Ursal

Capital City: Axholme
Population: Approx. 20,000,000
Religion: The Fayth (South), Heltevei (North)
Ruler: Queen Aethelyn Belfrage III and Queen Consort Dreda Blakeley
Demonyms: Ursan, Ursa
Emblem: The chasing pikes

Pronounced: Er-sol

Found in the north eastern region of the continent, Ursal is a land of harsh and unforgiving winters and mild but beautiful summers. The people here are hardy, and sometimes mistaken for being gruff and surly, however this could not be further from the truth. Ursa people pride themselves on hospitality and community, even with strangers. Although, an Ursa’s hospitality is not to be forsaken, and to disrespect this culture will unleash their fury. 


Southern Ursal generally follow The Fayth, however the northern reaches still hold onto the creed of Heltevei. This faith appears to combine ancient ritual with some lesser elements of The Fayth, creating its own style of worship unique to this harsh, cold corner of the continent.

Despite their shared faith, Ursal and Verda do not see eye to eye. With Verda's history of conquest and expansion, Ursal has hunkered down behind its natural mountain defences and largely keeps as a nation to itself - with only some trade extending down south to Tarquinia but rarely much further. 

Queen Belfrage and her Consort Dreda have three children together. Verda views her heirs as illegitimate because her consort bore them with a (politically approved) donor. However, Ursal views raising a child, blood or not as legitimate parentage - and having heirs not of blood is also common place. The succession line following their children are among four other noble houses. 

Art by Eldritch Swain

The Flag of Ursal

Two chasing pike on a field of navy, and a single diagonal stripe of dark turquoise. It reflects Ursal's offensively defensive nature, in an I'm watching my back, while also chasing yours, sense. 

Recent History

Ursan Civil War (1718-1721)

30 years ago, civil war ended in central Ursal. This war was spearheaded by King Aelsfig II three years before, who sought to eradicate The Fayth from Ursal. This short war was bloody and brutal, with many innocents killed in the name of God and Helligmor. The war ended with the execution of King Aelsfig, and the crowning of his firstborn, 6 year old Queen Aethlyn III, who would be taught in the ways of The Fayth and Heltevei.

Places of Note

Axholme

Named for its position on Die Axe, the axe shaped inlet of sea in the Black Strait between Ursal and Verda. The Ursa Jaegerhaus is located here, and is the newest one to be established. Axholme is split into two, with an extremely well defended fort on the Strait's shore and the hilltop city itself; the two are connected by a winding road weaving uphill. From atop the hill, one could easily travel on to the rest of Ursal. 

Despite its sea-side location, this port city is an intimidating presence from across the Strait. Rough waters, rumours of sea beasts and heavily fortified watch towers along the islands make Axholme a threatening deterrent to Verdan explorers.

Elkohn

Where the River Callyn splits in two, Elkohn the town is located on the long twisting island of the same name. The river rejoins to form Lake Skeppe, and flows on south. Elkohn is primarily known for wood processing, but also for its freshwater fishing industry. With such easy access to swift waters, driving logs from upriver in the great forests of the north to Elkohn is common practice. 

Morkweard

A valley shrouded in mystery and home to the strange. Only the hardiest of Ursan culture thrives here, for they are neighbours with an ancient and powerful force. To some, this is a holy site for the most zealous of pilgrims, and to others they come to seek answers that may never truly be given. 

Himarkl

The most northern part of Aynca. It is cold, the sun never sets and it is seen as the closest place for any Ursa to reach the gods. 


In summer, Helligmor's presence is unending and the warmth of her rays constant as the sun never sets. During this time, The Great Chase occurs, a summer festival that utilises the constant daylight. It is an endurance hunt, where participants hunt their quarry across several days without rest in honour of Helligmor. 

During winter, Himarkl is plunged into an eternal darkness under the watchful and scornful eyes of Helligfar. These times are hard, but rewarding, for those who live in Himarkl during winter and emerge with the dawn of spring are seen as the strongest in mind and body in all of Ursal. 

To some it may seem inhospitable, but to those who diligently follow Heltevei, it is a peaceful but challenging life. 

Towns and Villages

A selection of known towns and villages throughout Ursal:

Clothing & Fashion

Peasants

Layered, robust fabrics like homespun wool and felt reflect the harsh Ursan climate. Clothing is tough wearing and generally dark and muted in colour, although pops of bright colour shines through with intricate hand embroidery along hems. 

Rabbit fur and hand knitted scarves, caps and gloves are used as thick barriers against cold weather. These accessories are worn with sturdy thick coats, breeches and skirts. Large sweeping cloaks ward off the worst of the Ursan winter, but farthest north entire suits of fur and hide keep people warm. 

In the summer when the weather improves, embroidered vests and sashes add personal flair to plain, practical base layers stripped back from their winter coverings. 

Nobility

Luxurious furs, heavy velvets and brocades look rich and opulent on Ursan nobility. The combination of style and practicality sets their style apart, just as suitable for the depths of winter as well as striking an imposing figure in the courts. 

High collars with fur trims, long sleeves and ankle length coats with ornate clasps and padded shoulders are distinct features of noble fashion. Corsetry and structure is used to emphasise elongated silhouettes, especially when not wearing their imposing coats.