Centaurs

**Centaurs** are large creatures with the lower body of a horse and the torso, arms, and head of a humanoid. They are mostly found within the Amber Steppe.

## Description

### Anatomy

Centaurs are possibly one of the most recognizable humanoid species. From their head to their waist, their anatomy resembles that of most humanoids. At the waist, their humanoid body joins that of a horse, fusing at the pelvic and shoulder region respectively. Their pelvic bone is fused to a pair of equine shoulder blades.

### Genetics and Reproduction

Average gestation is 340 days, or roughly 11 months. This allows for the fetus to develop further than humans, reaching the developmental stage of a three month old human child by the time of birth.

### Growth

Thanks to a longer gestation period, a newborn centaur’s humanoid body is born with the same facilities of a three month old human. Apart from this, centaurs age and mature at about the same rate as humans. For the first year or two they are entirely dependent on their herd, drinking milk from their mother. Like young horses, centaurs are able to walk from a few hours after birth, but they are far more shaky.

Centaurs mature at the same rate as humans, and are considered adults at the age of 18.

### Dietary Needs

Centaurs are omnivorous, though they eat more fruit and vegetable matter than most other species.

### Seasonal Cycles

The equine portion of a centaur is affected by seasonal changes similarly to domestic and wild horses, with the same variation based on breed. A majority of centaurs, especially those in cool regions, will have two coat cycles. A thicker coat for winter and a thinner coat in summer.

## Additional Information

### Social Structure

Centaurs from the Khanate live in clans and tribes. Each village has an Argdu, or overseer, as well as Alabatu, or peasantry.

### Facial Characteristics

Centaur faces are very similar to those of humans, though they are often sharper. Their ears have a slight point.

### Average Intelligence

Centaurs are about as intelligent as most humanoids.

### Perception and sensory capabilities

Centaur senses are more acute than most humanoids. They have dark vision, and a keen enough nose to detect which plants are and are not safe to eat.

## Civilization and Culture

### Naming

Often, Centaurs will be given a name which is the same, or at least reminiscent, of a recently passed relative.

### Gender Ideals

Centaurs are not incredibly strict in their gender ideals. However, within most clans, there are loose gender roles, as the females are typically more likely to take on caretaker roles or be the teachers of young children.

### Etiquette

Much of Centaur communication is based on body language and the stomping of their hooves. They do not typically shake hands. It is considered incredibly rude to touch the horse portions of a centaur without prior permission.

### Common Dress

On regular days most centaurs from the Khanate do not wear much clothing. Neither males nor females are required to cover their chests for modesty reasons. However, if a female centaur leads an active lifestyle, they will often choose to wear supportive garments. In other words, ladies sometimes wear bras to keep their tatas from flopping when they run. City based centaurs, however, are more likely to dress themselves according to the latest fashions.

Although clothing is not usually worn for coverage in the Khanate, it is not unheard of for centaurs to wear ornamentation like jewelry, hair beads, or woven "saddle blankets"

### Taboos

Centaurs do not appreciate being compared to common horses. Most will very rarely, if ever, would allow an outsider to ride on their backs.

### History

For most of known history, Centaurs have lived in separate clans across the Amber Steppe. Recently, however, the clans have began uniting, forming the Centaur Khanate. The Great Khan Goal of the Moliak Clan is the first in recorded history to unite all the clans under one banner. Some traditionalists claim that doing this is sure to erase the individual clan identities and traditions. The ultimate goal is to conquer the entire continent.

### Interspecies Relations

Centaur society holds centaurs as having dominion over the two-legged races. The bulk of the Khanate's laborers and infantry are made of vassals, those captured or conquered by the Centaurs. How these vassals are treated varies, as there are some within the Khanate that will go so far as to bestow honors upon their most favored vassals, carrying them into battle. Most clans view this behavior as unseemly, as it places Centaurs on the same level as a pack animal. No matter what, centaurs who choose to do this will surely have all eyes on them.