Minotaur

Ironspike Minotaurs, Barrowhorns, Ironhorns
Minotaurs are barrel-chested humanoids with heads resembling those of bulls. Blessed with a supernaturally strong sense of direction, minotaurs make great navigators. Some sages believe minotaurs were first created by the Lady of Pain to patrol the magical mazes that she uses to trap her foes.
Minotaur horns range in size from about 1 foot long to easily three times that length. 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.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Minotaurs are robust humanoids with a towering, muscular build and heads resembling those of bulls. Their horns are prominent, varying in shape and size, with some reaching up to three feet in length. Horns are often adorned with rings, metal sheaths, or intricate carvings that signify clan affiliation or achievements. Thick fur covers their necks and extends down their broad backs, and males typically grow beards and tufts of facial hair. They have powerful, digitigrade legs ending in cloven hooves, which contribute to their solid stance and balance, especially during combat.

Genetics and Reproduction

Minotaurs reproduce in a manner similar to other mammalian humanoids, with a gestation period of approximately eight months. They have strong genetic ties to the land of their origins, often exhibiting physical traits passed down through generations, like horn structure, coat color, and size. Minotaur children are quick learners, especially adept at developing physical strength and balance at an early age.

Ecology and Habitats

Minotaurs thrive in semi-mountainous regions and open plains, preferring temperate climates with abundant space for their roaming and training. Barrowedge, situated near ancient burial grounds, provides a blend of pasture and rugged land ideal for both agriculture and combat training. They are deeply connected to their environment, tending to livestock and cultivating hardy plants, which they use for food and ceremonial practices. Minotaurs also construct fortified settlements that serve as training grounds, markets, and communal areas.

Behaviour

Minotaurs value strength, courage, and loyalty. Their history as a people influenced by Baphomet instilled in them a tenacity that shows in both individual and communal life. They have a strong warrior spirit but temper it with discipline and a deep respect for ancestral power. Minotaurs are known for their direct, no-nonsense attitude and their pride in physical accomplishments. They see combat as a path to honor and are naturally protective of their community, especially the revered Barrow of the Ancestors.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Minotaurs exhibit practical intelligence, often excelling in strategy, military tactics, and craftsmanship. They are knowledgeable in agriculture and the healing properties of local plants, though they focus on practical applications over abstract concepts.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Minotaurs possess acute senses of smell and hearing, with their horns enhancing their spatial awareness, especially in combat situations. They have exceptional night vision, which allows them to see well in low-light environments, a necessity in the mountainous and subterranean terrains where they often live.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Minotaur names are typically robust and straightforward, consisting of a single strong syllable or two short syllables (e.g., Dorn, Kaath, Graal). Titles or honorifics, like “Stonehoof” or “Ironfist,” may be added based on achievements. Family names, often associated with their past or physical attributes, are rare but respected.

Beauty Ideals

Strength, symmetry, and resilience are primary beauty ideals. Large, symmetrical horns are considered attractive, and scars are respected as marks of valor. Fur that is well-kept and neatly styled around the neck and shoulders is admired. Males take pride in their horns and beard tufts, while females often braid their hair or wear rings on their horns.

Gender Ideals

Minotaurs view both males and females as equals in terms of physical capability and social status. Roles are based on individual strengths rather than gender, with both men and women engaging in combat, agriculture, and governance.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship among minotaurs is centered around displays of strength, skill, and shared values. Traditional courtship involves mutual sparring, gift-giving (often of weapons or crafted items), and the exchange of ceremonial tokens. Many courtship rituals take place at the Barrow of the Ancestors, where couples can seek ancestral blessing.

Relationship Ideals

Loyalty, respect, and cooperation are the foundations of minotaur relationships. Marriages are often lifelong, with both partners actively participating in family duties, training, and community activities. Strong family ties are highly valued, as is the rearing of strong and capable offspring who contribute to the community.

Common Etiquette Rules

Minotaurs are straightforward but respectful in their interactions, often expressing approval through physical gestures rather than verbal praise. They stand in silence to show respect, especially when honoring fallen kin or elders. Eye contact is seen as a sign of sincerity, and physical gestures, such as a hand on the shoulder, signify trust and goodwill.

Common Dress Code

Practicality and durability are key in minotaur clothing, with garments made from leather, wool, and metal accents. Clothing often includes armor elements, even in casual wear, as a symbol of readiness and strength. Capes or cloaks bearing clan insignias are worn during ceremonies. Ironhorn Council members wear unique armlets or brooches denoting their rank.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Triumph Day Date: Purpose: To honor the Minotaurs' triumph over the Sin of Despair and celebrate their achievements and contributions to Astrium.
Triumph Day is a day of pride and celebration for the Minotaur people of Astrium, marking their victory over their dark origins and their evolution into respected and integral members of society. It is a day that acknowledges their past struggles with despair and celebrates their strength, resilience, and contributions to the world around them.
Morning: The Cleansing March The holiday begins at dawn with the Cleansing March. Minotaurs from all settlements gather and march through their towns or designated areas, symbolically retracing the path they took to break free from the influence of despair. They wear armor and carry weapons, not for battle but as symbols of their strength and determination. The march ends at a central point, where a great bonfire is lit. The fire represents the burning away of the past and the illumination of the path forward.
Midday: The Feast of Prowess At midday, the Minotaurs hold the Feast of Prowess. It is a grand banquet that celebrates their physical achievements and honors the disciplines they have embraced to overcome their past. The feast features hearty dishes that reflect the strength and vitality of the Minotaur people. During the meal, stories of triumph in battle, victory in the arenas of Coalacium, and their roles in maintaining order in Ironhill's prisons are shared. It is a time for Minotaurs to take pride in their accomplishments and the respect they have earned through their deeds.
Afternoon: The Trial of Strength Following the feast, the Trial of Strength is held—a series of competitive games and challenges that showcase the Minotaurs' physical prowess and discipline. These events include feats of strength, endurance, and skill, such as wrestling matches, obstacle courses, and weapon demonstrations. The games are open to all, from the youngest to the most seasoned warriors, and they symbolize the ongoing quest for self-improvement and mastery over one's own nature.
Evening: The Circle of Honor As the sun sets, the Minotaurs gather in a circle around the bonfire for the Circle of Honor ceremony. Here, they honor those who have demonstrated exceptional valor, wisdom, or service throughout the year. Names are called out, and individuals step forward to receive tokens of recognition, such as forged medallions or carved stone talismans. This ceremony serves to reaffirm the Minotaurs' commitment to their values and their role within the larger community of Astrium.
Night: The Vigil of Remembrance The day concludes with the Vigil of Remembrance at Barrowedge, near the ancient burial ground with its risen stones. Minotaurs light candles and place them on the stones, paying respects to those who came before them and acknowledging the trials they have overcome. They stand in silence, reflecting on their journey from despair to triumph. The vigil is a solemn reminder of their history and a tribute to the strength they have found within themselves.
Triumph Day is a holiday that encapsulates the spirit of the Minotaur people—a celebration of their resilience, physical prowess, and the honor they have cultivated over generations. It is a day for them to look back on their journey with pride, to acknowledge their achievements, and to renew their dedication to the values that have come to define them in the world of Astrium.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Minotaurs honor a rich heritage of strength and resilience, tracing their ancestry to the Ironspike savannah and the struggle against Baphomet's influence. They regard the Barrow of the Ancestors with reverence and carry the legacy of their kin with pride, incorporating rituals that honor both fallen warriors and esteemed leaders.
Ancestral Gathering: A communal gathering where minotaurs offer gifts and share stories of their ancestors at the Barrow of the Ancestors, seeking guidance and blessing. Warrior’s Mark: A coming-of-age ceremony where young minotaurs earn their “warrior’s mark” by displaying prowess in combat. This mark, often a small tattoo or brand, signifies their readiness to protect Barrowedge. Cinderhoof Games: Annual events at the Cinderhoof Market that test strength, endurance, and agility, reinforcing community ties and celebrating minotaur culture.

Common Taboos

Disrespecting the Barrow of the Ancestors: Any act of dishonor at the Barrow is forbidden, as it is believed to bring misfortune. Turning One’s Back in Combat: Seen as a symbol of cowardice; minotaurs believe it is better to face death honorably than to flee.

History

The Minotaur people were first discovered near the ironspike savannah where Baphomet the Sin of Despair was sealed away. For a while they were still engrained with the sin of despair laying waste to everything in their path. They eventually shook themselves off from the sins influence, and worked to prove themselves through their physical prowess, over the years they have been offered many places to settle down; working in the prisons of Ironhill; the coliseum in Coalacium; and finally those that were left to wander, finally migrating to the Lustrum metroplis to find a home near an ancient burial ground with risen stones - dubbing their settlement Barrowedge.
Today the Minotaur play a big in Astriums development. They are a part of Lustrum's council that connects to the Astrium Council. They continue to play a big role in Ironhill's prison and are big contenders for arena champions of Coalacium.

Common Myths and Legends

• The Horn of Ironshod: A legend tells of a magical horn said to bring victory to any minotaur who wields it in battle. The horn was lost during the minotaur exodus from the Ironspike savannah, and some believe it lies hidden in the depths of the Barrow of the Ancestors, waiting for a worthy warrior to claim it.
• The Fallen Stone: A tale recounts a stone that fell from the stars into Barrowedge, said to be a gift from the gods to ward off the remnants of Baphomet’s curse. This stone, now a centerpiece of the Ironhorn Council Hall, is considered a protective symbol and a reminder of the minotaurs’ triumph over despair.

Scientific Name

Minotaurus Astrium

Lifespan

80 - 100

Average Height

6.5 - 8 feet

Average Weight

300-450 pounds

Average Physique

Minotaurs have a powerful and stocky build, with broad shoulders and muscular arms and legs. They are built for strength and endurance, with natural resilience and an imposing presence.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their coats range from dark brown and black to shades of russet and gray, often with lighter or darker spots or streaks. Males and some females have thicker, shaggier fur around their necks and shoulders, which is considered a sign of maturity. Horns may bear natural ridges and grooves or be engraved with clan symbols.