Centaur (Dungeons & Dragons)

Infobox D&D creature


caption=
name=Centaur
alignment=Neutral good
type=Monstrous humanoid
subtype=
source=
first=
mythical=Centaur
based=
wizards_image_URL=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_gallery/MM35_PG32.jpg
OGL_stats_URL=http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/monstersBtoC.html#centaur

In the "Dungeons & Dragons" fantasy role-playing game, the centaur is a large monstrous humanoid. Based upon the Centaurs of Greek myth, they resemble humans with the lower body of a horse.

Environment

Centaurs are typically found in temperate forests.

Typical physical characteristics

A centaur has the upper body of a humanoid, and the lower body of a horse. They are usually unclothed, except for a quiver of arrows and, in rare occasions, light armor. Centaur warriors are usually equipped with composite longbows and longswords.

Racial traits

Combining the traits of humans and horses, along with their affinity for wilderness survival, gives the centaur incredible strength, slightly less than twice the strength of an average human and the dexterity of an average elven archer. They are also known for their astounding ability to take much punishment, and for their wisdom. They are as fast on land as a horse (usually up to 2000 feet a minute when running), and like dwarves and orcs, they have darkvision. Their favored class is ranger.

ociety

Centaurs generally live in tribal hunter-gatherer societies. They have good relations with elves, being as they are both creatures of the forest. Their relations with elves are mutual, mostly trading gold and treasure from the tribe's horde for items in large supply in elven communities (mostly alcohol). Elves are welcome in centaur territory, and typically share land. Centaurs generally despise humans and dwarves but they don't harbor any hostility towards them. Neutral, jovial creatures such as halflings and gnomes are tolerated in centaur territory when not causing damage.

Religion

Centaurs revere their sylvan god, Skerrit the Forester, the god of Nature and Community.

Creative origins

The Centaurs of "Dungeons & Dragons" are based upon the centaurs of Greek mythology, though are much more civilized . [cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/rgfdfaq/sources.html |title=Literary Sources of D&D |accessdate=2007-02-23 |last=DeVarque |first=Aardy]

The centaur is presented as a playable character race in "The Complete Book of Humanoids" (1993), [Slavicsek, Bill. "The Complete Book of Humanoids" (TSR, 1993)] and is later presented as a playable character race again in "Player's Option: Skills & Powers" (1995).

Footnotes

References

*Cook, David, et al. "Monstrous Compendium Volume One" (TSR, 1989).
*Gygax, Gary. "Monster Manual" (TSR, 1977).
*Schutt, Matthew. "Professional Monsters." "Dragon" #163 (TSR, 1990).
*Slavicsek, Bill. "The Complete Book of Humanoids" (TSR, 1993).
*Stewart, Doug, ed. "Monstrous Manual" (TSR, 1994).
*Williams, Skip, Jonathan Tweet, and Monte Cook. "Monster Manual" (Wizards of the Coast, 2000).
*Dungeons & Dragons set (1974)
*D&D Expert Set (1981)
*D&D Expert Set (1983)
*Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (1991)
*D&D Miniatures: Harbinger set #17 (2003)