Mythic Odysseys of Theros, a D&D sourcebook for the world of Theros, is available digitally now!

Theros is a world from Magic: The Gathering.This is the second time we’ve seen a Magic world brought to D&D, with Ravnica being the first. Mythic Odysseys of Theros introduces a world inspired by Greek mythology, where heroic champions strive against the bonds of destiny.

In this book are options for players to create humans, centaurs, leonin, minotaurs, satyrs, and tritons as playable characters. The human options are the same as in the Player’s Handbook, while the triton mechanics are as they appear in Volo’s Guide to Monsters (though the flavor is different). The satyr and leonin options are unique to Theros.

This post will take a look at the centaur and minotaur character options. Both of these appeared in a previous Unearthed Arcana article, so let’s take a look and see what’s changed!

Centaur

Centaurs first appeared in 5e in a 2018 Unearthed Arcana article. Theros makes their lore a bit more specific, naming the Lagonna and Pheres bands who have differences in their culture.  

Their Ability Score Increase remains the same, granting two points in Strength and one in Wisdom. Both versions of the centaur also have a base speed of 40.

The Alignment and Size entries are generally the same in both the UA and the book, though the book puts some nuance in the differences between Lagonna and Pheres centaurs. Theros also has rules for randomly determining a centaur’s height and weight. Both versions of the centaur know Common and Sylvan for languages, and the Age entry is the same.

The Charge feature allows centaurs to do some extra damage on a melee attack after moving towards a target on the same turn. The UA version of it requires you to move 20 feet in order to get double damage. The Theros version requires 30 feet and grants you a bonus action attack with your hooves instead.

Speaking of hooves, the Theros centaur’s hooves (which are natural melee weapons) deal a d4 plus Strength for damage, instead of the UA’s d6 plus Strength.

The Equine Build entry has the same language between Theros and the UA, but the Theros version lacks the note about another creature riding a centaur.

Instead of just proficiency in the Survival skill, Theros’s version of the Survivor feature allows you to choose between Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, or Survival.

The UA centaur has Hybrid Nature, making it both humanoid and monstrosity for game effect purposes. Theros’s centaurs are fey instead of humanoid, which matters for some spells and other effects.

Minotaur

The minotaur option first appeared in a 2015 UA, then a revised version appeared alongside the centaur in the aforementioned 2018 UA. Theros’s minotaurs have no connection to Baphomet as the D&D minotaurs do, and instead, they are associated with Mogis, a deity of Theros. These minotaurs are free to follow other gods and forge their own path as well.

The minotaur’s Ability Score Increase is in Strength (+2) and Constitution (+1) in both versions, and the details for their speed, size, language, and horn attacks are the same. Theros again provides rules for randomly determining a minotaur’s height and weight.

As far as alignment goes, Theros adds some nuance to the UA’s more general description. Depending on where a Theros minotaur calls home, that culture may encourage or discourage alignments other than the lawful ones.

The Goring Rush feature has changed from the UA’s version. The UA allows you to make a bonus action attack with your horns after moving at least as far as your speed with the Dash action. The Theros version only requires you to move 20 feet with Dash for the same bonus action attack.

The Hammering Horns feature has also gotten a tweak. This feature allows you to try to shove a creature no more than one size larger than you. You can do this after hitting a creature with a melee attack on your turn. The UA makes this shove a reaction, and you can shove your target up to 5 feet away if they fail a Strength saving throw. The Theros version makes this shove a bonus action and boosts the possible distance to 10 feet.

The UA’s Menacing feature turns into Imposing Presence in Theros, where you have a choice between Persuasion and Intimidation proficiency (instead of just Intimidation).

It also seems like minotaurs are humanoids as normal, whereas in the UA they were both monstrosity and humanoid.

What do you think about the changes to the minotaur and centaur options? How do you feel about the new options in Mythic Odysseys of Theros? I’m playing in a one shot next week where I’ll be playing a satyr, and I’m really excited about that!

That being said, current events continue to be current events, so please consider checking out this post where I assembled some links to ways you can help the fight against police brutality and systemic racism.

Stay safe, everyone!