Vertebrae

Bear Folk of the Forests & Plains

Trees and brush hide dark tufts of fur, keeping watchful eyes just out of view. Quick paws dig up roots and other herbs, a small harvest for the evening’s meal. Smaller claws wander up a thick trunk, stealing eggs from the bird’s nest far above. Later, various colored heads will gather together for a quick meal, stuffing their faces with the items gathered cooked over a small fire. Eventually, they will separate, going their own ways, but in a few days' time, they will meet again, joining for a meal and conversation.
The Vertebrae are the most well-known of the Ursakin, resembling the Coaldust and Dust Bears of the world. While also choosing to live solitary lifestyles, these people are willing to gather in their forests and plains with neighbors and family to share a meal before separating and continuing their lives. Some of these people are quick to anger but also enjoy tighter-knit families and communities than those who choose the cold of the north.

Basic Information

Anatomy

All Ursakin share anatomical traits with Humans with some major differences. Ursakin have fur that covers their entire body and sharp claws that are suited for digging or shredding.
The Vertebrae vary greatly in color based on which of the many bear species they resemble. Based on that resemblance, they may have larger, sharper claws that are meant for tearing through things or small, more curved claws to be used for digging or climbing.
Common Colorations

Common Colorations

These people’s fur varies greatly in color, often from a whitish-yellow color to grey to black and shades of dusty brown. Their colorations will match the bear they resemble the most, but their eye colors can range from amber to black, green, brown, or even a deep red color.

Fur Colors

Eye Colors

Additional Information

Social Structure

The Vertebrae are one of the more sociable Ursakin, choosing to live in forests and across the plains, but gathering to share meals and quick conversations. These people prefer more temperate climates and may laze away the days when the temperatures get colder. They do not have centralized villages but will determine mutual meeting places that can be reached with minimal travel.
It is not uncommon to find these people living amongst other races, especially in smaller villages and more remote locations. Families may live together but it is also common for friends to live in very close proximity and to share their resources and homes with each other. The Vertebrae enjoy lives amongst others at times and will learn professions that allow them to travel to far-off places.

Origin/Ancestry

Animal Kingdom, Ursine

Lifespan

50 years

Average Height

5 to 10 feet

Related Ethnicities

• Vertebrae Culture

Parent Race