Minotaurs - General Information

by AI Generated by Pack Goblin Games

Mystical creatures that pride themselves on protecting that which it has made a pact to protect. Weather that be an item, dungeon, temple, creature, or any other entity in existence. They will hunt down any creature foolish enough to disturb what it protects. The only way to stop a minotaur from protecting is for them to die. It is rare and almost never heard of, but some minotaur have been able to be reasoned with. Minotaurs who give into reasoning have been tainted by some outside influence. They care little as to if what they protect is for good or evil, as long as they get their payment and are chosen.

A minotaur has the appearance of an extremely muscular humanoid with the head and legs of a bull. They have fur all over their bodies, with their head and legs having the most. With their tail only having a ball of fur at the tip. They keep their massive horns sharp and polished regarding their tribes and upbringing. Also, because it’s easier to pierce through an adventurer invading their protected area when they are sharp.

Culture

Minotaurs live in clans run by an elite minotaur. Typically, minotaurs grow to become 20 feet tall as an adult. The elite minotaur stands around 30 feet tall and there is only one elite minotaur allowed per clan. When a minotaur continues to grow past 20 feet, they must break off from the clan to start their own. Any minotaur can go with and it is honorable to aid the to elite minotaur in its journey. One other sign tells the clans that a new clan will be born soon. This sign is when their sacred tree produces a seed.

They are both male and female minotaur but it is hard to tell the difference between the two. The only way to tell the difference it to remove the loincloth they wear. Regardless of their sex, minotaurs treat each other as equals, as long as they can show their strength to the clan. Any minotaur who does not show promise is outcast from the clan, forbidden from returning or joining any other clan. The outcast get branded with a special mark to indicate their banishment. These minotaur do not have an axe and become private guards, still seeking to protect. Others will find a ruin and claim it as their own to protect.

The Ironclad Trees

All clans have a scared tree in the center of their settlements, known as The Ironclad Tree. They worship and praise the tree as it is the source of all their power. It is the material that creates their magical axes and grants them the power to wield them. Every minotaur is chosen by the great tree at their coming of age. The tree grows a special axe from its roots that cannot be forcefully removed. The tree has to grant the weapon to the minotaur as a sign that they have become an adult in the clan and are ready to protect.

Ironclad trees produce a special material that is the strongest material in the world. The material is rarely used because the tree only gives small amounts out to those it deems worthy. This material is also called Ironclad. See the Players Guide, chapter 7: Equipment for more information about Ironclad.

Minotaur Axe

All minotaurs that have gone through their rights of passage for becoming an adult in their clan are given a special axe. This axe is created by the Ironclad Tree and is made from the roots and a special metal that the tree grows from its roots. The axe sprouts from the ground like that of a sapling with a large silver leaf. When the axe is ready, the minotaur grabs it and if they are chosen, it will break free. If they are not, it will remain firm and the minotaur must try again the following year.

The axe design is a wood shaft that looks like two pieces of wood twisted around each other and sprouts a silver double-headed axe. The blades of the axe look like intertwining branches that connect to a razor-sharp edges.

Once the minotaur is given their axe, they become bonded with it. The axe grows with them and the minotaur has complete control of it. They can manipulate the axe to grow or shrink with a thought. The axe can twist and mold to the minotaurs liking. They even know where their axe is at all times, regardless of how far away it might be. Typically, minotaurs carry their axes wrapped around their arms like a long, winding band.

Should the axe ever be taken, it will be hunted down and those who possess it will be slain. If the minotaur does not slay those who have taken their axe, he is disgraced and cannot return to his clan. If the minotaur is slain and the axe is taken, the clan sends out another minotaur to find the axe and return it to the tree. Minotaurs will break their pact of protection to retrieve their axe, if it has been taken. Once they have their axe back, they will return to continue their pact.

Pact Makers for Life

Minotaurs live together in clans on rocky plains. Typically, the base of mountains if their favorite locations for settlements. To the clans, it is the most respected honor to be chosen to protect, regardless of what is being protected. When a pact is made, the one making the pact must choose which minotaur will be their protector. The only one who can unbind the agreement for protection is the one who makes the pact with the minotaur. However, minotaurs have killed the deal maker who go back on their word as they feel disgraced and disrespected. If the pact is broken, they cannot return to their clan until the pact breaker has been slain.

Elite Minotaurs make a special pact with their sacred tree to protect it for as long as the minotaur lives. When the minotaur dies, the tree stops producing material until a new elite minotaur is chosen. During this time, the tree does not produce any seeds.

Special Abilities

Bull Rush

The minotaur rushes head first, towards its target. They must be at least 10 feet from their target, but only their movement. The minotaur attempts to gorge the target with its horns. The damage is both blunt and piercing damage and, if critically wounded, both types of damage are applied. Roll two separate times on the critical wound table, one for each type of damage.

Minotaur Axe

The minotaurs axe is made of ironclad, a magical material that is considered a 2 1/2 hand axe. The weapon requires a minimum might of 10 to lift. To a normal humanoid, it is so large it cannot be carried on the back or strapped anywhere on the body. It must be carried and automatically causes them to become encumbered.

Minotaurs are bonded with their axe and treat it as an extension of their body. They can maneuver the axe at blinding speeds. The axe can be manipulated in such a way that is can grow a tall as the minotaur to gain the 10 ft reach.

Minotaur Pact

No matter how convincing someone is, a minotaur won't break their promise to protect something. The only way to convince a minotaur to break their pact is by magical means.

Sweeping Attack

The minotaur can sweep its axe in front of themselves, hitting up to 3 targets that are only 10 feet away.

• This action requires a three actions to perform.
• First target takes the full amount of damage.
• Second and third target take only the results of the dice.