Minas

"In the depths of stone and fire, the Minas carve their legacy, unyielding as the mountains they call home."

The Minas are a proud and ancient faction, known for their indomitable strength, unmatched craftsmanship, and fiery resolve. Shorter than most Sapiens but built with incredible physical endurance, Minas are beings of stone and steel, as immovable as the deep halls they inhabit. Masters of forging and warriors of renown, their skills are sought across the cosmos, though their insular nature often keeps them hidden from the affairs of the surface world.

Born of the Stoneheart Halls

The Minas hail from the Stoneheart Halls, a vast and labyrinthine network of caverns and cities hewn into the bedrock of Tzion's mountains. These halls pulse with the glow of molten forges, resonating with the sound of hammers striking anvil. The air is thick with the scent of smelted ore, and walls glisten with veins of rare minerals and precious gems.

The creation of the Minas is shrouded in legend. Some believe they were forged from the heart of the mountains themselves, shaped by Goddark as protectors of the world's foundations. Others whisper of a primordial pact with elemental spirits, granting the Minas their unbreakable bond with stone and fire. Whatever their origins, their bodies are as durable as the granite they shape, and their spirits burn with an unyielding resolve.

Minas in the Material Plane

Minas are a rare sight outside their subterranean realms. When they do venture into the material plane, it is often as master craftsmen, mercenary warriors, or emissaries of their kingdoms. Their presence is unmistakable, as they carry an aura of authority and strength, clad in ornate armor and wielding weapons of unparalleled craftsmanship.

Mortals perceive the Minas with a mix of awe and trepidation. Their stoic demeanor and fierce loyalty make them steadfast allies, but their unrelenting pride and stubbornness can lead to conflict. Minas rarely involve themselves in the petty squabbles of other factions, but when their interests are threatened, they respond with overwhelming force.

Culture of the Minas

The Minas' culture is deeply rooted in tradition, honor, and craftsmanship. They value hard work, loyalty, and the preservation of their ancient ways.

  • Craftsmanship Above All: The Minas are legendary blacksmiths and artisans, capable of creating weapons, armor, and artifacts of unparalleled quality. Their forges are sacred spaces, and the art of crafting is passed down through generations.
  • Clan Loyalty: Minas society is organized into clans, each with its own crest, history, and trade secrets. Loyalty to one's clan is paramount, and disputes between clans are settled through rituals or honorable combat.
  • The Eternal Flame: A core belief among the Minas is the concept of the Eternal Flame—a metaphorical fire that represents their resilience and inner strength. They believe this flame burns within every Minas, driving them to overcome adversity and protect their kin.

Playing a Minas

Playing a Minas character offers the opportunity to embody resilience, loyalty, and a deep connection to craftsmanship. As a Minas, you are a symbol of unyielding strength and tradition, navigating a world that often underestimates your kind.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • What drove you to leave the Stoneheart Halls?
  • How do you view the other factions and their cultures?
  • Do you seek to prove yourself in battle, or to create a masterpiece that will stand the test of time?

Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Constitution increases by +2, and your Strength or Intelligence increases by +1.

Age: Minas reach maturity at age 30 and can live up to 400 years, their vitality undiminished until their final decades.

Alignment: Minas tend toward lawful alignments, valuing tradition, order, and community.

Size: Minas stand between 4 and 5 feet tall but are stocky and muscular. Your size is Medium.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.

Darkvision: Accustomed to the dim light of the forges and the darkness of their halls, you have Darkvision out to a range of 60 feet.

Stonecunning: You have advantage on Intelligence (History) checks related to the origin of stonework.

Forge Resilience: You have resistance to fire damage.

Master Craftsman: You gain proficiency with smith’s tools, and when crafting weapons or armor, you can do so in half the usual time.

Battle-Hardened: You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Subraces: Forgebound and Ironshield

Forgebound Minas

Forgebound Minas are artisans at heart, dedicating their lives to perfecting their craft. Their connection to the Eternal Flame grants them an almost supernatural ability to manipulate fire and metal.

  • Ability Score Increase: Your Intelligence increases by +1.
  • Flamewright: You can cast Heat Metal once per long rest. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Ironshield Minas

Ironshield Minas are warriors and guardians, trained to defend their halls with unwavering determination.

  • Ability Score Increase: Your Strength increases by +1.
  • Stonewall Stance: As a reaction, when you are hit by a melee attack, you can reduce the damage by an amount equal to your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus.

Names

Minas names are steeped in tradition, often reflecting their clan's history, achievements, or connection to the Eternal Flame. A Minas name carries immense weight, and dishonoring it is seen as a grave offense. Clan names are introduced first in formal settings, followed by the individual’s given name.

Masculine Names

Tharvok, Dranmir, Krumdal, Volgrin, Kaldrik

Feminine Names

Dorvya, Brythra, Thalgryn, Morvissa, Gryska

Neutral Names

Durnik, Grimvar, Fhaldor, Volgra, Tormik

Clan Names

Stoneforge, Emberheart, Ironmaul, Deepdelve, Flamehammer

Playing a Minas

Playing as a Minas allows you to explore themes of resilience, loyalty, and the pursuit of perfection in either craftsmanship or combat. Your character’s connection to the Eternal Flame and their clan provides fertile ground for roleplaying and storytelling.

Example Characters

  • Kaldor Ironmaul: A proud guardian seeking redemption for his clan after an ancient feud led to disgrace.
  • Thryssa Emberheart: A fiery artisan on a quest to forge an artifact worthy of her ancestors' legacy.
  • Grimvar Deepdelve: A pragmatic mercenary who left the Stoneheart Halls to uncover the mysteries of the surface world and bring back untold riches.

Roleplaying Questions

  • What drives you to leave the safety of your subterranean halls?
  • How do you perceive other factions or races, especially those who do not value tradition or craftsmanship?
  • Do you strive to embody the ideals of your clan, or do you carve your own path?

DM’s Toolbox: Minas in the World

Encounters and Hooks

  • The Sealed Forge: The party discovers an ancient Minas forge sealed by runes. Unlocking its secrets requires the assistance of a Minas, but what lies within may be too powerful to control.
  • The Rival Clan: Two Minas clans are locked in a bitter feud over a disputed artifact. The party is caught in the middle and must navigate the politics of Minas honor.
  • The Eternal Flame's Ember: A sacred ember from the Eternal Flame is stolen, plunging the Stoneheart Halls into chaos. The Minas enlist the party’s help to recover it before their forges extinguish forever.

Integration into Campaigns

Minas can serve as steadfast allies, providing unparalleled crafting services or acting as reliable warriors. Conversely, their stubborn pride can lead to conflicts with other factions, making them intriguing rivals or reluctant allies. Their underground kingdoms can also serve as fascinating settings, rich with history, danger, and treasure.

Minas in Combat

Strengths

  • Durability: Their high Constitution and fire resistance make them excellent tanks.
  • Utility: Abilities like Stonecunning and Forge Resilience offer both combat and non-combat advantages.

Weaknesses

  • Mobility: Their slower movement can make them vulnerable to ranged enemies or ambushes.
  • Specialized Role: Minas excel in their chosen fields but may struggle in situations requiring versatility.

Combat Roles

  • Tank: With damage reduction abilities and high durability, Minas can anchor a party’s frontline.
  • Support: Their crafting skills and potential access to magical enhancements make them valuable in preparation phases.