So we've all heard of werewolves and (I think) they're kind of cliché. I guess you could say that Equihu are my twist for werewolves.

Equihu
Humans who can turn into horses (and vice versa). They live in the North West region of my made-up land. In the countries of the Dwarves, Zarack/Izang, and the Burgansies. (I'll talk about them later)
Their human form resembles their horse form.
(i.e.)
black horse ---- black human with black hair
grey horse ----- grey human with white or black hair
bay horse ------ reddish/mahogany skin with black lower leg and arms and black hair

Their build also resembles their horse form.
(i.e.)
heavy horse (friesian/draft) ------------------- large/muscular human
medium horse (quarter horse/warmblood) --- fast/lithe human
pony (minature/shetland) --------------------- short/dwarvish human
Other than these differences. Their horse form looks like a horse and their human form looks like a human (except for the color of their skin).

The Equihu are considered excellent spies and are used by both the Dwarves and Zarack/Izang. (These two races have been fighting each other for a long time) Because they are used as spies, many Equihu have died "in the line of duty" and most hide their 'nationality' by staying in either horse or human form.
The Burgansies treat the Equihu with respect and thus the Equihu frequently dwell among them. Sometimes in hiding, sometimes revealing who they are.

The Equihu (female) can only give birth to two (2) children. Once the second child is born the parents separate until both children are full grown. Only then do the two reunite. The father takes the older child while the mother keeps the younger. (in the case of twins there is an exception to this custom and the parents stay together until the first born is old enough to be weaned)
Children can be born as either horse or human (which ever form the mother is in when they are born is the form they are born with -- I may have some title or thing about their birth form. Like Shaz-Horseborn or Shaz-Manborn. I'll have to think about it....)


There is a creature related to the Equihu. Only one was ever born/created. It's name is Vashack and the 'race' was called an Equizack. But I'll post in the other area about him



That's all I can remember of them at the moment. What do you think? (questions, comments, opinions)

Interesting concept. I like the name. So, what do they eat? Do they eat according to what shape they are in? (That would be convenient on quests when there is little food.) Or do they eat for both, like C. S. Lewis' centaurs? Are the ever used like regular horses, or are they treated differently? Are they generally friendly, or do they prefer to be left alone? Do they like people outside of their "race"?

I ask lots of questions. Be forewarned, I might have more later on.

I like the twist of the words, equine and human to come up with the name. I'd like to hear more about them. A dappled grey equihu might be kind of interesting. How do the markings of the horse form correspond with their human form? For instance, the dappled effect I mentioned above, or if they have markings on their head, or their legs?

Very unique. This isn't a popular concept. Centaurs yes, but not with this kind of spin. I like it.

There have been some good, thought provoking questions asked already, and I can only echo Shawn and 6string's questions. I will keep my eye on this subject.

I like questions

@Shawn: Yes, they eat according to their shape, but are more likely to stay away from meat (some Equihu don't eat meat at all).
If an Equihu 'hides' their race by becoming a horse, they will most likely be used as a horse. I have one character (his name at the moment is Castor) who is captured by the Zarack and, since he hides in horse form, they use him as a regular war horse in battle. The Burgansies are the only ones who treat them differently. Differently because the Dwarves and Zarack see them only as an objects to be used against the other race.
They normally live alone (i.e. one family) or in small groups (i.e. 3-6 families) though some have begun to live in cities. They're friendly, but not very... open, as in they aren't likely to approach someone, but will not be angry if approached.
Because of the way they are treated, the only race (outside of their own) that they 'like' are the Burgansies.

@Strings: the before mentioned Equihu (Castor) is actually a dapple grey and when he takes human form his skin is grey with darker lines (like when your skin gets cold and you see the faint blue-ish outlines? just as grey and darker grey)
Markings are rare on Equihu, but once in a while a child is born with markings. This can only happen if the child is born as a horse. Since they are rare, children with markings are seen as special and great is taken to protect them. (I just had an idea for a short story about a paint Equihu that'll look interesting)
If an Equihu is born with markings, the markings will appear in the spots in their human form. A left hind sock would be on their left foot.

A few other things about colors:
Their hair is the same color on either form. black hair, white hair, brown hair, sometimes mixed for paints.
The colors of their hooves are the colors of their nails. White/cream hoof = normal nails. Black hoof = black nails.

And some random facts:
Their name for child/children is Yahandu/Yahandi.
Urmatill is when a Yahandu 'comes of age' normally at around twenty.
Equihu lived according to their human years. (they don't have an average lifespan of only 25-30 years)

How fascinating. This never occurred to me...

Very interesting, and very unique in my experience. The only questions I had are the ones the others have raised, so I will just chip in with - neat idea!

Very cool, Villese So I'm guessing those that are born in equine form with markings are easier to point out as equihu as well then.

Yes, which is why most Equihu try to give birth in human form, even though they usually disguise themselves as horses. This makes it hard if they are in captivity to give birth to 'un-marked' children.

I'm thinking the Zarack may have herd of Equihu they keep captive for their own uses...

Awesome idea! Definitely not one you hear of at all, maybe even ever.


So is an equizack a Zarack and a horse? Why do they keep them captive if the Equihu are respected?

eruheran

The Zarack and Dwarves see the Equihu as an object or "just and animal" to be used for whatever they want. The Burgansies are the only race (in that area) who actually respect the Equihu. (besides, the Zarack are simply evil -- I had to find a place to use that smilie some where )


*bing* you guessed it, but there are a few other factors that make them/it more than just a cross breed. Once I get a chance to introduce the Zarack I'll finally be able to introduce the Equizack properly

OK, I read the Zarack thread. Now hit me with the equizacks.

eruheran

Wow, you must really be interested in them (don't worry, I think I'll have them posted by tonight or tomorrow....)