History
The history of the Ursa Party is shrouded in legend and myth, as many of their stories have been passed down orally from generation to generation. According to their tales, the Ursa Party was founded by a powerful bear spirit who took pity on the first humans who stumbled upon the mountains of Vikholm. The bear spirit offered them protection and guidance, and in return, the humans swore allegiance to the Ursa Party and promised to protect the mountains and its inhabitants.
As the centuries passed, the Ursa Party grew in strength and numbers, establishing settlements and strongholds throughout the mountains. They became fierce warriors and skilled craftsmen, known for their impressive metalworking and stonemasonry skills. They traded with other tribes and the towns of Vikholm, forging alliances and treaties to ensure the safety and prosperity of their people. However, the Ursa Party's long history was not without conflict. They have faced many threats over the years, from invading armies to dangerous monsters and magical beasts. They have fought bravely to protect their homes and their people, and their victories have become the stuff of legend.
Despite these challenges, the Ursa Party has remained steadfast in their loyalty to Vikholm and the Evergreen Queen. They believe that the mountains and the creatures within them are sacred, and it is their duty to protect them at all costs. The bearkin are highly respected by the Vikholm people, but not everyone outside of their land shares this respect. Some raiders from the Silver Dominion, a neighboring Empire, have taken an interest in bearkin fur and believe that it holds special powers. They have been hunting the bearkin for their fur, which has caused great harm to the bearkin population. The Ursa Party considers this an act of aggression and a violation of their rights, and they have taken measures to protect themselves.
The Silver Dominion authorities claim that the raiders were acting on their own and do not condone their actions. However, some believe that the authorities may be turning a blind eye to these activities as a way of testing the border and pushing their influence into Vikholm. In response to the raiders' actions, the Ursa Party has retaliated fiercely. They have caught some of the raiders and publicly skinned them, hanging their remains across the border as a warning to any who come too close to their homes. The Ursa Party takes the protection of their land and people seriously, and they will not hesitate to use force to defend themselves.
Abilities
The Bearkin have been living in the mountains of Vikholm for centuries and have adapted to the harsh environment. They possess a natural strength and endurance that allows them to move easily through the rugged terrain of the mountains. They have developed an incredible sense of balance and agility, making them excellent climbers and navigators of rocky slopes and steep cliffs. Their connection to the natural world is another aspect of their abilities. They have an intimate knowledge of the plants, animals, and terrain of the mountains, which allows them to hunt and track with great success. They have honed their senses to be highly attuned to their surroundings, able to detect even the slightest movements or sounds.
Their hunting skills are not limited to prey on the mountains. They are also skilled fishermen and are able to catch fish in the streams and rivers that flow through the mountain ranges. The Bearkin have a deep respect for the natural world and do not hunt more than what is necessary for their survival. They believe in taking only what they need and leaving the rest for the ecosystem to thrive. The Bearkin also have a unique ability to communicate with the wildlife around them. They have a deep respect for the animals and are known to form strong bonds with some of the creatures that live in the mountains. Some even say that the Bearkin have a special connection to the spirits of the land and the mountains, which gives them insight and guidance.
Hierarchy
Their hierarchy is based on a combination of age, strength, and experience.
At the top of the hierarchy are the Elder Ursus, who are the oldest and wisest among their kin. They are respected for their knowledge and experience, and their wisdom is highly valued by the younger Bearkin. The Elder Ursus serve as advisors and mentors to the other members of the Ursa Party, and their decisions are often followed without question.
Next in the hierarchy are the Mountain Chief, who are the strongest among their kin. They are the veterans and watchers of the Mountains, and they are known for their exceptional strength and endurance. The Mountain Chiefs are also skilled hunters and trackers, and they are able to navigate the treacherous mountain terrain with ease. They are the most powerful warriors in the Ursa Party, and they are tasked with defending their people from external threats.
The Clawguards are those who have fought and proven themselves worthy as members of the Ursa Party. They have shown their bravery and dedication to their tribe, and they have earned the respect of their peers. The Clawguards are often tasked with carrying out important missions, such as scouting the borders of the Ursa Party's territory or leading hunting parties.
Finally, the Cubpaw are the young cubs who are learning about their ways, purposes, and how to fight. They are the future of the Ursa Party, and they are trained from a young age to become skilled warriors and protectors of their people. The Cubpaw are taught by the Clawguards and Elder Ursus, and they are expected to follow their teachings and traditions.
Overall, the Ursa Party is a highly organized and hierarchical society, with each member playing an important role in the defense and survival of their tribe.
Elder Ursus Ursula Greatpaw is an old female Bearkin who has served the Ursa Party for many years. She is highly respected for her wisdom and experience, and has been appointed as an advisor to the Evergreen Queen. She is also responsible for representing her Party at the Capital, where she serves as an ambassador and mediator between the Bearkin and other factions.
Elder Ursus Argos Longclaw is an old male Bearkin who has been a long-time warrior and head of the Border. He is highly respected for his strategic mind and experience in battles, and has been instrumental in defending the Ursa Party against raiders and beasts. However, due to his age, he has now passed on his knowledge and skills to the younger generation, and serves as a mentor and advisor to the Mountain Chiefs.
Mountain Chief Oberon Razorback is a young and powerful Bearkin male who has already become a legend among his kin. He has led many successful attacks against raiders and beasts, and is highly respected for his strength, agility, and tactical skills. He is known for his use of unconventional strategies and his ability to inspire his fellow Bearkin to fight with great ferocity and determination.
Mountain Chief Uffo Bloodjaw is an old and formidable warrior who is well known for his brutal attacks with his jaws and claws. He is feared by enemies and respected by allies for his strength, agility, and combat skills. Despite his age, he is still a force to be reckoned with in battle and serves as a role model for younger Bearkin. He is also known for his deep connection to the natural world and his ability to track and hunt prey with great efficiency.
Beliefs and Goals
The Bearkin's loyalty to Vikholm and the Evergreen Queen is rooted in their history and belief that they are the guardians of the mountains and the natural world. They see themselves as an integral part of the ecosystem and understand the interconnectedness of all living things. They believe that nature should be respected and revered, and that balance and harmony are necessary for the survival and prosperity of all.
The Ursa Party's ultimate goal is to ensure the survival and prosperity of their tribe and the land they call home. They are dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance of nature and protecting their land from any threats, whether it be from raiders or the natural elements. They take their responsibility as protectors seriously and are willing to fight to defend their territory.
The Bearkin's motto, "Your honour is your life. Let none dispute it," reflects their commitment to integrity, loyalty, and honour. They value personal integrity and see it as the foundation of a person's honour. They believe that honour is not something that can be taken, but must be earned and maintained through one's actions and decisions. The Bearkin are willing to lay down their lives to protect their honour and the honour of their tribe.
Rules
The Ursa Party's strict code of conduct reflects their deep commitment to honor and justice. They believe that every member of their tribe has a responsibility to uphold their values and contribute to the protection of their land and people. To ensure that their members adhere to these values, the Ursa Party has established several tenets that they follow.
The first tenet, "Clear your mind, know no fear and strike fast," emphasizes the importance of mental clarity and fearlessness in battle. Bearkin warriors are trained to be decisive and quick, able to strike their enemies with precision and force.
The second tenet, "The Mountains will never fall, nor shall we," highlights the Ursa Party's deep connection to the mountains and their belief in their own strength and resilience. They see themselves as the protectors of their land and people, and are willing to defend them at all costs.
The third tenet, "Our words do not win wars. Our deeds do," reflects the Ursa Party's focus on action and results. They believe that actions speak louder than words, and that their deeds on the battlefield are what ultimately matter.
These tenets, along with other rules and expectations, help to govern the behavior of the Ursa Party's members and ensure that they remain loyal, honorable, and just in all their actions. The punishment for breaking these rules can range from banishment to more severe consequences, depending on the severity of the offense.
