Minotaur

The minotaurs who dwell in the badlands of Phoboros and the remote polis of Skophos are caught between two worlds. Some follow the dark god Mogis, who has tyrannized them for ages untold and shown them a trail of slaughter that is all many minotaurs have ever known. Others, though, have emerged from this bloody path and found a world that welcomes those who pursue their own destinies and heroic callings.

Appearance

Minotaurs are barrel-chested humanoids with heads resembling those of bulls. Their horns range in size from about 1 foot long to great, curling weapons easily three times that length. Theros minotaurs often carve their horns to sharpen their edges, etch symbols of power into them, or sheathe them in bronze to prevent them from shattering during battle.
Thick hair extends down minotaurs’ necks and powerful backs, and some have long patches of hair on their chins and cheeks. Their legs end in heavy, cloven hooves, and they have long, tufted tails. Minotaur priests often adorn themselves with sacred items, be they trophies from fallen foes, keepsakes from their homeland, or naturally occurring marks of their god’s favour.

History and Lore

Although minotaurs aren’t evil by nature and are free to worship any god, many are raised among those devoted to Mogis’s vile whims. Myths tell that Mogis created the first minotaurs from his own followers, typically criminals and monsters of unspeakable depravity. While many groups of minotaurs still honor their villainous progenitors, others have abandoned their ancestors and moved beyond their crimes, seeking their fates in the future, not the past.
While the inhabitants of Akros and other reaches near Phoberos, the homeland of most minotaur herds, have engaged in endless conflicts with bloodthirsty minotaurs, they know there are those who forsake Mogis’s depravities. The people of Meletis, Setessa, and lands beyond are also generally open-minded and curious about minotaurs who wander into their lands. Epics like The Callapheia also describe multiple heroic minotaurs. As a result, a minotaur traveling in the company of other non-minotaurs is likely to be accepted in any polis.

Society and Culture

Minotaurs are known for venting their outrage through violence, but they aren’t generally quick to anger. They are passionate, loving their friends and partners fiercely, and they laugh loud and long at good jokes. This zeal also extends to their faith. Those who have avoided the corrupting influence of Mogis gravitate toward the service of gods who share their bold nature, especially Erebos, Keranos, and Purphoros. Those who have rejected Mogis sometimes embrace his hated twin brother, Iroas.
While Minotaurs aren't necessarily violent by nature, violence is a large part of their culture and it is custom for conflict to be resolved in physical altercations when diplomacy has failed. The city of Skophos houses a number of amphitheatres and fighting pits where citizens can vent their aggression in a controlled environment or participate in friendly competition with likeminded folks.
Minotaur culture encourages honesty and transparency in all things, placing high value on the ability to speak plainly and concisely (to the point of bluntness in the eyes of other races) Internalising thoughts and feelings (particularly negative ones) is discouraged, considered highly unproductive and unhealthy. A practically-minded society, they believe clear and open communication is essential to problem solving.
Individualistic, self-assured and expressive, Minotaurs are unafraid to voice their opinions and share their passions.
Self-sufficiency, practicality and resourcefulness are also highly valued in Minotaur society.

Sex and Relationships

Like humans, minotaurs are typically monogamous and inclined towards long-term relationships. Minotaur weddings are a simple affair with audiences of less than 10 people. During these ceremonies it is common for partners to test their compatibility through a series of challenges or puzzles in an event culminating in a celebratory meal.

Minotaur Names

In the labyrinthine polis of Skophos, the deeds of minotaur champions are carved among the winding halls. Minotaurs often name their children after these great heroes, believing that a child will inherit the strength, audacity, guile, or fearsomeness of a heroic namesake. Other minotaur parents invent their own names, though, believing in their child’s potential to light a new constellation in Nyx with the brightness of their own soul.
The Minotaur Namesake table suggests possible qualities or deeds that a minotaur’s namesake might have been known for. Your character might strive to emulate that quality or seek to forge a new legacy to be associated with your name by future generations.
Female Names: Bozzri, Dhazdoro, Erinimachis, Ghalantzo, Halafoti, Kerania, Mitévra, Philoprodis, Tavromiki, Ypoudoris
Male Names: Bamvros, Fotiyinos, Halafotios, Keranios, Menetavro, Nikavros, Prodos, Rhordon, Tavrostenes, Thyrogog

MYTH OF MOGIS AND THE MINOTAURS

Some legends claim that Mogis created the minotaurs, transforming his most bloodthirsty followers so that their hulking bodies resembled his own. However, while the tales told in the labyrinth-polis of Skophos affirm that Mogis rewarded his most devoted followers, they assert that these followers were already minotaurs, and all Mogis did was exalt them to an honored status. Among minotaurs who worship Mogis, these heroes are revered as spiritual if not literal ancestors. The moral of this story is simply that Mogis is a god who rewards his faithful servants.
Minotaurs who don’t follow Mogis are quick to point out that this myth says nothing about the nature of minotaurs. The worship of Mogis, they argue, is no more inherent to them than it is to humans, and minotaurs aren’t destined to a life of slaughter because of the circumstances of their creation. Perhaps most importantly, minotaurs aren’t an offshoot of humanity but a people in their own right, and neither their nature nor their destiny is tied to a single god.

Minotaur namesake
1 My namesake defeated a massive enemy
2 My namesake was known for fierce devotion to a god.
3 My namesake was a respected leader of other warriors.
4 My namesake ran the entire breadth of Phoberos in order to warn the minotaurs of an Akroan attack.
5 My namesake was famous for great magical ability.
6 My namesake was a hero’s devoted companion.
7 My namesake is remembered for incredible generosity.
8 My namesake was a great oracle.

Minotaur Traits

Ability Score Increase: STR+2 CON+1

Age: Minotaurs mature and age at about the same rate as humans.

Size: Medium - Minotaurs average over 6 feet in height, and they have stocky builds

Speed: 30ft

Languages: Common, Minotaur

Proficiencies: Intimidation, Persuasion

Horns: Your horns are natural weapons which deal 1d6+STR piercing damage.

Goring Rush: Immediately after using the dash action, you may make a horn attack as a bonus action.

Hammering Horns: If you hit with a melee attack on your turn, you may use your bonus action to attempt to shove the target with your horns, pushing it up to 10ft away from you. The target must succeed a STR saving throw of 8 + proficiency + STR in order to resist this.