Post by Stix on Jul 6, 2008 12:13:42 GMT -5
The bariaur is a centaurlike being of the Upper Planes, but it's hardly a centaur; in appearance, the male is a combination of man and ram, and the female a combination of woman and ewe. Roughly human sized, it has the body of a large goat and the torso and arms of a human. The head is a mixture of human and animal. Males develop a pair of curling ram's horns in young adulthood. Some females have small vestigial horns, but most lack them.
Bariaur tend to be fussy about their appearance. They usually wear shirts, jackets, blouses, vests, and leather girdles, but this is a matter of personal taste rather than decorum. They also dye, cut, and shave their pelts to make themselves look more attractive, at least to each other. The look is often finished with jewelry hung from horns or woven into their wooly hair.
Bariaur are a carefree lot. To some they appear irresponsible, but it's only a powerful wanderlust that makes them seem unsettled. There are no known bariaur towns, and few bariaur make anything like a permanent home. They do congregate in herds of their own kind, but the more dauntless range far and wide on their own.
Sedentary bariaur commonly favor a pastoral life of tending sheep or goat herds, which they raise for milk and wool or for bartering stock, never for meat (all bariaur are herbivorous, and even the thought of eating meat is revolting to most of them). Those bariaur who prefer not to herd can often be found watching over meadows and acting as guardians of the wilderness. This isn't to say they won't be found in cities, but those sods are usually visiting out of curiosity or on business.
Most bariaur are found on the plains of Ysgard, with smaller populations on the planes of the Beastlands, Elysium, and Arborea and occasional herds found on Bytopia, Mount Celestia, or the Outlands. The bulk of the race is chaotic good, but bariaur of any nonevil alignment are a sizable minority. Bariaur are social and outgoing, friendly to strangers, but not foolishly trusting.
An understated aspect of bariaur life is their robust playfulness. They believe that the two great goods are the advancing of their strong sense of honor and the need to have a good time. The bariaur often meet in shows of friendly rivalry on the grassy plains of Ysgard. At these festivals they stage singing contests, tell tall tales, and play an intricate game not unlike polo. Observers of other races often mistake the rivalry for pride or pettiness, and are taken by surprise when, at the end of a festival, the bariaur depart on the friendliest of terms.
Even a bariaur on a grim errand may arrange simple contests to remind them of the joy of life. It is a magical moment when a severe and determined bariaur happens on one of his fellows and puts aside his honor-driven quest for a few minutes of race and sport. Such events often do them as much good as a night's sleep.
Nothing saddens a bariaur like learning that a companion is sad. These brave ones fear neither death nor the most monstrous manifestation of the powers of darkness; yet they have been known to journey across the most dangerous planar barriers to visit the sickbed of a valued friend.
Herd society is very polarized along the lines of gender. Males are noted for being fierce fighters, and they particularly hate giants, often going out of their way to attack these creatures. Along with defending the herd, they are also the primary food-gatherers and craftsmen. Herds are led by the most capable male, and dominance struggles are settled through highly ritualized, nonlethal combat (losing a duel of challenge brings no disgrace or dishonor). Females are expected to bear and raise young, and often lead the herd spiritually or in celebration. They are the lorekeepers of the flock, responsible for medicinal and arcane knowledge. Wizardly pursuits are considered "women's work".
All bariaur warriors who come of age carry a great club, whether or not they use it in combat; the weapon is a personal icon or family heirloom, the latter of which are handed down through generations. Each weapon's history is etched on it, whether in the bariaur runic language or personally meaningful pictograms. Losing this weapon means such humiliation and shame that a bariaur leaves his flock to wander the planes, returning home only once he has redeemed his honor.
(Male)
Strength: 11 to 19
Dexterity: 6 to 17
Constitution: 12 to 19
Intelligence: 7 to 18
Wisdom: 6 to 17
Charisma: 7 to 18
Size: Medium
Alignment: Any non-evil
Movement Rate: 15
Carrying capacity increased by 50%
Infravision, 60'
Head butt, 1d8 damage
Charge 30' for triple head butt damage (save vs. breath weapon or suffer same damage, 50% chance to knock down target)
Classes and level limits
| Fighter | Ranger | Paladin | Mage | Specialist | Elementalist | Thaumaturge | Cleric | Druid | Shaman | Monk | Crusader | Thief | Bard | Ninja | Psionicist |
| 13 | 13 | 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 13 | 13 | 13 | N/A | 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 |
Height range: 6'5" - 7'8"
Weight range: 700 - 850 lbs
Starting age range: 20 - 42
Lifespan: 100 years
(Female)
Strength: 6 to 17
Dexterity: 6 to 17
Constitution: 7 to 18
Intelligence: 10 to 19
Wisdom: 12 to 19
Charisma: 7 to 18
Size: Medium
Alignment: Any non-evil
Movement Rate: 15
Carrying capacity increased by 50%
Infravision, 60'
+2 to surprise checks
+3 to saves vs. spells
| Fighter | Ranger | Paladin | Mage | Specialist | Elementalist | Thaumaturge | Cleric | Druid | Shaman | Monk | Crusader | Thief | Bard | Ninja | Psionicist |
| 13 | N/A | N/A | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8 |
Height range: 6'2" - 7'5"
Weight range: 650 - 800 lbs
Starting age range: 20 - 42
Lifespan: 100 years
Bariaur begin play with 5 Character Points. They may purchase the following racial abilities:
Back kick (5): The PC can kick an opponent to his rear with his hind legs for 3d6 damage and no penalty to THAC0.
Club bonus (5): The PC gains +1 to hit with any club.
Constitution bonus (20): The PC gains +1 to Constitution. Males only.
Hoof attack (10): PC can attack with both hooves in one combat round causing 1d6 points of damage per hoof.
Improved movement rate (5): This PC is one of the fastest of the race possessing a movement rate of 18.
Intelligence bonus (20): The PC gains +1 to Intelligence. Females only.
Lawbreaker (5): The wildly chaotic nature of bariaurs makes them naturally resistant to the influences of law. The PC receives a +1 bonus to all save vs. spells against magic from the priestly sphere of law or magic cast by lawful creatures.
Magic resistance (10): The PC possesses 10% magic resistance.
Poison save bonus (5): The PC receives a +2 to all poison saves.
Spear bonus (5): The PC gains +1 to attacks with any spear.
Strength bonus (20): The PC gains +1 to Strength. Males only.
Tough hide (10): The PC’s thick skin and fur give him a tough hide granting a natural AC of 8.
Trample (10): On a successful attack with both hooves, the bariaur has knocked down his opponent and automatically tramples him also. A trampled victim suffers an additional 2d6 hp damage, has a -2 penalty to his AC, and must spend the remainder of the round getting back up on his feet. This attack affects only humanoids of M size or smaller. The PC must first select Hoof Attack to choose this option.
Wisdom bonus (20): The PC gains +1 to Wisdom. Females only.