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.
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.
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.
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.
The Forn have a holy pilgrimage along the Path of Lights, along the south of Crecia where the Aurora blooms
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 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.
13 main cities/city states connected by the Great Tunnels under the mountains
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Viktor Stromhang united the human settlements against a Bjorsine invasion near the end of the war, arming freed Khalikar slaves
Religion