The Naghoon, often referred to as Steppe Orcs, are a nomadic people who are native to the Taagi Baara Steppes. While referred to as Orcs by most outsiders, the Naghoon are actually theorized to be a subspecies of Goblin. This theory is strengthened by the Naghoon myth and lore as well as their physical characteristics, but is inconclusive as of yet.

The average Naghoon stands between 1.5 to 1.7 meters tall and tend to be of leaner build than most orc species. This is thought to be a combination of the limited resources of the steppes and the general evolved physiology of the Naghoon in general.

Steppe Orc lifespans are hard to determine as life in the Taagi Baara is harsh and unforgiving even at the best of times. Some children do not live to adulthood and relatively few adults become elderly. Those that do achieve old age tend to live about as long as the average human with ages above one hundred years old being a rarity, though not unheard of.

The Naghoon people are omnivores and rely primarily on the livestock they cultivate and herd as well as whatever they can scavenge from the land and their neighbors.

Whilst known as Steppe Orcs there are many tribes of the more common orcs inhabiting the Taagi Baara Steppes.

The Naghoon language is simply referred to as ‘Naghoon’ by both the Naghoon and outsiders in general. The language is guttural and harsh, but surprisingly descriptive and deceptively complex. All Naghoon born to the Steppes speak the language natively, but some have been known to take interest and learn Common and other outside languages. Few outsiders have been known to learn Naghoon due to its complexity and difficulty with even fewer outsiders mastering the language, but such achievements have been known. The Taagi Baara Steppes is the primary, if not the sole, location where Naghoon is spoken.

Naghoon are red-skinned and goblinoid/orcoid in appearance, though usually lacking pronounced tusks. They stand roughly 1.5 to 1.7 meters in height and are of a lean build. Hair is usually jet black to dark brown, turning gray and white as old age sets in, though it is not unheard of for individuals to dye their hair for religious or cultural reasons. Their hair is usually grown long and tied into braids and knots for both men and women while Naghoon men occasionally allow facial hair to grow. Naghoon eyes range from pale yellow to dark amber in coloration and their teeth resemble those of orcs and goblins, although with far less pronounced, and sometimes even absent, tusks.

Naghoon are almost entirely found within the Taagi Baara Steppes or along the fringes thereof. It is not unheard of for individuals or small families to emigrate to other lands, but these are very rare instances usually indicative of exiles or refugees.

Naghoon are some of the best horsemen in the known world with children often able to ride before they can walk. Their skills on horseback and the harshness of the steppe have given them an innate skill at archery, especially mounted archery. Naghoon culture is distinctly martial with the warrior preeminent among the clans. This strengthens the Naghoon militarily, but often alienates them from the outside world just as easily.

Naghoon magic is often seen as peculiar at best and primal at worst. Naghoon Mages, or Shamans, specialize in controlling the weather and prediction to the exclusion of all else utilizing ancient, religious rituals and rites as per their traditions.

As a species, the Naghoon are hardy folk accustomed to harsh living and brutal conditions, but often find environs outside their Steppes confusing at best and dangerous at worst.

There are many who claim that as long as the Taagi Baara has existed, the Naghoon have dwelled on the steppes. In reality, the Naghoon are theorized to have emigrated there many thousands upon thousands of years ago from the Spine, though why is of great debate and conjecture.

The leading theory is they were cast out for religious reasons or, perhaps, due to developing larger stature and the red hue of their skin. Regardless, they roamed westward until, eventually, taking up residence on the Steppes where the Naghoon’s ancestors utilized every resource they could get their hands on, including the native steppe horses.

Naghoon culture eventually evolved into the horse-dependent clan system seen today. Each clan is composed of a handful to many dozens of families and their extended branches with a single warlord known as the Khan as the clan’s leader. The title of Khan is traditionally hereditary, but Naghoon laws dictate that the title of Khan can be challenged by combat both at the time the title is bestowed or once a year during the Naghoon summer solstice. Each clan is allowed to build alliances with other clans or even outside factions as desired so long as deference and obedience is given to the leader of the Khans. This individual is called the Khagan, or the Khan of Khans in Naghoon and is considered the closest thing the Naghoon have to a central ruler. Individual Khans can choose, at their own risk, to ignore what the Khan of Khans demands or rules, but only the most foolish or daring Khans risk giving a deaf ear to the Khagan.

Rather than build cities or even towns, Naghoon clans are nomadic and primarily reside in large tents that can be built and struck at a moment’s notice. They tend to follow their herds of livestock, bringing them to various pastures as the season demands, but small, semi-permanent trading posts do exist here and there on the fringe of the Steppes. These posts are where Naghoon come to trade their furs, meats, horses, and livestock with other Naghoon and outsiders. Such locations are traditionally left in peace by the Khans as they bring lifeblood to each clan individually and the Khan of Khans and his or her clan enforce this tradition with ruthless brutality when needed. It is often said that the safest place on the Steppe is a Naghoon trading post.

The Naghoon are traditionally isolationist with their contact with the outside world primarily done through raiding neighboring lands or trading with adventurous merchants at trading posts. This came to an end, however, after Tarnakh took hold of the throne of Khagan. Currently, the Naghoon have established an alliance with the Dominion, a faction formed by a confederation of different peoples and races headed by the Dark Elves. In addition, Tarnakh has encouraged the construction of trade routes through the Steppes and encouraged traders the world over to peddle their wares within the Taagi Baara while turning his and the Naghoon’s gaze ever outward in search of greatness and glory.

Little is truly known of the Naghoon’s lore and myths outside of what has been gleaned by traders, travellers, and the few Naghoon who speak of such things. What is known is that the Naghoon believe their gods and goddesses pulled them from the earth and placed them in the Taagi Baara to save them from certain destruction as hell and its demons slowly rose up.

In addition, Naghoon have no concept of magical schools or secular magic, instead relegating magic use to their Shamans who operate as wizard and priest or priestess both. Shamanic magic focuses on controlling and manipulating the weather,something that can be astoundingly beneficial or demoralizingly devastating on the Steppes, as well as using magic to attempt to predict the future. Naghoon magic is done through a series of rites and rituals that can take minutes to hours, even days, to cast utilizing ancient chants and hymns to the respective gods. Those seeking “fast” magic casting among the Naghoon will be sorely disappointed, but most are often shocked and surprised at the power the Shaman wields, at least when the gods are watching.

The Steppe Orcs do not have currency in the same manner as Alliria or Vel Amir. Instead, the Naghoon use a barter system and wealth is measured in horses first and livestock second. Outsiders wishing to conduct trade on the Steppes must quickly learn to measure their goods in horses rather than simple gold or silver.

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