark.

##### Blood

Lotophagi's blood induces mutation in Lagomorphs when ingested or taken in through the bloodstream. It takes about one cup of blood to change someone from a Lago to a Loto.

##### Healing ability

Lotos heal incredibly fast. For example, broken bones will heal in about a week and light scratches will heal in just seconds.

##### Other info

The Lotophagi sleep a bit more than the average lagomorph, sleeping around 12 hours a day. For example, they could fall asleep at 10PM and wake up at 10AM.

A Loto's life expectancy is about 130 years.

It is unknown if Carnis can be effected by the Lotophagi's blood, but it has been confirmed that a Lagocarnis can transform.

## Converted Lotos

Converted Lotos get the same anatomy and abilities as a regular Loto. The only defining factor is the different structure of their digestive system. Those who are born as a Lotophagi have a short digestive tract. Those who are converted, have a longer, but compressed digestive tract. The pain of the digestive system changing only lasts a few minutes, and the individual is perfectly fine a bit after being converted.

### Ritual

You must be 18 years or older to decide to convert into a Lotophagi. You also need your own consent, your donor's consent, and the Elder's consent.

### Side effects

Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaw soreness, headaches, and overheating are the most common side effects of being converted. There is, however, an incredibly rare side effect where the teeth will grow too large in the process of changing. This results in front canines, bottom canines, or both sticking out of the mouth.