High Xoeu

The dominant ethnic group of the kingdom of Xu, these are descended from the original nobility of the first kingdom. They bear a noted grey eyes that differentiate them from other centaur ethnic groups, and possess an inclined nose that also distinguished them from almost all others of their race, resembling that of humans more than other centaurs. Having a paler colour than other centaurs is the east, with an almost silver tone, they are often considered distinct from the Orange Xoeu who share the island of Vork with them.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Daya, Linbou, Auli, Caxou, Xenya, Jae

Masculine names

Sinduan, Cor-Cae, Dichuan, Bedoun, Yaelin, Kiltuan

Family names

Xoa, Xou, Xili, Chadang, Biada, Lenyin, Dae, Mira

Other names

Pi-Fou, Laou, Biyana

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Xoeu language is the dominant language of the kingdom of Xu, and several dialects exist. One might expect the High Xoeu to primarily speak a high dialect in contrast to the Orange and the humans, but in contrast, there are multiple dialects depending on the city and the specific social classes involved, with the upper classes having slower and more emphasised vowel pronunciation than lower social classes.

Average technological level

With a well developed army and navy, the Xu due to contact with the further east have well informed sailors, perhaps more so than those of the Dominion, particularly in matters of the east. As well as this, they possess a variety of polearms and crossbow types, including the repeating crossbow that they can fire in rapid succession at enemies. The bluebark longbow however is their most infamous ranged weapon, due to its hardwood and the power of the potential projectiles. Rumours exist that a larger variety is being constructed for a deadly weapon bought along from the east.

Common Dress code

Head dresses are often used even in civilian life, tending to involve tiaras of various colours and materials to determine social classes, political faction, gender or wealth. Cheaper materials tend to present lower status, and more expensive ones higher. Men centaurs typically have a triangular arc at the front of their tiara while the women are circular all around. On the battlefield, Xoeu soldiers are expected to have the feathers of birds present on their helmets to demonstrate their rank in the military. These range from the all common pigeon and crow feathers all the way up to the very rare red peacock. Such feathers are also worn at the end of the tail for further demonstration. These, along with their infamous black scale armour, make them very intimidating on the battlefield.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

In High Xoeu culture, golden clips on t the hooves are considered a particular indicator of high wealth, and along with ring-like piercings around the toes are seen as particularly prestigious. The rich are also expected to wear great long robes over themselves even when in battle to show their prestige. The richest may require servants to carry the back of their robes so they don’t continually trip.