The Loquero

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The Loquero
Definitions: Loquero - The ethnic group of humans who live close with nature. ‘Nature People’ Loquen - The gathering place of the Loquero for events, rituals, or other activities. Loquor - The two Loquero who have the ability to truly communicate with nature. Lomae - The homes of the Loquero Natura - The dialect of language that the Loquero speak.

The Loquero, sometimes called the ‘Nature People’ by common people, are an ethnic group of humans who chose to live close with nature and seclude themselves from the rest of society. This document will describe the many facets of their society, as well as shed some light upon their odd ways.

Place of Living The Loquero have chosen to live within coniferous areas, usually marked with wetlands or swamps. They prefer to live in a mild climate with a four-season cycle. They do not mind their ‘territory’ (which is decided by the forest edge) bordering civilization, but if the civilization encroaches upon it, they will definitely become irritated and most likely violent.

Societal Structure Unlike most societies, the Loquero live separately by family, but all live within the general territory. They work together to inform each other of happenings and events, although they do not interact much with the outside world. One central meeting location is built for important events, rituals, or gatherings, and this is called the Loquen. Additionally, the Loquero have developed their own dialect, called Natura by ‘outsiders’. The dialect features broken sentences and phrases, as well as a slower pace and longer pauses. They have no written form of Natura as they as a society lost the trait of writing long ago, and there is no want for it to return. If a decision is required for the society, it will be done by the Loquor.

The Loquor The Loquor are two people, one male and one female, who learn the extraordinary ability to communicate with nature. A Loquor is trained from a young age, selected by the previous Loquor, and taught through years of training to become truly one with nature. They can understand the trees, animals, or other beings of nature, and can translate the information to the rest of the Loquero. They cannot command nature, however, as they are taught against such aggressive and harming things. The process of communication is not easy for a Loquor. While it does become more natural to them the older they become, gaining complete understanding of a natural situation takes hours of meditation. They are able to contact through their mind the spirits of plants, animals, or other living beings and probe them for answers or simply listen to their emotions. Contrary to belief, Loquor do not talk to nature as normal people speak to each other. It is an exchange of emotion and experience that allows the Loquor and the beast to understand the other.

Lomae (Homes) The homes of the Loquero are often huts, built along large trees or hills to provide extra shelter and the ability to live even closer to nature. They are small, their roof consisting of needles, and their structure supported by small saplings. They are built to have the least amount of impact on nature. Outside of the home there may be a few useful tools or structures for the lomae owners to use.

Rituals and Traditions Rituals and traditions are the most important aspect to Loquero society. They can be divided into a few different categories: Seasonal Spring Ritual:  Upon the first rainfall of the year, the springtime ritual begins. This includes the planting of a tree to signify the birth of a new year, as the Loqueren year begins in spring. A central fire and feast is held within the Loquen to celebrate the survival of another winter. Summer:  The summer celebration is conducted when the first deer gain their velvet. This celebration occurs to celebrate the prosperity and happiness brought by nature during the summer. This is the one time of the year when the Loquero leave their territory, traveling to surrounding ‘outsider’ communities to share their prosperity, including food and artifacts for one night. While away they also spread their philosophy and attempt to convince the ‘outsiders’ to change their ways and appreciate nature. Fall/Winter:  This ritual begins with the first snowfall. The people go to the Loquen and hold a spiritual dance to thank nature for the prosperity of summer. While doing this, they also ask of    nature to have a mild and fair winter. Food is shared, but sparingly, and a small fire burns for the duration of this three day event. Environmental Upon the removal of any tree a new one is planted from one of the felled tree’s seeds. The person who removed the tree must bring water for it to assist its rebirth, as well as medidate, asking  for forgiveness from the tree’s spirit (they will most likely not receive a response, however.)  Tree’s are viewed as the wisest beings of the forest, and the removal of one affects a Loquero much more than an average person. The killing of an animal is recognized as necessary, but it is still met by forgiveness by the Loquero. Before killing the animal, most Loquero say a few words in warning or forgiveness to the    animal. After its death, one must meditate for a few moments, asking for the spirits forgiveness. In respect of the animal, no parts are wasted in Loquero society. The Eagle is believed to be the true messenger of nature and the world. Many Loquero will pause when seeing one, and then meditate afterword to try to receive a message. Punishment The unnecessary death of nature or people is met with harsh punishment, including the Voice of Nature ritual. This consists of the gathering of all Loquero to the Loquen. The person accused of  the killing has the evidence brought forth by the other Loquero. Then, the Loquor meditate, communicating with nature to come to a conclusion. If found true, the accused is tied down. Their tongue is then removed, forever silencing them to allow them to only communicate with nature. Any other punishment is determined by the Loquor, but the gathering of the people to the Loquen still occurs. Other punishments include banishment, work, forced meditation, or whatever else  the Loquor decide upon. Any decision they make is fully supported by the community, as is tradition.