What to know about the Bariaur
- Free species: The Bariaur is available as a free playable species in the November Drop for D&D Beyond members.
- Character traits: Bariaurs are Medium Celestials with a 35-foot Speed, 60-foot Darkvision and proficiency in one of four skills.
- Combat feature: The Ram trait lets a Bariaur combine damage and a shove after moving at least 10 feet straight toward a creature.
- Edition history: The Bariaur appeared as a playable option in earlier editions and is playable in 5.5e for the first time.
Dungeons and Dragons players can read about the free Bariaur species, its traits and its place in the November Drop without purchasing a book supplement. The D&D expansion World of Warcraft has entered early access, adapting elements from Blizzard’s MMORPG and offering new classes, subclasses and 16 playable species.
The World of Warcraft expansion adds classes such as Death Knight and Demon Hunter, along with subclass options including the Oath of the Holy Paladin and a revised Swashbuckler Rogue. Separately, Wizards of the Coast announced free additions for eligible players as part of the November Drop for D&D Beyond members.
The November Drop includes new weapon options, monsters and feats, as well as one new playable species. Its content centers on Ysgard and the Upper Planes, and includes a CR 9 Valkyrie as a monster option.
What kind of creature is the Bariaur?
The Bariaur is a centaur-like Celestial with a sheep’s lower body and a humanoid upper body that may resemble a human, elf or dwarf. Bariaurs are born in Ysgard or descend from ancestors connected to that plane.
The Bariaur is a Celestial species associated with Ysgard and has a sheep-like lower body.
Free playable species have appeared in D&D since September, when Wizards of the Coast made the Duskling free for Beyond members. The Bariaur is the species featured in this November Drop.
What are the Bariaur’s playable traits?
A Bariaur is Medium, has a base Speed of 35 feet and has Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. Its traits support skill use, staying upright and a charge-like attack.
The Bariaur combines a 35-foot Speed and 60-foot Darkvision with skill proficiency and combat options.
- Wanderer’s Instinct: Choose proficiency in Animal Handling, Arcana, Nature or Survival.
- Ram: Once per turn, after moving at least 10 feet straight toward a creature, the Bariaur can use both the Damage and Shove options when hitting it with an Unarmed Strike as part of the Attack action.
- Stable Stance: The Bariaur has Advantage on saving throws to avoid the Prone condition.
The Ram trait links movement to an unarmed attack, allowing the Bariaur to deal damage and shove the target on the same qualifying hit. This combination makes the species a potential fit for a Monk.
Artwork: Irina Nordsol
How does the Bariaur compare with other species?
The Bariaur offers a distinct character option with its Celestial identity and sheep-like form, while its traits provide specific movement, skill and defensive benefits. Small characters can ride a Medium Bariaur, which can create an unusual party dynamic.
The Bariaur’s species traits combine a distinctive appearance with defined movement and defensive features.
The Bariaur is not presented as an overpowered option like the Dracthyr from the World of Warcraft expansion. Its features instead offer a balanced alternative for players who want a character other than a typical Humanoid.
When did the Bariaur become playable in D&D?
The Bariaur has appeared as a playable option before, but the November Drop marks its first playable appearance in 5.5e. The species was introduced as a playable race in 2nd Edition and last appeared as a character option in 3.5e.
The Bariaur connects its earlier appearances in 2nd Edition and 3.5e with a new playable release in 5.5e.
This return gives newer players a chance to encounter a species from earlier editions and offers longtime Dungeons and Dragons players a familiar option in the current rules era.
Is the Bariaur free in D&D Beyond?
The Bariaur was announced as a free species in the November Drop for D&D Beyond members. The source does not specify additional access requirements.
The November Drop announcement identifies the Bariaur as a free species for D&D Beyond members.
