Centaur

Kardus wore his black hair as any Elf, and woven into it were a number of charms and ornaments. He carried more such charms on his necklace, and others upon the broad belt that lay upon his hips. Some of them were bespelled- gifts from other Wildmages- since if Kardus could not cast spells of his own, that certainly did not keep him from taking advantage of the magic others gave him. His horselike body- for the Centaurs only closely resembled horses, being actually smaller and stockier- was as black as his hair, and he had three white feet, a pattern Kellen had not seen in any other Centaur.

-- Mercedes Lackey, When Darkness Falls

Centaur come in many different forms, and live in many different places- from secluded forests and great mountains, to the wide open grasslands, their connection with the natural world, and their bodies that so perfectly blend the mortal with the animal are probably their greatest single unifying traits. The Centaur Tribes hold respect for one's self, one's people, and for the natural world to be most the most important things in life.

Strong and Wise

A Centaur is physically defined by an almost perfect blend of beastly and humanoid traits. They have well-muscled bodies, and even the lithest among them having a certain supple strength. Mentally they are as intelligent as any other mortal race, with an intution and a sense for animals that far surpasses their more human counterparts.

A Tribal People

Regardless of type, Centaur communities take two forms-- the first is traditionally known as the herd: roving tribes of Centaur following their food sources and staying ahead of their enemies. The other is distinctly modern: mixed rural communities of Centaur and others whom work hand in hand to protect and sustain their existences. In either case, Centaur hold loyalty to the community as high in their esteem and will certainly fight to preserve the safety of their herd, whether that herd is the tribe, the village, or a company of adventurers.

Centaur are usually serious and hardworking with a typically stern disposition, but that isn't to suggest that they are always morose, the typical Centaur loves to celebrate the culmination of their labors with good food and drink, laughter amongst friends, and dancing. Festivals punctuating the Autumn and Spring are the typical causes for such celebration.

Centaur respond to danger with courage and boldness, putting the safety of the herd before their own. Amidst the weapons used by Centaur Warriors, hafted weapons like spears and axes are particularly beloved. Other Centaur choose to protect their communities with powerful druidic magicks and most Centaur communities are led or advised by some variety of druidic shaman.

Wary of Outsiders

Centaur communities, whether they be mixed race or purely Centaur, are typically deeply suspicious of outsiders. Those from outside the herd are seen as potential dangers, and are unlikely to be trusted. For this reason, most such communities will be loath to ask for outside help, even as problems present themselves as being too large to handle on their own-- adventurers may have to prove themselves many times over before they are given the trust of the herd.

Once the trust of the herd has been achieved however, there are few more loyal allies. Centaur make loyal companions, and tend to make friends for life- viewing life as a series of hardships to be overcome by strong bonds of family and friendship.

Centaur Names

Centaur favor names that favor a hard consonant in every syllable. For surnames they tend to identify themselves as a member of a regional herd, more than individual families- as a result such a name can change over the course of their life as their herd itself might change.

Male Names: Kardus, Tinskell, Sarm, Seltari, Burdock.

Female Names: Selva, Kori, Helgra, Valtora, Chamri.

Herd Names: Herd of the Great Forest, Herd of the River Plains, Herd of the Western Pass.

Centaur traits

Your Centaur has a variety of natural abilities, the result of their unique physicality and culture.

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.

Age. Centaur typically live around the same length as humans, living to about 80 normally, with some living to be nearly 110 years of age.

Alignment. Centaurs are ultimately social creatures whom value group cohesion about all else, they tend toward lawful alignments, and have a propensity for neutrality- the wellbeing of their own clan being their primary motivation.

Natural Cavalry. You may serve as a mount for a single creature your size or smaller, when you do so you always act independently of your rider. You also count as mounted at all times for the purposes of equipment, and any creature you carry in this way counts as half their normal weight for the purpose of determining whether or not you are encumbered.

Centaur Weapons Training. You have proficiency with the lance, spear, battleaxe, and shortbow.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Centaur are well traveled, and depending on what other peoples your herd regularly deals with, you might be versed in tongues such as Elvish, Dwarvish, or Sylvan.

Subrace. Centaurs are a race deeply in tune with the natural world, and while all Centaurs share certain common traits, as well as a deep and abiding love for their Herd- different lands have given rise to different breeds of Centaur: equine centaur, cervine centaur, and asinine centaur. Choose one of these subraces for you Centaur character.