Population is roughly 900 members, but shifts with members leaving and returning. Currently there is one full-time representative on the Conclave.

About this Specific Breed of Centaur

A magical-based breed, but not comfortable within high-magic zones, having a very 'traditional' and 'conservative' frame of mind. They tend to stick towards middle-ground areas. Tribemembers tend to live between 60-75 years "in the wild", but those who move to a city who have a more stable diet and lifestyle can reach a century.

Tribemembers can be any colour theme found among regular horses, with the addition of any earth-based colours. No bright colours. However, reds, greens, blues, etc. are possible, just faded. Pure white or pure black in the horse-half is an extreme rarity, perhaps once every three generations. Most tend to be either an off-white or a very dark brown.

Females or males -may- have nipples, but females of this particular breed carry no mammary glands in their human half. Foals are fed similarly to horses. This is believed to have come from interbreeding with horses when the tribe was first started, which is now considered extreme taboo and punishable by death for both participants. It has not been confirmed whether this is possible or not, or if it is the reason for their particular anatomy.

Individuals are able to communicate to horses, mostly through body and noises, though not directly as if with language.

Lifestyle

The tribe was once completely nomadic, but now tends to follow a set pattern as the seasons progress; a massive field is claimed for the summer months, while the centaur tribe will move closer to the forest for winter forage. Family groups often consist of 3-4 centaurs, including a family matriarch, consort and children under 25. They will pick a part of the chosen territory for themselves and set up a small camp.

Each family group is led by the oldest female, and the full Tribe is led by a female chieftain, called the Ol'neh. Traditionally, the title passes through female inheritance - the belief being that wisdom is often bloodborn and children will inherit good traits from competant leaders. However, if the Ol'neh dies childless or shows true incompetant, each family matriarch is eligible to take her place. The next Ol'neh is found through democratic vote - every female eligible as a candidate is allowed to place her support behind another candidate, but not herself. When a final clear majority shows, (minimum 30% of votes) the Ol'neh is chosen.

Individual children must leave their mother's camp before the age of 25. Most of the time, if a mate hasn't already been chosen within the tribe, the individual is sent outside of the Tribe to further his or her education and to potentially find a mate elsewhere. Some journeys can take years, and some don't return, having found a home in either a city or another group.

While under the age of 25, however, many young Centaurs form large groups with others of a similar age, which serves as a base for social interaction and friendship. Racing and fighting are very common. Most adults still retain scars from childhood.

Although it is a matriarchal society, males are not treated as inferior. Male centaurs, called stallions (similar to equine terminology), handle the herds, and train in staves or bows as warriors and defenders. Females, or mares, lead their family groups and often deal with traders. Both genders raise any children.

When born, foals are given two names - a first name and a secret name. Later on, before the age of 16, they are given a second name, based on an incident, personality, etc. Similar to a nickname, but with more importance. The first name is their given name for the rest of their life, their second name is only used among other centaurs, and their secret name will only ever been known to their dam and their mate. Centaurs of the Deena Tribe mate for life, after a quiet, personal exchange and agreement to create their own camp.

Economy: Any economic wealth is measured by the size of one's herd. Each family camp has at least a few horses, and some are donated from other herds (especially from family) when a new camp is created. Outside Traders often visit in the summertime to buy horses, bringing outside goods within for trade. Smaller items also include beaded work, made with stone beads, horse leather, etc.