Ursinefolk

Ursinefolk are a tall and muscular people, being built from their life in the wilds. Between the three groups of White, Brown, and Black Ursinefolk, White Ursinefolk tend to be the largest while Black Ursinefolk tend to be leaner. Their bodies are covered in fur that is either black, brown, or white in color, depending on their specific heritage. They have other traits that stem from bears, including large claws on their hands and powerful noses on their snouts. Some Ursinefolk, especially those who interact with the Kalvetian people, may braid parts of their fur with charms or other accessories. Most Ursinefolk favor practical clothing of leather and fur, with many creating their own clothes with materials they've obtained in the wild. Their eyes hold an interesting balance of stern resolve and reflective wisdom.

The Ursinefolks' bear-like traits grant them incredible strength and endurance, with a thick fur that helps to shield them from the surrounding cold. Their large claws are both a powerful weapon and useful climbing tool, and their connection to nature leaves them knowledgeable on many aspects of the earth.

The Ursinefolk credit their beginnings to the myths of the Big Brother Bear, who shaped their people from the essence of the northern wilds. These first Ursinefolk then spread throughout the northern regions of Impatria, splitting into the distinct white, black, and brown-furred groups of their people. Their people have remained in their respective homes ever since, developing the distinct cultures and traditions of each group across the continent. Even with their independent nature, their survivorship and endurance in the harsh north has made their people into an example for many of their neighbors.

The core of Ursinefolk culture, regardless of group, is a deep reverence for the delicate balance of the natural world. To them, everyone and everything has a distinct role to fill if harmony is to be maintained, but the expression of that purpose varies among their people. For the White Ursinefolk, one's strength in the face of the wild's harsh nature earns them their place by force. Hunting and sailing in the dangerous, icy waters of the polar north are but a mere challenge to overcome, where strength and bravery are key. But for the Black Ursinefolk, the desire to thrive in the face of adversity leads to a much more mellow outlook on how to find one's place. Simply being able to make do with what the land provides to them with a cheerful disposition is their driving force. And for the Brown Ursinefolk, one's purpose can only be found through deep spiritual reflection and inner peace. It was this belief that led to Asobria's first monks, where martial prowess is a means of expression rather than aggression.

Even with all of their differences, the Ursinefolk share a communal outlook on life. As they are inhabitants of the natural world, they are to promote the well-being of all others they share their world with. It is this desire for harmony that makes them the 'guides' that many other people view them as, and they are always willing to share their traditions and practices to those curious.

One of the most well-known aspects of Ursinefolk culture are their monasteries, initially founded by the Brown Ursinefolk. These monasteries, such as the Great Monastery in Brundal, are centers of learning and discipline, often being established in secluded mountain regions. In these monasteries, intensive meditation, philosophical study, and martial training is conducted with the goal of achieving a better understanding of one's role in the natural order. Through these practices, the first monks grew a deeper connection to the Magic Essence and took inspiration from its natural flow throughout all things. Since then, their practices have spread to all corners of Asobria and led countless along their journey to a deeper understanding of their place in the world.

The Ursinefolk are respected by many for their wisdom and resilience, often earning the trust of their neighbors with their willingness to share their own traditions. Even with this habit of spreading their practices, they often only do so when others seek to learn them and never to spread their own influence throughout Asobria. This seemingly low initiative has led to some people believing the Ursinefolk to be aloof or enigmatic of others. Yet those familiar with them know the extent of their deep wisdom and profound understanding, and that truth will slowly but surely be more known as time goes on.