Bear Clan

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Location and Geography



Large Box 1: Kyuden Kuma, The Capital

Box 1: Fields of the Sun
Box 2: Kuma's Boon Village
Box 3: Eastern Waystation
Box 4: Kuma Harbor
Box 5: The-Rice-Stalk-In-The-Shadow-of-the-Bear City
Box 6: Western Checkpoint
Box 7: Southern Waystation

Small Box 1: Beiden Pass

Dot 1: Howling Mountain (peak 1)
Dot 2: Howling Mountain (peak 2)
Dot 3: Sea of the Bear
Dot 4: Sea of Southern Strife

Kyuden Kuma: The capital of the bear clan. An enormous castle fortress with various hovels around it under protection of the mighty clan. Unlike most capital cities, this one is primarily military, with court taking a second stance. Very little natural defenses (unlike, say, the forests of the fox or mountains of the sparrow), but still considered an impossible siege target given the might and size of the bear army.

Fields of the Sun: Found in the lands once owned by the decimated fox clan, the Fields of the Sun is known for growing some of the best rice in the empire. Although it yields more rice than any other region of the Bear or Fox clan, since its take over by the Bear kami the crop's quality has mysteriously steadily diminished. Fortunately for the bear clan, the field's reputation has not.

Kuma's Boon Village: At one point the major trading hub that lie on the other side of Beiden's Pass across from the capital of the bear clan and the closest village to the Fox aside from The-Rice-Stalk In-The-Shadow-of-the-Bear City, Kuma's Boon Village has recently moves over to the role of a "northern waystation" of sorts that is the final destination of most of the ex-fox land rice before it ships to various places across the empire

Eastern Waystation: The Waystations of the bear were originally simply military outposts along trade routes. However, due to the many jobs created by these large, castle-like towers, cities have evolved around the waystations over time, becoming important trade routes as more and more of the empire is controlled (and therefore requires less and less tight military control). The eastern waystation is closest to the Crane, and therefore an important land-trading post for the bear who use the influence of the politically powerful crane merchants to get spices and silk that the bear have trouble producing themselves.

Kuma Harbor: Where the eastern waystation is the most used land-based inter-clan trading post in the bear lands, the Kuma Harbor is the most common sea-based trading post in the Bear lands. Bordering the Crane clan and (beyond the Bear Sea), the Wolf Clan, Kuma Harbor is really the economic center for the Bear clan. Although considered "less noble" than the Crane ports (due in part to the lack of attention of the local police force and the many Crane guilds in the area that tend to operate out of the Bear magistrate's authority due to an early treaty signed when the Harbor town was sanctioned), the port has become an important hub for both trade and politics.

The-Rice-Stalk-In-The-Shadow-of-the-Bear City: Bordering the Rabbit (and at one point the Fox), it is from this town that the invasion of the Fox lands was originally proposed and finally enacted. It is truly unknown what the motives of the Daimyo of this region were when the Fox lands were invaded, but some point to the Rabbit's dark influence over this city... This town houses more shamans and spiritualists than any other city...as well as more ninja. Despite this common knowledge, it is not something that is spoken outside of whispers.

Western Checkpoint: The Waystations of the bear were originally simply military outposts along trade routes. However, due to the many jobs created by these large, castle-like towers, cities have evolved around the waystations over time, becoming important trade routes as more and more of the empire is controlled (and therefore requires less and less tight military control). This particular waystation was actually originally dubbed a simple "checkpoint" from the nervous bear politicians who were coerced by the Rabbit in redirecting their military away from the Rabbit-Bear borders. This waystation is the primary trading hub in the Bear clan between the Bear and the Rabbit. Anything from exotic fruits to rare artifacts and magic items can be found in this town, which contains a good percentage of shamans and spiritualists (although seconded in number and frequency to The-Rice-Stalk-In-The-Shadow-of-the-Bear City.

Southern Waystation: The Waystations of the bear were originally simply military outposts along trade routes. However, due to the many jobs created by these large, castle-like towers, cities have evolved around the waystations over time, becoming important trade routes as more and more of the empire is controlled (and therefore requires less and less tight military control). Because of rabbit influences, this waystation was created resulting in the abandonment and eventual declassification of the old "Southern Waystation" (now called the "western checkpoint"). Officially this waystation is meant to be the "hub between the rabbit and the bear", although in reality the waystation is a secondary naval station, protecting the bear clans from any who may attempt an invasion by water from the south.

Beiden Pass: Between the howling mountain ridge there is but a single passage suitable for travel. This is Beiden Pass, arguably the most important trade route in the empire. Without traveling to Crane lands (or the Eastern Waystation), it is impossible from the south to reach the bear capital (or Ki-Rin lands) through normal means (the sparrow keep their paths a closely guarded secret and only those who are used to such dangerous mountain climbs can traverse the harsh northern terrain). Under Imperial Mandate, there is no fee required to travel through Beiden Pass, and although there are numerous tiny waystations and checkpoints throughout the passage, bandit activity is not unknown...

Howling Mountain (peak 1)

Howling Mountain (peak 2)

Sea of the Bear:

Sea of Southern Strife:

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Customs and Traditions

The Bear Clan are the military might of the Empire. Boasting the strongest infantry, second strongest cavalry and the third strongest naval power in the empire, they are more than a force to be reckoned with. They are a force to be feared.

The clan itself is enormously devoted to the will and place of the Emperor and the Ki-Rin clan, earning the Clan the title "Right Hand of the Emperor". They are the most subservient clan to the will of the imperial court, as well as one of the most trusted even despite their recent invasion of the Fox lands (in fact, one can say that the clan's success in their invasion was due to their previous selflessness and effectiveness in past wars). Their loyalty to the emperor's claim has its roots in the very roots of the empire. As the Ki-Rin kami won fair-and-square in a tournament of strength, so to do the Bear clan recognize and honor their strength now and (seemingly) forever.

Their economic, political and even spiritual strengths are naturally tied to their military might. They are prone to very "open" and "honest" politics, letting their army's speak louder than the words in the courts. Their spellcasting focuses around mass-enhancing multiple troops as once, movement, communication and healing based support spells--great tools of war more beneficial in the long run than even the most raging inferno that could be summoned by a Sparrow or Dragonfly clan member.

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Clan Benefits

Clan Benefits:

Warrior's Heart: (1-5)

Almost everyone in the Bear clan is an expert at some martial art. From their days as children, the Bear are taught how to fight and are hardened into the fiercest warriors amongst the clans. This attribute is essentially a mini version of the Bushi "frenzy". For non-Bushi, you gain the "frenzy" ability, however its effectiveness is equal to half the number of points placed into this talent (maximum +2 to attack, stamina or raw strength, divided anyway you choose). Each point in the talent adds 1 round to the total amount the character may Frenzy. The character also gets 1 key scenario at rank 1, 2 key scenarios at rank 3, and 3 key scenarios at rank 3.

Every point in this attribute by a Bushi gives the Bushi proficiency with 1 weapon, and an extra Beserker Point. Every 2 points adds another key scenario.

Warrior's Legacy: (5)

This ability can only be chosen at character creation and offers the user a free weapon that must have belonged to an ancestor whose spirit now fully or partially inhabits the weapon. The user gains the Ancestral Daisho ability like that of a Samurai, however it scales at half effectiveness (so you get Spirit Manifestation at level 20).

This attribute may be taken by Crane as well, but Crane cannot get Spirit Manifest.

Controlled Frenzy: (1-5)

With this abilty a character with the Frenzy (or similiar) ability can use his or her Frenzy at will a number of times per day equal to the number of ranks in this attribute.

Combat Casting: (2-3)

2 Ranks in this skill allows a spellcaster to ignore some mundane effects that would interrupt him from casting a spell such as being grappled, silenced, heavily wounded, etc... The battle hearty casters of the Bear aren't the only ones who can benefit from this attribute: the Dragon and Dragonfly can take this attribute but cannot take the 3rd rank.

3 Ranks in this skill allows a spellcaster to cast with weapons in his or her hand. Although Kiho can usually be cast without needing this, Shugenja and Onmyouji require this in order to use their spells with anything larger than a single light one handed weapon (like a dagger).

Ancestor Magic: (1-5)

A unique magic system (like the unique Hearth or Geomancy magic systems of the Fox or Shadow and Moon Magic systems of the Rabbit), Ancestor Magic can only be taken by members of the Bear who are either spellcasters, have 1 point of Ki or take the "Unlock Kikai" attribute. See the [URL="http://www.amalgamrpg.com/forum/showthread.php?p=21533#post21533"]Ancestor Magic thread[/URL] for more information.

Please note that the Bear Clan has more Samurai techniques than most Factions.Clan Benefits

Clan Benefits:

Warrior's Heart: (1-5)

Almost everyone in the Bear clan is an expert at some martial art. From their days as children, the Bear are taught how to fight and are hardened into the fiercest warriors amongst the clans. This attribute is essentially a mini version of the Bushi "frenzy". For non-Bushi, you gain the "frenzy" ability, however its effectiveness is equal to half the number of points placed into this talent (maximum +2 to attack, stamina or raw strength, divided anyway you choose). Each point in the talent adds 1 round to the total amount the character may Frenzy. The character also gets 1 key scenario at rank 1, 2 key scenarios at rank 3, and 3 key scenarios at rank 3.

Every point in this attribute by a Bushi gives the Bushi proficiency with 1 weapon, and an extra Beserker Point. Every 2 points adds another key scenario.

Warrior's Legacy: (5)

This ability can only be chosen at character creation and offers the user a free weapon that must have belonged to an ancestor whose spirit now fully or partially inhabits the weapon. The user gains the Ancestral Daisho ability like that of a Samurai, however it scales at half effectiveness (so you get Spirit Manifestation at level 20).

This attribute may be taken by Crane as well, but Crane cannot get Spirit Manifest.

Controlled Frenzy: (1-5)

With this abilty a character with the Frenzy (or similiar) ability can use his or her Frenzy at will a number of times per day equal to the number of ranks in this attribute.

Combat Casting: (2-3)

2 Ranks in this skill allows a spellcaster to ignore some mundane effects that would interrupt him from casting a spell such as being grappled, silenced, heavily wounded, etc... The battle hearty casters of the Bear aren't the only ones who can benefit from this attribute: the Dragon and Dragonfly can take this attribute but cannot take the 3rd rank.

3 Ranks in this skill allows a spellcaster to cast with weapons in his or her hand. Although Kiho can usually be cast without needing this, Shugenja and Onmyouji require this in order to use their spells with anything larger than a single light one handed weapon (like a dagger).

Ancestor Magic: (1-5)

A unique magic system (like the unique Hearth or Geomancy magic systems of the Fox or Shadow and Moon Magic systems of the Rabbit), Ancestor Magic can only be taken by members of the Bear who are either spellcasters, have 1 point of Ki or take the "Unlock Kikai" attribute. See the [URL="http://www.amalgamrpg.com/forum/showthread.php?p=21533#post21533"]Ancestor Magic thread[/URL] for more information.

Please note that the Bear Clan has more Samurai techniques than most Factions.

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Families

Kuma Family

The proud warriors of the mighty Kuma family are unrivaled in their strength, tactical prowess and overall brutality in combat. The kuma do contain a good number of courtiers (usually commanders of troops), but more often than naught this family contains a great deal of Bushi and Samurai. This family is famous for granting Bushi who prove themselves in combat the Samurai Caste status, despite their clan (or clanless) origins.

Kitsuki Family

Among the bear, one of the most respected families (alongside the Kuma). The Kitsuki family serves one primary purposes: housing the many Shamans of the Bear clan, who specialize in Ancestor magic. As the spirits of the ancestors to the Bear are as sacred as the kami are to the Dragonfly or the spirits of the forest to the Fox, this family's unique ability to speak with (and even manifest) the ancestor's of old is one that is placed in extraordinarily high regard. This family also contains many monks and sohei who train and defend the many shrines that dot the planes of the Bear.

Kaiu Family

The merchants, sailors, engineers and ninja of the clan. The Kaiu family excels above all other families in the empire in the art of seige warfare (both offensively and defensively). Their engineering prowess in the empire is unparalleled, and they are considered the first family to use gunpowder for more than show.

Kuni Family

The elemental spellcasting family of the Bear, including some of the strongest "war mages" in the empire (that is, casters who specialize in deploying, moving, healing and strengthening many troops at once). The kuni family are very much opposed to the "dark arts" (like those of the Rabbit clan), but at the same time their own way of using the kami has technically caused much more bloodshed then any of the subtle magics of the Rabbit. They have the most "warrior-casters" of any clan.

Kintaro Family

A new family, granted posthumously to Kuma Kintaro (now known only as Kintaro) for his work in the Bear-Fox "war". The family oversees all conquered territory of the Bear clan, ensuring all peasants and levies from conquered lands are content and loyal to the Bear clan. They are the most diplomatic of all the families, and unfortunately seen with slightly less respect than the other families because of this... They also serve as the scouts of the clan.

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"When I was a child, I cried a lot. I stopped when my brothers hit me harder."
~ Bear Clan Samurai

Being born into the Bear clan means that one is brought up in a violent place. Not abusive, mind, but strength and patience is imbued into every Bear Clan warrior hopeful. Bloodlines and puissance is valued most highly in the Bear Clan to the point where children with physical deformities are likely to be abandoned or killed in rejection. Despite this Spartan practice, the Bear are not really seen as barbaric in that regard because who can really argue with the right hand of the Emperor?

Courtship or.... Matrimonial Combat
The Bear have an interesting method of "courtship". A suitor will either bargain for his bride, or fight for his bride. Bargaining usually occurs when the father of the bride is no match for the suitor or the father has greater political stance and this is done very passive-aggressively.

Matrimonial Combat itself is brutal and bloody, usually between father of the bride and suitor. Sometimes, the bride's brothers, sisters, even their mothers have been known to challenge a suitor's petition. The suitor wins his bride's hand but if she refuses him, she can take him on in combat as well. If she loses, then it is customary that she take her defeat with honor and go to be the suitor's wife. Combat isn't always the rule however. If a bride's father accepts the suitor's petition without violence and complete trust, then combat is not necessary.

The Family
Bear Clan families are made up of a father, mother, and children, a very basic set-up. The houses are rarely ornate in any way and tend to be very practical. Barracks-like apartments in cities are commonplace. Simple mostly, sometimes an elderly parent will live with the family or an unwed sibling (note sibling and not sister), will help with the childrearing.

The Bear Mothers
Bear Clan wives are prized as their bodies are very strong and able to bear many healthy children. In addition, they hold a precarious position within the clan. Strong children are the pride of their mothers and fathers and all children honor their parents through their strength and prowess of combat. It is in the mothers though, that are honored for the health of their offspring. To ensure this, they will prepare healthy foods and diets for their families and exercise vigorously to make sure that theirs and their children's bodies are at peak preformance.

The Bear Fathers
Children who excel at combat and martial skill honor their fathers. The life of a Bear Clan man or father is one of strength and soldarity. They simply do not flinch from a fight to protect their honor and will always be the first to defend the name of the Emperor and his integrity. Pressure is placed on the men obviously to serve the interests of the Emperor and the Bear clan as well as to achieve personal success.

The Unfertile or Chuusei
Every now and then, a woman or man will be sterile or not very fertile. These women are deemed inappropriate to be the wives of strong warriors and so, to protect the gene pool and make sure that no good warrior blood is lost on some silly little thing called love, these women will be divorced and sent not to the house of their father, but to a special section of the Capital of Bear lands, Murasaki no Machi, or the Purple Town. The same fate awaits infertile men. These sterile men are sent to Murasaki no Machi to serve in a special brigade. All residents of the city are carefully documented and sometimes are given new names at the request of their families if they have unmarried siblings. This is to prevent a stigma from being attached to unwed siblings who may be fertile as a result of a barren sibling. Some families even go as far as to falsify deaths to explain away a barren child's absence. They are required to wear purple cords on them at all times, designating them as being effectively genderless and barren.

It should be noted that IF a Chuusei proves themself to actually be fertile, they may leave the Chuusei caste into normal society. This is fairly rare though.