Za'erlir, People of the Red Sand
This world is very much a work in progress, so please forgive any continuity mishaps
Za'erlir [Zah-air-lir] are the inhabitants of the eastern continent of the world of Aereltia, Eokirai. They are known as kentavur by the Eno, people with the bodies of antelope and deer, and the head and torso of a human.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Za'erlir have two sets of lungs, one human upper body set, predominantly used for speech, and a second, larger lower body pair, for powering the lower body when running etc. They also have two hearts, a larger-than-average human heart in the upper body, and another larger than average deer heart in the lower body.
As they are ruminants, Za'erlir have four stomachs: the rumen, for storage and fermentation of most food, also where the cud is regurgitated from; the reticulum, omasum and abomasum. Za'erlir do chew their cud, and it's not considered rude to talk while chewing. Cud chewing (or rumination) is seen as a normal social activity, like snacking or smoking.
They also have cloven hooves, and while shoes aren't necessary, the rich and famous may choose to do so (as an expression of wealth and sophistication). Due to most Za'erlir living in the sandy or rocky regions of Gleynia and Efrait, the majority of Za'erlirans don't need to have their hooves trimmed, as they are naturally worn down by walking on hard and rough surfaces.
Za'erlir have a thick pelt on their lower body, consisting of a downy lair of fine hair or fur beneath a layer of coarse hair (coarse and hard like deer hair). This pelt also covers some of the upper body, from the shoulder where the two bodies join, up to just below the ribcage on the upper body.
Where the upper and lower bodies meet at the shoulders is a large musculoskeletal mess, the shoulders also containing a pelvic bone to support the upper body. The shoulder muscles of the lower body are also exagerrated and broad, making the Za'erlir appear much larger than they are.
As they are ruminants, Za'erlir have four stomachs: the rumen, for storage and fermentation of most food, also where the cud is regurgitated from; the reticulum, omasum and abomasum. Za'erlir do chew their cud, and it's not considered rude to talk while chewing. Cud chewing (or rumination) is seen as a normal social activity, like snacking or smoking.
They also have cloven hooves, and while shoes aren't necessary, the rich and famous may choose to do so (as an expression of wealth and sophistication). Due to most Za'erlir living in the sandy or rocky regions of Gleynia and Efrait, the majority of Za'erlirans don't need to have their hooves trimmed, as they are naturally worn down by walking on hard and rough surfaces.
Za'erlir have a thick pelt on their lower body, consisting of a downy lair of fine hair or fur beneath a layer of coarse hair (coarse and hard like deer hair). This pelt also covers some of the upper body, from the shoulder where the two bodies join, up to just below the ribcage on the upper body.
Where the upper and lower bodies meet at the shoulders is a large musculoskeletal mess, the shoulders also containing a pelvic bone to support the upper body. The shoulder muscles of the lower body are also exagerrated and broad, making the Za'erlir appear much larger than they are.
Biological Traits
Zaerlir are around 18 hands high (six feet) at the shoulder of their deer body, and 9-11 feet at the top of their head. they have about 3-5 feet of human torso, depending on whether they're male or female, which tribe they come from, and where they grew up.
Males are taller than females, obviously; but which tribe they're from can determine how tall they grow due to genetics and also what kind of back bracing the tribe practices. Back bracing is very important for correct upper body spine growth, and the tribes approach this with many unique solutions.
Males are taller than females, obviously; but which tribe they're from can determine how tall they grow due to genetics and also what kind of back bracing the tribe practices. Back bracing is very important for correct upper body spine growth, and the tribes approach this with many unique solutions.
Genetics and Reproduction
Za'erlir gestate for around eight months, giving birth to live young.
Growth Rate & Stages
Much like any member of the equine or cervine family, their babies can walk and run a few days after birth. However, children tend to wear a back brace for the first two years of their life, to help their human half develop its spine correctly.
Young Za'erlir also tend to have their arms swaddled to their chest during this time to help with balance. Za'erlir children over the age of two still keep their arms close to their chest when moving, as their balance doesn't 'perfect' until around age five.
From five to thirteen (18 in human years), children are known as daru-z'gane, or just daru, meaning 'light of the eyes.' During this time, they learn the language, culture and weaving patterns of their tribe. They are also taught the Za'erliran trade language, Uapnuin; history, trades, accounting, warrior/fighting skills.
Once they reach adulthood, most daru train as warriors for their tribe. After a period of 1-2 years, they can choose to continue as a warrior, and are initiated into the [army]. Depending on the size of the tribe, they can "specialize" and join one of the factions within the [army], such as archers, spearmen, swordsmen, etc.
Small tribes usually train their warriors in all forms.If they don't join the [army], Za'erlir from small tribes often pursue work as weavers and parents. The more ambitious go to the cities but I dunno what they do there yet.
Those from large tribes do any number of the things I haven't decided on yet.
Young Za'erlir also tend to have their arms swaddled to their chest during this time to help with balance. Za'erlir children over the age of two still keep their arms close to their chest when moving, as their balance doesn't 'perfect' until around age five.
From five to thirteen (18 in human years), children are known as daru-z'gane, or just daru, meaning 'light of the eyes.' During this time, they learn the language, culture and weaving patterns of their tribe. They are also taught the Za'erliran trade language, Uapnuin; history, trades, accounting, warrior/fighting skills.
Once they reach adulthood, most daru train as warriors for their tribe. After a period of 1-2 years, they can choose to continue as a warrior, and are initiated into the [army]. Depending on the size of the tribe, they can "specialize" and join one of the factions within the [army], such as archers, spearmen, swordsmen, etc.
Small tribes usually train their warriors in all forms.If they don't join the [army], Za'erlir from small tribes often pursue work as weavers and parents. The more ambitious go to the cities but I dunno what they do there yet.
Those from large tribes do any number of the things I haven't decided on yet.
Biological Cycle
Za'erlir shed their horns or antlers every year, in the beginning of the spring season, and grow them back over the spring.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Za'erlir live exclusively in tribes, and in their tribal cities and villages. Tribes tolerate each other, but separatism is encouraged on all sides.
Within tribes, family units are large, including all extended family, and tight-knit.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Za'erlir are technically native to dry, rocky grasslands and scrubby lowlands, but the more deer-like subspecies are quite at home in the dense forests of Otreau. Za'erlir are hardy and very adaptible, able to survive long periods of drought and food scarcity.
Average Intelligence
Za'erlir are highly intelligent and sapient, known for their exceptional textile craftsmanship skills and frequent wars.
Civilization and Culture
Beauty Ideals
Za'erlir are incredibly fond of tattoos and body painting, and elaborate hairstyles. The more tattoos you have = more pretty. Longer hair is also considered very beautiful.
Common Dress Code
Za'erlir don't tend to wear much clothing; female Za'erlir wear azikiwe, a kind of criss-crossed, bare-minimum tank top (see Fig. 1). The circular length of fabric goes over one's head, and the front half twisted once and the loop slipped over one's head; the result is two strips of fabric supporting one's breasts, depending on the size of the circle.
Za'erlir aren't very conscious of nudity; nakedness isn't so much sexual, more simply walking around without a shirt.
Za'erlir aren't very conscious of nudity; nakedness isn't so much sexual, more simply walking around without a shirt.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Due to having two sets of lungs, Za'erlir are masters of woodwind instruments. Almost everyone has some form of small flute or panpipe that they carry with them, and they have an astounding variety of shapes and sizes of flutes, pipes, horns [and other wind instrument types]. Most famous is the Day Vlalk, an enormous warhorn used for signalling troops and alerting cities and settlements to danger. As the Za'erliran countries are really just independent city-states held together by flimsy peace, common interest, and one name, Day Vlalke are still used.
Common Taboos
Cutting hair. Hair is considered a sacred blessing from the god Ndelu'mnyane (Seren, the first brother), as a symbol of life.
Touching another's horns or antlers without permission.
Touching another's horns or antlers without permission.
Lifespan
60 years
Average Height
5 - 6 feet at the shoulder, 9 - 11 feet at their head
Average Weight
500 - 700 kg
Average Physique
The average Za'erlir has a large, antelopian lower body; more finely boned and slender than a horse. They are very fast and nimble, able to out-maneuver even two-legged enemies with ease. Their human upper body is also light and bony, though often very broad-shouldered.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Za'erlir have a wide variety of colorings and patterns that show up on their pelt, from ordinary tawny brown with a white stomach (on the lower body), to golden brown, grey, or black, with an assortment of stripes, often white.
The upper body skin and hair tends to match the color of the pelt, and can also produce stripes on occasion, however these cases are rare.
The upper body skin and hair tends to match the color of the pelt, and can also produce stripes on occasion, however these cases are rare.
Geographic Distribution
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