Kentier
The Kentier are an agrarian people native to the western part of Egera; a region best known for it's grasslands and rolling hills. They are unique among the peoples of Egera in both their appearance and culture.
By and large, the Kentier are a peaceful and close-knit people who live in small farming villages dotted across their ancestral homeland. The land is extremely fertile and holds a number of copper and iron deposits which they mine to craft tools and jewelry.
A minority of the population has settled in the wooded foothills and mountains in the northern part of their lands. These Northern Kentier live in semi-nomadic tribes that travel from high- to low-elevation camps as the seasons change.
For most of their history the Kentier lived largely isolated from their neighboring races, encountering only the most intrepid and far-ranging travelers. However, the mass westward migrations following The Rift and The Fall of Garamor saw refugees settling on the banks of the Life River, which now marks the official border of their lands. The centuries since then have seen more and more Kentier visiting and integrating into other cultures as well as an increase in trade.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Genetics and Reproduction
The kentier are a single-sex species where all individuals are hermaphroditic, capable of siring and bearing offspring.
Although generally flat chested, breasts begin developing during pregnancy and persist through nursing before again reducing in size. Individuals who have born multiple children may see less reduction in breast size following later births.
Gestational period is roughly 7 months and nursing can last up to one years.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Primarily vegetarian/vegan, but capable of digesting small amounts of animal protiens, usually in the form of dairy and eggs used for cooking.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Facial features are on average similar to those of other humanoid species, with the most obvious difference the presence of horizontal pupils and elongated furred ears.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Naturally, kentier occupy plains regions, with subraces having developed in more mountainous areas. Interaction through trade with other races has extended their range beyond their native homelands, but integration into settlements beyond their borders remains limited.
Average Intelligence
On par with other sapient races.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Kentier eyes have horizontal pupils, which provide them with a wider field of view than other intelligent species. They also have exceptional distance vision, though fare poorly in darkness.
A kentier's ears are highly mobile and capable of moving independently of each other. This makes it easy for them to pinpoint the location of sounds and maintain a keen awareness of their surroundings.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
First names have two parts, separated by either a hyphen or apostrophe when written in the common tongue (ex: Silva-Ten, Rhys'Lan). The full name is used in formal speech and among new acquaintances as a sign of respect. Family or close friends will use the first part of the name only, with children using the latter part to refer to their parents.
Surnames originally referred to the settlement or region of a family's home or origin. As the kentier range farther and integrate more with surrounding cultures some have adapted surnames related to occupations or significant accomplishments.
Gender Ideals
The kentier have no concept of gender within their own culture. Individuals who have limited contact with other races often struggle with the concept of binary genders.
Courtship Ideals
Kentier culture favors acts of service over material gifts given between courting individuals. To make romantic interest known, kentier may offer small favors to the subject of their affection. Anything from household chores to personal grooming may be offered. The offer must be accepted and then later returned before both parties consider the courtship officially begun.
Typically, courtship lasts for several months up to several years as the couple decide whether to spend the rest of their lives together. In this aspect, it is similar to human courtship traditions.
While acts of service are the main sign of affection among kentier, small gifts are also given from time to time. Most importantly during major festivals, kentier will weave favors from flowers, grass, or straw to be worn by their partner as a sign of devotion.
Relationship Ideals
Marriage for love is actively encouraged to promote long lasting relationships preferred for child rearing. Couples are expected to remain together for life, commonly raising an average of 3 children together. Childbearing and parenting is a burden shared by both partners equally.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
There are two main dialects of the kentier language, Northern and Southern. Southern is the most widely spoken, but shows more of the influence of neighboring languages in the form of loan words and differences in accent.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Back scratching holds a similar connotation to humans kissing on the cheek. It is a casual sign of affection and comfort among both romantic partners and close platonic relations. Often it is used to help calm distraught children.
Tail care is considered very important, and grooming another's tale is a sign of great respect or affection. Allowing someone to groom your tail is a sign of great trust.
Romantic partners traditionally trade woven favors such as straw or flower crowns and necklaces at major festivals. Sometimes parents will weave these favors for their children as well.
Common Myths and Legends
The kentier believe that all life flows from The Life Spring. According to their mythology, the spring is where all life in Egera originated and should it be destroyed or harmed in any way life around the world would be irreparably damaged.
All water in the world originated from this spring, according to kentier legend. As water leaves the spring it flows down the Life River and out into the world. The further it flows from the spring the less powerful the water becomes, and water directly from the source is said to have the power to bring the dead back to life.
Because all life comes from the same source, kentier religion believes that all living things possess a spirit or a soul, even plants.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The kentier are generally friendly with other sapient races, preferring peaceful trade and cooperation whenever possible. However, they can and have defended themselves against incursion and oppression when necessary.
Their simple way of life leads some to believe they are simple-minded, and some of the humans who first came into contact with them tried to take advantage of this. While relations are peaceful today, the stereotype of dull or simple-minded kentier remains in some areas.
In response, the common impression among kentier is that humans are both violent and egotistical, but also child-like in their fear and dislike of anything unfamiliar.
With elves and dwarves they have had much more limited contact.
Interracial romance is not considered taboo, although it may be frowned upon by more conservative individuals as reproduction with other races is so far considered impossible. However, the cultural emphasis on marrying for love allows that one may fall in love with someone of another race.
Origin/Ancestry
Plains
Lifespan
80-125 years
Average Height
6'5"-7'5"
Average Weight
200-300lbs
Average Physique
The kentier physique reflects the culture's values regarding hard work, with most appearing physically strong and athletic. Wide hips are common, but not universal.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Skin tones ranging from tan to dark brown and also including reddish brown shades. Hair colors from light blond to black.
Related Ethnicities
Kentier Reference
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