Ursus

Ursus are massive humanoids with broad shoulders, heavy frames, and thick fur. Their height ranges from five to eight feet, and their powerful muscle mass gives them a dense physical presence that few other species can match. Ursus fur varies widely in color, often reflecting the region of their birth. Deep forest clans tend toward dark browns and blacks, while tundra-born Ursus display pale grays or white coats.   Their faces combine human expressiveness with the structure of a bear. They have long snouts, strong jaws, and prominent canine teeth capable of crushing bone. Their eyes are small but sharp, capable of seeing well in low light and reading subtle movements at a distance. Ursus hands are broad and clawed, allowing them to wield weapons with surprising precision while still delivering devastating natural strikes when needed.   Despite their size and strength, Ursus show remarkable gentleness in their movements. Their steps are deliberate. Their posture is grounded. They conserve energy as a matter of instinct, yet their sudden bursts of speed and power can surprise even seasoned warriors.

Ursus mature at a steady pace, reaching adulthood in their late teens and settling fully into their roles within the clan by their mid-twenties. Their natural resilience allows them to live for nearly 150 years, with elders often remaining active well into their second century.   The oldest Ursus are almost always Dreamguardians, since repeated hibernation cycles deepen both their wisdom and their spiritual connection to Ødger. Longevity is respected but not romanticized, as Ursus culture values the deeds accomplished during a lifetime far more than the number of years lived.

An Ursus has a birth name that is often difficult for non-Ursus to pronounce. These names are thick with consonants, growls, and low rumbling sounds that echo the voices of their ancestors. Upon reaching adulthood, an Ursus chooses or earns a nickname to help outsiders address them more easily. A nickname can come from a personal deed, physical trait, or the role they serve within their clan.

Ursus clans are nomadic by design. They travel through rugged mountains, dense forests, icy valleys, and stormy coastlines, always seeking places that the civilized world avoids. This wandering is purposeful. Every clan follows ancient paths known only to their people, routes marked by stone cairns, claw-carved symbols, and the memories of generations. Their destination remains the same each cycle of Ødger’s slumber. They move toward remote sanctuaries where their elders and shamans will enter hibernation and assume their sacred roles as Dreamguardians.   When the first signs of Ødger’s hibernation appear in omens or dreams, the clan begins preparations. Elders step back from daily duties to focus on rites that steady the spirit before the long sleep. Younger Ursus patrol the land around the sanctuary, clearing predators and scouting for travelers who might stumble too close. Once everything is secure, the elders and shamans enter the den and fall into their deep hibernation, leaving their bodies in the clan’s care.   Guarding the sleepers is a duty that defines winter. The clan establishes a rotating watch, maintains food stores, and keeps fires low to avoid drawing attention. No loud celebrations or large hunts are allowed near the sanctuary. Ursus are not fearful animals, but during the hibernation cycle, their movements become quieter and more cautious. They understand that disturbing a Dreamguardian may cause the pearl inside the Trance to be lost, bringing disgrace to the clan as Wandered Claws.   Clans often set false trails or create decoys in the surrounding wilderness to mislead potential threats. Some sanctuaries include carved escape tunnels for moving the sleeping elders if danger becomes overwhelming. Every clan has stories of hardships endured during these winters, from defending the sanctuary against beasts to weathering storms that threaten to bury the den entirely. Some tell of battles against nightmares manifesting in the waking world, drawn to the immense spiritual energy of the hibernating Dreamguardians.   For the Ursus, this period is the purest expression of Ødger’s creed. Strength is not shown off. Strength is demonstrated through endurance, discipline, and loyalty. A clan that keeps its Dreamguardians safe proves itself worthy of the primal deities' trust. A clan that falters must wait for Ødger’s next slumber, wandering until they can reclaim their honor.

The Wandered Claw are Ursus clans that failed their sacred duty to protect Ødger’s dream pearl during his hibernation. When a pearl is shattered or corrupted by nightmares, the Dreamguardians inside the Trance fall into spiritual collapse, and the clan loses its purpose in a single devastating moment. When Ødger awakens and the dream pearls dissolve back into consciousness, the truth of a clan’s success or failure becomes undeniable. A shattered pearl cannot be hidden, overlooked, or redeemed by ritual. It marks the entire clan with the heaviest form of cultural shame an Ursus can know.   A Wandered Claw abandons its home as tradition demands. They leave behind their sanctuary, their winter dens, and the ancestral sites tied to their former pearl. Without a fragment of Ødger to guard, the clan becomes nomadic in the truest sense, refusing to claim new territory or settle where others might mistake them for a fully honored clan. They wander the wilderness seeking signs that Ødger will soon return to slumber.   While marked by failure, the Wandered Claws are not lost or broken. They devote themselves to discipline, service, and humility, believing the path to redemption is forged through continuous action. Many take on dangerous tasks for neighboring peoples, offering their strength where it is needed most.