Urskaya

Emblem of the Ursine League in 4E 776

**Urskaya** is the colloquial name for a group of smaller territories under the direct or indirect control of the Ursine League, spanning almost the entire north of Wyldcrown and encompassing the bulk of the continent. Much of the territory remains wild and untamed, though it is still considered part of the U.L.S.S political area.

## Society

### Culture

Urski culture varies wildly based on the region. The central parts are the most heavily urbanised, though vast stretches of empty land still remain a staple feature. In these parts, culture is dominated by the ursine focus on family and state as one entity. In general, the aim of the individual is to serve the "family", which in this case is the state. The state is militaristic and territorial, pushing against borders often, and itching for reasons to head to war and expand territory, wealth, and influence.

In the far east, along the borders with Baradôr heading up towards the sea, the land is wild and the people wilder, with a number of nomadic tribes making their homes in the snowy ranges. People here are generally left alone by the urban government, provided they do not pose any trouble.

In the far west, the land is scarcely populated, made up mostly of quiet ice wastes and fierce blizzards. The few people who live here keep mostly to themselves and are rarely of any influence.

The capital city is Nodvograd, one of the largest and most sprawling cities in the world, built out of an impressive mixture of arcane infused ice, slate, and stone. It is home to a massive population, since it is one of the few places in northern Wyldcrown that isn't harshly inhospitable.

### Demographics

Making up the bulk of Wyldcrown, the territory is relatively young in its unified state. The population is predominantly ursine, with a diverse mixture of tribes from numerous other races making up the remaining populace.

By 4E 776, the aggressive expansionism and militaristic tendencies of the U.L.S.S government has led to more and more territory being absorbed into the region, increasing the diversity of the population, though generally in the more urban areas non-ursine are seen as secondary citizens unless they do a great service to the Mother Tribe (the state).

### Politics

The U.L.S.S uses a Stratocracy form of government. The head of state is also the head of the military, and the military's administrative, judiciary, or legislature powers are supported by law and society.

The ruler of the U.L.S.S, known as the Czarina, is always female, a tradition which extends back to the nomadic days when the maternal figures of the individual families were looked to for guidance. In fact, many of the predominant political figures of the League are also female.

In keeping with ursine tradition, no one citizen is above the other. Slavery of other ursine is forbidden on penalty of death, and it is expected of any member of society to distribute to others any accrued wealth or benefit in equal manner. Even the Czarina herself is not considered superior to her citizens, and her rulership is by law a "temporary convenience for purposes of organisation". In theory, any citizen could disobey a direct command of another without penalty, but realistically nobody would do this, as it would be to the detriment of the "family" (i.e. the state). This state of equality typically does not extend to non-ursine, although some who have earned respect and standing within the nation are afforded the same honour.

Rulership of the U.L.S.S does not persist by bloodline. Instead, a new Czarina is elected on virtue of merit and strength. Votes are equal for all citizens, though generally individual families will elect representatives to cast their collective votes, making the political theatre similar to many others. Larger and stronger families hold more influence, and coalitions often form amidst the many factions in order to gain influence. That being said, the Czarina is considered exclusively a member of the collective family of the state, and should owe no allegiance to no one specific coalition.

## Trivia

* Urskaya, particularly in the more urban areas, is inspired heavily by real-world Russia, and the principles and behaviours of the U.S.S.R. Geographically speaking, it also holds a very similar position in world politics, making use of vast space and large population to wield influence.