Mythic Origins

It is entirely possible that the Aurochs breed of lycanthropy originated somewhere in the Indian subcontinent, perhaps with the god Krishna himself, who is often depicted with cows listening as he plays music. It’s also possible that the Aurochs came to pass as the result of an angry god’s curse in ancient days, when the god Poseidon’s sacrifice was shunned by King Minos of Crete who found the snow-white bull too beautiful to slay. As a result, the angry sea-god caused Minos’ wife to fall in love with the bull, who then ordered the making of a wooden false-cow construct so that she might mate with the bull. The Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull was the result of that mating and although later slain by the hero Theseus, the Minotaur had time to pass on its cursed blessing, in the form of Aurochs Lycanthropy.

Leadership & Social Structure

Wereaurochs gather in groups which can be called herds, but the preferred term from an Aurochs’ point of view is Stomps. A Stomp is usually led by the oldest females, with one taking on the title of Pasiphae who acts as a sort of Prime Minister or executive officer, with the other females taking on roles of councilors and advisors called Cretia.

Male Aurochs are generally regarded as too foolish and stubborn to be of much use outside of combat or breeding, but a single male bearing the title of Minos serves as the Stomp’s primary guardian. The Minos is usually the strongest male in the Stomp, a fact that is ascertained by combat and dominance challenges against other males. The Minos can exert its authority only when the Stomp is in danger or anticipates imminent danger, and then and only then can the Minos override the Pasiphae or the Cretia and only in matters regarding the safety of the Stomp.

Occasionally, in the largest Stomps a Minos may grant other males the rank of Thesian, a position equivalent to guard or guardian who stands under the Minos’ authority. Males that try to take over Stomps may succeed for a time, but once the females realize what has happened, they will leave rather than accept the preposterous dominance of a male.

General Traits & Abilities

Aurochs are characterized by their close connection to the earth and its bounty, including the magics that govern life and creation. They understand how everything is connected and can use this force to encourage plant growth, inspire or hinder fertility, and instill lycanthropy in others. Equally innate is a steady, patient core that often appears as stubbornness. When the Auroch is set, few things can sway them from their path, whether mentally or physically.