Centaur (SEN-tor)

Centaurs possess a unique and captivating anatomical structure that combines the features of a human and a horse. Their upper body, starting from the head, is distinctly human in form. Atop their shoulders sits a human head with two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and a pair of ears. A human neck extends from this head, connecting to well-defined shoulders and a broad chest.
Moving further down, centaurs have two human arms with muscular shoulders and hands, each equipped with five fingers that provide them with dexterity and precision. These arms allow them to manipulate objects, create intricate tools, and perform a wide range of tasks with ease.
Below the human torso, centaurs seamlessly transition into the equine portion of their anatomy. Instead of legs, they possess the body of a powerful horse, complete with a muscular chest, sturdy back, and a four-legged stance. The equine body extends into a graceful tail, swishing to maintain balance and aid in communication.
Their muscular and skeletal structure is a harmonious blend of human and horse elements, allowing them to move with agility, grace, and strength. This combination of features grants centaurs a unique advantage in traversing various terrains and engaging in a variety of activities, befitting both their human intelligence and equine power.
Centaurs possess a sophisticated respiratory system that combines human and equine features. Their upper torso, including the lungs and airways, is adapted for human-like respiration. Their lungs are spacious and efficient, providing ample oxygen exchange. The equine body also contributes to its respiratory capacity, with a second set of lungs located within the horse's torso. This dual lung system ensures a constant supply of oxygen to meet the demands of both the human and equine halves. Centaurs have a powerful circulatory system, featuring a larger heart in the horse portion of the centaur that pumps blood to support both their human and equine portions. Their cardiovascular system is adapted to handle the increased demands of a larger body, ensuring efficient circulation to all extremities. Specialised valves and blood vessels help maintain blood flow and pressure as it move between the two halves.
Centaurs possess a complex digestive system that accommodates the dietary needs of both humans and horses. They have a human-like stomach and small intestine in their upper torso, where food is initially processed and nutrients are absorbed. In the equine portion, a separate digestive system, including a second stomach and a more extensive large intestine, handles the breakdown of plant material and further nutrient absorption. This dual digestive system allows centaurs to efficiently extract energy and nutrients from a variety of foods, ranging from grains and vegetables to grasses and hay.
The central nervous system of centaurs is adapted to coordinate the actions of their human and equine halves. While the human brain resides within the human head, a network of nerves connects it to the equine spinal cord and brain, allowing for seamless communication and coordination of movements. This intricate neural network ensures that centaurs can perform complex tasks while harnessing the power and agility of their horse body.

Centaurs possess a unique genetic makeup, blending human and equine characteristics. This distinctive combination plays a crucial role in their reproduction and the continuation of their species.

Reproduction Method:
Centaurs reproduce through sexual reproduction. Mating involves the union of a male centaur, called a maleon, and female centaur, called a maran, and fertilisation occurs internally. The reproductive organs necessary for this process are situated within the lower part of the centaur's abdomen, allowing for successful conception.

Reproduction Frequency:
Centaurs have a relatively low reproductive frequency compared to humans. Marans experience oestrous cycles during specific times of the year. These cycles dictate the period when females are fertile and can conceive offspring. Reproductive events align with natural seasons and celestial rhythms, resulting in sporadic occurrences, sometimes with several years between offspring.

Gestation Method:
Gestation in centaurs is an extended process, owing to their unique anatomical structure. The developing fetus grows within the mare's womb, receiving nourishment and protection. Due to their larger size and hybrid nature, centaurs have a longer gestation period than humans or horses. Gestation typically lasts for approximately 18 to 20 months, ensuring the proper development of the centaur offspring, which is called a chial.

Genetics:
Centaurs inherit genetic traits from both their parents' lineage. This includes human physical characteristics like facial features, body proportions, and hair types. Additionally, the genetic influence of the horse aspect determines aspects of their equine traits such as coat colour and tail characteristics, and general horse morphology. The interplay of these genetic factors results in the unique appearance of each centaur individual.

Parental Care:
Centaurs are known for their strong sense of familial bonds and parental care. After birth, both maran and maleon actively participate in raising and nurturing their offspring. Chials are taught essential survival skills, cultural values, and the rich history of their kind. This collective effort within centaur society ensures the well-being and growth of each new generation, fostering unity and harmony within their communities.

The growth rate and stages of centaurs encompass their unique life journey, marked by the integration of their human and equine halves. Centaurs exhibit a profound connection with their families, communities, nature and the plains they call home.

Conception:
Conception occurs through sexual reproduction, with genetic traits inherited from both parents, contributing to the unique combination of human and equine characteristics.

Pregnancy:
Centaur offspring, called chials, undergo an extended gestation period lasting approximately 18 to 20 months, ensuring proper development within the mare's womb.

Birth:
Chials are born after an extended gestation period, marking their entry into the world. This moment is a significant event for centaur families.

Infancy:
In their early years, chials display limited control over their physical abilities. They may stumble or experience challenges adapting to their dual-natured bodies. Parents and the centaur community provide support and guidance.

Childhood:
As centaurs grow, they develop greater control over their equine and human halves. Childhood is a period of learning and practice, where chials refine their motor skills and balance.

Adolescence:
During adolescence, centaurs become more proficient at moving and interacting with their environment. They gain a deeper understanding of their physical capabilities.

Adulthood:
Adulthood for centaurs signifies full mastery of their unique anatomy. They are known for their strength, agility, and harmony with the Plains of Rohesia. This is the time when younger centaurs become protectors of their land and its inhabitants, joining the ranks of their elders.

Elderhood:
Centaurs enter elderhood around the age of 90 to 100, marked by a deepening connection with the equine aspect of their heritage. They often take on roles as mentors and leaders within centaur society, passing down their wisdom and knowledge.

Ageing:
In their later years, centaurs may experience a gradual decline in physical abilities, reflective of their waning connection to their equine nature.

Death:
Centaurs typically have a lifespan ranging from 140 to 160 years, with their ultimate fate marked by the natural ageing process. When they reach the end of their life, their spirit is believed to roam freely over the Plains of Rohesia, becoming part of the eternal essence of their beloved homeland.

Centaurs find their ideal sanctuary amidst the vast and untamed beauty of the Plains of Rohesia, a sprawling grassland nestled within the protective embrace of towering mountains. This pristine valley, shrouded in natural wonder, encompasses all that centaurs hold dear, their connection with the equine world and the intrinsic bond they share with the land itself. The Plains of Rohesia stretch out, a mosaic of lush meadows, rolling hills, and serene valleys, painted with the vibrant colours of wildflowers, its beauty rivalling even the most captivating of dreams.
At the heart of this breathtaking expanse, centaurs roam freely, their robust equine lower bodies perfectly adapted to the gentle undulations of the terrain. In the embrace of this open horizon, they discover their purpose, guided by an instinctual reverence for their equine companions, from swift horses to the ethereal unicorns and the soaring pegasi.
Within the Plains of Rohesia, a harmonious ecosystem thrives under the guardianship of centaurs. Majestic herds of horses, bearing a tapestry of coat colours and patterns, gallop across the open plains, their lives intertwined with centaur society. Unicorns, resplendent with spiralling horns, grace the landscape, lending an air of enchantment to this realm. The ethereal pegasi take to the skies, their wings caressing the winds, adding another layer of mystical beauty to the tapestry.
Amidst this abundance, nature maintains its balance. Predatory creatures such as sleek and elusive big cats find sustenance in the herds, a testament to the cycle of life and death. Additionally, smaller critters, vital to the ecosystem's health, scurry amidst the grasses, their presence a reminder of the intricate web of existence.
Centaurs serve as the watchful sentinels of this paradise, standing vigilant against threats from beyond the valley. While they coexist peacefully with the native predators, they muster their strength to confront outsiders who might seek to exploit the land's treasures. Hunters and poachers face unwavering resistance from centaur protectors, who shield the Plains of Rohesia with a fierce devotion born of their profound connection to the land and its denizens.
In this pristine haven, the centaurs' role as stewards of the Plains is not only a duty but a spiritual calling. They stand as living embodiments of balance, forging bonds with nature and harnessing the synergy of their dual existence. The Plains of Rohesia, cradled by the mountains' sheltering arms, remain a sanctuary where centaurs and equine creatures thrive, united in a timeless dance that embodies the essence of their harmonious world.

Centaurs possess a versatile and adaptive diet, thanks to their dual digestive system, which accommodates both human and equine dietary needs. During seasons of lush vegetation, they graze on a wide array of plants, while in harsher seasons, they rely on stored hay, dried grasses, grains, and seeds. Centaurs' dietary habits are closely aligned with the seasonal changes of their grassland habitat, allowing them to thrive in the ever-shifting conditions of the plains.

Rain Season
Diet: During the Rain Season, centaurs primarily consume fresh, nutrient-rich vegetation that thrives with the increased moisture. Their diet consists of a variety of plants, including grasses, herbs, and leafy greens, which provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Hunting/Foraging: Centaurs are not hunters, but rather skilled foragers. They graze on the lush vegetation that blankets the Plains of Rohesia, taking advantage of the bountiful supply of edible plants that flourish during this season.
Storage: Centaurs do not typically store food during the Rain Season, as their immediate environment provides an abundance of nourishment.

Leaf Season
Diet: As temperatures drop and plant life undergoes changes in preparation for winter, centaurs adjust their diet. They focus on consuming more fibrous and calorie-dense plant matter, such as hay, dried grasses, and certain grains, to sustain them through the colder months.
Hunting/Foraging: During the Leaf Season, centaurs forage for dried grasses and hay, which they carefully collect and store for future use. They also gather grains and seeds from the remaining plants.
Storage: Centaurs store dried grasses, hay, grains, and seeds in secure locations for the upcoming Frost Season when fresh vegetation is scarce.

Frost Season
Diet: The Frost Season presents a significant challenge for centaurs due to the scarcity of edible vegetation. Their diet primarily consists of stored hay, dried grasses, grains, and seeds from the Leaf Season. This stored food sustains them through the harsh winter.
Hunting/Foraging: Centaurs do not actively forage or hunt during the Frost Season, as the harsh conditions make it difficult to find fresh food.
Storage: Storage is crucial during the Frost Season, as centaurs rely on the provisions they gathered and stored in the preceding season to survive.

Bloom Season
Diet: With the arrival of the Bloom Season, centaurs eagerly return to a diet of fresh, succulent plants. They consume a wide array of vegetation, including grasses, herbs, fruits, and vegetables, benefiting from the renewed abundance of nutrient-rich food.
Hunting/Foraging: During the Bloom Season, centaurs forage extensively, taking advantage of the fresh vegetation that blankets the plains. They graze on various plants, enjoying the diversity of flavours and nutrients.
Storage: Centaurs do not need to store food during the Bloom Season, as they have easy access to the flourishing vegetation in their habitat.

Sun Season
Diet: In the Sun Season, centaurs continue to enjoy a diet rich in fresh vegetation. They consume a variety of plants and fruits, as well as grains and seeds, to support their active lifestyles.
Hunting/Foraging: Centaurs forage for fresh plant-based foods, which are readily available during this season. They may also engage in agricultural activities, cultivating crops and fruits to supplement their diet.
Storage: While fresh food is plentiful in the Sun Season, centaurs may store surplus grains and seeds for future use, ensuring a stable food supply in case of unexpected shortages.

The centaurs' biological cycles mirror the changing seasons of their homeland, the Plains of Rohesia. As dedicated guardians and caretakers of this unique grassland, they synchronise their activities with the natural rhythms of Aonaran, ensuring the well-being of its equine inhabitants and preserving their harmonious coexistence.

Rain Season:
In the Rain Season, centaurs embrace their role as caretakers of the Plains of Rohesia with unwavering dedication. Just as the heavens weep tears of life upon the land, centaurs engage in activities to nurture and protect the equine creatures under their watchful eyes. They guide the herds to sheltered areas and ensure their well-being during the rain. This season is also a time of heightened alertness, as they watch for any signs of external threats, defending the plains from potential poachers and other dangers.

Leaf Season:
As the first chill of Leaf Season descends upon the Plains, centaurs shift their focus to preparations. Just as trees shed their leaves, centaurs gather resources and essential supplies to endure the coming cold. They stockpile food and tend to their herds, ensuring that all equine inhabitants are healthy and well-fed. Their dual nature allows them to sense changes in the environment, assisting them in making timely decisions to protect the valley and its inhabitants.

Frost Season:
The Frost Season ushers in a time of quietude for centaurs. As the land becomes cloaked in frost, centaurs take respite indoors, often congregating in communal shelters within the mountains. This season is an opportunity for rest and reflection, as they maintain their bonds with the equine creatures through empathetic connections. It is also during the Frost Season that centaurs celebrate the birth of their young, ensuring the continuity of their legacy and the preservation of their guardianship.

Bloom Season:
With the arrival of Bloom Season, centaurs rekindle their affinity for the land. The rebirth of flora and fauna awakens a sense of purpose within them, and they actively engage in nurturing the plains back to life. Guiding young equine offspring facilitates the process of birth and assists in safeguarding vulnerable foals. As the cycle of life flourishes around them, centaurs continue to stand as vigilant protectors against any who would threaten their haven.

Sun Season:
During the Sun Season, centaurs fully embrace the abundance and vibrancy of the Plains of Rohesia. They revel in the vitality of the land, participating in activities such as communal gatherings, storytelling, and horsemanship displays. This season is a time of unity, where centaurs strengthen their bonds with both their equine companions and each other. As protectors and nurturers, they ensure the flourishing of the valley's diverse ecosystem, exemplifying the harmony between their dual natures.

Centaurs display a harmonious fusion of human intellect and equine majesty in their behaviour and psychology. Their close connection with the horse aspect of their being lends them a deep appreciation for nature and a strong sense of duty as protectors of the Plains of Rohesia.

General Behaviour
Intraspecies Interaction: Centaurs share strong bonds within their communities, relying on collective effort and unity to fulfil their role as guardians. They prioritize cooperation and mutual support, treating fellow centaurs as family and embracing their dual-natured existence.
Predator and Prey Relationships: Centaurs maintain a delicate balance with the equine creatures inhabiting the Plains of Rohesia. While they do not hunt or view these creatures as prey, they coexist peacefully, ensuring that their presence does not disrupt the natural order. This mutual respect extends to all the creatures within the plains' ecosystem.
Guardians of the Plains: Centaurs are fiercely protective of their homeland, the Plains of Rohesia, and respond with hostility to any external threats. They act as the staunch defenders of the equine creatures and the delicate ecological balance within the plains, warding off hunters, poachers, and predators that dare to trespass.

Seasonal Behavioural Pattern
Rain Season: During the Rain Season, centaurs embrace the bountiful rainfall as a source of rejuvenation for the plains. They become more active, tending to the needs of the equine creatures and ensuring the health of the ecosystem. With lush vegetation and ample water, they conduct communal rituals to celebrate their role as guardians and renew their commitment to the land's protection.
Leaf Season: As the Leaf Season ushers in colder temperatures and falling leaves, centaurs shift their focus towards preparations for the harsher times ahead. They gather and store essential resources, such as dried herbs and preserved food, to sustain both themselves and the creatures of the plains during the Frost Season. In their role as guardians, they work diligently to reinforce the natural barriers and shelters that protect the plains' inhabitants.
Frost Season: When the Frost Season arrives, centaurs become more vigilant. They closely monitor the equine creatures, ensuring they have access to food and shelter. During this season, they dedicate time to training the younger generation of centaurs in survival skills and the art of protection. While their own activities slow down, their duty as guardians intensifies to safeguard the plains from external threats that may attempt to exploit its vulnerabilities.
Bloom Season: With the arrival of the Bloom Season, centaurs shift their focus to nurturing new life. They work hand in hand with the equine creatures to ensure the safety of young foals and other newborns. This season marks a time of increased celebration, with communal gatherings and festivals to welcome the renewal of life within the plains. As protectors, they continue to ward off potential threats, maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Sun Season: During the Sun Season, centaurs actively engage in maintaining the plains' vitality. They collaborate with the equine creatures to facilitate their activities, such as guiding herds to prime grazing areas and helping young animals thrive. As the land flourishes, centaurs also focus on replenishing their own resources, preparing for the challenges and responsibilities of the upcoming seasons. Their role as guardians remains unwavering, ensuring that the plains thrive under their watchful care.

Centaurs possess a diverse range of sensory and extrasensory capabilities, combining the perceptual strengths of both humans and horses. Their acute senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch, along with a deep connection to their environment, empower them as vigilant protectors of the Plains of Rohesia. These remarkable abilities grant them an unparalleled understanding of their surroundings, enhancing their role as guardians and stewards of their unique habitat.
Acute Vision: The centaur's eyes are a combination of the human and equine eyes. They have excellent depth perception and colour vision thanks to this.
Night Vision: Centaurs possess a degree of night vision inherited from their equine half, allowing them to see well in low-light conditions.
Enhanced Hearing: Centaurs have keen auditory senses, capable of detecting distant sounds and subtle changes in their environment.
Strong Sense of Smell: They have a sensitive sense of smell inherited from their equine side, which aids in detecting scents from a distance.
Tactile Sensitivity: Centaurs possess sensitive skin and can perceive subtle variations in texture and temperature.
Thermal Sensing: Their ability to detect temperature differences in their surroundings helps them navigate and locate sources of warmth or coolness.
Enhanced Sense of Balance: Their equine bodies grant them exceptional balance and stability, even in challenging terrains.
Proprioception: Centaurs have a heightened awareness of their body's position and movements, allowing for precise control over their actions.
Speed Perception: They can accurately gauge their own speed and that of other creatures, facilitating effective pursuit or evasion.
Elevated Head: With the human half setting the head higher than a normal horse's head, centaurs have the ability to see further than their equine companions.
Depth Perception: Their binocular vision enables them to judge distances accurately, aiding in activities like hunting and navigation.
Sense of Direction: They have an innate sense of direction, making it challenging for them to get lost in the wilderness.
Pattern Recognition: Centaurs excel at recognizing patterns in nature, which aids in tracking and identifying changes in their environment.
Spatial Awareness: They possess an acute awareness of the spatial relationships between objects, enhancing their navigation skills.
Non-Verbal Communication: Centaurs can communicate with other creatures using body language and vocalisations, facilitating understanding.
Empathy: Their equine nature allows centaurs to empathise with and understand the emotions and needs of horses and other equine creatures, as well as each other.
Time Perception: They have a keen sense of time, enabling them to anticipate changes in the environment based on the time of day or season.
Tracking Instinct: Centaurs inherit a natural tracking instinct from their equine side, aiding in locating prey or missing individuals.
Visual Memory: Their strong visual memory allows them to recall detailed information about their surroundings.
Weather Prediction: Centaurs possess an intuitive sense for predicting changes in weather patterns, crucial for life on the plains.
Magic Sensitivity: While not capable of using magic themselves, centaurs can still perceive changes in the flow the natural energies and read them.