Au Ra physiology and other lore.

[Kaiser-Ace]

So a steep is a grass plain like what the Apache and Mongolians lived in.

This still would permit the genetic speed vs power scenario since a smaller build is much quieter for stalking prey (and easier to conceal).

While the more physically endowed males would likely be the frontal force to bring large game down the females smaller frame would be better for stalking and tracking since they'd make less noise.

The females under that logic would also be ideal for stealth operations since, again, being smaller makes it much easier to hide and stay quiet.

[Samcaesar]

Snip

Mhm, they also have the notable feature of grazing herd animals, bison in the case of Native Americans and sheep, goats, cattle, and yaks with the Mongolians.

Where would they hide though? Lush and large vegetation is sparse in Steppes. If we're talking quietness, well, Auri men are hardly walking one men bands, and it's not the hardest thing in the world for a larger person to be stealthy. They're tall but they're certainly not Roegadyn.

Assassination isn't something generally used to take out enemy troops, mainly heads of power. Chances are if they were so aware of the constant threat of stealth, all they'd need is enough men to box in the assassin and deal with her, because she more than likely isn't strong enough to overpower the male if there's a Speed vs Strength dynamic with the sexes.

Plus considering the way the Auri horns function in enhancing hearing and special recognition capabilities, it'd be pretty difficult to sneak up one one, much less many. Stealth doesn't work offensively with the Au Ra due to their horns.

[jomoru]

So a steep is a grass plain like what the Apache and Mongolians lived in.

This still would permit the genetic speed vs power scenario since a smaller build is much quieter for stalking prey (and easier to conceal).

While the more physically endowed males would likely be the frontal force to bring large game down the females smaller frame would be better for stalking and tracking since they'd make less noise.

The females under that logic would also be ideal for stealth operations since, again, being smaller makes it much easier to hide and stay quiet.

Well if we are going to use real world examples then well the males are kind of well crap for the steppe. The females have a more Mongolian/Native america build. And Steppe nomads in Eurasia generally were all about being small mobile killing machines vs big bruisers. They made significant use cavalry, there's a reason why you don't have people like the Rock as Jockeys.

So building on that I'd imagine Xaela males are more home bound protectors of camps. Excellent at defensive strategies being larger and having less need to move. The females are the attackers, archers and lancers using their mounts to easily make up for the male size difference.