'Taurs

(tars) (or Toors if you prefer) (Heck pronouce it Jawn)

By Jade Hammons (sidhe@IONET.NET) (13 September 1995)

Description

The 'Taurs are not so much of a Kith, as they are a sub-class of Kith. Like the Pooka, the many species of 'Taur share characteristics with certain animal species, many of which are of the 4 legged variety, though certainly not all.

'Taurs have long been the guardians and footsoldiers of the Changeling peoples, and most share the same senses of Duty and Honor as do their troll cousins.

The Eurocentric changelings are most familier with the Centaurs. Half-man, Half-equine, these peoples formed the cavalry of many a fae battle. But the Centaurs are only one of a long line of Kith, mentioned in the legends of the world. Sphinx, Naga, Harpys, Lamias, and the elusive Kittsu of the eastern myths round out a long, and proud heritage, of half-animal changelings. It is even possible, that the Merrow, or Merfolk, long battling against the mindless attacks of Rokea, are but another variation of this long line.

Seelie 'Taurs have a reputation, as strong as that of the Troll, as dutiful guardians and strong protectors of the nobility. It is extremely rare to find a Seelie 'Taur that hasn't sworn fealty to a house and begun to accrue titles by the time she is seasoned wilder.

On the other hand, Unseelie 'Taur have the reputations for riddling and devouring passers-by, carrying travelers and dropping them into crevices, etc. The most notable thing the two groups have in common is a steadfast dedication to a certain act. The Sphinx always told riddles, the Naga always guarded, the Harpy always carried men to their doom, the Mermaids always lured sailors to a watery grave, etc. Once a 'Taur finds a calling in life, it becomes very difficult indeed for him to change it.

This is not to say that all 'Taurs are stubborn and single-minded, but stereotypically, they seem to be. Surprisingly enough, even this is a stength for the 'Taur, as many of the 'new breed' seem committed to leading lives of glamour and individuality, and in doing so seem to insulate themselves from the creeping fingers of Banality as well as the Pooka.

'Taurs usually seek the wide open spaces of the world to be free of the sometimes painful limitations of their human seemings. The most common treasures of their people are those that remove these limitations, at least temporarily. The gift that grants the Mermaid legs, the cap that allows the merrow to breathe air or that can allow her land bound friend the ability to breathe water, etc. 'Taurs often seek to master the Primal Art in order to rid themselves of their limitations instead of relying upon others, or treasures, but some unscrupulous 'Taurs also use their mastery of Primal to change their bretheren for terribly high costs.

Appearance

The 'Taur in their seemings share many features of the animal they are affiliated with, but almost always in an attractive manner. In their kith, they are animals from the waist down. Many 'Taur look only human from the waist up, but, more often their features are much lighter, and look very much like Sidhe. What connection there is between these Kith is unknown, if there is any at all.

Not all 'Taur have the lower quarters of beasts. The prime examples of this Are the 'Taurs of Minos (The Minotaur) and the non-garou, non-vampire, Egyptian Deities.

In fact it seems the Sidhe never took supremacy in the middle east, as their are more legends of Half-Man, Half-Animals there than of fantastically beautiful fae. The Lamia, the Sphinx, all the various Gods... The main 'sidhe' archetype that may exist there is the Pharoah -- the Pharoah, since all of them supposedly, according to many tales, shared one Soul.

Seemings

Childling 'Taurs are often loners, and many begin even at this youthful age to begin to develop the hobbies that will dominate their older years. They usually like to spend time more with animals than people.

Wilders begin to seek greater things for themselves, and often spend most of their lives in this age. At this age, they are most willing to enjoy the company of other mortals and Kith, and are vibrant and explorative young adults.

Grumps usually return to the loners they were as Childlings, and begin to insulate themselves from further banality by slipping into their duties. 'Taurs that make it to grump, are very likely to slip into Bedlam and almost completely into the chimerical world.

Lifestyles

Different 'species' of 'Taur are common to different areas of Earth, and tend to be follow the social customs of their individual groups. Some 'Taur are highly independent, while others are very family oriented. 'Taur, other than those in America, rarely socialize with other 'Taur, not of their speices. 'Taur tend to prefer wide open areas, that are not constrictive to their Kith.

Affinity

Fae

Birthrights

Animal Affinity: Each 'Taur has a close relationship with one animal. The animal is usually four-legged -- Horses, Great Cats, etc - but Snake, bird, and fish 'Taurs are not unknown. The 'Taur may use any locomotive or environmental adaption of their animal nature free of charge. (ie. Centaurs may gallop quickly and carry heavy loads, Harpys may fly, Merrow may swim as very quickly, and breath underwater) Use of these abilities almost always invokes the Mists. 'Taurs with an affinity to Mythical beasts are rare, but not entirely unknown.

Tireless: 'Taurs have the unerring ability to do things they set their mind on for unbelievable stretches. A Centaur may gallop for hours without rest, a Naga may sit motionless and watch a door for days and days, and half-porpoise Merrow may hold their breaths for hours. To use this ability, the 'Taur must spend a glamour and specify one activity, usually stamina based. Until he ceases that activity he will not tire from it, but should he even falter in it for a moment, the glamour is broken. But, remember, not all activites are exclusive.

Frailities

Animal limitations: While capable of extensive movement abilites within the protections of the Mists, the 'Taur are limited when favoring their mortal seemings. The exact limitations depend upon the animal nature of the 'Taur and the whim of the storyteller, but usually involve a reduction of speed or dexterity in adverse conditions. Often, 'Taurs have other limitations based on their animal nature. These can range from dehydration for some Merrow to the need for certain carnivores to eat raw meat.

Quote

"You have sssseen the treasure now child. It would be besssst if you leave now, before you break the rulessss of my oath and I am forccced to devour you."

Outlooks

Boggans: They flit too quickly from thing to thing. What is the pleasure in doing a job so fast?

Eshu: Good travellers and friends that take the edge of of the long nights spent alone with good stories of love and adventure.

Nockers: Everything they do is flawed. It would be better to do nothing at all than to spend one's life so uselessly.

Pooka: They often believe that we have no sense of humor... You should see the look on their faces when they realize the prank played upon them was by one of us...

Redcaps: They are no worse than the worst of my own kind. They avert their eyes when I stare at them, and I wonder why...

Satyrs: Hmmm... our lusty cousins. They could be of our Kith; I do not know. Regardless, they are interesting company and have a fresh view of the world.

Sidhe: I serve them as long as they show the honor that their position demands. Many of them are sadly too spoiled to make good companions though.

Sluagh: There are 'Taur with the bodies of snakes, but these beasts have their tongues and hearts. They are not fae; they are disgusting apparitions that share no place at our tables.

Trolls: Strong, level-headed, and Noble.. it makes me wonder why the Sidhe lead and not they... Perhaps it was a tricksters riddle that they could not answer that bound them so...