Grizzla
The Grizzla are a proud and robust race forged by Resh, the Steward of Winter. They are tough, enduring, and possess a deep inner strength balanced with patience, tolerance, and humility - much akin to the attributes of their creator. The Grizzla, though originally a reclusive people that lived in wandering bands, were somewhat forced to modernize and integrate or be conquered during the reign of the Nakhasi Empire and, further demonstrating their wisdom and foresight, chose the former. While there are many tribes or bands that still wander through the plains, hills, and mountains of Virondia, they have also established beautiful cities and fortresses. After the fall of the Nakhasi Empire, they found themselves as an unexpected top choice of escape for many Nakhasi refugees, and refugees from other lands too far from their home to return. All of these they quietly welcomed and integrated into their society.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Grizzla society is built on principles of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. Their settlements, often in the mountainous and forested regions of Virondia, are small but tightly knit. Clan-like in structure, they place great emphasis on collective well-being. Elders, typically the most wise and experienced, are highly respected and are often consulted for matters of judgment and leadership.
Facial characteristics
Heavy brows that rest above gentle eyes, which often appear out of sync with the rest of their body in that soft gentleness that could be easily mistaken for docile. Eye-color is usually in shades of amber, unless their ancestry is of mixed heritage. Men tend to sport facial hair, especially those that live further north. Women tend to keep their hair short in warmer areas, and let it grow to use in lieu of facial hair in the warmer areas, sometimes so long that they can wrap it around their necks and face like a scarf if absolutely necessary. Hair colors for pure-Grizzla range in shades from auburn, to brown, to black.
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Ceremony of Pairing:
This practice began as a way to bond the Grizzla and the Nakhasi during the Empire’s occupation of Virondia. Today, it has become an honored tradition, where a Grizzla warrior is paired with a non-Grizzla of complementary skills, usually in subterfuge or strategy. This bond is symbolic of their belief in balance—strength paired with cunning.The Rite of Endurance:
Upon reaching adulthood, Grizzla undertake a ritual of endurance, where they must survive alone in the wilderness for a full cycle of the moon. This rite tests not only their physical strength but also their patience, resilience, and connection to nature.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Average Height
Male: 6'3" - 6'9"
Female: 6'0" - 6'7"
Average Physique
Powerful is the singular word used to describe almost every Grizzlan body - male or female, they are large, muscular, and durable. This can run the gamut from lean, lithe, obvious muscularity, to muscle over-laid with extra "padding" that could give an impression of softness, though one would quickly find it to have been misleading.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Skin tones range from light tan to black, the variations due to where their ancestors may have originally ranged. In the modern world, though, all tones and hues can be found spread throughout Virondia, both in the cities and in the wilds.
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
