Converting Maztica and Horde monsters

[freyar]

Lots of flavor on this, not quite as much crunch. Should we start with the usual centaur and up Con a little (maybe Str too)?

 

[Shade]

Compared to 2e standard centaur stats, here's all that differs...

Centaur, Nomadic
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Plains or steppe
INTELLIGENCE: Average to very (8-12)
TREASURE: Q (I, V)
ALIGNMENT:Neutral or Lawful Neutral
NO. APPEARING: 2-20
ARMOR CLASS: 5 (3)
MOVEMENT: 24
HIT DICE: 6
THAC0: 15
SPECIAL ATTACKS: +1 with bow

Centaur
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Temperate forest
INTELLIGENCE: Low to average (5-10)
TREASURE: M, Q (D, I, T)
ALIGNMENT: Neutral or chaotic good
NO. APPEARING: 1-8
ARMOR CLASS: 5 (4)
MOVEMENT: 18
HIT DICE: 4
THAC0: 17
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil

So basically they are smarter, faster, have a few more HD, a better THAC0, 1 better natural armor, and the bonus with the bow.

So how about we apply the following to normal centaur stats:
6 HD
+2 Int (I'm not sure about Str, as the greater THAC0 could simply be due to more HD)
Base land speed 60
Weapon Proficiency: Nomadic centaurs are automatically proficient with the longbow, composite longbow, shortbow, and composite shortbow.

 

[freyar]

That all make sense to me. Do we want to give them a special ability that they treat all bows as masterwork (to get the +1 to attack)?

 

[Shade]

That all make sense to me. Do we want to give them a special ability that they treat all bows as masterwork (to get the +1 to attack)?

Nah. They essentially had the same bonus as elves, so I translated that the 3.5 bonus elves get with bows (free proficiency).

 

[freyar]

Ok, sounds about right, then. Anything much else to do with these?

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews.

The nomadic centaurs speak their own tribal tongue, although most tribes in a large region speak a dialect of the same tongue. Very few know any other language. Common is the most frequent second language.

Centaurs have... Automatic Languages: Sylvan, Elven. Bonus Languages: Common, Gnome, Halfling.

Do we want to give them a unique language?

Traditionally, nomadic centaurs use a shortbow (with quivers of 100 arrows), light lance, and saber. Some (no more than 15 percent) use small shields. They are masters of the bow, trained to shoot from childhood. They gain a +1 on their THAC0 when using a bow.

Composite shortbow, lance, and longsword on attack lines?

They can move their normal movement and shoot an arrow at the same time, without any penalty.

Shot on the Run as a bonus feat?

The bow plays an important role in the centaur style of combat. They try to avoid straight-up fights whenever possible, since this deprives them of their two biggest advantages--speed and range. Instead they will keep a distance from the enemy, firing arrows and then galloping out of the way when the enemy charges. Among their own, they say that a warrior who fights with a sword is either a hero, an incompetent, or a fool.

Replace centaur's Dodge and Weapon Focus (hoof) with Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot?

Although they can use their hooves to kick, the nomadic centaur warriors disdain this tactic. Such methods are used only by old females and the sick.

Drop hooves from attack lines?

Habitat/Society: Nomadic centaurs are aloof, proud creatures. They are very tribal, each centaur belonging to a particular clan of a particular tribe. A clan averages 11 to 30 (1d20 + 10) individuals. A tribe is made up of 2 to 12 clans. Each clan travels and hunts as a separate group. Sometimes two or more clans will band together to make a raid or defend against raiders, but such unions last only as long as there is a need.

The ratio of females to males is two to one. Only males go on raids or hunt, yet females are equally skilled in combat and will fight to defend the clan. The young (1-2 hit dice) are fiercely protected but will fight with hooves and bows if necessary (1-3 points of damage, no bonus to THAC0 when using the bow). There are 3 to 18 young per clan, but never more than 50% of the total clan. In addition, each clan keeps a small herd of horses.

Centaur's org line: Solitary, company (5–8), troop (8–18 plus 1 leader of 2nd–5th level), or tribe (20–150 plus 30% noncombatants plus 10 3rd-level sergeants, 5 5th-level lieutenants, and 1 leader of 5th–9th level)

So maybe...

Solitary, hunting party (5–8), clan (11–30 plus 30% noncombatants plus 1 leader of 2nd–5th level), or tribe (20–360 plus 30% noncombatants plus 10 3rd-level sergeants, 5 5th-level lieutenants, and 1 leader of 5th–9th level)

Treasures taken by the clan are communally held. They recognize and understand the value of magical items. Those they can use, particularly weapons, are distributed among the warriors.

Treasure: No coins; no goods; standard items (see text for communal treasure)?

Although the centaurs have no particular love of nature, they have learned how to manage it. Wells are carefully maintained, and little water is wasted. Before an area is over-hunted, centaurs will move their hunting ground. They do not hunt for sport, and little of their kills go to waste. They make few demands on the land, thus ensuring there will be adequate resources for the future.

Racial bonus on Survival checks?

 

[freyar]

Whew, you've been busy today! Don't need a unique language. I agree with the rest, except maybe we should leave hooves for the elderly and sick (or desparate)? +4 on the Survival bonus?

 

[Shroomy]

I would leave the hooves in, but make the damage less than what you would expect from a creature of their size (1d4?) to make the option somewhat suboptimal compared to their weapony.

I don't think they need a unique language either.

 

[Shade]

I had alot of free time yesterday since most of my co-workers bailed on me due to inclement weather.

I left the hooves in and reduced them to 1d4 damage.

Updated.

 

[freyar]

Looking pretty good. You need to copy the favored class down into the racial description, though.

We need just CR (4?), LA (go, go Savage Species guidelines!), and languages. For languages, let's take a look at what we did for the zebranaur, since these live in steppes, sort of like plains.