Ursera
Anatomy
The Ursera are large predatory mammals that range in size from a bengal tiger to slightly larger than a polar bear. On two legs the beasts stand from 6 to 15 feet in height, or 3 to 6 feet at the shoulder. They have a single identifiable body type that crosses between a big cat and a bear. Their heads are compact with long boxy snouts, their front legs are thick and powerful, and their hindquarters are more slim but still corded in muscle. Their front paws are massive and feature five toes with long non retractable claws. Their back paws are smaller and have four toes with retractable claws. Ursera are often found in natural colors, but some have accents in unnatural colors, giving them an almost magical look. Mutated Ursera may even boast more unnatural coloring, but due to the disadvantage at hunting, these more designer pelts are not ideal.
Hundreds of years ago, Ealeoch lived together among another sentient species on Mythra. These creatures - genetically cousins to the Ealeoch - were known as the Ursera.
Ursera were more solitary creatures, preferring to travel alone or in small family groups, but it was not uncommon to see one living among Ealeoch, as the two higher species were very close. Together they flourished.
However, one horrible summer, before the creation of the demigods who would control such tragedy, a great drought struck Mythra. Into the autumn months foliage withered and died, and wildfires were rampant. Many creatures perished. The Ealeoch, omnivorous and resourceful, struggled but overall survived. The Ursera however, a carnivorous species, would be unable to sustain themselves on the dying and quickly migrating herds. Their numbers began to fall at an alarming rate. Scared and losing hope, Ursera began to reach out to Mythra herself, speaking to the ancient magics of the land and pleading for salvation.
But Mythra is a fickle mistress, and her chaotic magics did not always bring intended results.
The wish of the Ursera was granted, and they would be spared extinction, but at a price. Each Ursera was sent into a magical hibernation. A stasis, where they would not be destroyed, but time would continue to pass, and the world around them would change.
Finally, after centuries, the magic has been lifted and Ursera begin to awaken. Unfamiliar with the strange new Mythra, they are small in number, but eager to reclaim their place in the world.
Temperament:
Often lumbering and mild, a common Ursera has a docile disposition. They are an inquisitive and wise species, and can be found observing flora and fauna to learn more about them. Now, after the hibernation, they have a deep connection with the land of Mythra, but it is up to you to decide how their connection makes their personality unique. It is also important to note that - generally speaking - Ursera do not usually like one another. Aside from mating, it is uncommon for Ursera to travel together, as these apex predators can feel threatened by another nearby. This is a deep rooted trauma from the drought where food was scarce, but the next generation of Ursera may come to see each other differently.
Climate and Dietary needs:
Ursera can be found in all climates. They have pretty much been able always adjust where-ever they live. Those found in the northern regions have grown long or thick coats with extra fluff to combat the cold. Those found in southern or hot areas have done the exact opposite and have thinner shorter coats, though not to say fluffier ealeoch cannot live there, they have an internal cooling organ that allows them to cool off much better than humans.Ursera are carnivores and live solely off meat and fish. Ursera cubs nurse off their mothers for two months until their teeth come in, however, at this age their stomachs can digest meat, they just cannot chew it.
Life span: roughly 40 years at most
Top running speed: When chasing down prey, an Ursera can get up to 25mph, though only for a short distance.
Biteforce: An Ursera has a bite force of up to 1,200 PSI
Gender terms: | Male - Boar | Female - Sow | Baby - Cub |
Ursera were more solitary creatures, preferring to travel alone or in small family groups, but it was not uncommon to see one living among Ealeoch, as the two higher species were very close. Together they flourished.
However, one horrible summer, before the creation of the demigods who would control such tragedy, a great drought struck Mythra. Into the autumn months foliage withered and died, and wildfires were rampant. Many creatures perished. The Ealeoch, omnivorous and resourceful, struggled but overall survived. The Ursera however, a carnivorous species, would be unable to sustain themselves on the dying and quickly migrating herds. Their numbers began to fall at an alarming rate. Scared and losing hope, Ursera began to reach out to Mythra herself, speaking to the ancient magics of the land and pleading for salvation.
But Mythra is a fickle mistress, and her chaotic magics did not always bring intended results.
The wish of the Ursera was granted, and they would be spared extinction, but at a price. Each Ursera was sent into a magical hibernation. A stasis, where they would not be destroyed, but time would continue to pass, and the world around them would change.
Finally, after centuries, the magic has been lifted and Ursera begin to awaken. Unfamiliar with the strange new Mythra, they are small in number, but eager to reclaim their place in the world.
Temperament:
Often lumbering and mild, a common Ursera has a docile disposition. They are an inquisitive and wise species, and can be found observing flora and fauna to learn more about them. Now, after the hibernation, they have a deep connection with the land of Mythra, but it is up to you to decide how their connection makes their personality unique. It is also important to note that - generally speaking - Ursera do not usually like one another. Aside from mating, it is uncommon for Ursera to travel together, as these apex predators can feel threatened by another nearby. This is a deep rooted trauma from the drought where food was scarce, but the next generation of Ursera may come to see each other differently.
Climate and Dietary needs:
Ursera can be found in all climates. They have pretty much been able always adjust where-ever they live. Those found in the northern regions have grown long or thick coats with extra fluff to combat the cold. Those found in southern or hot areas have done the exact opposite and have thinner shorter coats, though not to say fluffier ealeoch cannot live there, they have an internal cooling organ that allows them to cool off much better than humans.Ursera are carnivores and live solely off meat and fish. Ursera cubs nurse off their mothers for two months until their teeth come in, however, at this age their stomachs can digest meat, they just cannot chew it.
Life span: roughly 40 years at most
Top running speed: When chasing down prey, an Ursera can get up to 25mph, though only for a short distance.
Biteforce: An Ursera has a bite force of up to 1,200 PSI
Gender terms: | Male - Boar | Female - Sow | Baby - Cub |
What is the relationship between Ursera and Humanoids?
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The relationship between Ursera and Humanoids is much like that of early humans and wolves on earth. Ursera are dangerous predators, but due to their sentience they are not mindless killers, and will work together with Humanoids in uneasy treaties.
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The relationship between Ursera and Humanoids is much like that of early humans and wolves on earth. Ursera are dangerous predators, but due to their sentience they are not mindless killers, and will work together with Humanoids in uneasy treaties.
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What is the herding mentality of Ursera? Mating Practices?
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Ursera are solitary creatures, preferring to travel alone or at most in small family groups. It is not uncommon however, for a single Ursera - usually a pregnant female or orphaned cub - to live with or near a herd of Ealeoch. Ursera are not territorial and often do not claim a single territory, but they will easily become hostile to other Ursera, as they see one another as competition for local resources.
Since they are more of solitary beings without herd/pack customs, Ursera the standard is choosing their mate through short or lengthy courtship.
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What level of magic do Ursera posses, and how is it used?
Ursera:
While there are no physical effects from the hibernation, magic has seeped into the Ursera, causing them to have more of an affinity for the magical arts. It is no longer uncommon for an Ursera or their kin to have magical powers and affinities without the need of artifacts. It is currently unexplored what the limitations of an Ursera’s inherent magic is, but examples of powers an Ursera might have include: The ability to heal minor wounds, calling forth small puddles of water from deep underground, predicting the migration of a nearby herd, or even mental telepathy with lesser species and, in some cases, plants. Most of the Ursera’s magic has to do with the land and nature, as they spent so long tethered to Mythra, but in rare cases more destructive magic may be seen as well.
Ursera:
While there are no physical effects from the hibernation, magic has seeped into the Ursera, causing them to have more of an affinity for the magical arts. It is no longer uncommon for an Ursera or their kin to have magical powers and affinities without the need of artifacts. It is currently unexplored what the limitations of an Ursera’s inherent magic is, but examples of powers an Ursera might have include: The ability to heal minor wounds, calling forth small puddles of water from deep underground, predicting the migration of a nearby herd, or even mental telepathy with lesser species and, in some cases, plants. Most of the Ursera’s magic has to do with the land and nature, as they spent so long tethered to Mythra, but in rare cases more destructive magic may be seen as well.