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