Centaur

While they are not the only taurs to come out of the eastern continent of Porpuda, centaurs are one of just two that achieved sapience on a level similar to that of humans, the other being the swamptaurs of Olgenberg. While the oldest known myths about them, even those of the early days of Olm, taught they were a hybrid of man and horse, this is a gross oversimplification in both their anatomy and their history. The myths and legends of this race are just as diverse and rich as those of the human race, and their cultures are more than even we could document.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The centaur anatomy, as with all taurs is mainly divided into the upper and lower bodies. It is necessary to explore each of these to gain a better understanding.

Upper Body

The upper body closely resembles that of a human at first glance. It is upright, possesses long arms with prehensile thumbs, and a large brain to allow complex thought. However, the internal and external relations are not the same. The eyes are further apart, sacrificing some of their binocular vision for increased field of view. The entire body is covered in a light coat of fur, though it particularly gravitates around the face. The nose and mouth are much larger proportionally than in humans, which helps them breath more easily. The hands of centaurs only have three fingers and a thumb instead of four, and are tipped with short claws. The torso itself is broad to compare to the width of the lower body, and since the only organs in the upper body are the gullet, lungs and some of the diaphragm, more space is available for muscles. This, along with the somewhat larger arms, means that centaurs have on average about a third more upper body strength than humans, assuming a similar level of health and training.

Lower Body

The lower body may resemble a horse’s in a number of respects, making them very suitable to ride for humans, but some noticeable differences are still present. The feet have not one large hoof, but four, with the first and second being twice the size of the third fourth. In this way, they bear a greater resemblance to the feet of deer than horses. With the lungs in the upper body, and diaphragm connected between the two, there is more room for the digestive system, allowing them to process a wider range of foods than horses can, allowing them to eat anything from grass to tough leaves and even uncooked bamboo. They can eat meat as well, but not in the same quantities as humans can, and some cultures like the Solashites of the East abstain entirely from it. The tail is long and lemur-like, with a white tuft at the end used for signalling to one another.

Growth Rate & Stages

Unlike humans, baby centaurs are born with decently developed arms, and while not as large proportionally as in adults, they are able to manipulate objects from an early age.

Ecology and Habitats

Having originated somewhere in Porpuda, possibly the Great Plains alongside the Thül, or even the Savannahs of the Collosus, they have become very widespread throughout the east as a sapient race, and unlike t he swamptaurs, they do not need to be near bodies of water. Having embedded themselves in the Isles too, setting up their own civilisations, they are widespread and in no immediate threat.

Dietary Needs and Habits

With a four chambered stomach, centaurs are able to process almost any plant or fungus matter, and may often eat meat to gain protein, though they need it torn apart and cooked in order to digest.

Additional Information

Social Structure

As with humans, centaurs come with a variety of different social structures, from primitive plain dwelling tribes to the vast cities of the Empire of the Silver Sun.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

In some nations, particularly the Dominion’s army, the Duno exists, which is a combination of a centaur with a human rider. The centaur’s speed and greater upper body strength make them great for close range melee combat, while the human’s agility allows them to function as a mobile archer.

Facial characteristics

Centaurs generally possess a large and flattened nose, a large mouth with reduced cheeks, and sideways facing, flexible ears that further enhance their hearing.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Present throughout Porpuda and most of the Forbidden Isles.

Average Intelligence

Generally on par with humans, with superior long term memory and reduced sensory memory.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

While with less accurate depth perception, centaurs superior field of view makes them good scouts, and their hearing is the best among the four races. The hooves also make them good at detecting vibrations in the ground. Their sense of smell is their only weakness compared to other taurs, or even humans. They can only see in two colours, unable to see blue.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

The Kingdom of Xu Mekonia The Empire of the Silver Sun

Scientific Name

Kentaurotherium sapiens

Origin/Ancestry

Mekonians, Xoah, Vonghii, Sanduri, Solashites, Jeryn

Lifespan

60-70 years, though individuals as old as 100 exist.

Conservation Status

Least concern.

Average Height

Typically around 1.3-1.6m (4”3’-5”3’) at the withers, with overall heights ranging from 2.1-2.6m (6”11-8”6’) with the Solashites being smaller in stature and the Mekonians being the tallest, at 1.7m at the withers and 2.8m overall.

Average Weight

Most centaurs average around 450-600kg in weight. Mekonian centaurs average around 650-800kg due to their larger size and more robust physique.

Average Length

3m including the tail

Average Physique

With greater upper body strength, they can wield somewhat larger weapons and shields than humans or Yamachai, and so can hit very hard. They also make excellent longbowmen in combat, though they can only do this while standing still due to stability issues.
Having a horse or deer like lower body, centaurs are able to run very quickly and can build up momentum easily, with a top speed of over 50 miles per hour without armour, which doesn’t slow them down as much as you’d think. The spine connecting the upper and lower body, however only has limited flexibility, preventing them from using heavy impact weapons like lances.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Colours vary depending on location and ethnicity.

Related Organizations

• Zcaroth