- The Centaurs -
Government:
Tribal, but far more organized and powerful than most give them credit for. The tribes are ruled in a simple manner, the 'Leader' or as they call them the ' Rhaus' can be male or female and this individual is selected through a series of difficult trials called ' The Gauntlet'. Any member of the tribe may compete to become the Rhaus, as it is held every five years when the many Tribes gather in one place, and in fact it is common for the tribes to interchange members whenever they meet up and just as normal for individuals to up and leave for a new Tribe if they feel like it. This keeps fresh bonds between the many Tribes and, through their unique communication systems involving messengers and codes, allows them to function as a independent nation regardless of their lack of materialistic motivations.
Their currency is a system of Trade, as long as both parties are satisfied with the outcome all is well. If one party feels slighted then the issue is taken before the ruling Rhaus for mediations. Violence is rarely tolerated, and if unjustified then swiftly punished as the Rhaus sees fit.
Primary Language:
Common Tongue, though they seem to inherently understand the language of their respective animal counterparts.
Native Lands Data:
Born of the wilds, they travel where they wish.. Though they have carved out a rather large area for their stomping grounds in the lands to the south of the Spi Mountain range. The Thunder Plains in particular, and the rim of the Yal'min desert, seem to be their gathering places.
Physiology:
Half humanoid, half animal. Horse-Centaurs are by far the most common but, depending on the area, other breeds exist as well. Deer-Centaur, Bull-Centaur, even a few rare predatory-based beings such as Lion-Centaurs or the like. Clearly they must breed with their own sub-species to produce offspring but this is still a widely varied and majestic species. Inhumanly strong even as whelps these peaceful giants are not the wisest beings to mess with, no matter how 'tame' they may seem they are still very much children of the wilds. They age much like humans, living anywhere from 80 -100 years old. Pregnancies last roughly 8 months.
Society:
They don't seek material wealth, natural hunters and foragers they exist in mobile camps and support each other with nearly unconditional trust. In theory they are the most peaceful of the species born to the Divines, happy to live and let live as long as their neutral disposition isn't abused by others.. But when riled few can match the sheer raw power behind the mobilized Centaurian legions. They may exist in separate tribes, roaming about without any hint of motivation beyond survival, but when one unit is harmed the rest learn of it rather quickly.. And if justice isn't met peacefully they have no qualms in leveling the field to defend their own.
Additional Customs:
Rhaushin- A mass-meeting that occurs once every five years, where the many tribes meld into one mighty force and celebrate for nearly a month while the next group of Rhaus are chosen from the event's competitive games. There may be 'winners' from these games but it isn't the victor that takes the tribe, individuals watch those that compete and decide whom they personally wish to follow based on how that candidate acted and performed.. so even if they lose every event they could still end up with a Tribe of their own if they are well liked. Nothing is set in stone with this culture, if one member decides to leave their Tribe they need only find another to reside in, however most wait for the Rhaushin simply because traveling alone can be dangerous. This event is open to outsiders but, as with any celebration, heavy drinking and revelry can occur so those attending should be careful.
Bjornan - A meeting of the many tribes, typically called during times of great trouble or importance. The Rhaus of each Tribe join a debate circle in the center of the chosen Bjornan-grounds and, with their peoples watching on, discuss the issues openly. They do not have the final decision, instead they must convince the many Tribes themselves that their plans are best for the many peoples.. The individuals that inspire the most agreement are placed as temporary 'Rhaus-Bjor' ( High Leader ) and are treated much like a military general until the matter is resolved or another figure manages to persuade the masses to consider another direction.
Common Foods: Depends entirely on the subspecies, some prefer meat where as others like greens.
Common Drinks: Just about anything, really.
