Faun

Faun are faekin, known along with centaur, dryads, satyr, and minotaur as the Wildfolk. They appear similar to centaurs, with humanoid torsos upon a goat's body. A faun's upper body resembles those of halflings, with whom they share many cultural similarities. Their faces however, like their centaur cousins, are visually goat-like, with sharp chins, elongated pupils, and horizontally set ears. Both males and females often have horns and short beards. Faun tend to be plump and male faun are typically very hairy, especially on their bellies and chest. Females are less hairy, but still have hair on their arms and bellies. Faun may have any coat colour and pattern observed in goats, which extends to their torsos.
Faun are the smallest of the Wildfolk, with their bodies being comparable in size to the common goat farmed in most regions. Their torsos, similar in size to those of halflings, add around two feet to their overall height in adulthood. Bucks are typically around four and a half feet tall, and does are around four feet. Faun often weigh up to 80 pounds more than a goat of their size and stature, and are deceptively strong for their size. This often has them compared more to dwarrow than halflings, but is actually a trait shared among the three races.

As faekin, a faun's biology is almost impossible to describe in understandable terms. Like the other Wildfolk, their mortal forms return to earth soon after death, often becoming indistinguishable from tree stumps and small boulders with an uncannily goat-like shape. They are however hardy, and live up to a hundred years with ease. Faun are considered culturally mature at the age of ten, and are physically mature by the age of fifteen. An elderly faun is one older than 90. They are however commonly spry even into old age, excepting injury and illness.

Faun are pregnant for an average of eight months, about three months longer than goats. Faun very commonly bear twins and triplets, with single offspring being even more uncommon than quadruplets. It is partially for this reason that faun are speculated by academics to descend from low fae. Faun may nurse their babies like goats, but they also breastfeed. It has been observed that a doe's breast milk is of higher nutritional value to infants than to older children, while the inverse is true of milk from her udders.

Similar to dryads and satyr, faun are less likely to be nomadic than centaur and minotaur, and often settle in 'home groves' near to halfling settlements. Faun are known to cultivate crops and brew alcohol. Like other Wildfolk, they are primarily herbivores, though they will also farm certain grubs and insects to add to their diets. They do not show a split of duties between sexes, or a preference of gender when considering leadership. Faun are very democratic when it comes to resolving disputes among themselves, but are very protective of their herds and settlements. Like minotaur, they frequently charge threats and intruders, but due to their smaller size and quadraped body shape, they are like centaur polearm-users. It is considered a rite of passage for a young faun to construct their first spear.
Faun do not have written language of their own, and have a strong oral tradition, but they have also adopted the writing system of halflings. A few books may be found by faun authors, though they do not place much importance on spelling and grammar.

The plural of 'faun' is the same as the singular, and 'fauns' is considered incorrect -- however, like 'centaurs', 'satyrs' and 'dwarves', it is not uncommon for other races, especially humans to refer to them as such.

Lifespan

100 years

Average Height

Bucks: Rarely more than 4 feet 6 inches
Does: Usually around 4 feet

Average Weight

215 to 250 pounds
Minimum healthy weight: 165 pounds (does)/200 pounds (bucks)