Bearfolk
7 1/2 ft tall bear-like people, they dress in simple robes and are from the southeastern corner of Hansola, in the mountains and the forests of their valleys.
Bearfolk Religion
The Bearfolk worship a pantheon of 3 gods. Bonzo the Sleep God, Ursa the polar bear Goddess of winter and the moon, and Bosco the God of honey, bees, and nature.Ursa's Chosen
Some followers of Ursa undergo a transformation, causing their fur to turn white and giving them resistance to cold damage. They are referred to as Ursa's chosen and often occupy leadership positions.Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
They generally mate for life, getting married and having 1 or two children per litter.
Growth Rate & Stages
They grow up faster than humans. By 15 they are full grown. They are in their prime until 40 where they start to fall off. By 60 most are dead.
Ecology and Habitats
The live in the snowy mountain tops and forested valleys below. They keep large hives of bees for making honey and mead. Each family has their own hive.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Honey, fish, and hunted meat make up the diets of the Bearfolk. They can eat fruits especially berries.
Behaviour
Bearfolk are very earnest and literal. They don't understand metaphors. If someone says he was "a dog on the battlefield" the bearfolk will correct them that they were a bearfolk, and never changed shape. They do understand similies though so if someone says "That guys attacks are like a storm" they understand that they are fast.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Bearfolk are primarily found in the Hansolan continent in the eastern mountains.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
They have an excelent sense of taste and smell.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Bearfolk names are exactly what you think they are.
Male Names: Owen, Orin, Yogi, Bugi, Smokey, Chester, Bonzo.
Femaile Names: Bora, Clover, Rose, Barbara, Bossum.
Male Names: Owen, Orin, Yogi, Bugi, Smokey, Chester, Bonzo.
Femaile Names: Bora, Clover, Rose, Barbara, Bossum.
Gender Ideals
Men and women are equal. There is no discrimination based on sex, those with higher abilities are acknowledged but not placed above everyone else.
Courtship Ideals
Bearfolk mate for life. They get married and breed their families' beehives together. Being big is seen as attractive, as is strength or magical power.
History
The Bearfolk have existed largely outside of the country's history in no small part due to House Mendoza. The Barons of Dozerton have kept the bearfolk safe and let them govern themselves in exchange for mead.
