Centaurs

Centaurs

Centaurs were created in the ancient times through the use of the ancient magic of creation. Centaurs have the upper torsos of humans and the body of a horse. They move at a rate equal to that of a horse. In combat centaurs can attack either once with a weapon, or as a horse with each of his two front hooves. Centaurs are large sized creatures and greatly dislike entering enclosed spaces or buildings. They have the life span of and mature at the same rate as that of a human. Centaurs have their own language and many speak common as well.

Centaurs typically live a tribal life style led by a dominant male stallion, or by a mare who has proven herself through a quest. They prefer to dwell in secluded glens with rich grass and running water. Centaurs are herbivores eating grasses and grain as the main part of their diet. In wild tribes males are usually armed with wooden clubs, bows, and the leaders are armed with lances. Females and young do not usually use weapons.

Centaurs of average strength can carry up to 400 pounds in weight on their back without movement penalty and up to 650 pounds in weight encumbrance with a movement rate of one half normal. Exceptionally strong or exceptionally weak centaurs, as determined by the strength roll for their human half, can carry 100-300 pounds more or less weight than average. They will not allow anyone to ride upon their backs. To ask this of a centaur is considered a grave insult. In obvious life and death situations they may occasionally make an exception. When they believed no one, was watching, centaurs have been rumored to have been seen giving rides to small children of other humanoid races.

There are many reasons why a centaur may leave his idyllic lifestyle and become a player character. Often young centaurs will leave their tribe and go on quests to prove his manhood or to find a mate. In less primitive tribes female centaurs may also go on a quest to prove themselves. If they are successful they then can become a leader of a centaur tribe themselves.

Alternatively they may have committed some grave offense and been exiled from his tribe. Each centaur player character will have his own tale. This story they will only share with their closest and most trusted friends.

The centaur gains no bonus or penalties due to race to when created since their torso is that of a normal human magically combined with that of a horse. However, since their origin is magical, offensive polymorph spells will not work against them. If killed and reincarnated, centaurs will always be reincarnated as a young adult centaur, but not necessarily the same sex, or body style as their original body.