Cenison

"My son, you are now a boy, but finish the trial before you and you shall be a man. A man never back down, he never gives in, and he never surrenders! Heed these words now and you may survive. May your horns be ever sharp and your legs always steady." - Traditional ending of a coming-of-age day ceremony speech

Cenison are offshoots of the centaur race inhabiting the eastern plains of the new world. They have a rather similar societal structure to most centaurs, with the exception of usually being less patriarchal. Cenison are still polygamous, however, as their constant tribal feuds leave the male population lower than female. Male Cenison must also survive harrowing coming of age ceremonies, which take immense strength and perseverance. Although to most, Cenison seem to be exactly the same as Centaurs excluding the fact that their lower body is that of a bison instead of a horse, there are some notable distinctions. Cenison appear stockier and bulkier than centaurs, and run about 25% slower than them, but make up for this with even greater strength. Cenison are extremely hairy on the “human” upper half of their body, and have curly hair and horns upon their head which other centaurians lack. If at all possible, it can be said that the Cenison are more wild and warlike than even the most uncivilized centaur tribe. Their highly individualistic society is very much focused on achievement in battle, with Cenison often skirmishing over individual feuds between members of different tribes (or even the same tribes). Such contests often see the winner being honored while the loser is typically seen as unfit and exiled. The rules of such contests are tightly ingrained into Cenison society; to break the sacredness of such a contest is not only blasphemous, but also a death sentence. It is also considered dishonorable to challenge a Cenison of lesser status excluding a case of extreme insults or other such behavior that questions the honor of the ranking Cenison.
Although Cenison society is not strictly patriarchal, female cenison do not usually rank with the males. They do not fight in duels of honor or ride to war (usually). Instead, their value is seen in their ability to do any number of tasks considered "womanly" by the cenison- such as raising strong children, holding down their husband's place when he is gone, giving wise and sound advice, and maintaining the dignity of the family. Many have noted that female cenison are often wiser, and so women often lead diplomatic missions, trade delegations, and other non-warlike endeavors. Over time, this has evolved into the female war-regent (or just regent) leading society in general, while the male chief focuses solely on warfare and conflict. This war-regent is by no means required to be related to the chief, and indeed the two are often at odds, though they are typically honor bound to remain in their own spheres of influence.
Besides coming of age ceremonies, young male cenison must also fight for their place in society, as the youngest adult members of a tribe are inevitably considered the least capable. Staging ad-hoc raids and stealing other tribes' women, goods, and religious icons are one of the main ways a young cenison will build both his status and his own harem. Death is sometimes considered more honorable than failure in these circumstances, depending on the scale of failure. Young cenison, of course, are also the main defenders of their own tribe from raids, and so have the most to lose from others raiding them. Defeating another tribes raid is usually much more difficult than an attack, as it is rare that a raid doesn't come away with at least a few captives or goods. However, by capturing the raiders, defenders of the tribe can gain much honor and status.
As befitting their curious method of societal organization, cenison also have strange marriage practices. There are three possible ways a woman can come to be married in cenison society. The first, and most basic is when a female cenison comes of age. At this time, her attitude, status, and goals are all considered by the elder women who will then recommend a marriage to a specific male cenison. The male can, of course, refuse, which does happen occasionally. In this case, the woman will take a three month period of seclusion in which she will reflect. The elders will then recommend her to a new man. If a woman does not wish to marry, she is welcome to join the shamans, which is a female only priestly class which has much sway within society. It is not considered dishonorable to do so in any way, and therefore is not an unpopular choice. However, shamans do not gain the protection of a husband and instead work closely with each other. Should she choose to accept, the chief takes the honor of the first night, though this may be ceremonial or not depending on individual tribe or culture. After this, her marriage is consecrated and she is considered wedded. The second method a cenison can be married is following the death of their husband. At this point, she can choose to remarry or become a widow. As a widow, she is entitled to a certain level of respect but also must raise any children alone. If she decides to remarry, the same procedure as the previous marriage is followed, excluding the first night. The final way a cenison may be married is through captivity. Female cenison captured in a raid (provided she is not a shaman) are then considered prizes of war. They can be divided amongst a raiding party any way the raiders see fit, provided that they agree. Any points of disagreement can be brought before the tribe for discussion. Following the imposition of all ruling or with all parties declaring themselves satisfied, a formal ceremony will then be held in which the captives are formally married.