Bear

Bears are both diplomats and warriors, who travel the lands seeking to bring peace whenever possible; but willing to lay the hammer down forcefully to settle a dispute.

Physical Qualities. The Bear tribe are amongst the largest of the Theru tribes, standing roughly 6'5 to 7 feet in height, and weighing upwards of 300 lbs. They have powerfully defined builds, and heavy facial features. Bears range in coloration from black, to brown, to even brindled fur colorations.

Unlike many other Theru, Bears appear to prefer their human form over their hybrid form. For some, the difference is difficult to tell, as even in their human form they tend to be rather hirsute.

Were-bears are taller and heavier than the human norms of other cultures, standing almost universally above 6 feet tall and reaching heights above 7 feet.

Playing a Bear. As most Bears have a wanderlust, they're frequently bards. Some are fighters or rangers, with a few small paladins that act as wandering magistrates in Radiant and Umbral lands. Bears rarely take up pure arcane casting, but a small few might become warlocks simply to gain enough familiarity with demon pacts to serve as intermediaries with their patron.

Culture. Bears form small enclaves near settlements, and take on the responsibility of guarding and protecting the humans within those settlements. These enclaves are not permanent, and are designed so they can be moved on a moment's notice. Since Bears are inveterate wanderers, the population of any particular enclave might change on a daily basis as individuals move on to different locales. In the larger world, Bears commonly act as mediators and diplomats for the other tribes; settling disputes, land disagreements, and serving as judges or magistrates.

Courtship amongst Bears is generally considered very simple; a female indicates her interest to her would-be partner. If the interest is returned, the two begin living together for a traditional period of three months. During that time, they are encouraged to air grievances and come to accordance on behavior. After three months of this trial union, they either go their separate ways or confirm their relationship. Long negotiations, barter of goods and 'services', and other forms of settling arguments are common in the relationship.

If children result from the relationship, further negotiation will take place on who will be the primary parent should the union dissolve, the best enclave to raise the children, boundaries that the children can expect, etc. Bear youths are often raised in an environment of constant diplomacy, and are frequently encouraged to hone their skills of word-craft as a form of play.

Relations. Bears are well respected for their ability to handle almost any situation with aplomb. They are usually welcomed into any community. Bears who decide to 'settle down' often gain some position of authority within any town or village. Bears are often sought out by Serpents for the initial management of a new city.

Humans. Bears make little distinction between the Theru members of the tribe, and their human counterparts. Human children are raised as part of the family unit and are encouraged to consider themselves full Bears.