Post by Puck on Jul 10, 2015 16:06:06 GMT
CENTAUR INTRODUCTION
One of the iconic European examples of Mystic Kind, the centaur are a race of beings with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse; linked at the human waist and horse’s neck. Although known for their imposing strength and size, they are typically seen as more refined and civilised than the other beastlike races in Europe’s countryside; particularly the similar minotaur and ogres. Usually they stand a fair bit higher than the average human at around 6’, although they vary greatly much like the equine species they reflect, not to mention the human variance.
Living in many of the same wilderness areas to elves; albeit with a preference for plains; the centaur are actually dramatically different to the similar Mystic Kind, having a preference for combat and aggression compared to the peace-centric elves. All centaur youth are taught the art of the bow and sword by their families, and infighting between the noble families is almost always settled by trials of combat; while the lower classes almost all make hobbies of hunting (despite their herbivorous nature) and sparring. The centaur are a very proud race, and tend to see others with derision – including their own kin; as the noble families look down on the lower classes, while they return the favour with the usual fervour.
Centaur society has a major split between the nobles and the working class of sorts; with the culture being governed by the noble families whom have the most stake in the culture – similarly, they represent the race as their generals and leaders. Meanwhile, those who are not born into the noble families make up the working class, particularly focussing on agriculture and acting as the race’s militia and main army – an intimidating prospect given every centaur’s military training. In the past, the centaur states have ended up in many cold wars with the other races while the supernatural community was still hidden; and now there are many concerns that they may take to open hostilities instead; if the demon threat does not distract them.
While their relations with other races are still rocky, the centaurs are respected allies on the field – given their intense training and natural capacities, they almost earn their pride. Just as they tend to be hard workers, centaurs have a bit of infamy among the few whom have gotten to know their culture for their hard partying habits; particularly amongst their working class. Although they tend to look down on other races, those that do earn their respect generally keep it; with some becoming actual members of the noble families – although the nobles may bicker a lot, there is a certain mutual respect they show for each other’s decisions; so these ascended relatives are shown the same respect and consideration as any of their own kin.
CENTAUR LIMITATIONS
- Cannot be turned into any other supernatural kind.
- Can learn and use Ki, albeit requiring very different methods to humans given their body structure.
- Cannot learn magic.
- Are unable to use a lot of human-based equipment, due to their body structure.
- Cannot eat meat.
GENERAL CENTAUR SKILLS/ABILITIES LIST
Please do note you can make your own Skills and Abilities. These are just suggestions.
Skills: You may take up Skills from the Human list from here.
Name: Centaur Archery
Description: Through their training as militia and hunting practice alongside natural dexterity, centaur are able to perform archery while on the move akin to horseback archery with ease. Centaur do not experience any penalties to their accuracy nor mobility while using archery skills and moving; regardless of their training.
Rank: E
Name: Centaur Lancing
Description: Although mostly an art amongst the upper class of centaur, most are taught how to use a polearm and make the most of their unique physiology as part of the race’s militia. Centaur are able to use polearms as proper lancing weapons without a mount or vehicle unlike any other humanoids, and do not have any mobility penalties in doing so.
Rank: E
Abilities:
Name: Outrunner
Description: Iconic hunters of the plains, there is just about nothing that can escape a centaur while on open ground; at least without a vehicle… and even then it’s a close match. While on reasonably open ground (plains, desert, light forest), centaurs gain a ++ modifier to their Agility. At D rank, this rises to a +++ modifier. At C, this also gives a + modifier to Endurance, and at B this increases to a ++ modifier.
Rank: B~E