The Aegeans

Kyra ran like a lightning bolt. The wind surged past her, breathing a sigh of envy as her legs pumped. This was living. Behind her Aetolos tried to keep up. His large body was simply not meant for the sprint, though he would triumph in the extended run. She looked back over her shoulder at him and caught a glimpse of a smile crossing his face.
"Come now Aetolos," she shouted over the wind, "If you can't keep up with me, what makes you think you could ever join the Outriders?"
Aetolos grinned openly now and spurred himself forward in a final burst of energy to try and catch her before the race's close.
"That's more like it!" she whooped excitedly before leaning into her gallop and pounding towards the twin spires of stone.
The two ran in full battle regalia, it was the only way to have a fair run that made sense. Why run with or without anything else? If it ever came down to war this is how it would be. The sound of pounding hooves closing in behind her registered in Kyra's ears. He really was running faster than usual. Kyra sped up and glanced only briefly over her shoulder, smiling openly. The smile quickly faded as she saw the two headed dog charging towards them. The creature was black as the darkest shadow, lean and muscular the beast had eyes like burning coals and inky smoke dripped from the creatures mouth. Orthrus.
The stories Kyra had once thought impossible had manifested before her. Chasing after her and Aetolos was a creature of myth, a monster supposedly prone to these parts and slain only once in living memory by Epimenes, the Bold. Now, the creature seemed to have been reborn, brought back by the Lumina that fueled it and it was hungry for revenge.
"Run, Aetolos, run!" Kyra screamed at her friend. In the same moment she lifted the bow off of her back and knocked an arrow. She rotated, upper body swiveling back slightly as she angled herself and took a shot. The arrow stuck into the hide of the beast, but didn't seem to hinder it in anyway. Orthrus was gaining on them. Kyra knocked another arrow and aimed before firing again. The arrow found purchase in the creature's fleshy thigh, causing it to howl angrily and lock its gaze on Kyra.
"Go, Aetolos! Go and get help, I can keep the creature busy."
He looked ready to argue before he sprinted back towards Apona and the rest of the Aegeas tribe. Hopefully, he would not be too late. Kyra looked back at Orthrus and began to pray to Ares for the strength and cunning needed to survive this bout.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Aegea is a steppe land of rolling plains, winding streams and short, sparse grass. Here, in the NorthWest, Aegea rests along the Silver Coast and is a very territorial land.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names generally consist of three parts and are always Greek. 1st - The First name is normal 2nd - First part of last name is the tribe the centaur belongs to 3rd - Second part of last name is the family name
Example: Ctesippus Morys-Silanos

Major Organizations

The Aegean Tribes - There are currently four Aegean Centaur Tribes and they are as follows in order of strength

Aegeas

Morys

Pythias

Antigone

The BladeSworn - in recent years the BladeSworn have made a hard push to draw Aegean Centaurs to their side for the crusade of Thakuria. They have met with some success, though the majority still remains aloof from them.
Ordinis Potestas - The Dominion Order have pushed in recent years to convert the "heathen tribes" to the true order. The Aegean Centaurs do not conform to the new order of worshipping the Reborn Gods, instead clinging to the old ways and rituals of the Old Gods.
The Outriders - an honorific group among the centaurs. Membership is given to the fastest and most capable riders, making this an elite force even among the centaurs themselves.

Courtship Ideals

Men and Women both must be strong warriors to be respected and seen as courtable. The Woman, in fact, will approach the Man first in Aegea.

Relationship Ideals

Man and Woman fight in pairs, the two protecting each other and providing an ideal teamwork dynamic on the battlefield.

Average Technological Level

The Aegean Centaurs do not hold a high level of technology, instead relying upon skill and force of arm. There are also no documented cases of Lumin Centaurs as of yet.

Common Etiquette Rules

A visitor will always bow in deference to a Centaur, even if of a higher station.

Centaurs are not to be ridden as it is seen as placing them at a position equal to that of pack animals. Being ridden is an honor only given to the most respected of bipedals.

It is courteous to offer Centaurs gifts when contact is first made. Gifts are not gold or silver, instead things like food or weapons or armor is considered acceptable.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Any Centaur that shows fear in battle, is born with a deformity, or displays a lack of honor/demonstrates criminal behavior, is sentenced to hard labor (the lowest status of Aegean society). In this hard labor they are treated much like pack animals and sneered at by all stations above their own.

The Bestowing of Marks is a tradition where Centaurs can apply for a change of markings. Several supporters must speak on behalf of the applying Centaur, giving credence to the request and explaining why they deserve the new marks.

Most Aegeans worship either Ares or Athena, though some have opted to serve Apollo or Artemis and Hermes is the God of choice for FarStriders among the Outriders.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Every year, the Tribal Charge is done. This charge is a run that all tribes participate in. The Charge circles the entirety of Aegea, checking every border, and takes place over several days.

The Year's Summit is a tradition that happens at the middle of every year. It is a time of reflection and a time to set goals to accomplish by years end. The summit is also a time to remember the old gods and to burn offerings to them.

Trial of Thundering Hooves: Sometimes, when disputes happen between Aegeans, they may choose to settle the argument over a Trial of Thundering Hooves. This is a challenge where one centaur challenges another to a race no more than 5 miles long and no shorter than 1 mile long. The winner of the race is seen as "right" in the sight of the gods and the loser is dishonored and exiled for a time equal to their crime to be determined by the Aegean Council of Elders.

Common Taboos

It is taboo to put a weapon in the hands of one branded as Unworthy. Doing so can lead to shame upon the family as well as punishment for he/she who gave the weapon to the Unworthy to begin with.

It is taboo to call a centaur by their family name, once they are a full member of the tribe. The centaur may introduce themselves with their family and tribal name, but the family name is not to be repeated thereafter as it suggests a tribe that isn't united.

Historical Figures

Epimenes, the Bold: First Centaur to take up the spear, Epimenes came to the aid with the Aegean Centaurs when Nephele sought to unite all of the other city states and to form a kingdom. Epimenes was Nephele's first and strongest supporter. He would later die for her, taking a spear thrust that was meant to pierce her throat.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Humans (neutral)

Humans of Kreed (Good terms)

Humans of Seidon (Good terms)

High Elves of Silus (Bad Terms)

Orcs of Kursh (Enemies)

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• The Aegeans

Genetic Descendants

• The Aegeans

Origin/Ancestry

Greek - Spartan

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

7-8 ft

Average Weight

350 lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Many Aegean Centaurs use body paint as a manner of distinction. Different colors symbolize different levels of sovereignty.

Blue = Novice

Green = Apprentice

Red = Veteran

Grey = Master