Taurakion

The Guardian – The First Citizen – The Horned Shield – The Wall Between

Taurakion is the ancient Minotaur god of [[Throngler|Thronglers]].

In ancient Minotaur society, a place was not truly a settlement until it had a Throngler. Chosen by popular vote, the Throngler came to know every street, passage, gate, and blind corner better than anyone. Any intruder who slipped past the walls still had to evade the settlement’s chosen monster.

Some Thronglers were planners or engineers, but most were large, blunt-minded creatures valued for loyalty, courage, and enthusiasm for violence. Taurakion would never expect his followers to govern, simply to protect.

Portfolio and Names

Taurakion’s portfolio includes loyalty, defence, gleeful and justified violence, pursuit, and threats within or without.

He is known as the Throngler, the Guardian, and the Wall Between. His sacred places are doorways, gates, settlement walls, and Labyrinthian internal walls.

He does not judge whether a community is kind, just, or worthy. He cares whether its chosen guardian fulfils the duty entrusted to them.

Who Prayed

When Taurakion was worshipped, it was typically by a Throngler hoping to make him proud with well-directed violence, a citizen directing the Throngler, or an onlooker praising the Throngler’s effective work.

Tenets

Taurakion’s faithful must protect those in their care, obey their community’s lawful will, and use their strength against threats identified by those they serve.

They must not abandon their post, betray their voters, or act against the settlement for personal comfort or glory. A Throngler’s violence must serve the community.

Taurakion does not require his servants to be good or honourable by any wider standard. A settlement may be cruel or corrupt. If its citizens direct their Throngler toward a dishonourable duty, the Throngler is generally bound to obey. Taurakion values loyalty and service above morality.

“Stand where lil ones say. Let ’em decide what’s got ’sta be done, an’ make ’em proud!”

When They Prayed and Devotion

Citizens prayed when choosing a Throngler. Thronglers prayed while carrying out their duties.

Devotion was shown through watchfulness, repairing defences, sharing communal burdens, and guarding the settlement while others slept.

Ways of Praying

Prayers were brief and direct. After a particularly brutal victory, a Throngler might say, “I ’ope Taurakion saw tha’ one.”

Offerings included supplies and weapons given to a Thongler, particularily large weapons like mauls and greataxes. A successful hunt through the settlement’s streets was an especially meaningful prayer.

Shrines and Temples

Shrines stood at settlement entrances, beside gates, or near meeting places. They often featured a carved Minotaur head and a stone marked with citizens’ names.

Clergy and Organization

Taurakion had no formal priesthood. His representatives were the Thronglers, citizens chosen by popular vote to defend their settlement.

Some were skilled planners or engineers. Most were large, fearless, loyal, and eager to dispense violence. Their authority was limited to defence. They did not rule, and rulers did not necessarily value their advice.

A Throngler’s authority came from the voters who selected them. To betray those voters was to betray Taurakion.

In Summary

Taurakion is the god of the guardian who stands between a settlement and danger, whether that settlement is noble or vile. He is loyal, direct, and devoted to service, with little concern for honour beyond fulfilling the will of those he protects.

“You chose me to stand. So I stand.”