Minotaur History and Culture

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.

Minotaurs in Brief

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.

The First Emperor and House Mahn-Tor

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.

The Battle of the Blood Sea

An account of a famous battle fought by the minotaur against the yinn.

Noble Houses of the Empire of Ganth

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

Challenge and Rank System

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.