The Vaquari [Va-kaw-ri]
I made this for Western Campaign/westmarch that I plan to do. I know that minotaurs exist, but I wanted something more anthropomorphic. The idea came from running across an "Cowboys of Moo-Mesa episode." Not sure if anyone has seen it. I originally had them as "cow-boys,' but felt was a little too on the nose and so switched them to be more akin to Native Americans.I made up Vaquari name by blending two ideas:
"Vaquero" — the Spanish word for cowboy (literally, "cowherd"). It’s the root of "buckaroo" in old American frontier slang.
"Bovari" or "bovine" — from Latin bos (cow/ox), the root of words for cattle. This has not been playtested.
Vaquari
The Horned Tribes of the Endless Plains
Lore: Born when the ancient spirits of the Land and Sky breathed life into the world, the Vaquari are the sacred children of the mesas, plains, and rolling hills. They are not a created race, but a blessing of the natural world — a people whose blood carries the heartbeat of stone, the whisper of the wind, and the spirit of the herd.
They live in tight, nomadic clans that follow the rhythms of the seasons, migrating with the great spirit beasts that roam the world. Their horns and tails are gifts from the ancestors — signs of their sacred duty as protectors of balance between civilization and the wilds.
Over countless generations, the blood of the Vaquari mingled with newcomers — humans, elves, dwarves, and halflings — giving rise to the more fearsome, aggressive minotaurs. Many minotaurs have forgotten their roots, but pureblood Vaquari still honor the Old Ways, standing as guides, warriors, and shamans of the forgotten places.
Vaquari
Creature Type. Humanoid
Size. Medium Vaquari average between 6 and 7 feet tall, with wide, powerful builds.
Speed. 30 feet
Special Traits
War Stomp. As a bonus action, you can strike the ground with tremendous force. Each creature of your choice within 10 feet of you must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier) or be knocked prone.
You can use this bonus action a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Spirit Sight. You can cast Detect Magic once without expending a spell slot, requiring no material components. You regain this ability after a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this trait.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Vaquari.
Herd Lineage
Choose one of the following Vaquari heritages, reflecting the ancient herd your ancestors belonged to.
Holstram Vaquari - Wanderers of the Endless Prairie
Where I Roam. Your walking speed increases to 35 feet.
Hardy Traveler. You have proficiency in the Survival skill. If already proficient, gain expertise instead.
Weather-Hardened. You have advantage on saving throws against exhaustion caused by harsh climates.
Belgora Vaquari - Children of Stone and Storm
Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Hulking Charge. When you move at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and hit it with a melee attack, you can attempt to shove it as a bonus action.
Stubborn as Stone. You have advantage on saving throws against being grappled, shoved, or knocked prone.
Redfield Vaquari - Keepers of Hearth and Fire
Hearthborn Spirit. You can cast Create or Destroy Water once without expending a spell slot. You regain the ability after a long rest.
Seen it All. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Keeper of the Old Songs. You gain proficiency in the Performance skill and one musical instrument of your choice.