Esila

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The Esila are a race of omnivores with long horns and cloven hooves. They are divided into four subspecies: Whiptail, Pygmy, Pureblood, and Ancients (not pictured here). Each type, while a bit different linguistically and culturally, greatly value song and dance.

Whiptails

Whiptails are the oldest breed of Esila and have remained mostly unchanged. Standing at around 5 feet at the shoulder with a powerful build, Whiptails are a force to be reckoned with. Whiptails prefer to joust and stab with their long horns, but aren't above using their namesake tails to lash larger foes. Primarily living on the deserts and plains, Whiptails still make a prized meal for any of Sunit's predators, and thus are rather wary.

Despite being powerful and proud, Whiptails are a bit more humble and grounded than their Purebred cousins, and are generally considered to be the most reasonable of the subspecies. Whiptails value strength, individualism, and natural aesthetics. They particularly enjoy group hunts and athletics competitions.

Pygmies

This small Esila breed stands about 2 feet tall at the shoulder and inhabit Sunit's many forests and jungles. Pygmies are perfectly suited to running through their vegetation-choked homes and hiding amongst the dappled leaves; a necessary adaptation for a snack-sized species. Despite their diminutive stature, Pygmies are quite bold both in words and in attitude. Their quick temper leads to plenty of scuffles, which means plenty of bites and slashes from their long tusks.

Due to their low place on the food chain, Pygmy Esila are rather aggressive and xenophobic, even to other subspecies. Pygmies appreciate conciliation and cooperation, and consider dark coats with bright accents to be most attractive. Obstacle courses, racing, and orienteering are the Pygmies' activity of choice.

Pureblood

Purebred Esila are the most populous of the Esila subspecies, and also the oddest. Standing at around 4 feet at the shoulder, Purebreds have a lithe, graceful, almost unnatural build compared to their cousins. Their name gives a hint as to why: Purebreds are incredibly xenophobic and obsessed with lineage and aesthetics. Centuries ago, a mutation occurred while adapting to the Crystal, with certain individuals growing crystal all over their bodies. Those unaffected were terrified by this phenomenon, casting out the afflicted and vowing to avoid that fate again at all cost. Their solution was to carefully control the lineages of their own, picking and choosing mates to recreate themselves as something far removed from those they banished.

Purebreds are incredibly proud and egocentric, thinking all others are below them. Their own communities are tightly knit but very formal, whilst any interactions with the other sapient species are tense at best. Purebreds particularly celebrate the arts and creative endeavors, preferring bright coats and patterns compared to their naturalistic cousins. Dance is an integral part of Purebred culture.