Centaurs

The Western Herds

  Centaurs are the most wide spread of the Four Herds, having spread from their birthplace in Southern Arith to travel across the entire western region of the continent. Their appearance remains relatively elven, as they were intended to be the shepherds for elves, and unlike the other herds, their upper bodies are free from any bestial influences like horns or chitin. Their equine halves can be a variety of colors and patterns just like actual horses, and as a result, families and clans within the greater herd have been formed around hair colors, like the well known Clan Redmane who ride into battle for the Order of Aristea.    These clans are nomadic, travelling from place to place and trading with established human and elven villages. They always return to Ilianthore, however, as it is the center of their culture and way of life. While this particular herd is known for carving truly massive cities out of mountains only to abandon them some years later, this testament to Old Guard stonemasonry has become a place of life, both beginning and ending. Those who cannot join the gallop of the herds stay here, whether they are mothers and their children, elders without the stamina for long marches, or those injured by clashes with bandits or enemy forces. Once a year, the herds return to Ilianthore where some rejoin the herds and others stay behind, all celebrated by the New Life Festival, what is essentially a birthday for the entire culture. Though small celebrations may be recognized for individuals on the actual day of their birth, it is not a common cultural practice, instead trading gifts and kind acts during the festival itself. After the week long festival, however, the herds leave Ilianthore and venture back out into Arith for another year of traveling and trading.