Centaurs

If one allows the eyes to be fooled into thinking of them as humans with an odd configuration, one is doomed to confusion. The same if one thinks of them as talking, partially humanoid horses. Centaurs are instead themselves alone…and neither treating them like humans or horses will work.

They appear to be a nomadic people yet settled down enough to make some armor and weaponry. At the very least, iron smithing is one of their skills. It is unknown where this metalwork and other fabrication take place, but it is most likely the purview of the herd in the mountains near Branishor as they seem better equipped. Perhaps they have trade with the giants of Alitan, and that is where they learned these crafts.

While they may use their hooves and devastating kick in battle and skirmishes, weapons such as spears and short swords seem to come readily to their hands. According to some reports, they have very good aim with thrown rocks as well. Sometimes the warriors will travel in small groups and work in concert, but most often they act as solitary scouts.

The young and bearing females have not been spotted, showing a rather high level of organization and stealth to keep them concealed from so many travelers.

From examination of the corpses, and their equipment, it appears that Centaurs are excellent foragers able to live on meager supplies for their size. Their diet seems an omnivorous one. Due to the fact that the young have not been found it is unknown how long it takes a centaur foal to develop into adulthood.

Some texts from earlier periods allude to using them as a light mounted skirmishing force, but the works were so damaged it is difficult to tell if they were fact or fiction. Perhaps at one time the Centaurs acted in concert with humans, but if that was the case it was long ago.

Centaurs vary in size from the ones whose gaze would be level with some of the below average height members of Adventurous to those that would be on height with some of the taller. Their heavily muscled and dense forms make it difficult to slow them once they hit a gallop. While the torso is generally tanned from the light of Sunrifter and the lower body chestnut in color, other colors including paint, gray, and black have been reported.

Eastern Mountain Herd

This group seems more advanced with metallurgy and single combat. They appear hardier and better able to withstand more advanced Adventurous. They are found cohabitating with some of the Mountain Bear species although their direct relationship with them is unknown. If the occasional demonic invasions affect them, it has not been reported.

Caernivale Herd

This group is most apt to be seen utilizing small group combat techniques as one Centaur will distract an opponent and the other attack. Perhaps for this herd, the trolls and cats that frequent that area is more cause for concern than the bears that frequent the other herd’s territory and this type of combat technique is a necessity.

Meara: “Impressive, majestic creatures. I wish we could befriend them. Their strength would be a great help in our fight. Not to mention, it would probably the experience of a lifetime if one would let you ride on him.”

Tusonee: “I shall miss them till I get the chance to cross swords with them once more...noble beasts they are. They stand tall and proud...no bumbling about like a bear....”

Thorin the Dainty: “Centaurs, strong and skilled beasts, intelligent ones even, but savage nonetheless.”

by Purazon