Ursan
Strong, stubborn and powerful, Ursan are a race of fierce tribal warriors that inhabit the Wilds of Portum and serve as steadfast protectors of the natural world.
Uncertain Origin
While Ursan have only been around for a few generations their origin is shrouded in mystery. Most believe that they are the result of malevolent druidic rituals; The Ursan, it is said, upon achieving true sentience did not obey, and instead rose up against their masters, slaying them and escaping into the wilds of Portum. In Ursan families while gathered around campfires, they tell scary tales of evil druid pacts and monsters that will come to take children who do not perform simple chores or behave, though no Ursan truly knows where they came from. Other theories of Ursan origins are less credible, such as their role as native guardians in the Feywilds escaped to the Material Plane after a war, or that they owe their creation to a pact made by an army of great warriors, given the bodies and strength of bears to dominate their enemies.Protective Nature
Ursan have strong parental instincts and are willing to fight to protect their clans and families. To an Ursan blood is thicker than water, and few situations would result in an Ursan abandoning their clan and joining a life of adventure. Powerful and protective, they tend to be wary of outsiders but make very loyal allies, though they rarely side with large kingdoms or armies due to their disinterest politics. Most often, an Ursan leaves as a result of disgracing their family in battle or breaking code, though many Ursan found in cities credit their abandonment to a family massacre, being lost, a forest fire or other catastrophic events that physically ejected them from their home. Ursan that find themselves away from their tribes are often drawn to a life of adventure or exploration. Ursan clans tend to have tough, intimidating names like First Tooth, Furious Swipes, and Bloody Roar, and often use simple symbols that they scratch into tree trunks to designate their territory. Veteran travelers who recognize these symbols when travelling know to deviate their course to avoid getting attacked by aggressive tribes.Additional Information
Social Structure
A traditional Ursan tribe consists of one alpha male, the strongest, as a leader with several females. Young Ursan who wish to become alpha must battle in honorable unarmed combat to claim the throne - otherwise the youth of the clan usually show great respect to their elders.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Ursan primarily live in the wild, untamed regions of Portum and shy away from the ever-expanding reach of civilization. The majority of Ursan tribes live in areas that correspond to their bear likeness; Black Ursan are known to live in woodlands and swamps, Brown Ursan in the untamed mountains and Polar Ursan in the frigid tundras.
Average Intelligence
While Ursan are known for their brute force and intimidating physique, they are also quite intelligent beings that strive to better understand the natural world around them. Particularly the chosen tribal Shamans are renown for their wisdom and intelligence, often rivaling that of scholars from the other humanoid races.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Ursan names are derived from their grizzly origin, and therefore have strong sounds and syllables. Young Ursan also usually have a pet name that they are known as throughout their tribe, and are often referred to as such affectionately by their elders and spouses even as they reach adulthood. Others who refer to them in this way are sure to raise a Ursan's ire.
Childhood Nicknames:Butterball, Cub, Flatear, Fuzzy, Prickles, Roughnose, Scruffy, Southpaw, Tiny
Male Names:Arugs, Brutin, Dale, Duggar, Gorf, Kidas, Mars, Orwin, Pantg, Slark, Tusk, Zalk
Female Names:Alici, Brin, Connie, Flore, Mazie, Namina, Varen, Vixen, Tribbi, Willow
Clan Names:Bloody Roar, Cut Masters, Dust Burners, Final Bark, First Tooth, Furious Swipes, Proud Claw, Sharp Paw, Tough Hide, Warrior Clan, Wild Boar, Yellow Fur
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
A typical Ursan is a smooth blending of extremes. Boisterous, overwhelming fits of mirth and celebration are soon followed by periods of quiet contemplation and careful consideration. Vicious, bloodthirsty combat on a level hard to imagine soon gives way to loving attention and skilled healing. Ursan throw themselves into whatever they do, taking no half measures, and trying to live life to the fullest, making their presences charged with vital energy that often leaks into those around them.
Common Myths and Legends
Traditionally Ursan tend not to be religious creatures, although all Ursan pay homage to Grizzus; their patron god of Bears. While clans differ vastly in beliefs and ideals, all owe allegiance to Grizzus and his ideals of clan law and leadership.
Grizzus, who Ursan believes watches and guides them through play and battle, often contacts Elders or shaman within tribes as well as particularly righteous or powerful warriors. They claim to have seen visions of their god in their sleep designating them a specific task, and it is not uncommon for a member of the tribe to leave in pursuit of this mission, which is considered a task of great honor.
Lifespan
60 years
Average Height
Males: 6'6" (Black), 7'8" (Brown), 8'4" (Polar)
Females: 6'2" (Black), 7'3" (Brown), 7'10" (Polar)
Average Weight
Males: 350lbs (Black), 425lbs (Brown), 500lbs (Polar)
Females: 275lbs (Black), 350lbs (Brown), 425lbs (Polar)
Average Physique
If a bear were to stand upright and wear clothes, then that would be an adequate description of an Ursan. There really is very little to differentiate a normal bear from an Ursan, except for the more developed opposable thumbs, allowing the free use of tools, and the slightly more domed forehead, indicating greater intellectual ability. Ursan types run the gamut of bear conformations, from the smaller black bears to the massive grizzly and polar bears of the coldest regions. Ursan still wield the fearsome claws and teeth of their forebearers, powered by a wealth of muscle.
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