The Centaurs of the plains are a nomadic race, generally found in small bands or herds. In appearance, they have the lower torso of a horse, with a human body emerging from the horse’s foreparts. A generally barbaric race, centaurs are wanderers who inhabit open grasslands or mountain valleys. Some are fairly sophisticated, but few have ever been known to settle in any one region for long. Because of their migratory preferences, centaurs are found almost everywhere in the temperate regions, though they are rarely encountered on isolated islands. Their appearance throughout several separate landmasses is something of an enigma, for they do not love the sea, and are reluctant to cross it.
Centaurs do not eat meat, but live off a variety of grasses, vegetable products, and berries. The average centaur is a prodigious eater, requiring vast amounts of fuel to support his or her great body weight. A wandering tribe of centaurs can strip a region bare in a relatively short time, before being forced to move on. For this reason, a full, migrating tribe rarely numbers more than fifty individuals, and raiding bands are usually limited to about twenty warriors.
The centaurs, despite their pastoral nature, are fierce warriors. Writers have often marvelled at their raids, as is exemplified in this description from the Natural History:
“No village, no hamlet or farm, was safe from the depredations of the centaur migration that year. As the tribe passed along the chosen route, parties of warriors were dispatched to each side of the main column to harass and raid the folk who had the misfortune to dwell in those parts. Against common farmers these warrior bands were unstoppable, riding down all interference, setting fire to their villages and carrying off their supplies. Women they seized and carried off as well, plus a few young men and children to be used as slaves. When they were met by organized arms, the result was much the same, for they could outride the finest cavalry and overcome any but the most resolute bodies of foot soldiers.”
Chiron’s chronicle of this centaur migration exaggerates somewhat the power of such a tribe, but has been proven to be substantially accurate. Centaur raiding bands commonly seek two specific things: liquor and women. Having no talent for brewing or wine-making, they satisfy their fondness for drink from the labors of others. In many lands, the drunken celebrations and brawls of centaurs have passed into legend.
Not all centaurs are as savage as this, however. Some are quite intelligent, and certain bands have been known to develop higher levels of technological sophistication. Though most arm themselves with clubs, simple spears, and other such weapons, bands and tribes equipped with elaborate armor, lances, bows, and well-forged swords are well documented.
Height/Length: 8 ft. at the shoulder
Weight: 1800 + lbs.
Attributes:
STA (Strength): 15-18
SPD (Speed): 20
INT (Intelligence): 12
WILL: 12
DEX (Dexterity): 15
CHA (Charisma): 12-16
CON (Constitution): 16
PER (Perception): 19
Level: 4-8
Alignment: Neutral or Chaotic Good
Damage: Hooves: 1-8 or as per weapon employed
Special Attributes: None
Armor: Unarmored
Hit Points: 20-44.
