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CentaurCentaurs are humanoids with the torso and upper body similar to a human and the lower body of a horse. They are not a half-breed but an entire species on their own, with their origin and connection to humans unknown. On average they are muscular and fit, though there are always the exceptions. Their ears are slightly pointed and raised. The hair on their head is usually the same color as their tail. A centaur’s lower body varies in the same color patterns of any horse from base colors of bay, chestnut, black to duns, appaloosa patterns, roans, champagne variations, pinto patterns, and greys. The hair on their body tends to gently fade out when meeting with their raised torso. Most centaurs' upper bodies are hairless, excluding facial hair and the hair on their heads. Few male centaurs have chest hair.
Average Lifespan: 70 - 80 years Omnivore: Roughly 70% are said to live as vegetarian, a diet that is much easier on their bodies; meat is known to give many centaur digestive trouble
Favorite Treat: Anything salty! And wine Pregnancy
Maturity
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Most Populated Kingdoms:
Horus, Arc Territories, Zethea, Uploria and Horus (Darker shades on the map indicate higher population counts)
Centaurs make up 3.03% of the humanoid population on Askeron Anatomy
Yes, the age old question, centaurs do have two rib cages. The rib cage of the upper body hosts the respiratory and circulatory systems. This is where you'll find the centaur's impressively capacious lungs. These lungs work through an extraordinarily powerful diaphragm, meaning centaurs take very deep and long breaths. Centaurs have two hearts, the first and larger heart located in the upper body. The two hearts are necessary to keep the whole body and limbs vital. The two hearts are synchronized by a ganglion located at the halfway point of the centaur's body, where their upper body bends. A centaur's spine is curved and double padded to help absorb shock.
The second rib cage of the the lower body hosts the enlarged digestive system. The stomach and liver, however, are found towards the front, from the lower end of the human form, supported by small bones that keep the organs in place near the extended sternum of the horse. The second heart is found nestled behind the stomach, connecting to the much needed blood pumping of the hooves. Here is where the second rib cage protects the kidneys, caecum and large colon. The small colon soon follows and finishes off the excretory system. |
History
Where, specifically, centaurs originate is unknown, though it's likely the same places you might find them today: The Horus Kingdom, The Arc Territories or The Kingdom of Hideaway. These places, known for their vast meadows and grassy hills, are the perfect environment for a wandering herd. For a while they were known to isolate themselves from other societies and keep out of all government affairs. Herds rarely stayed in one place for too long, constantly moving, acknowledging no kingdoms and no borders but causing no trouble or hostility.
Centaurs tend to hold up a strong view of peace and justice. Over time they began to question their purpose in relation to other humanoids. With controversies among kingdoms forming and wars brewing many centaurs began to realize it was their duty to step in and break their isolation.
They had focused inward for years and looked blindly to all that was occurring outside of their existence for so long that when they stepped out of their comfort zone it rumbled a few uneasy hooves. This time period, by traditional centaur, is referred to as The Splitting.
Some herds and individuals chose to enter and settle into a kingdom, in towns and cities that welcomed them, choosing a path they felt would truly bring proper change. These were the centaur who felt justice was better served with more direct involvement, using force, guidance and the aid of a structured kingdom. Herds split apart, breaking off to pledge loyalty to differing kingdoms, leading to wars among themselves. These now kingdom dwelling centaur are referred to as stags, meaning stagnation or immobile. They weren't necessarily stagnate but compared to wild, roaming, traditional herds, this type of living had been foreign and unnatural.
Some herds and individuals chose to remain as they were, avoid it all and continue to live among only themselves and their people, agreeing the outside world was not their business and that justice was to be fulfilled in only what they controlled inside themselves. These were your traditional wild centaurs. Of course, there were herds who did not fully integrate into a kingdom but did offer their allegiance or services in various ways they felt necessary to kings and queens they trusted. These were often called a Herd Pact, an agreement between a wild, traveling herd and a kingdom. They were to respond to calls of aid but otherwise function separately.
As far the centaur who found themselves living among others, the stags, they began to adapt to the influence of humans and other humanoids. These stags slowly loosened and lost track of themselves as a herd, becoming simple citizens and independently living beings.
Centaurs tend to hold up a strong view of peace and justice. Over time they began to question their purpose in relation to other humanoids. With controversies among kingdoms forming and wars brewing many centaurs began to realize it was their duty to step in and break their isolation.
They had focused inward for years and looked blindly to all that was occurring outside of their existence for so long that when they stepped out of their comfort zone it rumbled a few uneasy hooves. This time period, by traditional centaur, is referred to as The Splitting.
Some herds and individuals chose to enter and settle into a kingdom, in towns and cities that welcomed them, choosing a path they felt would truly bring proper change. These were the centaur who felt justice was better served with more direct involvement, using force, guidance and the aid of a structured kingdom. Herds split apart, breaking off to pledge loyalty to differing kingdoms, leading to wars among themselves. These now kingdom dwelling centaur are referred to as stags, meaning stagnation or immobile. They weren't necessarily stagnate but compared to wild, roaming, traditional herds, this type of living had been foreign and unnatural.
Some herds and individuals chose to remain as they were, avoid it all and continue to live among only themselves and their people, agreeing the outside world was not their business and that justice was to be fulfilled in only what they controlled inside themselves. These were your traditional wild centaurs. Of course, there were herds who did not fully integrate into a kingdom but did offer their allegiance or services in various ways they felt necessary to kings and queens they trusted. These were often called a Herd Pact, an agreement between a wild, traveling herd and a kingdom. They were to respond to calls of aid but otherwise function separately.
As far the centaur who found themselves living among others, the stags, they began to adapt to the influence of humans and other humanoids. These stags slowly loosened and lost track of themselves as a herd, becoming simple citizens and independently living beings.
Culture
Stags are commonly found on two opposite ends of the work force community: that of plowing fields as a farmer, a messenger or chauffeur, wagon/carriage puller. Then there's the noble knight or guard, ready for battle. That's not to say centaur do nothing else but it is these two distinct settings where you'll find them most.
Stags VS The Wild
Centaur everywhere are described as a rough around the edges type of species, yet capable of housing the biggest and softest hearts. Whether that's true or not, you be the judge. If anything, they are naturally intimidating, and don't be surprised if they take advantage of that, no matter where they are found.
Stags are kingdom dwelling centaurs that have integrated with society but wild centaur herds are those that travel from place to place, constantly moving without any acknowledgement of borders and isolating themselves from other humanoids.
There are several aspects that now separate stags from the wild. An easy to spot difference is clothes. Wild centaur are not so much accustomed to wearing much of anything. Male, wild centaur are almost always bare chested and the same is true for most females. There are some female centaur in the wild who wear a simple bandeau or something to keep their chest supported during their run. It is more about preventing movement than it is about hiding one's body parts.
Stags, however, will likely wear clothes to cover their upper body and even some over their lower end. Their reason lies in both protection and privacy, depending on the individual. Depending on where they live, clothing may even be required as to avoid what many might call indecency.
Wild Herds
Wild herds function in very individualistic ways. No one herd is like another in reference to their beliefs. What can be said about all herds is that they are very prideful and especially protective of their own. Wild centaur will defend their herd with their life. While some herds have grown hostile, most are not and will only act when it feels absolutely necessary. Every herd has a name, most commonly that of their lead stallion's surname, and they move freely within most kingdoms, sometimes answering calls for aid from certain kingdoms and sometimes keeping strictly to themselves and out of the affairs of others.
There is a dominance hierarchy in herds, or a pecking order, that governs them. Large herds are made up of multiple groupings called 'bands.' A band is run by one male and one female, called 'bosses.' The male and female boss do not have to have any relationship of any kind between each other, though occasionally they are siblings, mates, etc. These bands can house anywhere from 5 to 30 centaur. Bosses answer to the lead stallion and/or the lead mare.
The leader of the herd is often the strongest, fastest or eldest of the herd, dependent on that particular herd's values. Some herds even function using a hereditary line. A second leader is only set in power by being the mate. For example, if a single mare is granted leadership as lead mare then she rules alone but if she has a mate he is automatically given the title of lead stallion. The same is true if the lead role is given to a stallion, if single he rules alone, if he has a mate she is automatically given the title of lead mare.
The lead mare is responsible for leading the herd when traveling, determining the route and location. The lead stallion stays on the outskirts to protect the herd and during travel he remains at the rear to encourage stragglers along and keep the herd together. If the herd has only has one leader, a lead mare OR a lead stallion, then they often choose the route and location but allow a boss to travel at the front.
Single herds that contain no bands have no bosses and only answer to the lead stallion/mare. This ranking system slightly mirrors the way wild horse herds are run, revealing the animalistic nature of centaur.
Stags VS The Wild
Centaur everywhere are described as a rough around the edges type of species, yet capable of housing the biggest and softest hearts. Whether that's true or not, you be the judge. If anything, they are naturally intimidating, and don't be surprised if they take advantage of that, no matter where they are found.
Stags are kingdom dwelling centaurs that have integrated with society but wild centaur herds are those that travel from place to place, constantly moving without any acknowledgement of borders and isolating themselves from other humanoids.
There are several aspects that now separate stags from the wild. An easy to spot difference is clothes. Wild centaur are not so much accustomed to wearing much of anything. Male, wild centaur are almost always bare chested and the same is true for most females. There are some female centaur in the wild who wear a simple bandeau or something to keep their chest supported during their run. It is more about preventing movement than it is about hiding one's body parts.
Stags, however, will likely wear clothes to cover their upper body and even some over their lower end. Their reason lies in both protection and privacy, depending on the individual. Depending on where they live, clothing may even be required as to avoid what many might call indecency.
Wild Herds
Wild herds function in very individualistic ways. No one herd is like another in reference to their beliefs. What can be said about all herds is that they are very prideful and especially protective of their own. Wild centaur will defend their herd with their life. While some herds have grown hostile, most are not and will only act when it feels absolutely necessary. Every herd has a name, most commonly that of their lead stallion's surname, and they move freely within most kingdoms, sometimes answering calls for aid from certain kingdoms and sometimes keeping strictly to themselves and out of the affairs of others.
There is a dominance hierarchy in herds, or a pecking order, that governs them. Large herds are made up of multiple groupings called 'bands.' A band is run by one male and one female, called 'bosses.' The male and female boss do not have to have any relationship of any kind between each other, though occasionally they are siblings, mates, etc. These bands can house anywhere from 5 to 30 centaur. Bosses answer to the lead stallion and/or the lead mare.
The leader of the herd is often the strongest, fastest or eldest of the herd, dependent on that particular herd's values. Some herds even function using a hereditary line. A second leader is only set in power by being the mate. For example, if a single mare is granted leadership as lead mare then she rules alone but if she has a mate he is automatically given the title of lead stallion. The same is true if the lead role is given to a stallion, if single he rules alone, if he has a mate she is automatically given the title of lead mare.
The lead mare is responsible for leading the herd when traveling, determining the route and location. The lead stallion stays on the outskirts to protect the herd and during travel he remains at the rear to encourage stragglers along and keep the herd together. If the herd has only has one leader, a lead mare OR a lead stallion, then they often choose the route and location but allow a boss to travel at the front.
Single herds that contain no bands have no bosses and only answer to the lead stallion/mare. This ranking system slightly mirrors the way wild horse herds are run, revealing the animalistic nature of centaur.
Stallion = Mare > Bosses > Herd
Wild centaur specifically will host tournaments every few weeks on various skill-sets such as racing, fighting, jumping, etc to help rearrange or determine their hierarchy. These tournaments are only held upon a challenge request where a centaur challenges the individual ranked directly above them. If they win and move up in the same day they are put up against the next ranking individual, until they lose and the challenges cease. Being in higher rank grants you different privileges depending on the herd.
Herds will interact with other herds as they cross. Most herds are aware of one another and their values, forming friendships and rivalries. Centaurs will switch from herd to herd as they age or seek change, though the herd must accept their entrance upon their own rules. Every herd has a name and something they may be known for by other herds but many kingdoms are unfamiliar with this information due to disinterest or improper communication and approach.
Marriage
Centaurs do celebrate marriage, ceremonies being done in quite similar fashions as humans, only instead of a ring the female is presented with a headpiece. These headpieces can be made of anything, flowers and twigs or chains and jewels. The males are presented with an ear cuff. These ear cuffs are simple bands that wrap around the outer cartilage and, like the headpiece, signifies an everlasting love. After the ceremony the herd will run with the new couple at the lead, taking the herd on whatever route and location they choose. This is the one and only time a centaur other than the lead stallion or lead mare gets to decide on the route.
Education
There are no centaur-only schools that exist anywhere in Askeron. Wild centaur herds don't even have a school. The entire herd is considered the young's teacher. Stags attend public schools where they learn no centaur specific education. They attend the public school from ages 5 to 18.
Herds will interact with other herds as they cross. Most herds are aware of one another and their values, forming friendships and rivalries. Centaurs will switch from herd to herd as they age or seek change, though the herd must accept their entrance upon their own rules. Every herd has a name and something they may be known for by other herds but many kingdoms are unfamiliar with this information due to disinterest or improper communication and approach.
Marriage
Centaurs do celebrate marriage, ceremonies being done in quite similar fashions as humans, only instead of a ring the female is presented with a headpiece. These headpieces can be made of anything, flowers and twigs or chains and jewels. The males are presented with an ear cuff. These ear cuffs are simple bands that wrap around the outer cartilage and, like the headpiece, signifies an everlasting love. After the ceremony the herd will run with the new couple at the lead, taking the herd on whatever route and location they choose. This is the one and only time a centaur other than the lead stallion or lead mare gets to decide on the route.
Education
There are no centaur-only schools that exist anywhere in Askeron. Wild centaur herds don't even have a school. The entire herd is considered the young's teacher. Stags attend public schools where they learn no centaur specific education. They attend the public school from ages 5 to 18.