Ursa
We push further south into these massive forests of green. That is when I saw it. At first, I believed an enormous bear was attacking some manufactured hive of animals. Then I realized there were many of these hives, and the bear was not attacking but checking on these creatures. As the bear turned to head to another hive, I noticed this creature was no bear at all. It looked relatively peaceful and serene until he saw our small band. That's when it charged us with all the ferocity of a bear. We all ran for our lives. And that was the first time I met an Ursa....Bawippar
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Ursa have massive, powerful builds beneath their thick coats. They resemble a bear walking on their hind legs and wearing clothing. There size and fur coloration will generally give away the lineage they belong to.
Like many of Experiments, due to their animalistic feet, if they even wear something on their feet, it will be something simple like sandals or have custom built footwear. Most prefer to wear nothing. Even when it comes to armor they choose only to have the top of their feet covered.
Biological Traits
Between all of the subspecies of Ursa there is one constant. The size difference between the sexes is negligible if there is any, the females tend to be the larger. The only natural way to tell the difference is that the females have breasts and the fur upon the top of their head will grow longer than the rest of their fur. Because of this many females have been known to dye their head fur different colors as well as cut and shape it.
Genetics and Reproduction
Generally, the subspecies of each tend to mate within their subspecies. However, it has been known to happen on the rare occasion that two different subspecies will mate. The producing offspring will follow one of their genetic parents. The gestation period is nine months, giving birth to two to four babies. During this time, the female Ursa will continue with whatever capacities they are assigned until birthing.
Growth Rate & Stages
Ursa are able to crawl basically upon birth. At this stage, it is difficult to tell the difference between bear and Ursa cubs. By age twenty, they have matured to adulthood.
Behaviour
Ursa are known for their calm demeanor. Whether in the height of battle or as a diplomat, they will stay at an even keel and in control. Even though with their size, it would be easy to bully or force many to bend to their will, they don't.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The root of Ursan society is the family unit. Family ties are significant to them. Most Ursa can trace their lineage back at least five hundred years or more. The Ursa family unit is much larger than most other intelligent species. Perhaps only the gnomes have more relatives living under one roof. It is prevalent for three or four generations to stay together. Large Families are known for adopting others into their family, even those of other races.
To Ursa, the saying, "I am the only one allowed to pick on my family," is widespread.
Facial characteristics
Large round snouted head with small eyes and furry ears on top of head.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The different subspecies tend to stick more to the souther hemisphere with their thick heavy coats.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
All ursa have a uncanny sense of smell.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
They are known as cubs from birth until their Name Day at the age of eight. As they age and their personality progresses, they start to gain knick names from other members of their tribe. On their name day, the child chooses his favorite nickname as his own. As they are nicknames, they are generally descriptive in nature.
At age 16, The tribe holds the Aggrandizement Ceremony. During this ceremony, the Prime and Shaman of the Tribe, after collaborating with their deeds and actions in the tribe as well as the spiritual journey foreseen they are given a surname that encompasses this path.
There is no gender difference in names of the Ursa. Snaggletooth, Broadchest, Oaktrunk are all examples of names of the Ursa. With Surnames, they vary just as wildly from Ursa to Ursa.
Major Organizations
The Claw
The Children of the Stinger
The Children of the Stinger
Beauty Ideals
In general, most Ursa are difficult to tell the difference between them easily physically. Because of this, most Ursa knows each other by their scent. They began to shave, cut, and dye their fur as they interacted with more races. They are also very partial to tattoos given with a Ethereal Needle, allowing the fur to replicate the design on the flesh.
Nowadays, because of this history, the Ursa themselves find these body modifications attractive. As well as these scars they have received add to the uniqueness of a given Ursa and there for making them more attractive. For the Artic Ursa, battle scars are considered very sexy.
Gender Ideals
For the Ursa there is no difference between males and females. It is just as common for a female to be the head of a group as men.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships are the foundation of their whole society. The base unit of the family, grandparents, parents, and children, are the most minor groupings you will generally find in Ursa society. Most will form at least a small clan of Ursa related by blood and marriage. To Ursa, there is no such thing as divorce. Once a pair becomes one, only death will cause separation. This also goes for all families. It is scarce for a Ursa to leave their family. They may go out and travel and explore, but they always return to the clan. After marriage, either one family will adopt the new in-law as a family, or they will merge families, causing more prominent lines. Some Clans of the Ursa are so large they are practically their own countries.
Common Dress Code
Most Ursa wear loose fitting clothing with bear feet. Robes, loose shirts and trousers fit this bill well. However when it comes to armor they will have it custom fit to keep it snug. Many even prefer to go with the bare minimum as they like to show off their tattoos, fur cuts, piercings, and dye jobs.
Common Taboos
To the Ursa, nothing is more heinous than a crime against the family or family member.
Common Myths and Legends
The Ursa are said to be the results of experiments on bears. The goddess Ineas collected bears from the planet and toyed with them the results are these wise giants.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Ursa are very liberal regarding the other species on the planet. They are willing to look at the individuals versus a whole race; therefore, many other species have been incorporated into different tribes and have equal value as a Ursa.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Ursa
Average Height
Stand between 6 and 8 and a half feet tall, depending on their subrace.
Average Weight
Weigh between 350 to over 800 pounds.
Related Ethnicities
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