The Ukom Bear

Written by FirethornDragon

The Ukom Bear resides in The Sere Mountain Range in Oblon - EN. Before the dwarven kingdom was known as Oblon, it was called The City of Ukom. Today, Ukom has become more of a legend within Aurin. The Ukom Bear is said to have created the cave systems and tunnels of the Sere Mountain Range. According to the dwarfs, the Ukom Bear was one of the first earth magicians. Because of this belief, the bear is considered a sacred animal by the dwarfs. There are very few Ukom Bears left in today's Aurin. However, if one is seen, it is regarded as a blessing. Should the Ukom Bear bow to an outsider, the dwarfs will immediately place their trust in that person, as it is seen as one of the highest blessings you can receive.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Ukom Bear has four legs—two in the front and two in the back. Its paws are more significant than regular bears, enabling it to dig extensive cave systems and tunnels. Additionally, these enormous paws help the Ukom Bear sense vibrations in the surrounding mountain range more effectively. Although the bear is nearsighted and relies heavily on its hearing, touch, and smell, it possesses sharp claws and teeth. Its body is more significant than an average bear's; despite its heavy frame, its strong muscles allow it to move through stone walls quickly. The bear can dash and outrun most of their hunters if endangered.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Ukom Bear has a specific breeding season from early spring to late spring. During this time, males engage in competitive displays and fights to demonstrate their fitness as potential mates, with females ultimately selecting their partners. Once a female has chosen a mate, the pair remains together until she gives birth to her cubs. Following the birth, they typically stay together for four years to ensure the cubs' well-being. The mother is responsible for caring for her cubs until they reach the age of seven. Generally, a female Ukom Bear gives birth to between one and three cubs.

Growth Rate & Stages

The Ukom Bear exhibits a unique developmental process post-birth, starting with only two senses: smell and touch. Within approximately one week, these cubs begin to develop their understanding of hearing, while their eyesight is the last to mature. At birth, Ukom Bear cubs have brown fur, which gradually darkens as they age. Notably, female cubs maintain darker fur throughout their lives and possess more enormous paws than their male counterparts.


By the age of five months, Ukom Bear cubs show significant physical development, as they can move small stones. During their first year, their diet includes plants, smaller animals, honey, and berries. Around the age of two, they start to develop their adult fur, and by age four, their abilities are fully matured. The male typically departs at this point, leaving the female to raise the cubs until they reach seven years old. From ages four to seven, the female plays a crucial role in teaching her cubs to manage their abilities and hunt independently. Once they reach the age of seven, the cubs become self-sufficient and can establish their territory within the mountain range.


From twelve to fourteen, Ukom Bears seek mates, with males generally initiating this search earlier than females.

Ecology and Habitats

The Ukom Bear, a species that inhabits mountainous regions, has seen a significant decline in its population, with the remaining individuals primarily residing in the Sere Mountain Range. These bears are known for constructing intricate cave systems and tunnels to seek food and evade predators. Each Ukom Bear typically selects a cave that offers a food source and a sense of safety after leaving its mother.

Each cave is unique to the bear, often adorned with soft vegetation that provides comfort. The entrance to each cave is distinct, and Ukom Bears take great pride in designing complex passages that can challenge other animals attempting to enter.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Ukom Bear primarily feeds on a diet of plants, honey, berries, and smaller animals in or near its mountain range habitat. These bears prefer not to venture far from their established territory. They utilize their acute sense of smell to locate plants and often use flowers as bait to attract smaller animals, such as mice, that make their homes among the blooms. Due to their scarcity within cave environments, berries are considered a delicacy for Ukom Bears. When searching for food, the bears depend on their keen senses, particularly their sense of smell. Additionally, honey can be located in various corners of the caves they inhabit.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Ukom Bear is a legendary figure regarded as the first earth magician, existing long before elemental magic became known in Aurin. This unique bear can manipulate stone and is significantly attuned to the magical energy of the earth. Due to their habitat in dark cave systems within mountain ranges, Ukom Bears have limited eyesight and primarily rely on their enhanced senses, including touch, hearing, and smell. They can detect vibrations like a snake, allowing them to sense a person's presence from up to ten meters away.


The Ukom Bear's sense of smell is the most developed of its senses. It utilizes this keen olfactory ability to locate food within its cave environment, including various plants, smaller animals, and honey. Remarkably, Ukom Bears can remember an individual's scent, enabling them to recognize themselves and those they have previously encountered. They will retain that information indefinitely once they detect a person's smell.


The Ukom Bear's heightened magical sensitivity also allows it to perceive the intentions of those nearby. However, humans need to wait for the Ukom Bear to approach them, as direct attempts to approach can be perceived as a threat. If the bear feels it can trust a person, it will bow as a gesture of respect. In return, individuals are expected to reciprocate this bow to acknowledge the bear's kindness. If this gesture is not made, the bear may view it as a rejection, potentially leading to aggressive behavior.


While the Ukom Bear's hearing is superior to its eyesight, it is still limited. The bear is more attuned to sounds around dwarves or other species, showing an affinity for auditory experiences such as drums or singing. The Ukom Bear is particularly interested in the nuances of different languages and voices. It will use its voice unless it feels threatened, and although it rarely sings, some Ukom Bears may desire to share a song with someone they trust.

Lifespan

35 years

Conservation Status

Due to the declining population of Ukom Bears in Aurin, the dwarf in Oblon has designated certain parts of The Sere Mountain Range as restricted areas, accessible only to the bears themselves.


Anyone who trespasses on the bears' territory without proper documentation proving their authorization to enter could face a lifetime ban from Oblon or even imprisonment for the rest of their life.


Only Leader of the Clans can pass the bear's territory without documentation, but they have to have one of the Bear Guards also known as the Durrul with them.

Geographic Distribution

• The Sere Mountain Range