Nanuk

The Nanuk, or Jotun ("giant") in Gardic, as referred to by Fenrans, are a race of primitive humanoids resembling polar bears in appearance, who roam the Nordheim Mountains region of Frysgard.

The Nanuk people are nomadic and avoid contact with the other species whenever possible. They organize into several clans whose names and characteristics are poorly documented, but all of these clans are known to be allied within an organization called the Nanuk Clanpact, which was formed to unify against Fenran aggressors and minimize internal strife. The leaders of each group of Nanuk are called Pact-keepers, whose role is to enforce the tenets of the Clanpact as well as to make all major decisions that affect their group.

Biology

Nanuk stand at 7-8 feet tall at average, making them the tallest natural humanoid species on Zairis. Despite this, they have a stocky build with comparatively short legs and a wide frame. Females are slightly shorter than males, but other sexual dimorphism is not readily apparent to the casual observer. Their extraordinarily thick fur and default Ice-aligned Aura contribute towards a near-complete immunity to cold.

History

Origin

The Nanuk have been reluctant to share much of their history with outsiders, so general knowledge of it is very limited. In particular, their origins are so shrouded in mystery that it may only be known to the highest ranked Pact-keepers of the Clanpact. It's theorized that one or more of the Kami local to Frysgard may have had a hand in creating them, perhaps in imitation of Iris creating the Miacids in Mithros.

Pre-Draconic Era

The Nanuk had free reign of the entirety of Frysgard for millennia. During this time, very few of them settled, with the majority retaining the nomadic lifestyle the species is known for today.

New arrivals and the Clanpact

The very beginning of the Draconic Era saw the appearance of both Fenrans and dragons in Frysgard, pushing in and taking territory for themselves, resulting in many of the Nanuk clans being forced out of their regular rotation of territory, which led them into conflict with invaders and fellow Nanuk alike. This came to a head during a three-way clash of Nanuk clans all competing for the same location that saw heavy losses, only for the victor to be driven out merely a week later by a Fenran incursion. These three clans came together in a truce and resolved to form a clan alliance that might stand a chance against the invaders. This was the establishment of the Nanuk Clanpact, after which, the three clans merged into one and sent envoys to the other remaining clans that hadn't been wiped out to invite them to join.