| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Alignment | Chaotic neutral |
| Type | Fey |
| Image | Wizards.com image |
| Stats | Open Game License stats |
| Publication history | |
| First appearance | Monster Manual (1977) |
| Mythological origins | Satyr |
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the satyr is a fey creature. Satyrs started as standard D&D creatures, and later became a player character class.[1] Satyrs are the children of a satyr and dryad union, while half-satyrs are the result of a satyr and human woman union.[2] Satyrs are extremely lustful, and will attempt to woo any human females they meet.[2] Half-satyrs are similar, and become interested in women at adolescence.[3]
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Satyrs are based on the satyrs and fauns of Greek and Roman myth.
The satyr was introduced in the earliest edition of the game, in Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-gods & Heroes (1976).[4]
The satyr appears in the first edition Monster Manual (1977),[5] where it is described as a sylvan woodland inhabitant primarily interested in sport such as frolicking, piping, and chasing wood nymphs.
The korred, a more chaotic relative of the satyr, was introduced in the 4th set of "Monster Cards" (1982) and was created by Harold Johnson,[6] and was later detailed in Monster Manual II (1983). The korred is further detailed in Dragon #119 (March 1987), in "The Ecology of the Korred."
The satyr and korred appear first in the Monstrous Compendium Volume One (1989),[7] and are reprinted in the Monstrous Manual (1993).[8]
The satyr is further detailed in Dragon #155 (March 1990), in "The Ecology of the Satyr." [9]
The satyr is detailed as a playable character race in The Complete Book of Humanoids (1993),[10] and is later presented as a playable character race again in Player's Option: Skills & Powers (1995).[11]
The satyr appears in the Monster Manual for this edition (2000).[12]
Savage Species (2003) presented the satyr as both a race and a playable class.[13]
The satyr appears in the revised Monster Manual for this edition (2003).
The satyr appears in the Monster Manual for this edition (2008).[14]
Satyrs have the legs and horns of a goat, but otherwise look human. They can play magical tunes on their pan pipes that cause varying effects as decided by the satyr. Satyrs are hedonistic creatures that frolic in the wild places of the world, and they dwell in temperate forests.
Satyrs are rarely found in groups of more than eleven such individuals, and often associate with other fey, such as nymphs and dryads. Shying away from the trappings of an organized society, a colony of satyrs usually includes young numbering 50% of the adults. Satyrs live in comfortable caves and hollow trees. They revere the god Damh of the Seelie Court.
Satyrs are interested only in sport: frolicking, piping, chasing wood nymphs, and other pleasures. They resent intrusions and drive away any creature that offends them. A lucky wanderer may stumble on a woodland celebration, which will contain an equal number of dryads and fauns plus other woodland creatures and even centaurs. Strangers are welcomed only if they contribute some good food and drink, especially superior wines. Such wine can also be used to lure or bribe satyrs. If a group includes elves, they have a better chance of being welcomed.
These celebrations last all night in warm months, with newcomers waking up the next morning with massive headaches, minus a few valuables, and not a woodland creature (nor their tracks) to be found.
The satyr's favored class is bard, and they are usually chaotic neutral.
Satyrs are an inoffensive, fun-loving race. They rarely venture more than 10 miles from their homes, most often doing so to gather food. They are fond of venison and small game but also eat plants and fruits.
In "Creature Competition: Battle Royal," a tournament determined by fan voting, a satyr assassin was eliminated 6th out of twelve creatures, beating a gelatinous cube, a vrock, a juggernaut, a zelekhut, and a 12-headed hydra.[15]
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