Centaur

"There's a hume on your back... Have you no shame? You're like a pack mule!" Centaurs are a demihuman species with the upper body of a hume male or female and the lower body of a horse. They are large beasts that are poorly-adapted to cold climates; most of the centaur population inhabits the continent of Vale, but they have been found in other parts of Éa.

Culture
Centaurs have a reputation as excellent hunters and prideful creatures. They are sometimes seen roaming around the plains and forests with their strong legs, hunting down prey with bows and spears.

They make their habitats in groves concealed deep in the forest, and generally avoid contact with humes. They are insular, territorial creatures by nature and can be aggressive, but they do follow a code of honor. For instance, they do not believe in harming children. They do acknowledge the Ronso as more "respectable" than other humes due to Ronso culture's focus on horses. They also have a wary respect for druids.

Race
The centaur species can be classified into three races.


 * Salkhi - Leaner and quicker, excels at running and have a natural affinity for wind magic. They have slimmer and tighter builds than standard centaurs.


 * Gazar - They are the largest and most muscular of the centaurs, with hale builds and powerful flanks. Some have a natural affinity for earth magic.
 * Onocentaur - Half-hume and half-donkey, they are seen as the bottom of centaur society, and usually do the menial or unpleasant tasks.

Society
The centaurs live in a highly cooperative society of tribal herds. For instance, Salkhi and Gazar males will fish and hunt together while Salkhi females gather and Gazar females watch the foals. The centaurs recognize Chief Ixion of the River Song tribe as the centaur nation's head of state.

Government
The centaurs generally follow the counsel of elder centaurs.

Notable Centaurs

 * Balius
 * Xanthus
 * Cenarius
 * Chiron
 * Chief Ixion