Steppespeak is the language of the Steppe centaurs, heavily influenced by the nearby orc settlements. Indeed, most speak some mixture of Steppespeak and Orcish.

With the bodies of stocky horses and the torso of a man where the horse's head and neck should be, some think that centaurs were created long ago as a prank on the god Dracon. Whatever the truth, they are certainly an incongruous site for those used to the four limbed shapes of humans, elves, and dwarves.

One qhanate of centaurs, known as the Huungok, or the cannibal qhanate, are notable for the horns upon their heads.

The Taagi centaurs range from one side of the steppes to the other and do not make settlements, but roam in great herds. When they do stay in any one place for a period of time, they set up great yurts to shield them from the elements and house what belongings they might have.

They are both a pastoral and a hunting people, for they take to taming herds of sheep and goats in the wintry regions near the Eaglehead mountains, while those near the Bystra river are more wont to raise cattle. Horses they leave to the taming of men and orcs. They believe they are descended from the wild horse and thus revere them, but refuse to domesticate such animals, believing they should be left free to range.

The hunters often tame gold eagles, rumored to be descended from the Great Eagles of the Spine, and use them in pursuit of prey.

Occasionally, one might spot a great barrow upon the steppes. These are the kurgan, the burial mounds that mark the resting place of a great warrior.

Their speed and hardiness upon the steppes, along with their training with the bow, makes them fearsome warriors. Yet, due to the lack of resources upon the steppe, they believe in using every part of nature to their advantage. When they slay an antelope, they use every part of the animal. Its horns become tools, its guts become bowstrings, and its hide becomes shelter. This is why the rumor has spread that they are cannibals, who will eat orcs, humans, and even other centaurs. The rumor is at least partially true, for one tribe, the Huungok, do indeed indulge in such activities.

Of late, only two tribes are well known within the steppes. The first is the Tarakhi Qhanate, famed for their archery and taming of eagles. They look favorably upon merchants and trade, with their Qhan having a desire to see all tribes united.

The second are the Huungok, the terrible horned cannibals. They shun the bow for axe and spear and with them they reap lives like harvest wheat. They are rumored to have migrated from the Allir Reach, for they are built larger than the others and bear horns. It is said they fashion cups from the skulls of men and wear the skins of orcs.

"Every child is taught to use the bow from the time they are foaled and with these weapons they can perform incredible feats of skill. Each warrior goes out saddled with four quivers, some holding different types of arrows for different types of game, or foe.

I find the bows themselves fascinating. Made from horn, sinew, and gut, they are wonderfully curved and can launch shafts with extraordinary power. I will endeavor, as you suggest, to bring one back with me should they ever allow me to depart alive."

- Gareth, the Blind Scribe

Taagi Centaurs in the world of Arethil are viewed with fear and suspicion by most people of the world, simply because they are warrior nomads of whom little is recorded in history. They are considered aggressive, warlike, and are only kept from moving beyond the steppes by their lack of unity and infighting. Should a leader emerge who is strong enough to unite the tribes, the lands would have cause to tremble for the scourging that should follow.

Of the times when the Taagi tribes have ventured beyond the Bystra and Sayve, little is recorded but destruction and death. Warrior nomads have no use for villages, but to break and burn.

• Letters from the Taagi Baara
• The Self Recorded History