In ancient times, the thoriphants were a tall bipedal species who migrated north in response to human encroachment. Those that stayed behind were enslaved by humanity, who used them as beasts of burden. Gradually, their backs became bent and they lost the use of their hands. Some thoriphants believe that their cousins known as the Uprights will return to free them one day. A young thoriphant named NAME_1 is auctioned off and sold to a farmer named NAME_2, who uses him to plough his fields. Twenty five years later, NAME_1 and his mate NAME_3 have produced a son named NAME_4. NAME_1 and his family are also acquainted with NAME_5, who serves as a beast of burden to traveling salesman NAME_6 and his associates NAME_7 NAME_8. Later, NAME_6 tries to swindle NAME_2 into purchasing a nearby rocky field. NAME_2 agrees to sell NAME_4 after NAME_3 has given birth to her child, much to the dismay of NAME_1 and NAME_3. They were remarkable beasts, very elephant like in appearance, with baggy, rough, gray skin but their heads were free from trunks or tusks. They had long ears and the males tended to have horns that grew and twisted into different shapes depending on the breed or family. These extraordinary creatures possessed the strength to pull a plow, carry a load, or power a grist mill. But the advantage of owning a thoriphant was not found in their strength but in their phenomenal ability to think rationally and even to speak. Quanto sono considerati pachidermi i thoriphants?