| Personality: The bariaurs – herbivorous denizens of the Outlands and the Upper Planes – often remind primes of centaurs, their goat-bodies 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. Ysgardian bariaurs, in particular, hold a special hatred of giants, no doubt due to the predations of the enormous humanoids upon bariaur herds. Bariaurs can be exceedingly fussy about their appearances, dyeing and shaving their pelts in intricate patterns. They are well known for their wanderlust, building no towns but roaming over several of the Upper Planes in a seemingly random path. Most claim Ysgard as their birthplace, though some flocks are native to Elysium, the Beastlands, Arborea, or the Outlands. By: Devon BarlowImported from a previous version of Planewalker.com |
| Physical Description: Bariaurs are centaur-like creatures, with goat-like bodies covered with short wool that is usually cut short and shaven in decorative 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. |
| Relations: 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" (ie 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. |
| Alignment: Lawful Good |
| Lands: None |
| Religion: 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. |
| Language: Bariaurs speak their own language, which is written using the runic script of Ysgard. |
| Names: 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. |
| Male Names: Arwuen, Bryne, Ergyl, Ezra, Hargin, Konnor, Ohme, Rahm, Shek, Tirag |
| Female Names: Altha, Borna, Ema, Hiamore, Kara, Mokka, Nomala, Tarsta |
| Family Names: (Actually reputation names)Darkfleece, Flaxenhide, Fleetleg, Goldhorn, Ramsgate, Sagittarius, Silverhoof, Surefoot, Thunderhooves. |
| Adventurers: 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. |
| Racial Traits: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, –2 Dexterity, –2 Wisdom. Large: As Large–size creatures, bariaurs can carry twice as much weight as a human can and use larger weapons (see page 96 of the Player's Handbook). However, bariaurs suffer a size penalty of –1 to attack rolls, –1 Armour Class, and –4 to Hide checks. 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. 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/×3) without incurring an attack of opportunity. Note that a bariaur cannot choose to deal subdual damage when using his horns. After charging, 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, 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.) Bariaur Racial Traits (female) +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, –2 Strength, –2 Wisdom, Dexterity. Large: As Large–size creatures, bariaur can carry twice as much weight as a human can and use larger weapons (see page 96 of the Player's Handbook). However, bariaur suffer a size penalty of –1 to attack rolls, –1 Armour Class, and –4 to Hide checks. 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. +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, Eladrin, Elf, Fensir, Slaad. Favoured Class: Wizard. A multiclass bariaur's wizard class does not count when determining whether she suffers an XP penalty (see Experience for Multiclass Characsters, page 56 of the Player's Handbook.) |
