Centaurs anyone? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Centaurs anyone? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
LadyDM
10-17-07, 12:56 PM I am considering playing a centaur and am wondering if anyone else has. What are the pros and cons you found while playing? Any feedback would be great!

Thanks in advance for your info.
Ninja_Ferret
10-17-07, 01:10 PM Pros They are centaurs. You dont need a mount?

cons. They dont have reach, you lost a few levels due to them. Stairs are a pain for you.

I dont really know the pros and cons of them but they seem like they would be fun.
Tordak
10-17-07, 02:03 PM I've never played one but would have certainly wanted to. You can combine power attack and charge to devastating effects, they travel fast, have bonus to almost every stats, 2 natural hoove attacks, large, they don't have reach but larger facing (they take more space), a good +3 natural armor (always handy). You can make crazy good fighters and cavaliers out of them, as well as incredible ranger.

Drawback well of course you can't get a flying mount (there are other ways to fly), you have to put up with a few monstrous humanoid levels, which are pretty good levels, but with the +2 LA mean you're going to have to give up a few feat. It's not that big a deal if you consider you're mounted and all and get good stat bonuses. One of the big problem is going into dugeons/caves. You might often find yourself in a situation where you fight in cramped space and have a few penalties accordingly, and might not be able to charge around a whole lot. There's also the whole not-human/being-ostracized thing, but it's generaly not a big deal in fantasy worlds.

So asside a few drawback, you can get quite a fighter from centaur. Depending on which other books you might using they could make good paladins too (in some book you can substitute your summon mount for other creature or abilities, which could be advantageous since you cant really use a mount). Also, not sure if this is pro or con, but you cannot be 'unhorsed'.

If you want help with a build I can give you some pointers.
LadyDM
10-17-07, 02:40 PM If you want help with a build I can give you some pointers.

That would be great! :angelhide

I am looking to rejoin a campaign already in progress (my last character died) at 11th level and am not used to the whole level adjustment thing.

Here are my rolled stats: 18, 16, 16, 15, 17, 13. Thinking ranger or plain ole fighter so, 18 in STR, 17 in CON, 16 DEX, 16 INT, 15 WIS and 13 CHA. With the racial adjustments that will end up being a 26 STR, 21 CON, 21 DEX, 14 INT, 17 WIS and 13 CHA including the 2 adjustments for 4th and 8th level.

I start out with 4d8 HP, so being 11th level would I roll another 10d8 for HP?

Skill points would be 17 to start then 5 per level to total 67.

Feats are where I really need help. Would I need to take mounted archery or mounted combat to fight either hand to hand or use a bow? Same question for ride by attack, spirited charge and trample. Why would I need a mount to trample if I AM the mount?

Also, since being a centaur only gives 2 feats, I still gets additional feats as I level. So at 11th level, I would have a total of 5 feats. Point blank shot, rapid shot and combat reflexes are my first thoughts, if i need to take the mounted archery and combat, I'm done.

I would like more feats, and I realize being a "monster" is a give (+8 STR) and take (limited feats), but don't see why I would need to take mounted combat if I'm the mount. (that's NOT what it sound like!):schemes:
Xiuhcoatl
10-17-07, 05:13 PM I start out with 4d8 HP, so being 11th level would I roll another 10d8 for HP?

Centaurs have 4 HD and +2 LA. So at level 11, you would have 4 racial HD + 5 class levels + 2 level adjustment. You'd have 4d8+5dX+(9*con mod)+any other bonus for HP. Your above example, with Con 21 (+5) would have 9d8+45 hp.

Most DMs will say that centaurs are treated as having the Mounted Combat feat for purposes of meeting prerequisites, as there is some* precedent in the books.

*the precedent is found with the Inevitables, where one has the Mounted Combat feat due to its "centaur-like" construction. There's plenty of argument back and forth as to what that means.
Tordak
10-17-07, 06:10 PM First of all : Holy cr**@%?#(@! Those are insane stats. If you have nothing to do maybe sometime you could roll me some stats!!!

Well let start with some things you should be aware of with the whole none-core-race thing. When you play a centaur, you do not start at first level (or rather, you could but you would first have the 'centaur racial class'; I'll explain). Your character is a centaur and therefore has 4 racial 8-sided dices, and a level adjustement of +2 (because of all the bonuses he gets), which means your character is already at level 6 just for being a centaur. An 11th level centaur character would therefore only have 5 classe level, so a ranger would have 4d8+5d8 hit points, a fighter 4d8+5d10 (+ con bonus of course). Same goes for skill points, you get (4+3 level beyond 1st)x(2+int bonus) skill points from the monstrous humanoid class, and the additionnal points from 5 class levels of your choice (but the 1st level are not multiplied by 4; you only get this for 1st character level). You have 2 feat from 4 HD, plus 2 more from your extra 5 class levels. You have base saves +2 fort, +5 ref and +5 will, and a +4 BAB from the centaur. You also add you class derived base attack bonus and saves, as well as all bonus feats and skill points.

This being said, it now depend what kind of fighter you want to be : do you want a good hunter or a killing machine. The ranger as some good option and spells, and 2 weapon fighting or archery. If there's already a brute in the group, than it's a good choice. You can choose archery, with a dex and strengh like yours you'd be strong at range and melee fighting. Choose feat related to archery that are not build in the ranger progression. If you prefer 2-weapons, then take 2-weapons defense (and improved version, PHB and complete adventurer; it give you a shield bonus when fighting with 2weapons), and 2-weapons rend (PHB2).

If you want the killing machine, than here's a build. Centaur fighter 5. Take the following feats : Centaur & character (4) : power attack, mounted combat, ride-by attack, leap attack (Complete adventurer), Fighter (3) spirited charge, improved bull rush, shock trooper (tactical feat, complete warrior). This will make you very single minded on charging and attacking, but will enable you to attack for well over 100 damage every time you charge. You need to read those feats to know what I mean, but you'll see you can power attack by sacrificing your AC, use a lance 2 handed and charge for incredible damage. Later on (at higher level) level look for the tactical feat Cavalry charger. If you want to bull rush an plan on going into undergrond a bit take the fighter level substitution from Dungeonscape Dungeon Crasher which will work very well with all those feat (you'll loose your fighter feat at level 2 and 6 but you can wait a bit to get all your feat, just make sure in that case you take improved bull rush earlier on).

Now you will need to make sure how your DM see's the interaction of mounted feat with the centaur, as he may think they are not applicable to the centaur. Make sure you can use a lance 2-handed and leap attack while charging at the same time. But if it works with your DM (it would with me), you'll be wrecking havok on the battlefield, more so if you're outside. You'll also be able to equip strong armor for high AC with your natural AC bonus. You'll probably need to be good friend with the cleric and the mage but then again it's always the case of pure fighting machine. It's a very uncomplicated character with few option. I need to go now but I'll be back later with more ideas if you want on how you can also use such a strong character with other feats and option (I admit this one is much about charges, but with such strengh you'll still be an awesome fighter).
runestar
10-17-07, 09:02 PM *the precedent is found with the Inevitables, where one has the Mounted Combat feat due to its "centaur-like" construction. There's plenty of argument back and forth as to what that means.

It is also stated outright in races of faerun.:)
VulcanStormwrath
10-17-07, 09:13 PM Ask yourself this. Is your DM a jerk? Because if so, he/she will put you in numerous 5x5 corridors, require the party to climb ropes, cross rope bridges and generally make the experience a drag for everyone. If he/she is a mature adult who wants everyone to have fun, then by all means have a blast.

You may also consider being a Paladin with the Charging Smite alternative class ability, fight with a lance and a longsword and show 'em all why being your own cavalry should be feared.
snakeman830
10-17-07, 09:14 PM Something I have to wonder about if we're bringing Races of Faruhn into this.

Why don't Wemics gain the lance/feat benefits that Centaurs do? They have the same body construction and are also large sized.

If an argument erupts over this, I will say right now that I am sorry for having started it.

Back on track: Centaurs are quite a lot of fun. If you go the archer route, you don't have to waste a feat to get proficiency with the Greatbow (CW). Either races of the Wild or Savage Species states this, and I can't remember which one it was. If you go melee, there's almost nothing you can't successfully pull off.

Just realize that you'll probably be carrying a lot of the group's stuff, since you will almost certianly have the highest carrying limits.
Crimson_Concerto
10-17-07, 09:16 PM Centaurs are a good race, but stop thinking of them as mounted, because they're not. Unless you actually plan on having them ride another creature, centaurs have no use or need for mounted feats the same way humans have no use or need for mounted feats. The only thing really different about humans and centaurs in that regards is that humans have many more options for mounts than centaur do.* :P

Now, you are ECL 11 and have a +2 LA and 4 Racial HD, so after that, you have 5 class levels to take. Also, since you have a total of only 9 HD, you only have a total of 4 feats (unless you pick a class that gives bonus feats.

It is also stated outright in races of faerun.:)No, it isn't. :P
RoF says they qualify for Spirited Charge as though they had the Mounted Combat feat, but no other mounted feat.

*If you REALLY feel like disputing this with me, take it to the PMs...
runestar
10-17-07, 09:22 PM Ask yourself this. Is your DM a jerk? Because if so, he/she will put you in numerous 5x5 corridors, require the party to climb ropes, cross rope bridges and generally make the experience a drag for everyone. If he/she is a mature adult who wants everyone to have fun, then by all means have a blast.

It is also interesting to note that as far as I am aware of, there is nothing in the rules explicitly stating that centaurs take penalties to climb checks...:P

Common (and perfectly logical) houserule, but by raw, they should be excellent climbers because of their str bonus...:D

No, it isn't.
RoF says they qualify for Spirited Charge as though they had the Mounted Combat feat, but no other mounted feat.

Fine! You win on a technicality...:mad: :P
snakeman830
10-17-07, 09:52 PM Ask yourself this. Is your DM a jerk? Because if so, he/she will put you in numerous 5x5 corridors, require the party to climb ropes, cross rope bridges and generally make the experience a drag for everyone. If he/she is a mature adult who wants everyone to have fun, then by all means have a blast.

It is also interesting to note that as far as I am aware of, there is nothing in the rules explicitly stating that centaurs take penalties to climb checks... :P

Common (and perfectly logical) houserule, but by raw, they should be excellent climbers because of their str bonus... :D

Nothing saying they take penalties with ropes either. Imagine a Centaur going Tarzan on people.
Xiuhcoatl
10-18-07, 07:52 AM No, it isn't. :P
RoF says they qualify for Spirited Charge as though they had the Mounted Combat feat, but no other mounted feat.

"For purposes of prerequisites ..." is how Centaurs are considered Mounted.

But you keep saying they aren't. You're in the minority. In your games, that's fine. But RAW there is plenty of precedent. So. Thanks for responding with an old argument. Bye.
Tordak
10-18-07, 08:17 AM :D Another idea would be to take advantage of your awesome strengh and dexterity, and of your mobility (centaurs have base land speed 50 ft) and become and archer. Add to that the fact that you can have a large composite bow which can be built with up to a +10 str bonus, and you would be a really annoying archer. Whether you're a fighter or ranger matters not, but you'll get more feat as a fighter. You want to use light armor to make use of your dex and keep your mobility. Take the following feats : point blank shot, rapid shot, far shot, many shot (useful if you have a bonus like the bonus from true strikes that works for only one attack), precise shot (as early as possible) and shot on the run. These are the minimum feats. You could probably equip the likes of 'horseshoe of speed', which you can afford at 11th level, but I think roleplayingwise centaurs are not to found of being treated like horses. Look for more archer feat in Races of the wild and complete warrior, but you should save a few feat for close combat. Don't overlook weapon focus with composite bow. Change your dex to 18 (for total 22) and strengh to 16 (total 24). I also forgot to mention that you do not get the +2 to ability for being 4th and 8th level : you only get a +1 for being a 4th level character on top of you centaur's 6 levels. You could use 17 in str an boost it to 26 with that +1.

If nothing is interesting here, you are still quite a capable fighter. You have an impresive strengh, mobility, all stats for that matter, and 2 extra natural attacks (don't forget those). Take tactical feat that uses your speed and strengh (cavalary charger, combat brute, shock trooper), power attack is a must with such a strengh, use 2-handed weapon and get an animated shield as soon as possible. Use the complete warrior for more hints. There are a lot of good feats in there, and you could choose to specialize in a particular weapon and use the weapon feat at the end of the CW feat section (for example, the Three Mountain feat allow you to nauseate foe that you hit twice with you mace or morning star or club, or Hi Sword- Low axe let you trip enemy much like a wolf trip attack). Combine that with combat expertise to access feat such as improved trip (which goes well with shock trooper). With your stats you pretty much have access to any feats.

It is also possible you do not need feat like mounted combat (but it is a prerequisite for other feats), but I'm not sure about the rule. Check what are your DM's thoughts on that.

But you could do this with any fighter. You're half a horse for crying out loud!!! I think your best take advantage of that and be a one-man-cavalary. Use it to put the other fighter to shame:D
1 ton ghost
10-18-07, 11:48 AM -Mounted Combat discrepancy: they're not mounted...
i know, treated as such and all, but Spring Attack is the correct aegis.
-do they get the charge bonus w/ lance given speed, etc?
-consider Shot on the Run (not Mounted Archery) since your speed is so formidable
-Horseshoes of Speed, might as well capitalize on it
-you could elect to push melee up, extra legs help via Bullrush, Overrun, etc.
-mind the stairs, cramped spaces, etc. perhaps a potion of Reduce Person or are they monstrous humanoids?
-take care of armor firstly. not sure if it's 1/2 barding, 1/2 normal or what. work out some arrangement w/ your DM quickly. should be easy

-like cristopher walken, don't get sapped into dirty centaur porn
snakeman830
10-18-07, 04:21 PM Centaurs do double damage with a lance on a charge. That's printed in the Monster Manual (last scentence of the first paragraph in "Combat", I believe).

Centaurs are Monsterous Humanoids. Better to get a psionic tattoo of Compression, since that doesn't care about type.

As for the barding/armor question: WHO GIVES A CRAP?!? Barding is just another name for armor designed for non-humanoids. It is not a different item! All you do is find the cost of armor for a large, non-humanoid to find the cost for a centaur. It really isn't difficult. (Sorry if I came off as explosive, this is one of my pet peeves on these forums.)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
LadyDM 10-17-07, 12:56 PM	I am considering playing a centaur and am wondering if anyone else has. What are the pros and cons you found while playing? Any feedback would be great! Thanks in advance for your info.
Ninja_Ferret 10-17-07, 01:10 PM	Pros They are centaurs. You dont need a mount? cons. They dont have reach, you lost a few levels due to them. Stairs are a pain for you. I dont really know the pros and cons of them but they seem like they would be fun.
Tordak 10-17-07, 02:03 PM	I've never played one but would have certainly wanted to. You can combine power attack and charge to devastating effects, they travel fast, have bonus to almost every stats, 2 natural hoove attacks, large, they don't have reach but larger facing (they take more space), a good +3 natural armor (always handy). You can make crazy good fighters and cavaliers out of them, as well as incredible ranger. Drawback well of course you can't get a flying mount (there are other ways to fly), you have to put up with a few monstrous humanoid levels, which are pretty good levels, but with the +2 LA mean you're going to have to give up a few feat. It's not that big a deal if you consider you're mounted and all and get good stat bonuses. One of the big problem is going into dugeons/caves. You might often find yourself in a situation where you fight in cramped space and have a few penalties accordingly, and might not be able to charge around a whole lot. There's also the whole not-human/being-ostracized thing, but it's generaly not a big deal in fantasy worlds. So asside a few drawback, you can get quite a fighter from centaur. Depending on which other books you might using they could make good paladins too (in some book you can substitute your summon mount for other creature or abilities, which could be advantageous since you cant really use a mount). Also, not sure if this is pro or con, but you cannot be 'unhorsed'. If you want help with a build I can give you some pointers.
LadyDM 10-17-07, 02:40 PM	If you want help with a build I can give you some pointers. That would be great! :angelhide I am looking to rejoin a campaign already in progress (my last character died) at 11th level and am not used to the whole level adjustment thing. Here are my rolled stats: 18, 16, 16, 15, 17, 13. Thinking ranger or plain ole fighter so, 18 in STR, 17 in CON, 16 DEX, 16 INT, 15 WIS and 13 CHA. With the racial adjustments that will end up being a 26 STR, 21 CON, 21 DEX, 14 INT, 17 WIS and 13 CHA including the 2 adjustments for 4th and 8th level. I start out with 4d8 HP, so being 11th level would I roll another 10d8 for HP? Skill points would be 17 to start then 5 per level to total 67. Feats are where I really need help. Would I need to take mounted archery or mounted combat to fight either hand to hand or use a bow? Same question for ride by attack, spirited charge and trample. Why would I need a mount to trample if I AM the mount? Also, since being a centaur only gives 2 feats, I still gets additional feats as I level. So at 11th level, I would have a total of 5 feats. Point blank shot, rapid shot and combat reflexes are my first thoughts, if i need to take the mounted archery and combat, I'm done. I would like more feats, and I realize being a "monster" is a give (+8 STR) and take (limited feats), but don't see why I would need to take mounted combat if I'm the mount. (that's NOT what it sound like!):schemes:
Xiuhcoatl 10-17-07, 05:13 PM	I start out with 4d8 HP, so being 11th level would I roll another 10d8 for HP? Centaurs have 4 HD and +2 LA. So at level 11, you would have 4 racial HD + 5 class levels + 2 level adjustment. You'd have 4d8+5dX+(9con mod)+any other bonus for HP. Your above example, with Con 21 (+5) would have 9d8+45 hp. Most DMs will say that centaurs are treated as having the Mounted Combat feat for purposes of meeting prerequisites, as there is some precedent in the books. *the precedent is found with the Inevitables, where one has the Mounted Combat feat due to its "centaur-like" construction. There's plenty of argument back and forth as to what that means.
Tordak 10-17-07, 06:10 PM	First of all : Holy cr**@%?#(@! Those are insane stats. If you have nothing to do maybe sometime you could roll me some stats!!! Well let start with some things you should be aware of with the whole none-core-race thing. When you play a centaur, you do not start at first level (or rather, you could but you would first have the 'centaur racial class'; I'll explain). Your character is a centaur and therefore has 4 racial 8-sided dices, and a level adjustement of +2 (because of all the bonuses he gets), which means your character is already at level 6 just for being a centaur. An 11th level centaur character would therefore only have 5 classe level, so a ranger would have 4d8+5d8 hit points, a fighter 4d8+5d10 (+ con bonus of course). Same goes for skill points, you get (4+3 level beyond 1st)x(2+int bonus) skill points from the monstrous humanoid class, and the additionnal points from 5 class levels of your choice (but the 1st level are not multiplied by 4; you only get this for 1st character level). You have 2 feat from 4 HD, plus 2 more from your extra 5 class levels. You have base saves +2 fort, +5 ref and +5 will, and a +4 BAB from the centaur. You also add you class derived base attack bonus and saves, as well as all bonus feats and skill points. This being said, it now depend what kind of fighter you want to be : do you want a good hunter or a killing machine. The ranger as some good option and spells, and 2 weapon fighting or archery. If there's already a brute in the group, than it's a good choice. You can choose archery, with a dex and strengh like yours you'd be strong at range and melee fighting. Choose feat related to archery that are not build in the ranger progression. If you prefer 2-weapons, then take 2-weapons defense (and improved version, PHB and complete adventurer; it give you a shield bonus when fighting with 2weapons), and 2-weapons rend (PHB2). If you want the killing machine, than here's a build. Centaur fighter 5. Take the following feats : Centaur & character (4) : power attack, mounted combat, ride-by attack, leap attack (Complete adventurer), Fighter (3) spirited charge, improved bull rush, shock trooper (tactical feat, complete warrior). This will make you very single minded on charging and attacking, but will enable you to attack for well over 100 damage every time you charge. You need to read those feats to know what I mean, but you'll see you can power attack by sacrificing your AC, use a lance 2 handed and charge for incredible damage. Later on (at higher level) level look for the tactical feat Cavalry charger. If you want to bull rush an plan on going into undergrond a bit take the fighter level substitution from Dungeonscape Dungeon Crasher which will work very well with all those feat (you'll loose your fighter feat at level 2 and 6 but you can wait a bit to get all your feat, just make sure in that case you take improved bull rush earlier on). Now you will need to make sure how your DM see's the interaction of mounted feat with the centaur, as he may think they are not applicable to the centaur. Make sure you can use a lance 2-handed and leap attack while charging at the same time. But if it works with your DM (it would with me), you'll be wrecking havok on the battlefield, more so if you're outside. You'll also be able to equip strong armor for high AC with your natural AC bonus. You'll probably need to be good friend with the cleric and the mage but then again it's always the case of pure fighting machine. It's a very uncomplicated character with few option. I need to go now but I'll be back later with more ideas if you want on how you can also use such a strong character with other feats and option (I admit this one is much about charges, but with such strengh you'll still be an awesome fighter).
runestar 10-17-07, 09:02 PM	*the precedent is found with the Inevitables, where one has the Mounted Combat feat due to its "centaur-like" construction. There's plenty of argument back and forth as to what that means. It is also stated outright in races of faerun.:)
VulcanStormwrath 10-17-07, 09:13 PM	Ask yourself this. Is your DM a jerk? Because if so, he/she will put you in numerous 5x5 corridors, require the party to climb ropes, cross rope bridges and generally make the experience a drag for everyone. If he/she is a mature adult who wants everyone to have fun, then by all means have a blast. You may also consider being a Paladin with the Charging Smite alternative class ability, fight with a lance and a longsword and show 'em all why being your own cavalry should be feared.
snakeman830 10-17-07, 09:14 PM	Something I have to wonder about if we're bringing Races of Faruhn into this. Why don't Wemics gain the lance/feat benefits that Centaurs do? They have the same body construction and are also large sized. If an argument erupts over this, I will say right now that I am sorry for having started it. Back on track: Centaurs are quite a lot of fun. If you go the archer route, you don't have to waste a feat to get proficiency with the Greatbow (CW). Either races of the Wild or Savage Species states this, and I can't remember which one it was. If you go melee, there's almost nothing you can't successfully pull off. Just realize that you'll probably be carrying a lot of the group's stuff, since you will almost certianly have the highest carrying limits.
Crimson_Concerto 10-17-07, 09:16 PM	Centaurs are a good race, but stop thinking of them as mounted, because they're not. Unless you actually plan on having them ride another creature, centaurs have no use or need for mounted feats the same way humans have no use or need for mounted feats. The only thing really different about humans and centaurs in that regards is that humans have many more options for mounts than centaur do.* :P Now, you are ECL 11 and have a +2 LA and 4 Racial HD, so after that, you have 5 class levels to take. Also, since you have a total of only 9 HD, you only have a total of 4 feats (unless you pick a class that gives bonus feats. It is also stated outright in races of faerun.:)No, it isn't. :P RoF says they qualify for Spirited Charge as though they had the Mounted Combat feat, but no other mounted feat. *If you REALLY feel like disputing this with me, take it to the PMs...
runestar 10-17-07, 09:22 PM	Ask yourself this. Is your DM a jerk? Because if so, he/she will put you in numerous 5x5 corridors, require the party to climb ropes, cross rope bridges and generally make the experience a drag for everyone. If he/she is a mature adult who wants everyone to have fun, then by all means have a blast. It is also interesting to note that as far as I am aware of, there is nothing in the rules explicitly stating that centaurs take penalties to climb checks...:P Common (and perfectly logical) houserule, but by raw, they should be excellent climbers because of their str bonus...:D No, it isn't. RoF says they qualify for Spirited Charge as though they had the Mounted Combat feat, but no other mounted feat. Fine! You win on a technicality...:mad: :P
snakeman830 10-17-07, 09:52 PM	Ask yourself this. Is your DM a jerk? Because if so, he/she will put you in numerous 5x5 corridors, require the party to climb ropes, cross rope bridges and generally make the experience a drag for everyone. If he/she is a mature adult who wants everyone to have fun, then by all means have a blast. It is also interesting to note that as far as I am aware of, there is nothing in the rules explicitly stating that centaurs take penalties to climb checks... :P Common (and perfectly logical) houserule, but by raw, they should be excellent climbers because of their str bonus... :D Nothing saying they take penalties with ropes either. Imagine a Centaur going Tarzan on people.
Xiuhcoatl 10-18-07, 07:52 AM	No, it isn't. :P RoF says they qualify for Spirited Charge as though they had the Mounted Combat feat, but no other mounted feat. "For purposes of prerequisites ..." is how Centaurs are considered Mounted. But you keep saying they aren't. You're in the minority. In your games, that's fine. But RAW there is plenty of precedent. So. Thanks for responding with an old argument. Bye.
Tordak 10-18-07, 08:17 AM	:D Another idea would be to take advantage of your awesome strengh and dexterity, and of your mobility (centaurs have base land speed 50 ft) and become and archer. Add to that the fact that you can have a large composite bow which can be built with up to a +10 str bonus, and you would be a really annoying archer. Whether you're a fighter or ranger matters not, but you'll get more feat as a fighter. You want to use light armor to make use of your dex and keep your mobility. Take the following feats : point blank shot, rapid shot, far shot, many shot (useful if you have a bonus like the bonus from true strikes that works for only one attack), precise shot (as early as possible) and shot on the run. These are the minimum feats. You could probably equip the likes of 'horseshoe of speed', which you can afford at 11th level, but I think roleplayingwise centaurs are not to found of being treated like horses. Look for more archer feat in Races of the wild and complete warrior, but you should save a few feat for close combat. Don't overlook weapon focus with composite bow. Change your dex to 18 (for total 22) and strengh to 16 (total 24). I also forgot to mention that you do not get the +2 to ability for being 4th and 8th level : you only get a +1 for being a 4th level character on top of you centaur's 6 levels. You could use 17 in str an boost it to 26 with that +1. If nothing is interesting here, you are still quite a capable fighter. You have an impresive strengh, mobility, all stats for that matter, and 2 extra natural attacks (don't forget those). Take tactical feat that uses your speed and strengh (cavalary charger, combat brute, shock trooper), power attack is a must with such a strengh, use 2-handed weapon and get an animated shield as soon as possible. Use the complete warrior for more hints. There are a lot of good feats in there, and you could choose to specialize in a particular weapon and use the weapon feat at the end of the CW feat section (for example, the Three Mountain feat allow you to nauseate foe that you hit twice with you mace or morning star or club, or Hi Sword- Low axe let you trip enemy much like a wolf trip attack). Combine that with combat expertise to access feat such as improved trip (which goes well with shock trooper). With your stats you pretty much have access to any feats. It is also possible you do not need feat like mounted combat (but it is a prerequisite for other feats), but I'm not sure about the rule. Check what are your DM's thoughts on that. But you could do this with any fighter. You're half a horse for crying out loud!!! I think your best take advantage of that and be a one-man-cavalary. Use it to put the other fighter to shame:D
1 ton ghost 10-18-07, 11:48 AM	-Mounted Combat discrepancy: they're not mounted... i know, treated as such and all, but Spring Attack is the correct aegis. -do they get the charge bonus w/ lance given speed, etc? -consider Shot on the Run (not Mounted Archery) since your speed is so formidable -Horseshoes of Speed, might as well capitalize on it -you could elect to push melee up, extra legs help via Bullrush, Overrun, etc. -mind the stairs, cramped spaces, etc. perhaps a potion of Reduce Person or are they monstrous humanoids? -take care of armor firstly. not sure if it's 1/2 barding, 1/2 normal or what. work out some arrangement w/ your DM quickly. should be easy -like cristopher walken, don't get sapped into dirty centaur porn
snakeman830 10-18-07, 04:21 PM	Centaurs do double damage with a lance on a charge. That's printed in the Monster Manual (last scentence of the first paragraph in "Combat", I believe). Centaurs are Monsterous Humanoids. Better to get a psionic tattoo of Compression, since that doesn't care about type. As for the barding/armor question: WHO GIVES A CRAP?!? Barding is just another name for armor designed for non-humanoids. It is not a different item! All you do is find the cost of armor for a large, non-humanoid to find the cost for a centaur. It really isn't difficult. (Sorry if I came off as explosive, this is one of my pet peeves on these forums.)