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Biology:

In this alternate time line, earth is also inhabited by a Minotaur race - the Uraz. They are Bi-pedal, Hoof-footed, furry pelted, horn-headed Anthros. They are a single gender race, consisting of only males, reproduction requires the use of a human (generally female) host to carry the child. Two males will breed the host and both's genetics will combine to create the calf. The host has effectively no genetic bearing on the calf.

General cultural-biological practices:

There are several practices that are common to most uraz tribes. Males are generally seen as masculine or feminine, based on behavior, and each is valued in different ways in different tribes.

assertive males will be those who enjoy rough house play when young, and are perceived as outgoing and aggressive. Passive males are those who tend to be seen as quiet, introspective, and interested in reading. Depending on the tribe depends on weather Assertive or passive is seen as 'Masculine' or 'feminine'; and for that matter the masculine's and feminine's roles in the society.

History:

Millions of years ago they were native to far north and Arctic regions of Europe, North America, and Siberia. By the 1500's Uraz are only found in remote arctic regions of North America. Primarily this is due to changes in climate, isolationist shifts Uraz culture, and advancing human societies. By the late 1700's to early 1800's the isolated and backwards Uraz were only found in what we would call Greenland. Uraz closed off their ports, and refused to allow docking for repairs or supplies to European navies. British naval forces storm the main port and force at peace treaty, allowing European naval access. This is the moment that changes the Uraz mindset from isolationist to Imperial. Contacts with other powers, initially mainly the United States and France began to bolster their capabilities. By the 1800's major changes in Uraz thinking have paved the way for the uniting of the Uraz tribes.

Uraz tribes:

The Uraz are composed of several tribes or races. The primary way of determining tribe is pelt coloration, an Uraz is said to be of a tribe if his pelt is primarily of that tribe/races color. Having more or less of an other coloration has throughout time been seen as better or worse depending on the tribe, but generally one is identified as the dominant pelt coloration. The primary tribes are: Sky, Snow, Forest, Mountain, Earth, and Shadow. They are not bound by their race, but the weight of social, hierarchical, and lineage pressure tends to keep most individuals within there tribe. Cross tribe marriages and life are not unheard of, but are not encouraged.

Sky Uraz:

The Sky or Sea Uraz are of a light grayish blueish tinge. The color appears bluish but is mostly due to patterning of white and gray. (no they are not like sky blue or aqua or something.) They are know to hunt from the shores and fish from small coastal boats. Humans have seen mostly these Uraz, and they tend to live in conical stone huts near the shore. They are thought of as very independent and have little to no formal organization and steady minded, eyes always locked to the sea. When the are not fishing, they often exploit observed weaknesses and use there small wood boats for coastal piracy and raids. The raiders are often armed with short spears, nets, and hook-knifes. As very independent tribes, they often do not have any assigned roles or expectations from Aggressive or passive males.

Snow Uraz:

Snow Minotaur are primarily white in coloration, and their culture and lifestyle are that of nomadic mysticism and hunting and gathering. Known to roam the lands and live in dome like tents, they are very quiet, observant, and elusive. Leadership is centered around there animistic shaman elders who guide and lead the Snow tribe's endless wandering of the icy plains. They are best known for their scouts and ambushing archers. Passive males are tasked with shamanism, leadership, and hunting; aggressive males are tasked with tent-keeping, cooking, and raising calves.

Forest Uraz:

Forest tribes (spoken of by other tribes disdainfully as 'Market Bulls') are primarily brown pelted and live in fixed agricultural villages communal and family plots that are grown. They are very involved in trade, as there fixed villages allow a steady merchant class. Light cottage industries are very common and woodworking or other crafts-bulls form a new and growing class. Lead by a council of elected elders these bulls are know for a very peaceful existence, their martial abilities focused on common defense. They are know for their “Elector' fighters, a militia of electing eligible bulls who are generally farmers or crafts-bulls armed with weaponized implements of their trade such as hammers, scythes, and axes. Aggressive and passive males can share any role.

Mountain Uraz:

The gray pelted mountain Uraz (also known as Rock Tribe) are a rough people, living in the highlands and crags, where the mostly substance farm and heard sheep or goats. They don't come down much unless its to trade, and are thought of as crude and stubborn. They are based on loose confederation of families that cooperate or fight depending on current ties, marriages, or mood. They live in caves, and stone huts in remote places, and are not seen much. often one may not see them but only hear them bellowing, snorting, and the sounds of rocks clattering. But once met, they are prideful people lead by family heads. Renown for their cheese, milk, and hides, they are an important trade partner to the Forest Minotaur. When they are not in the mood to trade they are found armed with slings, clubs, (or just plain rocks), and their feared rock-slide or boulder ambushes. Aggressive males are expected to be shepherds, build rock piles, and fight. Passive males are tasked with cooking, home keeping, and cheese making. Calve care is divided based on the calf's perceived aggression level.

Earth Uraz:

Also know as Fire Uraz or Metal tribe, these reddish brown bulls are the metal smiths of the North. They are skilled at the mining and production of metals. They tend to live in earthen longhouses that also contain the entrance to their mines or underground smiths. They are very few and far between, and their culture is centered around passing down metalworking arts from one generation to the next. With little interest in conflict or other chores, they are rarely seen outside of there hillside dugouts. When disturbed they are fierce fighters armed with picks, sharpened shovels, and other mining implements. They are most know for their quality metal works and mystically strong and beautiful metal products. Aggressive males are the lowest rung of society, they are kept for mining, hammering, cleaning, defense, and sexual pleasure. Passive males are tasked with metal-arts, trade, and leadership.

Shadow Uraz:

The black pelted bulls of the shadow tribe are the most rarely seen. Living underground in deep caves and tunnels, they rarely leave the confines of rock. Masters of tunneling and perfectionist architects, their tunnel city is a sprawling and confusing mazes of light and shadow play. Light streams from narrow shafts cut hundred of feet to the surface allowing sun and air to enter the deep dark places. Their society are a strict religious hierarchy, and almost every daily action is a part of a ceremony or ritual. Know for their scholarship and intensive record keeping, the shadow tribe stands apart. The economy is based on export of raw metals, gemstones, and carved stone from there ever deepening and expanding tunnels and production of fine texts and cloths. Their fighters are of a special warrior caste, armed with sacred scimitar like swords and heavy armor perfectly suited to defending the deep tunnels. Both aggressive and passive males are in positions of power and leadership, but in day to day life passive males are expected to behave and act feminine and focus on literature, soft power, and scholarly arts. Aggressive males are expected to use their physical might to focus on hard power, martial training, and stone-shaping-arts. In a very rigid and religious based system all calves are divided at puberty based on their perceived, stated, and tested masculinity and sent to schools to teach them their role and associated arts.