Bariaur (2)

The bariaurs – herbivorous denizens of the Outlands and the chaotic Upper Planes – often remind primes of centaurs, with their goat-bodies being topped by human torsos and arms.

In personality, bariaurs are usually carefree, social, outgoing, and friendly. Though considered frivolous by some, the sturdy bariaurs nevertheless are fierce fighters when their families or friends are threatened. They are well known for their wanderlust, building no towns but roaming over several of the Upper Planes in a seemingly random path.

Bariaurs are centaur-like creatures, with goat-like bodies covered with short wool. Some can be exceedingly fussy about their appearances, dyeing and shaving their pelts in intricate patterns. Their four legs end in cloven hooves well-suited to climbing rocky mountainsides. Bariaur faces display somewhat more animal-like features than centaurs, and male bariaurs sport a fine pair of curling ram’s horns.

Bariaurs look upon most Prime races as savages who have forgotten the need for honour. The exceptions are elves and gnomes, whose appreciation of the “pure” (i.e. natural) lifestyle redeems them. Bariaurs consider humans to belong to two separate races – the rural folk and nomads, who are fellow free spirits; and the city-dwelling humans, who are horrible, cruel creatures in dens of stone.

Bariaur tribes are found throughout the planes of Ysgard (which is known for particularly rugged breeds), Arborea, the Beastlands, and the Outlands.

Like every aspect of bariaur society, bariaur religion is heavily affected by their nomadic lifestyle. Three distinct religious traditions have emerged: The Cult of the Powers (believers and priests of various deities), Shamanism, and Mysticism. They range within the spectrum of belief, with the Cult of Powers representing True Faith on the left to The Mystics, representing Open Belief on the right. In the middle sits Shamanism, a composite balance of the two extremes. Mystics believe in the universality of all religious and philosophical traditions. For mystics, there is a heart of intuitive truth to be discovered in every belief system. Shamanism is the worship of nature and its manifestations. The bariaur sense of honor and duty towards others can occasionally result in an individual following the paladin’s path, unusual for a race so free-spirited. Bariaur paladins often struggle psychologically to maintain law and order within their own minds. This struggle often results in infusions of great creativity within many religious organizations utilizing bariaur paladins, taking the shape of works of art, new combat methodology, and innovative philosophical thinking.

Bariaurs speak their own language, which is written using the runic script of Ysgard.

Bariaurs all possess a given name that is chosen by the flock’s bards or mystics shortly after the birth of a kid. However, as they begin to make a name for themselves, adult bariaurs will eventually receive a “reputation name” from his kinfolk and closest friends. This name might be based on the body decoration of the bariaur, his stature, particular physical attributes, or anything else that the bariaurs consider noteworthy.Reputation names are used much as other races use family names – to distinguish between different individuals with the same given name. A bariaur who is unpopular with his flock may never receive a reputation name, and if necessary will use the given name of a parent as a surname.

Arwuen, Bryne, Ergyl, Ezra, Hargin, Konnor, Ohme, Rahm, Shek, Tirag.

Altha, Borna, Ema, Hiamore, Kara, Mokka, Nomala, Tarsta.

Reputation Names: Darkfleece, Flaxenhide, Fleetleg, Goldhorn, Ramsgate, Sagittarius, Silverhoof, Surefoot, Thunderhooves.

As a nomadic race, it is not unusual for a bariaur to begin an adventuring life out of a simple desire to see more of the planes. Some bariaurs leave their flocks to undertake the self-quest, a mystic journey of understanding and wisdom. Others might be members of a flock that sees travellers often (such as those on the Outlands) who befriended some of the two-legs and left the flock to explore with them. Although many bariaurs would be appalled to think of it, there are also many who have settled in large towns and even planar metropolises such as Tradegate and Sigil; these characters might become adventurers to support their carefree lifestyle.

Male Racial Traits

• +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, –2 Dexterity, –2 Wisdom. Male bariaurs are stronger and more robust than other characters, although they are not quite as agile, and can suffer from being shallow.
• Large: As Large creatures, male bariaurs suffer a -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC. However, they are able to use larger weapons than Medium-size creatures, and carry more weight (see below).
• Bariaur base speed is 40 feet.
• Low-light Vision: A bariaur can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions or poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
• Outsider: Bariaurs cannot be brought back from the dead by raise dead or resurrection spells, unless these are cast on their home plane (typically Arborea, the Outlands, or Ysgard). Otherwise, they are treated as Monstrous Humanoids.
• Quadruped: As Large four-legged creatures, male bariaurs can carry three times as much weight as a human can and gain a +4 stability bonus to defend against a bull rush or trip attack.
• Horns: Male bariaurs possess curling ram horns which they can use to butt an opponent. Male bariaurs are never considered unarmed when defending against an unarmed strike, and may make an unarmed strike (damage 1d8/×2) without incurring an attack of opportunity. Note that a bariaur cannot choose to deal subdual damage when using his horns. After charging with a horn attack, the character must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage inflicted) to avoid taking an equal amount of subdual damage.
• +2 racial bonus to Balance and Climb checks on steep slopes (such as mountainsides): Bariaurs are very sure-footed.
• Automatic Languages: Bariaur, Planespeak. Bonus Languages: Celestial, Dwarf, Eladrin, Elf, Fensir, Slaad.
• Favoured Class: Barbarian. A multiclass bariaur’s barbarian class does not count when determining whether she suffers an XP penalty (see Experience for Multiclass Characters, page 56 of the Player’s Handbook.)

• +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, –2 Strength, –2 Dexterity. Female bariaurs are keenly intelligent, wise and perceptive, but are not particularly agile; nor do they engage in the rigorour physical activities that their male kin prefer.
• Medium-size: Although they possess a larger lower body than humans, female bariaurs are otherwise treated as medium-size creatures, and have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Bariaur base speed is 40 feet.
• Low-light Vision: A bariaur can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions or poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
• Outsider: Bariaurs cannot be brought back from the dead by raise dead or resurrection spells, unless these are cast on their home plane (typically Arborea, the Outlands, or Ysgard). Otherwise, they are treated as Monstrous Humanoids.
• Quadruped: As four-legged creatures, bariaurs can carry twice as much weight as a human can and gain a +4 stability bonus to defend against a bull rush or trip attack.
• +2 racial bonus to Listen and Spot checks. Female bariaurs benefit from exceptionally keen senses.
• +2 racial bonus to Balance and Climb checks on steep slopes (such as mountainsides): Bariaurs are very sure-footed.
• Stubborn: Female bariaurs add their Charisma modifier (if positive) to all Will saves.
• Automatic Languages: Bariaur, Planespeak. Bonus Languages: Celestial, Dwarf, ladrin, Elf, Fensir, Slaad.
• Favoured Class: Druid. A multiclass bariaur’s druid class does not count when determining whether she suffers an XP penalty (see Experience for Multiclass Characsters, page 56 of the Player’s Handbook.)