Centaur

Centaurs of Eldaivyr, originally elven horse lords who underwent a divine transformation, embody the union of Elven grace and equine strength. These majestic beings are the result of a pact gone awry with Zerathos, leading to their current half-humanoid, half-horse form. Living primarily in expansive plains and lush forests, centaurs have adapted to their dual nature, developing a culture that blends their ancient elven heritage with their new equine instincts. Known for their swift movements and keen battle skills, they are both revered and feared in the lands they roam.
Personality: Centaurs are known for their proud and free-spirited nature, embodying the wild freedom of the steppes and forests they inhabit. They possess a deep-seated honor system, rooted in their Elven heritage, which governs their interactions and societal structure. Intelligent and wise, centaurs value the preservation of nature and the knowledge of the old ways. They are typically quick-tempered and impulsive but also capable of profound loyalty and deep emotional bonds. Their society discourages deceit, valuing honesty and integrity in all dealings.
Physical Description: A centaur’s physical appearance is a striking blend of their elven and equine halves. From the waist up, they retain the elegant features of elves, such as pointed ears, high cheekbones, and lithe arms. Below the waist, they transition into the powerful body of a horse, complete with a muscular torso and four strong legs that enable swift movement across varied terrains. Their eyes are large and expressive, often reflecting the vibrant colors of their elven ancestors. Centaurs typically stand between 7 and 8 feet tall when measured to their human torso's top, and they can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1200 pounds. Centaurs are generally considered to be an adult at the age of 15, but may not be finished physically, physiologically, and psychologically developing until around the age of 20. The average expected life span of a Centaur is about 120 years.
Relations: Centaurs maintain a cautious relationship with most races, especially those that encroach upon their territories. They share a special kinship with elves, owing to their shared lineage, though this relationship can be complex due to their transformation. Their interactions with humans and other races are often marked by mutual respect mixed with a degree of suspicion, especially in regions where their lands are threatened by expansion. Within their own kind, centaurs are highly communal, forming tight-knit clans that roam and protect their chosen territories.
Alignment: Centaurs tend toward neutral alignments, with a significant number gravitating towards neutral good. They value freedom and the natural order, aligning their actions with the balance of nature rather than the constructs of civilization.
Lands: Centaurs thrive in expansive, open lands like meadows, plains, and light forests, which cater to their need for mobility and connection to nature. They avoid dense forest regions that restrict their movement and prefer the edges of woodlands where the forest meets the grasslands.
Religion: Centaurs practice a form of animism, venerating the spirits of nature and the ancient gods of the forest, particularly those that represent strength, freedom, and nature’s resilience. They hold rituals during significant celestial events, offering tributes to ensure harmony between their clans and the natural world.
Language: Centaurs speak Sylvan due to their elven heritage, as well as Common, allowing them to communicate with other races when necessary.
Names:

• Masculine Names: Arion, Brennon, Caelum, Darion, Elio
• Feminine Names: Aerin, Cenwyn, Elara, Nara, Sylvi
• Unisex Names: Alexin, Coryn, Dael, Riven, Soril
• Family Names: Swiftwind, Moonstalker, Forestwalker, Starhoof, Greenmane

Adventurers: Many centaurs become adventurers out of a desire to protect their lands from encroachment or to seek out ancient wisdom and artifacts related to their elven lineage. They commonly take on roles such as rangers, druids, or fighters, leveraging their speed, strength, and connection to nature to overcome challenges.

Lifespan

120 years

Average Height

7-8 ft.

Average Weight

800-1200 lbs.

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• "I move with the seasons and the winds; my spirit is as free as the open plains where I roam."
• "I am quick to act and react, relying on my instincts honed by years of living in harmony with nature."
• "My voice carries the tales of my ancestors, and in our songs, the history of the forest lives on."

Ideals

• Freedom: "The open land is my home. To be confined or caged is a fate worse than death."
• Harmony: "I strive to live in balance with the natural world, taking only what I need and giving back to the Earth."
• Guardianship: "It is my duty to protect the wilderness and all who dwell within it from the encroachments of civilization."

Bonds

• "My tribe is my family, and their well-being is my greatest responsibility."
• "I am bound to an ancient oak that stands as a sacred site for my people; its health reflects the health of our land."
• "A human once saved my life during a forest fire, and I have sworn an oath of friendship to their lineage."

Flaws

• "My curiosity about human constructions and gadgets often leads me into trouble."
• "I am stubborn and often refuse to retreat from a fight, even when I'm clearly outmatched."
• "My disdain for the arcane arts makes me suspicious of wizards and mages, often to the point of hostility."