Stormmane Herd

Nestled amidst the temperate forests southeast of Littleburrow in the western Viscounty of Verbobonc lies a tight-knit tribe of centaurs. Known for their pastoral harmony with nature and robust warrior culture, these centaurs are key allies to the halflings of Littleburrow, and their relationship with Baroness Mirabella Stefania reflects mutual respect and cooperation.

The Centaur Tribe Outside Littleburrow

Centaurs possess the upper body of a humanoid, blending seamlessly into the lower body of a horse. Their physiques exude strength and agility, well-suited for both warfare and wilderness survival.

• Height and Build: Standing between 7 to 8 feet tall and weighing over 1,200 pounds, centaurs are massive yet graceful.
• Features: Centaurs often have strong, chiseled facial features and wild, flowing hair. Their horse-like bodies are sleek, often adorned with tribal symbols painted in natural dyes.
• Typical Equipment: Most centaur warriors wield composite longbows and longswords, with some wearing light armor crafted from forest materials.

Historical Background

The centaur tribe, known as the Stormmane Herd, has roamed the forests of the western Viscounty for centuries. They are believed to be descendants of a sylvan alliance forged during the ancient wars against humanoid raiders.

• Origins: Legend holds that Skerrit the Forester, their patron deity, blessed this tribe to be stewards of the woodlands.
• Connection to Littleburrow: Their friendship with Littleburrow’s halflings dates back three generations, beginning with mutual trade agreements and evolving into a shared defense pact.

Geography

The Stormmane Herd occupies a lush stretch of forest southeast of Littleburrow.

• Habitat: Their camp is a mobile settlement, with yurts and temporary shelters blending into the environment.
• Key Features: The forest abounds with fruit trees, particularly karafruit groves, which the centaurs cultivate and trade. Clearings serve as grazing grounds and training areas for their warriors.

Politics and Leadership

Chief Darius Stormmane

The leader of the tribe, Chief Darius Stormmane, is a formidable warrior and wise diplomat.

• Description: Darius is a towering centaur with dark chestnut fur and piercing green eyes. His demeanor is calm yet commanding.
• Personality: Just, cautious, and deeply connected to Skerrit’s teachings, he values balance in all things.
• Motivations: Darius seeks to protect his people while strengthening their bonds with Littleburrow and ensuring their forests remain unspoiled.
• Political Alliances: Darius maintains strong ties with Baroness Mirabella Stefania, viewing her as a fair and honorable leader.

"Our arrows fly true not because of strength alone but because we trust in the land and each other."

Culture and Community

Centaurs live in harmony with nature, following traditions that emphasize stewardship and community.

• Social Structure: The tribe is matriarchal, with the chief and shamans holding advisory roles.
• Customs: Ceremonies honoring Skerrit are held during solstices, featuring dances and archery contests.
• Lifestyle: The centaurs are hunter-gatherers, with limited pastoral practices. They balance taking from the forest with planting new life.
• Trade Goods: Their most notable goods include:
• Karafruit: A rare fruit found in forest glades.
• Hornwood Bows: Expertly crafted weapons highly sought after by rangers and warriors.
• Fine Textiles: Woven from forest materials.

"The halflings may be small, but their hearts and tables are vast. Let us honor their friendship."

Relationship with Littleburrow

The centaurs and halflings of Littleburrow  share a mutually beneficial relationship.

• Trade: The centaurs supply fruits and crafts, while the halflings trade grains and finished goods.
• Defense Pact: Both groups assist one another in times of peril, sharing scouts and information about nearby threats.
• Cultural Exchange: Littleburrow’s festivals often include centaur performances of archery or storytelling, while halflings bring music and baked goods to centaur gatherings.

"The hills may seem eternal, but even they bow to the will of Skerrit’s winds. We must adapt, or we fall."

Relationship with Mirabella Stefania

Baroness Mirabella Stefania holds a respected position in centaur politics, often serving as a mediator in disputes between tribes.

• Trust and Diplomacy: Mirabella has personally attended centaur gatherings and has earned their loyalty by ensuring fair trade and forest conservation.
• Support: The centaurs provide her with scouts and intelligence about humanoid movements in the region.

"Aelindra’s wisdom guides us like the stars, but it is our resolve that lights the path."

DM Only Section

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Centaur Tribe in Peril

The Stormmane Herd faces growing aggression from humanoid bands, including goblins and bugbears encroaching on their territory.

• Humanoid Threats: Skirmishes near karafruit groves have escalated, putting the centaur population at risk.
• Opportunity for Adventure: The tribe may call upon adventurers to investigate humanoid activities or recover stolen supplies.

Chief Darius’ Secret Concerns

Darius fears that if the humanoid raids continue, his people may be forced to abandon their ancestral lands.

• Plans: Darius secretly considers sending an emissary to the elves of Celene for additional support.
• Potential Conflict: Some centaur warriors, led by an ambitious deputy named Arvon Swiftstrike, advocate for preemptive strikes on humanoid camps.

Adventure Hooks

• A Missing Trade Caravan: A halfling merchant’s caravan bound for the centaur camp disappears, leading adventurers to uncover humanoid raiders.
• Sacred Tree in Danger: The humanoids target a sacred grove revered by the centaurs. The adventurers must protect it before it is destroyed.
• Festival of Skerrit: During a centaur festival, a rival tribe disrupts the ceremony, and the adventurers must mediate the conflict.

centaur leader forest glade by 3orcs

"We stand as one. Hooves on the earth, hearts in the sky, and arrows ready to defend all that we cherish."

Chief Darius Stormmane The leader of the tribe, Chief Darius Stormmane, is a formidable warrior and wise diplomat.

• Description: Darius is a towering centaur with dark chestnut fur and piercing green eyes. His demeanor is calm yet commanding.
• Personality: Just, cautious, and deeply connected to Skerrit’s teachings, he values balance in all things.
• Motivations: Darius seeks to protect his people while strengthening their bonds with Littleburrow and ensuring their forests remain unspoiled.

Chief Darius Stormman by 3orcs

Chief Darius Stormmane (Centaur, Tribal Chief)

Medium Fey (Centaur), Neutral Good

• AC 15 (natural armor)
• HP 76 (8d10+24)
• Speed 50 ft.
• STR 18 (+4) | DEX 14 (+2) | CON 16 (+3) | INT 12 (+1) | WIS 14 (+2) | CHA 13 (+1)
• Skills Perception +4, Nature +4, Survival +5
• Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
• Languages Common, Sylvan, Elvish
• Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Traits

• Charge. If Darius moves at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a melee attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) damage.
• Trample. When Darius uses his hooves attack, a Large or smaller creature must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Actions

• Multiattack. Darius makes two melee attacks: one with his longsword and one with his hooves.
• Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10+4) slashing damage.
• Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) bludgeoning damage.
• Leadership (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). For 1 minute, Darius can utter a command or rallying word to an ally within 30 feet who can hear him. The ally can add 1d4 to any attack roll, saving throw, or ability check once per turn.

Shaman Aelindra Leafwhisper by 3orcs

Shaman Aelindra Leafwhisper (Centaur Shaman)

A spiritual leader who communes with Skerrit. Calm and insightful, she provides guidance to both the tribe and Littleburrow halflings. Medium Fey (Centaur), Neutral Good

• AC 13 (natural armor)
• HP 54 (8d8+16)
• Speed 50 ft.
• STR 12 (+1) | DEX 14 (+2) | CON 14 (+2) | INT 10 (+0) | WIS 17 (+3) | CHA 13 (+1)
• Skills Arcana +3, Nature +5, Medicine +5, Insight +5
• Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 13
• Languages Common, Sylvan, Elvish
• Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Traits
Spellcasting. Aelindra is a 5th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following druid spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): Druidcraft, Guidance, Thorn Whip
• 1st Level (4 slots): Cure Wounds, Entangle, Faerie Fire
• 2nd Level (3 slots): Barkskin, Moonbeam, Lesser Restoration
• 3rd Level (2 slots): Call Lightning, Dispel Magic
• Healing Touch (1/Day). Aelindra can touch a creature and restore 10 (2d8+1) hit points.

Actions

• Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8+1) bludgeoning damage.
• Guiding Bolt (Spell). Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (4d6) radiant damage, and the next attack roll against the target has advantage.
• Nature's Ally (Recharges after a Long Rest). Aelindra can summon 1d4 fey woodland creatures (e.g., pixies or dryads) to assist her in battle for 1 minute.

Arvon Swiftstrike: A fiery and ambitious warrior who seeks more aggressive tactics against humanoid threats.

Type

Geopolitical, Clan

Ruling Organization

House Stefania

Location

Littleburrow