Bjorsine

The Bjorsine have had a long and bloody history at the bottom of the world. From the earliest sources of history the Bjorsine have constantly been ruled by varying sources of power, with empires fighting for land and influence, both over their own people and other forces. They are savage fighters, ruthless leaders, talented seafarers, and meticulous strategists.

The Bjorsine are infamous for their Khalikar slave trade, which lasted for centuries before a huge clash between them, the Humans and Escorrasi brought it to an end, and in shaky peace treaties. In recent years the empires have mostly been done away with in exchange for the kingdom of Iskjoldur, an alliance between the 13 major Bjorsine city states in the mountains.

Due to a major part of the population living beneath the mountains, the Bjorsine remain relatively unaffected to Starfalls compared to the other species of Crecia, meaning that their civilizations are generally more stable in their accounts for history and science. Bjorsine scholars are at the forefront in science and engineering, and have some of the earliest accounts of the known world in their archives.

The Bjorsine are imperialistic and organized.

Imperialistic

The ancient Bjorsine world powers, the Hjaalmohric Empire and following Volduric Empire were infamous for their imperialistic nature, forcing all around them to submit, ruling with an iron fist and their vast slave trade. After their defeat the following powers certainly changed a lot, but carried their dark past and some of their habits with them.

Organized

The Bjorsine have extended lifespans, more so than any other mortal race on Crecia save for the Roin. The wisdom and time it has granted has created a society that runs like clockwork, especially coupled with their imperialistic and military history that has helped shape their culture.

Physiology

Bjorsine become physically mature in their mid-30-40s, however are not considered emotionally mature until around their first century. Of the major species of Crecia, the Bjorsine have the longest lifespans, allowing them to become some of the finest artisans and warriors in the known world. A long Bjorsine life would be considered anywhere from 400-500 years old, with most living to their mid-late 300s.

Bjorsine are also among the largest of the species of Crecia, ranging from 6-8 feet in height. Males and females are roughly the same size; males tend to be able to build far more muscle mass, however females are inherently taller and larger.

Ethnic Groups

Volduric

Originated from the deep south reaches of the Bjorsine lands
Originally a solitary people, they later expanded outward at a very fast pace throughout the Bjorsine lands, possibly bringing an end to the Jarn Empire.
The Volduric people have a diverse way of life and social organization, varying from region to region, whether it is for arts and style to military tactics.
Volduric states at war would more likely, but not always, count on the assistance of other Volduric states.
Often clash with the Sjoric ethnicity.
The Volduric dialect is dominant throughout Iskjoldur, and is spoken by the majority of Bjorsine globally.
Most Bjorsine are of Volduric descent.
Volgruff The Mighty and his people were Volduric.
Iskjoldur is the historic homeland of the Volduric, far to the south.
Characteristics:
- Large – Medium body size
- Polar bear-esque
- Dominant fur: White
- Recessive fur: Grey
Specialties:
- Warfare
- Mining
- Architecture

Sjoric

The Sjoric Bjorsine are most easily distinguished by their brown fur, a dominant trait among the ethnicity.
The Sjoric tend to be the north-most inhabitants of Bjorsine land, along the northern coastlines of the regions and Iskjoldur.
The Sjoric are known for their love of the sea and their fish trade, which is one of the largest in Crecia.
There is a Sjoric dialect, however it is not as widespread as Volduric and is mostly confined to Iskjoldur. Many Sjoric Bjorsine, especially those outside of the empire also speak Volduric.
Often clash with the Volduric on a wide scale, and were expelled from the lands during the Volduric invasion.
Unlike the Volduric, the Sjoric were not known for their militaristic nature, but instead for their love of a peaceful Bjorsine life.
Characteristics:
- Pointy ears
- Longer necks
- Dominant fur: Brown
- Recessive fur: Black, Grey
Specialties:
- Seafaring
- Aquaculture
- Agriculture

Jarn

Longtime inhabitants and rulers of Bjorsine lands before the Volduric invasion.
Jarnic rulers gained control over their enemies by their early use of iron, giving themselves suits of iron and fashioning their infamous iron claws to shred their foes.
After their fall to the Volduric, many Jarn either relocated to other regions or assimilated into the growing Volduric culture.
As such, there is no Jarnic dialect; many speak a form of Volduric.
Hjaalmohric Empire
The ancient city of Hjaalmohr is build in/on a giant meteor of pure iron, and in the crater it left behind. The iron was used in all parts of life but particularly made into weapons and armor which allowed them to dominate their region of the world. The surrounding volcanoes and subterranean activity allowed them to treat the iron and over time create steel, further augmenting their rule.
Characteristics:
- Smallest physical size, both in stature and body fat
- Dominant fur: Blond, Grey
- Recessive fur: White, Black
Specialties:
- Smithing
- Warfare
- Exploration

Forn

Largely considered the oldest Bjorsine inhabitants of Crecia; the other ethnicities branched away and formed into new cultures while the Forn remained as is.
The Forn were once the most numerous amongst early Bjorsine tribes.
The Forn never formed a large empire or kingdom like other races, instead prefer to keep to smaller tribes.
Although once widespread, the Forn now stay very far south into the permafrost. During the Volduric invasion many Forn moved further south away from their influence.
There is a Forn dialect, which the other Bjorsine dialects are based from. However it is not widely known outside of the Forn themselves.
The Forn are also noted as having a very different religion to other Bjorsine ethnicities, being more spiritual and naturalistic.
Characteristics:
- Thick, stubby necks
- Large body mass
- Dominant fur: White
Specialties:
- Astronomy
- Defense
- Navigation

The Forn have a holy pilgrimage along the Path of Lights, along the south of Crecia where the Aurora blooms

Culture

The long lifespans of Bjorsine give them a different outlook on life from many other species, not completely unlike demons. They are more methodical and patient in their actions, and while that may be troubling to other species with shorter lives, the Bjorsine look out for themselves and tend not to act until they are sure they are making the right decision. Bjorsine can be very focused in completing their goals, often devoting significant parts of their lives to accomplish them. Bjorsine are also a pack species, rarely seen without at least another by their side, both for companionship and also for peace of mind in their rough environment which they dwell.

Bjorsine live for the status quo, highly respecting authority and working to uphold it. They hold grudges, from petty insults thrown their way to political faux pas which can make an enemy of a Bjorsine power that could last centuries. Despite this, Bjorsine tend to trust in diplomacy first to resolve differences and prevent long-lasting wars between each other and outside forces. However if fighting erupts, the Bjorsine consist of some of the most seasoned and vicious fighters known, and hold and survive seiges longer than some species' lifetimes.

Bjorsine smiths are world renowned, even Azwrakki warlords continents away will start wars to get their hands on Bjorsine steel. As such, Bjorsine travelers and warriors alike are oftentimes avoided or well respected on the road, for one good swing can slice most beings in half. Due to the highly territorial nature of the Bjorsine, it is not often that their steel gets too far from the homelands.

The Hjodsogur

This is one of the few remaining artifacts dating back to before the last Starfall, signaling the beginning of the 11^th age.
The Hjodsogur is an ancient text written by Bjorsine scholars, found in the deepest libraries of Jarnhall. They illustrate vague stories of the world in its time, although many dismiss the book’s contents as legend, and draw few actual facts from it.
The text combines stories of explorers, and other cultures, as well as creation tales and stories of gods and demons. Additionally, a crude map of the world at the time is included
A few of the stories include:
- The conflict between the Caralai, Khalikar and Azwrakki in the flooded plains
- The growth of Forenya from a blossom of the Undertree

Krigauffsvommel: The War of the Flood

The legendary war between the Azwrakki and the Alliance of Caralai, Khalikar and Kokkori

Oprettselskoven: The Sprouting of Forenya

According to the Hjodsogur, Forenya was created when a blossom of the Undertree was stolen from Jarnhall during a coup of the empire and was brought across the sea. They said that the Bjorsine and their gods had become corrupt and that they were blessed by one of the gods trying to protect the Bjorsine way. Ultimately they were pierced by 100 arrows, but the blood seeped into the blossom and from it sprouted Forenya.
- Some say the location of this can be found by the red blossoms and plants that exist there, not found anywhere else on the world.
The rest of the gods were angered by this act and in punishment they tried to destroy the Bjorsine and fought anew, but were stopped by other gods. A civil war erupted, and gods were killed, and the war resulted in the land of Iskjoldur being destroyed, but in fear the Bjorsine hid inside the new mountains and made home there.
The Bjorsine generally see Forenya as belonging to them, and when the Khalikar came from the east and occupied it, it angered the Bjorsine who saw it as holy land.

Slavery

The infamous Bjorsine slave trade lasted for centuries before a long and drawn out war dissolved the Bjorsine empire and outlawed slavery in the future Iskjoldur. After discovering a secret glade of the Khalikar, Bjorsine invaders enslaved all who they did not kill, and forced them into slavery for generations.

The icon represents the intertwining roots of the Undertree, the tree from which the Bjorsine believe they were created, born as living flowers. The roots of the tree bind all living things together.

Geography

Iskjoldur

In the collapse of the species, the kingdom of Iskjoldur was founded as a last hold in the world for the Bjorsine to thrive. It is composed of 13 city states, built in hot springs, caves, or other landmarks. Although each has its own identity and culture, the states all rely on each other.
The cities are built in the heart of the Frigid Mountains, and as such it is difficult to traverse. Complex tunnel networks connect the cities through the mountains, using natural and manmade passages. The network is so busy that a number of people have made the caves their homes, with villages built right into the walls of the tunnels.

The Great Tunnels of Iskjoldur

13 main cities/city states connected by the Great Tunnels under the mountains

Fjornhold & Fjoric
- Fjornhold: Home to Bjorsine nationalists, outsiders are very rare.
- Fjoric: Large town outside the walls of Fjornhold.
Helheim
- Built next to a semi-dormant volcano which warms the region. This is the Bjorsine fortress where the legions of military are trained.
Hoga
Jarnhall
- Religious center in the twin peaked mountains of the south. Mainly inhabited by the Jarn ethnicity. One of the ports of Iskjoldur is found here.
Kjosten
- Most diverse of the 13 cities, home to the marketplace of races, leading to the Great Tunnels from the sea. One of the ports of Iskjoldur is found here.
Oksta
Osil
- Circular fortress based around the cathedral wedged between 2 mountainsides.
Sceandis
Stalaus
Staltung
Stenda
Stoninheim
- The western entrance to the Great Tunnels that lead into Tradgar.
Varang
- The capital and cultural hub of Iskjoldur. Location of the Bjorsine Tree of Life. Built over a hot spring, under the peak of the tallest mountain in Dannen.

Notable Cities

Varang

A powerful city in the heart of Iskjoldur, Varang was constructed in a hot spring, and quickly became one of the most populous Bjorsine cities of the south. When Iskjoldur was formed after the Bjorsine fell from global power, Varang became the logical choice of a capital in the new world for its size and protection, acting as the center that all roads lead to. It is where the great tunnels originate from, sprouting outwards.

Jarnhall

The religious center of the Bjorsine, Jarnhall is known across the world for its iconic twin peaked mountain. In the caves of the mountain is said to be the last known sapling of the great Undertree from which the Bjorsine and all life were bloomed from. The sapling in question is actually an enormous tree that blossoms on the Bjorsine New Year, but remains only a fraction the Undertree’s size.

Kjosten

The northern port city of Iskjoldur and what is traditionally thought to be the entrance to the great Bjorsine Halls, huge cave systems that act as cities in their own right that lie beneath the mountains of Iskjoldur, connecting the 13 cities.

Freljor

A pirate capital the Oster Sea, and thriving fishing center. Its prime location between the open waters and the port city of Kjosten results in frequent transactions between the city state and the empire of Iskjoldur. It is what allows the Bjorsine to dominate the sea for its resources, allowing the caves of Iskjoldur to thrive.

History

Hjaalmohr

In the beginnings of the 11th Age, the Bjorsine were much more spread out far to the north. In the south the Hjaalmohr Empire was created, and ruled for 500 years, ruled by a Jarnic warrior aristocracy. It is considered the first golden age for the Bjorsine. It was infamous for the ruthless Jarnic fighters with their steel claws and masks. The empire consisted of divisions of power among smaller territories ruled by nobility (usually of Jarnic descent). Over time the Hjaalmohric ruled over most Bjorsine territory. There was an eventual decline, due to environmental factors, the Volduric invasion, and sea raids from Escorrasi invaders. Around this time was a time of decline and collapse for many global powers, and other kingdoms were overthrown as well (especially Ura and Escorrasi controlled ones), and as a result increased the economic and political instability of the entire region.

Volduric Invasion

With changing times, many Volduric Bjorsine expanded out of their homes in search of new lands and came across the Hjaalmohric lands. Not being a military threat, the Volduric were welcomed. But with new people brought new elements of culture and language; many Volduric trives moved northward gradually. The Volduric originated around the present day Iskjoldur. The Volduric assimilated themselves into the culture, establishing a place in Hjaalmohric centers.

Bjorsine Dark Ages

Palace centers and outlying settlements of the Hjaalmohric Empire began to be abandoned or destroed, and a mere 150 years after the fall, the recognizable features of Hjaalmohric culture had disappeared. As Bjorsine city centers collapsed, the old Hjaalmohric language eventually ceased, vital trade links lost and towns and villages were abandoned. The population of Hjaalmohric lands reduced and the system of state armies, kings and officials disappeared. In this time the Jarn secrets of steel smelting had become widespread, giving that power to other Bjorsine populations and Escorrasi and Ura kingdoms to the north.

Rise of Bjorsine City States

Leaving the Dark Ages, many powers rose within the remains of the Hjaalmohric empire, dividing the land into independent regions organized by kinship groups. A sense of structural and intellectual revolution occurred in the Bjorsine lands, and there was a sharp increase in population and with it brought the settlement of new towns and the expansion of the older population centers. There was a sense of colonization among the reinvigorated Bjorsine. For the first time they spread out, far from the Hjaalmohric remains and practiced seafaring. This was caused by a number of reasons, such as rivalry between political groups, a desire for adventure, expatriation and the search for trade opportunities, especially in the Escorrasi and Ura.

The Sjoric were quick to leave the ancient lands. Eventually the power of kings was reduced and gave way to aristocratic gatherings and councils, and the sharing of power among powerful families. Unlike the Hjaalmohric Empire, the new Bjorsine city states were independent from each other, and autonomous, each ruled by a republican form of government. The colonies set up were independent cities entirely, although drew heritage back from the state it came from.

Relations between the Bjorsine and foreign populations were mixed; some cultures met in harmony while others were conquered and enslaved. This is where the valley of Borodel was discovered and promptly conquered; the westernmost settlement of the Khalikar, a species originating far from the east. While the Escorrasi were quick to use the Bjorsine as a trade opportunity, the Bjorsine and Ura tended to stay out of each other’s wat, not wanting to provoke war with the larger powers that supported them.

Bjorsine-Rhovacturan War

Volduric-Sjoric War

Rise of Volgruff the Mighty

Volgruff was born in a Volduric city state far the the south which held onto many traditional Volduric ways of life regardless of the city states. During his wedding, news came that his father, Valdrmarr, the king of the state had died. Volgruff became heir to the throne and battle broke out during the wedding among many of the brothers over power and Volgruff killed many brothers and cousins to cement his rule. He rose to power and united the southern Volduric city states to form his own kingdom, the first true Empire seen since the fall of the Hjaalmohric. Through his charisma and battle prowess he conquered all Bjorsine territory, founding the Volduric Empire. It was especially notable as Volgruff had no powers from the Starfall or any dealings with magic.

Bjorsine-Escorrasi War

Death of Volgruff & Plague

A plague spread across the continent, suspected to have originated from Tlacaxa, a fabled and dark land to the north. Volgruff and thousands of others across the land fell ill and died. Volgruff died and without an heir.

Brigblaidd’s Rebellion

Viktor Stromhang united the human settlements against a Bjorsine invasion near the end of the war, arming freed Khalikar slaves

Breakup of the Empire

Iskjoldur

Religion

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