Herein lies the history and study of culture of Ganth and Minotaur kind. Thanks goes to Emperor Domacius Raij'Wi Khar'Marlin who has donated some of the books and knowledge upon these shelves.
As writ from the lore of the lands.
This race came into being after an event in ancient history known only as
"The Fall from Grace". Dwarves, goblins, and kender also were created at
this time.
These huge, bull-headed (literally) demihumans stand a hulking 8-10' tall.
Their torsos and limbs are humanoid: rippling chests and muscular
arms, legs, and hands. Their feet, however, end in cloven hooves. Their
whole bodies are covered with a layer of short hair. Most minotaurs,
like most humans, have only one color of fur. Minotaur horns grow to
24" long. Minotaurs are an honor-bound race. They believe strongly in
preserving their honor and emerging victorious in the struggle for
dominance in the world. Their brutish visages belie the keen minds
within; many are smarter than the average human. Oddly, of all the many
races, minotaurs are most like a diminutive folk - the dwarves. Both
races value honor, strength, family, hard work, and the superiority of
their race.
Minotaurs receive hand to hand and berserk (if warrior) for free due to
their fighting abilities. They also have gore, where they lower their
head and try to ram their horns through their opponent. They do resist
blunt weapons well.
During the infancy of the Minotaur nation, before the Empire was
established the ruling bodies of minotaur culture were the Houses in which
most belonged. Larger Houses held sway over smaller ones and grew more
prosperous. Lands were fought over and won, conquered or given as reward
for service. A feudal society waged among the Minotaur peoples. Many large
Houses were well known not the least of which was the House Mahn-Tor.
An active member of the Council of Patriarchs, Rha'ban Mahn-Tor was perhaps
the single most powerful Minotaur in wealth and territory in the known
Minotaur world. Many other patriarchs followed his lead in many ventures
and under his guidance much wealth and prosperity was gained by all. This
was a great time for minotaur, advances with armor and weapon making were
progressing well. A code of law was made and enforced by an Arbitor who the
council had recently appointed. Population was booming due to properly
administered villages and towns. Unfortunately the feudal ways of life had
begun to interfere with many facets. The Council met and agreed that the
time was at hand to unite the Houses and build and Empire.
Of all the patriarchs called to make claim to the leadership of the Minotaur
Empire only three stood out as possible candidates. Mahn-Tor was easliy the
favored to become leader. He was the wealthiest, the strongest in numbers
and he seemed to share in most of the other powerful minotaur ideals. The
Patriarch of Thaxx was a great leader of men, a warrior of unsurpassing
ability. The Bogardan Patriarch was the most clever, cunning and careful
with shrewd tactics on and off the field of battle. One of these three
would become the first Emperor of the minotaur people.
Weeks of council was underway, Mahn-Tor felt this was but a formality, he
would surely be appointed. He feared little from the Thaxx warrior, he was
a good general but lacked the ability to fully administer an Empire.
Bogardan on the other hand was his true opposition. Always quiet unless
something of import was needed to be said. He studied all minotaur as if
looking for chinks in their armor. Mahn-Tor was uncomfortable whenever
sharing a gaze with the lean minotaur. Dozens of Minor Houses sided with
one or another of the three and Bogardan seemed to have an actual lead on
support, with only a handful of outlying houses due to arrive. This
distressed the Patriarch of Mahn-Tor immensely and his mood darkened. His
victory would not be as easy as he had hoped.
The last week of talks was at hand, most felt Bogardan now was ensured the
Iron Throne, but the unthinkable happened. He was found dead along with his
family, brutally murdered during the night in their pavillion tent.
Mahn-Tor led the investigation himself and determined that it was the doing
of ogre assassins. Bogardan had been recently at war with the closeby ogre
clans. Much whispering followed the rest of the week. Though no one had
proof against it, many factors did not add up to the populace. They had
little choice but to accept the Patriarchs assessment. The funeral for the
Bogardans was short but honorable. With no living heir they were forced to
withdraw from their petition for the Throne. Leaving just Thaxx and
Mahn-Tor to fill the role.
It was all but sealed for the Throne now, Mahn-Tor had the majority of
support. He was already drawing up plans for a new citidel, the seat of
Power for the Empire and were it not for a decision he helped make a handful
of years before he would have had his throne. However, the day before the
coronation a familiar figure rode into the camp.
The Arbitor graced the assembly of Minotaur lords. He was neither a
Patriarch nor even member of a House, but he was a power in his own right,
as chief justicar of the laws he was more than welcome by all of the Houses.
Save perhaps Mahn-Tor himself.
The Arbitor announcement was made, why should the Minotaur that would be
Emperor not follow the same law that all must now. Should not the victor in
honorable battle be the one to lead the minotaur nation. Should not the
Emperor fight and defend his position to all those who were worthy to
challenge. Most Houses were in strong agreement Some were not. However
none could dispute the Arbitor for they placed this power in his hand, He
was impartial and fair and no one could dispute the logic of his decision.
Thaxx would fight Mahn-Tor.
They broke camp to march to the reconstructed circus in the middle of the
nation. It would be three days travel, four with the slower moving wagons
and followers. On the second day the Thaxx Patriarch became suspiciously
ill. While not fatal, he was left drained and weakened. All eyes began to
fall to Mahn-Tor, but no one would make accusations, or could come up with
proof. The entourage arrived to meet hundreds of waiting Minotaur, all of
whom had come from far and wide to watch the battle for Emperor.
Arrangements were made, and the combatants armored. Thaxx with his huge
axe walked into the circle, he was weak and feverish but intended to go
forward anyhow. Mahn-Tor with his wicked morningstar seemed confident and
ready. The duel lasted for close to an hour before first blood was drawn.
Thaxx had steadily slowed throughout the match and was taking a defensive
posture. Mahn-Tor, while not the warrior his opponent was took his time and
made hard sweeping swings when one eventually caught the Thaxx patriarch in
the thigh. Sensing victory, he waited instead of finishing his opponent
off; the Mahn-Tor patriarch chose to salute the crowd and soak up the
applause. This would prove to be his failing as Thaxx, used to such wounds
in battle, recovered quickly and gained fresh footing. The crowd cheered
louder, Mahn-Tor thought it was for him, but it was instead for the rising
Thaxx.
Mahn-Tor turned to see his foe standing again, not wishing to allow him
anymore time to recover he charged. His morningstar raised high he swung a
mightly death blow. Thaxx compensated for the move and sidestepped the
blow, clumsily but effectively. Mahn-Tor had left himself open and the
sound of Thaxx's axe burying itself into his shoulder sounded his defeat.
His weapon arm was useless, he could only hold off the limping minotaur for
a short time. He had prepared for this unlikely situation and signalled one
of his bannermen. The Circle was hardly more than a sand pit with low walls
and wooden benchs. The horsemen that entered the ring had little trouble
gathering up the wounded Mahn-Tor and riding off out of the circle.
Thaxx was declared victor as not only he would surely have felled his
opponent, but that Mahn-Tor breached the rules of the circus by leaving the
circle. He was crowned the next day proclaiming that the very spot that
this victory was won would be the heart of a vast city, seat of the Empire.
For the time being Mahn-Tor was forgotten. Much was in the works and the
Empire rejoiced to be under one banner.
Mahn-Tor had not forgotten his defeat though, and he built his citidel
anyhow. He proclaimed to the followers that still followed him that they
would be a nation to themselves and he appointed himself Lord and Duke of
the Nothern Reaches.
An account of a famous battle fought by the minotaur against the yinn.
Current active houses:
Raij'Wi
Gloran'di
Du'Broth
Past houses:
Khar'Marlin
Thaxx
da'Knarg
Borgandan
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Domacius: Houses of the Empire
Sat Dec 10 00:24:36 2011
To: Datai
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Ye wished to know the houses of the Empire before when ye first contacted
me. I have the list of all houses before me now and I shall tell ye the
names of them now so that they are not forgotten.
Houses of the Empire, Past and Present:
Gloran'di
Raij'Wi
Du'Broth
Thaxx
da'Knarg
Khar'Marlin
Bogardan
Ordin'in
Emperor Domacius Raij'Wi Khar'Marlin
Contents
Treatise on the Challenge and Rank System of the Empire
by Arbitor Thewk Cartogus
2. Brief History of the Challenge System
3. Ranks, the difference between House and Imperial Ranks
4. Challenges, the how's and why's
5. Challenges for Honor or Disputes
6. Conclusion
Brief History of the Challenge System
Even before the Empire was founded the right to challenge was observed by
the Houses that was once ancient Ganth. Honour has always been a driving
force and to protect or redeem ones honour the right of challenge has been
utilized. Rank has also been since the earliest days of the Empire been
determined by the challenge. The strong shall lead, and might makes right
have been often the mottos of the hierarchy of the Empire.
Might comes in many forms, many mistake it to be pure strength of arms.
Though that is important, a well balanced warrior with wisdom and steel is
always preferred to the mindless warlord or the feeble sage. A true leader
knows how to use his warlord and listen to his sage. For the most part,
this reasoning has been successful and generally the correct combatant wins.
[The start of this paragraph was missing from the text.]
remain at arms length until one was left standing. It was myself that saw
the flaw in this, and used a spell that could cause others to run away to
illustrate my point. Presently combatants are allowed to move about to
utilize all the skills they have learned.
Today's modern challenges allow for a greater variety of tactics. We are
seeing far more varying trades being employed thus creating a broader
spectrum of talents in the Empire. Our Enemies surely will use those
tactics against us, where better to learn to defend ourselves than on the
Circus sands. How better to learn how to destroy our foes than to use all
of our skills in our traditional methods of settling disputes.
Ranks
There has been much that has changed over the years in regards to ranks.
Each era seems to adapt and adopt differing versions of the ranks system. We
shall explore just a few of the ranking structures used in the Empire.
House Ranks, have been around since the founding or formal houses in the
Empire. Ranks are determined and granted by the Patriarch or Matriarch of
each House. Most have used the challenge system to determine these
ranks, but for the most part it is by choice.
Empire ranks, are ranks which are recognized by the citizens of the Empire.
Military, Church and other such ranks. This establishes the hierarchy of
the Empire and it is by these ranks we are graded.
Originally all citizens were considered military officers. A few chosen for
their skills were granted higher ranks all the way to Commander, who stood
second to the Emperor. Houses did not have set duties and all were very
much still autonomous structures. They were like mini governments within a
larger cell. This saw the rise and fall of many Houses in Ganth.
At some point, Noble Houses were introduced. These houses stood above the
others and were given imperial responsibilities. Each house had a task to
perform and all its members had ranks within that function. Military,
Secular, Scholarly. Then there was no need for two ranks as the House ranks
were also the Imperial ranks.
Then for some reason the Ranks divided again. A citizen from a House could
join any imperial faction. Thus the two rank system was reintroduced.
House ranks for internal use, and Imperial ranks to show your duties. It
was not uncommon to see soldiers from four differing houses, or the leaders
of all the factions from a single house.
At present we are back to the Single rank system, your House determines your
role in the Empire, and your rank is your official standing. Generally the
highest rank in the Faction is also the Patriarch/Matriarch. The exceptions
being Commander and Emperor, who can retain their House leader status,
ideally though they hand over the reins as they are leaders of all houses
not a single one.
It is difficult to say which system is truly the best, while one way is less
confusing and more orderly, the other seemed to be popular for a certain
group of minotaur.
In summation, House ranks aside from patriarch/matriarch mean little to any
outside ones own house. Imperial ranks are public and are the official rank
of the Empire.
From time to time a minotaur is granted a title. These are not official
ranks and have no bearing to the hierarchy in the Empire. Generally they
are given as tokens to minotaur who have served well but can no longer
perform their offices as they once did.
Challenges
Why does one challenge?
One challenges when they seek to gain new rank within their chosen faction.
One challenges to settle arguments, wrongdoings and even questions of honour.
One challenges to strive to become the best he/she can be.
How does one challenge?
One must always challenge the minotaur directly above them to achieve that rank.
If the position is vacant then depending on the seniority of the rank a suitable
combatant can be proxied or the the rank simply given. In either case the
challenge should be made. A publicly written challenge must be issued so those
who can dispute the challenge have ample time to come forth. The Arbitors must
approve of most challenges, though if the position is junior enough then the Head
of the faction can oversee it.
Example: The General of Ganth wishes to become Commander. His reasonings are his
own, no need to go into detail this is simply a ranked officer attempting to gain
a higher rank. He issues his challenge publicly via missive and waits for the
Arbitors to respond (A rank of this status must be approved).
After an appropriate amount of time, those wishing to contest will do so and the
arbitors will investigate the validity of the challenge. The challenge will be
approved or not, and there is no overturning of this approval by any including the
Emperor. The date will be set at the next circus, ( a circus is required for a
change at this level). The Challenge is met and the victor become/retains his rank.
The fallen then resumes their rank or is given a new one in their chosen faction.
In either case, a wait of thirty days must be observed before a challenge to that
rank is issued again.
Rankings:
Emperor, approval is required, circus is required, thirty days is required for
next challenge
Commander, approval is required, circus is required, thirty days is required for
next challenge
Head of Faction, approval is required, circus is suggested, thirty days is
required for next challenge
Second in faction, approval is suggested, circus is optional, fifteen days is
required for next challenge
All lesser ranks, approval is optional, circus is not required, wait is determined
by head of faction
Challenges for honour or disputes
Challenges for honour or disputes work much in the same way as the rank challenges
do. A minotaur writes a challenge against another minotaur. The wording is crucial
and the full complaint must be made accurately and truthfully. The opponent is given
time to accept the challenge. If the opponent declines, the Arbitors will investigate
the challenge and determine its validity. If the challenge is determined valid then
the opponent will be issued an Imperial demand to face the challenge. If the opponent
still declines he may face punishment determined by the Emperor.
The terms of the challenge will be decide by the two combatants. They can wait for a
circus, or fight immediately. The victor will have won his point or restored his good
name, the loser will concede the point and or retract any slander. Either way both
will have kept their honour.
It is very important that only valid challenges be issued. Challenges made against
one that simply looks at you the wrong way, or gives offense unintentionally is
frowned upon. It is usually easy to see if one means to offend. If in doubt ask them,
if their intent was to offend, then the challenge should be observed. On the reverse,
do not offend someone who you know to be your better. Losing repeated challenges due
to disrespect or offensive behavior will get you exiled.
In either case
1. A formal challenge is written
2. The challenge is checked for validity by Arbitors
3. Time is given for it to be accepted or disputed
4. Ruling is made by Arbitors (if necessary)
5. Challenge takes place
Conclusion
The Arbitors duty is to make unbiased decisions about all challenges of rank
and honour. They do not take sides for any reason be it for kin or personal
gain. The decision of the Arbitor is final, and though they may be removed
from office over it the decision stands. The Arbitor belongs to no House
during his time as he is a servant of the Empire. Neither Emperor or
Council can seek to sway the Arbitor of his/her duty as he/she is the voice
of judgment and all must heed this voice from lowest to highest. The
Arbitor must stay away from the politics of the Council and although they
may have opinions, the Arbitors voice will not be heard in an official
manner. Likewise they have no House so they must refrain from involving
themselves in House politics. The Arbitor is not a rank that can be
challenged for, it is by appointment only. The Arbitors run the circus,
they do not fight in them.