Eloc

The eloc (plural eloca) is an animal native to Minerva. Like all Minervan animals, the eloc is radially symmetrical and can be divided into six segments. In addition to an arm, a leg, and an eye, each segment includes a horn. Eloca have been domesticated by Minervans, who breed them for docility and to have the smallest possible horns. Eloca are much larger than Minervans and are used as a food source.

In preparation for her attempt to allow Lamra to survive the budding process, Dr. Sarah Levitt and her team attempted to save the lives of a number of eloca mates who had just dropped their buds. Though none of the eloca survived, these attempts allowed Levitt to develop the techniques which would ultimately save Lamra. After dying, eloca mates are butchered and prepared for food.

Eloca budlings imprint very shortly after being dropped. For this reason, they must be brought from a special pen where their mothers drop them to the pen where the males are kept very quickly, or they will imprint on Minervan farmers instead.