It steps out of the treeline at full height — man-torso, horse-body, lance leveled — and stops. It is waiting to see what you will do next. So is the rest of the tribe.
Core Statistics #
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Hit Dice | 4d8 (avg 18 HP) |
| AC | 15 |
| AV | 1 (melee) / 0 (missile) |
| HR | +4 |
| FR | +4 |
| FD | 16 |
| Move | 180 ft (60 ft encounter) |
| Attacks | 2 hooves (1d6/1d6) + 1 weapon (by type) |
| No. Appearing | 0 wilderness (2d10 lair) |
| Save As | Fighter 4 |
| Morale | 8 |
| Treasure | Type A |
| Alignment | Neutral |
| CR | 3 (individual) / 5 (tribal group of 10+) |
| Size | Large |
| Intelligence | Average (INT 10) |
| XP | 75 |
| Load | 3,000 cn full speed / 6,000 cn half speed |
AC/AV Reasoning #
RC original is AC 5 (descending) = Ascending AC 15. The centaur’s protection comes from a combination of natural hide on the equine body and any armor worn on the humanoid upper torso.
- AC 15 — The centaur is a Large, fast creature (180 ft) with natural equine agility. AC 15 reflects this combination of speed and bulk making precise targeting difficult. Centaurs in combat do not stand still — they circle, wheel, and use their superior mobility actively
- AV 1 — Dense equine hide over the large body mass provides modest impact absorption. Centaurs who wear leather or hide armor on their upper bodies effectively have AV 2 for upper-body-targeted strikes — DM adjudication, as the RC does not specify upper body armoring
- FD 16 — Large creature (+2) with significant mass and four-legged stability. A centaur planted in a defensive stance is very difficult to shove. Formula: 10 + STR mod (+4, implied by 1d6 hoof damage) + Size (+2) + Armor FD (+0 standard, +1 if wearing leather) = 16–17
Skill Slots (5 total — 4 HD, Average intelligence INT 10) #
| Slot | Skill / Ability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HR Investment (Basic) | HR +4; centaurs are trained fighters using both natural weapons (hooves) and manufactured weapons with equal competence |
| 2 | FR Investment (Basic) | FR +4; the centaur’s four-legged base and mass make it effective at Shoving and Wrestling. A centaur that Shoves a Medium opponent launches them effectively (Shove die d8 for Large attacker, escalated by FR for very strong results) |
| 3 | Weapon Mastery (Basic rank — lance or bow) | Centaurs carry one weapon per creature. The weapon type varies by individual — clubs, lances, and bows are cited. Most have Basic rank Mastery in their chosen weapon. Lance charge capability (see below) is the most tactically significant option. A centaur with a bow uses the same HR but switches attack modes — 1 bow shot replaces the weapon attack (hooves still resolve independently) |
| 4 | Nature Lore (Basic) | Centaurs live in dense thickets and woods and have comprehensive knowledge of their home terrain. Cannot be surprised in home woodland territory; knows trails, water sources, seasonal paths, and the habits of local wildlife. Used for tribal territory defense — the tribe knows every approach to their lair |
| 5 | Language / Social (Average human intelligence) | Centaurs speak their own language and typically Common. They can conduct genuine negotiations, make alliances, trade, and engage in cultural exchange. INT 10 supports all standard social interactions. This slot represents the cultural competence that Average intelligence enables — reading situations, remembering agreements, recognizing repeat visitors |
Centaur Spellcaster (optional, per RC): A spellcaster centaur replaces Slots 4–5 with Mote investment (Magic-User path, Cantrip to Charm rank typically) or Prayer investment (Cleric path, Temporal rank). Centaur shamans and druids appear in some tribal structures — a centaur Druid (Nature Cleric or Druidic Knight Fighter equivalent) serves as spiritual leader and natural defender of the tribe’s forest territory.
Martial Style #
Style: Linear (Basic rank) — The Lancer, applied to the lance charge Secondary Style: Hard (Basic rank) — hooves and close weapons Rank: Basic (both)
The centaur’s fighting philosophy is cavalry-derived — open ground, momentum, the decisive charge. A centaur with a lance fighting in a forest clearing embodies the Linear style: direct penetrating thrust, exploiting the charge’s momentum for the kill, minimal defensive consideration.
The hoof attacks represent the Hard style secondary — when the lance is not applicable (confined terrain, ongoing melee after the charge) the centaur bucks and kicks with devastating force.
Lance Charge: The centaur may use a charge attack with a lance. This uses standard BECMI Lance Attack rules:
- Requires 20 yards (60 ft) of clear movement before striking
- Deals double damage on a successful hit (roll lance damage, multiply by 2, then add modifiers)
- HR +2 bonus on the charge attack (momentum)
- After the charge the centaur has passed the target and must turn — hooves replace the lance on the following round
Linear Basic applied to charge: The lance charge’s -1 AC penetration (Linear Basic) combined with double damage on a hit makes the centaur charge devastating against armored opponents. A centaur charging a Fighter in plate (AV 6) still deals meaningful damage through the combined effects.
Combat Breath (CB): Base CB = 6 (Fighter-class equivalent HD) + CON modifier = 8 CB. The centaur spends 1 CB per round of sustained peak combat. Given Morale 8 it will typically disengage before Winding.
Combat Maneuvers #
Three-Attack Structure #
Each round in melee the centaur makes three attacks simultaneously — the human upper body attacks with the weapon while the equine lower body kicks with both rear hooves. These three attacks can be split across targets:
- Both hooves can target one creature while the weapon targets another
- Or all three concentrate on one target (maximizing hug potential — if both hooves hit the same target, see Hug below)
Hug (Modified) — Double Hoof Hit #
If both hoof attacks hit the same target: the centaur rears up and brings both front hooves down on the target simultaneously, dealing the combined 1d6+1d6 hoof damage plus 1d8 additional trampling damage from the weight of the equine body descending. AV applies to the trampling damage.
This is the centaur’s most dangerous melee moment — two 1d6 hits plus 1d8 = avg 11 additional damage in one attack sequence, plus any weapon damage that round.
Shove (FR +4, d8 die) #
As a Large creature with FR +4, the centaur can Shove Medium opponents effectively. Shove die starts at d8 (Large size) and increases one step from FR +4 to d10. Against unarmored or lightly armored opponents a Crushing Shove (4× Resist) is achievable, dealing impact damage and knocking prone.
Tribal Structure — Social Complexity #
Composition (2d10 in lair = avg 11) #
The lair encounter reflects the full tribe. A tribe of 11 includes:
- 5–6 adult warriors (full statistics, each with one weapon)
- 2–3 adult females (full statistics — the RC states females fight to the death if escape is impossible; they are not weaker than males, only absent from wilderness encounters)
- 2–3 young (2 HD, 1d2/1d2/1d4 damage — fight as 2 HD monsters)
0 wilderness appearing: Centaurs encountered in the wild are scouting parties, travelers, or individuals — not standard encounters. The tribe stays near its forest home. A party that meets a centaur in the wilderness has met either an outlier or a scout watching them.
Female and Young Behavior #
Females: “Will usually stay in the lair.” When the lair is attacked:
- First response: Attempt to flee with the young
- If escape is impossible: fight to the death (Morale becomes 12 — absolute)
Young: Fight as 2 HD monsters (1d2/1d2/1d4 damage). They have the same three-attack structure but at significantly reduced damage. They fight alongside females if escape is cut off.
Moral dimension: A party that assaults a centaur lair encounters females and young fighting desperately to protect each other. Lawful characters should register that attacking fleeing females and young is an alignment-relevant act. The RC’s “fight to the death” for cornered females creates genuine moral weight — they are not aggressive combatants but defenders with nowhere to go.
Tribal Organization #
Centaurs “form into small tribes or families.” The tribe has:
- A tribal elder or leader (5–6 HD, Morale 9, possibly the spellcaster)
- A clear territory with defined boundaries
- Cultural traditions, trade relationships with neighboring races, and memory of past dealings with humanoids
Relations with neighbors: Centaurs are Neutral and Average intelligence — they maintain complex relationships. In many settings centaurs:
- Trade with elves and druids (natural allies in forest defense)
- Have historical conflicts with goblins and orcs who encroach on forest territory
- Regard humans with cautious neutrality — some tribes have positive histories with human settlers who respected forest boundaries, others have conflict histories
- Often know the Actaeon (see Actaeon entry) and participate in woodland community relationships
Weapons — One Per Centaur #
The RC specifies each centaur carries one weapon. The DM distributes weapon types across the tribe:
Club (1d6 damage): Basic weapon, universal availability. A centaur with a club fights at close range — the combined hoof attacks + club create devastating close-melee output (2d6 + club damage per round before hug).
Lance (1d6+1 at Basic Mastery, or by species standard): The charge weapon. A lance-armed centaur is most dangerous in open terrain where charge distance is available. In forest its effectiveness is limited to cleared areas. The lance cannot be used effectively in undergrowth.
Bow (1d6+STR modifier as applicable): The ranged weapon. A centaur with a bow fires from distance, keeping mobile and using terrain cover between shots. Moving at 180 ft while maintaining bow fire makes centaur archers extremely difficult to engage in open terrain — they outrun most characters who try to close.
Weapon selection by role:
- Scouts/outriders: Bow (harassment and intelligence gathering)
- Tribal guards: Lance (maximum impact force for territory defense)
- Melee fighters: Club or hand weapon (close combat in forest where lances are impractical)
Load Capacity — Carrying Riders #
The Load statistics (3,000 cn full speed, 6,000 cn half speed) reflect the centaur’s ability to carry passengers — a willing centaur can carry a rider or load at these capacities.
Centaur as mount: A centaur that agrees to carry a rider (diplomatic relationship, payment, alliance) moves at 180 ft carrying a standard adventurer with full equipment (approximately 1,500–2,000 cn). This is faster than a standard warhorse (120 ft) and the centaur brings its own combat capability. A mounted wizard on an allied centaur is a formidable combination.
Cultural sensitivity: Centaurs do not automatically accept riders. Asking a centaur to serve as a mount without a prior relationship is an insult in most centaur cultures — equivalent to asking a person to carry you on their back. A deep alliance, significant payment, or emergency justification is required.
Encounter Notes #
The wilderness sighting (0 wilderness appearing): A centaur encountered in the wilderness is unusual — it is either a scout, a lone wanderer, or a tribal representative on a specific errand. This is an automatic diplomacy opportunity. The centaur will assess the party (Average intelligence means genuine assessment, not just threat evaluation) before deciding whether to approach or withdraw.
The diplomatic encounter: Centaurs are Neutral and speak Common. A party that approaches with visible peaceful intent — no weapons drawn, moving slowly, making eye contact and speaking — has a genuine chance of productive interaction. What centaurs want from interactions with humanoids:
- Respect for forest territory (the most fundamental value)
- Information about threats in the area (goblins, orcs, undead, dragon activity)
- Trade goods — the RC’s Treasure Type A suggests significant accumulated wealth, some of which they may want to convert to useful goods
- News from the wider world (Average intelligence means genuine curiosity)
The lair encounter: 2d10 centaurs in their home territory. The tribe’s scouts have likely detected the party hours before the party finds the lair. Unless the party has been approaching with obvious hostile intent, the tribe may send a delegation rather than attacking immediately. The delegation (1–3 warriors, including the leader if available) confronts the party at the lair’s edge.
Combat encounter: If combat begins, the centaurs immediately use their mobility advantage — circling, charging from unexpected angles, using the forest terrain for cover between attacks. Lance-armed centaurs make one devastating charge then switch to hoof attacks. Bow-armed centaurs maintain distance and fire. The hooves-plus-weapon three-attack structure makes even a single centaur in melee seriously dangerous — three attacks per round at HR +4 with 1d6/1d6/weapon damage is 2nd-level-Fighter-threatening.
CR summary:
| Configuration | CR | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 centaur (no charge room) | 3 | Three attacks, Morale 8 |
| 1 centaur (lance charge available) | 4 | Double damage charge + hooves |
| Tribal group of 6–10 | 5 | Coordinated attacks, female/young add complexity |
| Full tribe (11+) with leader | 6 | Full tribal defense with potential spellcaster |
