Centaurs are a striking and proud race known for their unique appearance and strong connection to the open plains, steppes, and rolling hills that they call home. Their physical features set them apart from most other races, making them both fascinating and intimidating to outsiders.
Appearance: The most common type of centaur resembles a cross between a stallion and a human. They possess the lower body of a powerful horse, with strong, muscular legs and hooves, and the upper body of a human, complete with well-defined torsos and arms. Male centaurs are typically bare-chested, displaying their muscular physique, while females often favor loose-fitting clothing for comfort and practicality. Centaurs come in a range of colors, from earthy browns and tans to more exotic shades, often mirroring the landscapes they inhabit. Some centaurs also have distinctive zebra-like stripes or freckles and spots that add to their individuality. Males are noticeably larger than females, reflecting their roles as protectors and warriors.
Interactions with Other Races: Centaurs view humans and other races as outsiders and are generally wary of them. They are proud and fiercely protective of their lands, making it challenging for outsiders to establish friendly relationships. However, centaurs can form alliances and trading relationships if they see the benefit to their tribes. They often work with elves, who share their reverence for nature, and sometimes with dwarves, who appreciate their prowess as warriors.
In contrast, centaurs have a tumultuous history with more expansionist races like orcs and goblins, whom they view as threats to their territory. These encounters can lead to fierce conflicts and, at times, open warfare. Centaurs excel in hit-and-run tactics, taking full advantage of their swift and powerful forms.
Lifestyle and Tribes: Centaurs are known for their deep connection to the lands they inhabit. They live in tribal communities scattered across the open plains, steppes, and rolling hills, often named after significant geographic features. These tribes are tightly knit, with strong bonds of loyalty and camaraderie. They have a strong oral tradition and are known for their storytelling and oral history.
Social and interpersonal interactions within centaur tribes are marked by respect for the wisdom of elders and a strong sense of duty and honor. They have a rich spiritual life, often involving the worship of nature spirits and deities connected to the land. The plains and steppes provide them with ample opportunities for hunting and gathering, and they are skilled herbalists, using the plants of their environment for various purposes.
In addition to their handheld weapons, centaurs can elect to damage opponents with their hooves using their Dexterity +2 to hit doing 1d4+Strength Dice damage. They can also ‘kick’ with their rear hooves (using raw Dexterity), doing a flat 2d8 points of damage to enemies to the rear. This, of course, takes up a full attack. Finally, centaurs can often perform a charge attack, doing double base weapon damage + Strength dice if they get a running start (60 ft or more). The average centaur weighs between 1000 to 1600 lbs and stands 6-8 ft tall.
Centaurs cannot climb, losing access to this everyman skill. Further, they are mostly vegetarian with respect to food choices. Although centaurs can swim well, they make poor sailors suffer -2 to seamanship skill checks. Further, centaurs do not like being underground and suffer a -2 to underground-related skills such as mining and underground survival. This would make dungeons difficult.
Political Ideologies: Centaurs have a strong sense of territoriality and independence, and they prefer to live in decentralized tribal societies. They do not usually have formal centralized governments, but instead, tribal councils made up of respected elders and experienced warriors make key decisions. These councils focus on the protection and preservation of their lands.
Centaurs hold a strong belief in environmental conservation and the sanctity of their natural surroundings. They are guardians of the open plains and steppes, and they often clash with other races or factions that threaten the delicate ecological balance of their homeland. They are proponents of sustainable resource use and maintain a unique blend of druidic and ranger traditions that reflect their intimate connection with nature.
In summary, centaurs are a distinct and proud race known for their unique appearance and connection to the open plains and steppes. They are fierce warriors, protectors of their lands, and have a deep respect for nature. While they are often wary of outsiders, they can form alliances when necessary, but their primary focus is on preserving the beauty and balance of their natural environment.
Centaurs can procreate with horses, Zenar, half-elves, and humans. Mating preferences vary from tribe to tribe.
Racial Advantages:
Strength Stat Boost (D8)
Constitution Stat Boost (D8)
Luck Superior Stat (D6+1)
Charge Attack Option, Rear Attack Option
Increased Movement (260 ft per combat round)
Gain (1) Enhancement of Choice
Physical Resistance Boost (D6)
+5 Starting HIT POINTS
Racial Disadvantages:
Cannot possess the Stealthy Pilfering Vocation
(-2) Seamanship, Mining, Survival (Underground), Hide Skill Checks
Loose the Climb Everyman Skill
Dislike of Orcs, Goblins, and Gnolls (-1 to Reaction rolls)