The plains of Kalimdor have long been a home to these gargantuan nomads. The Tauren are a race of spiritual shamans, hunters, and fighters, who long ago developed a complex culture and system of living without the aid of stonework, steel or conquest. This is not to say that the Tauren are a race of pacifists, when they are angered they are capable of retaliating with swift and decisive brutality.
The Tauren are a noble race that embrace the natural world. They have shed their nomadic roots and united in their ancestral lands. Their race may be one of spirituality, reverence for nature, and respect for elders, but it also possesses powerful warriors that willingly fight when the situation demands it. Although strong and capable warriors when roused in battle, most Tauren reserve combat for when all other options are exhausted.
They prefer course of wise discussion and careful rumination before embarking on any great endeavor, and they have great respect for the wise, spiritual and elderly among their people. The Tauren are not wrathful by nature, but sometimes a thirst for justice causes them to take up arms in anger.
Tauren have no love for bloodshed, as their deep spiritual beliefs do not have a place for warfare. The elders of a tribe solve most issues, or two Tauren might resolve a conflict with a ritual challenge resembling a duel.
Having become members of the Horde, the introspective race has been involved in more and more conflict, creating a demand for Tauren warriors and healers. Many must spend time putting great thought into the actions they perform on the field of battle. Taking another life, whether it is man or beast, is an act filled with great significance and responsibility to the Tauren.
Tauren Lineages
Mulgore Tauren
As a Mulgore Tauren, you are among the most common of the Tauren kin’s. Mulgore Tauren have lived on Kalimdor for countless years. These Taurens are calm and honorable when met, and fierce fighters when fought. These Tauren have a deep respect for nature and the Earth Mother, only taking what they need from the land to survive.
Highmountain Tauren
As a Highmountain Tauren, you hail from the Broken Isles. Highmountain Taurens have secluded themselves in the isle’s mountains for generations. They harbour no hatred towards other races and are generally peaceful and kind hearted. These Tauren does not have horns like the rest of their kin, instead they grow large antlers.
Taunka
As a Taunka, you are considered a relative to the Tauren race and a branch of the Tauren race that adapted to the harsh environment found in Northrend. These Tauren have endured much and don’t harbor the same respect for nature as is prominent in other lineages of the Tauren race.
Tauren Traits
As a Tauren, you have these special traits.
Powerful Build
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Horns
Your horns are natural melee weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 plus your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Tauren Weapon Training
You have proficiency with the halberd, battle totem, pistol and rifle
Mulgore Tauren Traits
Endurance
Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.
War Stomp
You can cast the Earth Tremor spell once with this trait, by stomping your hoof into the ground, and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Strength is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
Highmountain Tauren Traits
Mountaineer
You’re acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet. You’re also naturally adapted to cold climates.
Rugged Tenacity
You can use your reaction when you take damage to reduce the damage taken by 1d12 plus half your level (rounded up). After you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Taunka Traits
Cold Resistance
You have resistance to cold damage.
Natural Athlete
You are proficient in the Athletics skill.
Tundra Walker
You can move across difficult terrain made of ice or snow without expending extra movement. You’re also naturally adapted to cold climates.