The dermal steppe is an ecosystem that is characterized by its soil being more like skin than crumbled petrified flesh. The layers below are much like the layers of skin, having grown and stretched across these endless plains. Fields of hair are prominent, though other light vegetation and growths may occur. The climate is semi-arid, which can lead to the drying and flaking of the upper skin layers, creating dust clouds of dandruff. Though dry spells can increase the occurrence, the dermal steppe has enough fluid present to prevent it from becoming a dandruff desert, which such steppes are often close to. They are wide open regions that can be found on many continents in this world, though one land gets more attention than others. The Khalkheer Plateau across the sea has large expanses of dermal steppes, hosting an incredible array of life. The vast herds of grazers that migrate across this great plateau is part of what bolsters its reputation, and the steppe oliphant is one such species.
The steppe oliphant is a middle sized member of the family, possessing lanky legs, keratin-coated tusks and a short, thick trunk. Folks from the land of the Church may expect oliphants to have gray, leathery skin, but this species has yellowish fur instead. Such hair is helpful during the drastic changes of temperature between night and day. These oliphants travel in large herds across the plateau, which aids in their feeding. Their prehensile and muscular trunks can rip up strands of hair and vegetation, which they then inhale. The oliphant gizzard grinds it all up before it reaches the stomach, making digestion easier. This allows them to graze upon the hair fields, but there is another big component to their diet. The traveling of their herd kicks up clouds of dandruff from the flaky top layer, and their big noses snort up this dust. The mere act of breathing helps feed the oliphant, as the particles of dry skin are sucked in and absorbed. Bigger herds makes for bigger clouds, and thus more food for all, however a balance must be struck. If the population gets too big, then their movements may disturb too much of the top layer of skin and actually damage its makeup. Hair and vegetation will struggle to grow in these conditions, and rob the steppe oliphant and other animals food in the future.
In these huge herds, the steppe oliphant communicates with loud snorts and short nasally trumpets. It allows them to socialize with others or alert them of danger. The last sound a hunter wants to hear is the alarm bellow, which means they have been spotted and the herd is going on the run. Despite having tusks, the steppe oliphant is a runner not a fighter. These keratin-coated growths are more for showing off against rivals and winning over mates. Stories do exist of people getting gored by them, but it often sounds more like an accident than a purposeful attack.
Not only is it an important grazer for the dermal steppes, but it is also a valued animal for the Ankheer people. These nomadic folk encounter the species often, as they too follow the migrations of the steppe. They rely on their livestock and game to make it through the year, thus the changing of seasons and availability of food has them move often. This is the reason why outsiders tend to call the Khalkheer Plateau the "Land of Wild and Wander," for its population of people is sparse and scattered, and their nomadic lifestyle stands out to folks used to permanent settlements. The Ankheer people hunt the steppe oliphant for their fur, meat, bones and tusks. Plenty of garbs are fashioned from their hide, while the tusks and bones are carved into tools and ornaments. Perhaps the most famous use of the steppe oliphant is its tusks being one of the materials used in their bows. The keratin sheath provides good flexibility and sturdiness, and when combined with other materials it makes for a skillful weapon. The bows of the Ankheer were once praised for their composite design and impressive potential, but sadly they have now gained infamy in the eyes of outsiders.
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It was an antelope, but now I made it an oliphant! That nose made the connection too perfect!
Also a thanks to @Lediblock2 for helping me figure out the steppe and the name of the folk who live on it.
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