Centaur (Dungeons & Dragons)

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Dungeons & Dragons creature
Centaur
Alignment	Neutral good
Type	Monstrous humanoid
Source books
First appearance
Mythological origins	Centaur
Image	Wizards.com image
Stats	OGL stats

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.

Contents 1 Publication history 2 Creative origins 3 Ecology 3.1 Environment 4 Typical physical characteristics 4.1 Racial traits 5 Society 5.1 Religion 6 Footnotes 7 References

[edit] Publication history

[edit] Creative origins

The Centaurs of Dungeons & Dragons are based upon the centaurs of Greek mythology.^[1]

[edit] Ecology

[edit] Environment

Centaurs are typically found in temperate forests.

[edit] 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. Centaurs warriors are usually equipped with composite longbows and longswords.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Society

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. They generally despise humans and dwarves but aren't actively hostile to them. Neutral, jovial creatures such as halflings and gnomes are tolerated in centaur territory when not causing damage.

[edit] Religion

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

[edit] Footnotes

1. ^ DeVarque, Aardy. Literary Sources of D&D. Retrieved on February 23, 2007.

[edit] 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).

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