Centaur
Centaurs are 6-limbed people whose bodies resemble a combination of both equine and humanoid anatomy. A creation of Ervian, they were created as guardians of Faera and are common in the Fae Courts of Spring and Autumn. Centaurs have also existed in the Material Realm since the beginning of the Second Age, most descended from individuals who became more distant and grounded from their fae origins.
"My sweet centaurs... Half a man, half a mule, and with all the stubborness of both!"
Anatomy and Physiology
Centaurs have lower bodies that resemble a horse (known as the "hindbody"), with a humanoid torso (known as the "forebody") attached from where the horse's neck would be (known as the "forewaist"). While this combination appears almost chimeric, as though the animal has simply been sewn to a human torso, on closer inspection, many curious details make centaurs unique.
Size
Centaurs are incredibly large. Almost always standing above a man, the height at the top of the head can range anywhere from 6ft to 9ft tall, with most individuals standing around the 7ft mark. With a mass comparable to a draft horse, they are formidable beings and their size comes as an advantage in protecting the realms of Faera.
Face
The face of the centaur is often slightly elongated, with large eyes and a flat nose, sometimes ending in an animalistic rhinarium. The ears are horse-like, possessing fur toward the tips. The ears can swivel at the base, allowing them to express emotion, and pinpoint noise.
Mane
Beginning at the top of the head, a Centaur's hair continues down the nape of the neck, along the spine creating a mane that typically stops at the withers. The hair can be varied in texture and colour, though the hair colour is determined by the genes that make up the coat colour. Some centaurs have a mane that continues along the back , joining with the tail.
Coat
The coat is thick and can grow quite long, some individuals possessing feathered hocks. Typically, the coat continues up the abdomen of the centaur to the navel, creeping up along the forewaist and withers. Where the coat ends and bare skin begins varies vastly from individual to individual. Some centaurs have a horse-like coat covering their entire back to the nape of their neck, and some have furry arms or chests. To centaurs of Faera, animalistic traits are more desirable and considered favouritism by Ervian.
Colouration
The coat can come in a wide variety of equine colours, sometimes paired with white patterns or spotting. Skin colour directly relates to coat colour, and is usually golden, brown, black or grey in colour. Pinkish skin can occur in patches on spotted centaurs, or across the body when accompanied by a white coat. The skin can often be freckled or speckly.
The eyes are also comparable to the coat colour. Brown and amber eyes are common, with green associated with some rarer diluted coat colours. Blue eyes only occur on diluted, golden coats or are associated with white spotting patterns.
ABOVE FIGURE: A non-exhaustive chart of example coat colours.
Legs
The legs are strong and sturdy, with some heavier individuals possessing hooves larger than a man's hand.
Lifespan
Centaurs complete their rituals of adulthood around 25 years of age. Biologically, their lifespan tends to be around 120-200 years, though this is only accurately measurable on the Material Plane.
Internal anatomy
Lungs: Centaurs possess two sets of lungs, both connected to a singular circulatory system. The breathing is staggered; a breath is taken in the forelungs and expelled as the hindlungs take in a breath. As the hindlungs expell their breath, the forelungs take in another breath, completing a cycle.
To allow this process to work, each pair of lungs has its own trachea, and each has a muscular valve that allows the trachea's mouth to be open or shut. The flattened nose allows for more open nostrils, and while not speaking, centaurs will often hold their lips slightly parted to aid in breathing. The forelungs re-oxygenate blood as it returns from the brain, before it reaches the heart. This keeps the heart well-oxygenated.
Heart and circulation: The centaur heart is huge, cradled by fascia and protected by the scapula.
Digestive system: Though not ruminants, centaurs have a pre-stomach which acts as a fermenting chamber. This chamber breaks down fibres in a rough plant matter, allowing them to extract a great deal of nutrients from vegetable-based diets, even if eaten raw. They are not well-suited to processing meat or dairy, and most choose to have plant-based diets.
ABOVE DIAGRAM: A simple demonstration of the unique placement of centaur organs
Culture
Faera and Material
Centaurs in Faera are often duty-bound. With a tendency to take up service under a high fey, they are often seen as court guards or messengers, favoured for their strength and speed. Some choose to wander the endless and everchanging Faera landscape, protecting it from outside influence and reporting back to Ervian or Liesiel with information. Often considered informants or even spies, they are sometimes distrusted by other Fey and have grown stoic, cold, and aloof in response.
Centaurs that walk the Material Plane are thought to be descendants of Faera centaurs, sent to regrow and observe nature and natural order following the The Ruination. Now far removed from their original purpose, they tend to be more emotive and warm than their Faera counterparts. They often take up roles as blacksmiths, labourers, soldiers, mercenaries or couriers, though the Skypiros Isles have many settlements made up of almost entirely centauri populations. Centaurs tend to integrate smoothly into the groups they find a home in, though many continue important Fey rituals, worship and practices passed down through generations.
Hipella
Hipella is an island in Skypiros inhabited almost entirely by centaurs. Considered a sacred ancestral home for centaurs on the Material Plane, Hipella is a hub of Fey traditions, colourful celebrations of the seasons, and intense worship of Ervian and Liesiel. An important trade hub, the island has a thriving economy and a strong population.
The island is home to a rift that acts as a fairly safe portal to Faera, though the rift is fiercely protected by the island's inhabitants, who still take their born duty of protecting the realm very seriously.
The Spring Court
In Faera, the Spring Court has traditionally been guarded almost exclusively by centaurs. The Archfeys of Spring in eons past have often favoured golden-coated centaurs to stand guard of the throne. Centaurs make up a larger portion of the Spring Quarter's population than in other quarters, though they can be found across the entirety of the Wheel of Faera.
Lifestyle
Hoof care
Centaurs have large, horse-like hooves which require constant care. The structure of a centaur's foot has many key differences from an actual horse hoof, and centaur farriers are specialised in caring for centaur hooves. The hooves are often a focal point for decoration; braided feathering, intricate metalworking in the form of shoes, precious stones and hoof paints are all ways that centaurs customise their hooves as a show of status or personality.
Body modification
Farriers often double as piercers, barbers or tattooists. Centaurs have long held a particular interest in the decoration or artistic possibilities of their bodies, possibly originating from their strong ties to the Spring and Autumn courts of Faera. Many have permanent bangles installed when they reach adulthood, decorating their hocks with gold or jewels. Piercings of the ears and face are common, as well as long braiding sessions to transform the mane and tail into intricate knotted artworks. Scarification was common in history, though tattooing seems to be more favourable in present times, especially outside of Faera. Less permanently, youngsters often shave parts of their coats in intricate patterns and paint the skin beneath with gold paint during festivals and celebrations.
Family Values
Centaurs have family values that often don't align with other surrounding cultures, but these values have worked for them for eons. Centaur culture does not hold a place for marriage, and they rarely practice monogamy. Family groups of anywhere from 2-8 individuals often live together, with children being raised by the entire unit.
Diet
Many Centaurs are vegetarian. Avid gardeners and farmers, they can pull their own ploughs to tend their fields and are exceptional farm workers. Centaur dishes often involve a lot of leafy green vegetables and root vegetables like carrots, but generally don't include a large amount of starches or grains.
Sleep
Centaurs in Faera have little requirement for sleep due to the magical energy of the surrounding weave, and their unique bond with it. However in the Material Plane centaurs require 4-6hrs of sleep a day. Though many choose to bed down for the night, centaurs can sleep standing up. This is typically undertaken by crossing their arms over their forechest and tucking the chin down, or by propping their their forebody against a tree or wall. This makes them excellent choices for night watch guard positions, as they are still an intimidating presence at a distance should they accidentally fall asleep.
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