Homebrew Bariaur Species Details

Bariaur are ovine inhabitants of the Upper Planes, combining features of humans and rams. These natives of Ysgard are herbivorous and generally peaceful in nature, though like many of Ysgard’s residents they enjoy competition and do not fear any battle. Their herds are a common sight on the chaotic side of the Upper Planes as they travel from plane to plane. Many bariaurs make their way to Sigil on their own as traders, explorers, or just to use it a connecting point between journeys.

A flock of bariaurs follows a single leader, stronger or more charismatic than other males in the flock. A leader’s rule is absolute, but younger males who think themselves ready for leadership may challenge him. Such challenges, though, are formal and ritualized, never reckless; bariaurs’ chaotic nature is directed outside of the flock, rather than within it. The loss of a duel of challenge brings no disgrace nor dishonor. A flock holds 5 to 20 males, 10 to 30 females, and 1d12-1 young. Flocks are familial and under normal circumstances never split up. An under-reported aspect of bariaur life is their robust playfulness. They believe that that the two great goods are the advancing of their strong sense of honor and the need to have a good time. The bariaur often meet in shows of friendly rivalry on the great grassy plains of Ysgard. At these festivals they stage singing contests, tell tales, and play an intricate game not unlike polo. Human observers often mistake the rivalry for pride or pettiness, and are often completely flabbergasted when, at the end of a festival, the bariaur depart on the friendliest terms. Even bariaur adventurers on a hard quest may arrange simple contests to remind them of the joy of life. It is a magical moment when a grimly determined bariaur happens on one of his fellows and puts aside his honor-driven quest for a few minutes (or hours) of race and sport. Such events often do them as much good as a night’s sleep. Then they return to their quests. Nothing saddens a bariaur like learning that a companion is sad. These brave ones fear neither death nor the most monstrous manifestation of the powers of darkness; yet they have been known to journey across the most dangerous planar barriers to visit the sickbed of a valued friend.

Bariaurs are herbivores, feeding on berries, nuts, leaves and other foods gathered in the forests. They do not usually travel from one layer of Ysgard to another, but do so if the food supply in an area warrants a move.

 

Bariaur Traits

Bariaur are similar to centaurs, although they tend to be slightly smaller.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Bariaurs reach adulthood at 20 years of age and can live well past 200 years.

Size

Bariaurs stand between 5 and 7 feet tall, with their ovine bodies reaching about 3 to 4 feet at the withers. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Charge

If you move at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hit it with a melee weapon attack on the same turn, you can immediately follow that attack with a bonus action, making one attack against the target with your horns.

Ram

Your horns are natural melee weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Survivor

You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, or Survival. You have darkvision out to 60 ft.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Celestial.