A great empire formed primarily by the Ursus peoples. It is known for its vast territory, harsh environment, and military might.
”
—Loading screen tip
Ursus, formally known as the Empire of Ursus or the Ursus Empire (Империя Урсус) and previously called the Hippogryph Empire (Гиппогрифская Империя), is a Terran country. The largest country in Terra which borders Kazimierz, Victoria, Leithanien, Sami, and Yan, Ursus is famed for its military might and the physical prowess of its mostly Ursine inhabitants. The country is ruled by a monarch with the Emperor (Tsar) as the head of state, although a power struggle between the old guard aristocrats and military leaders is happening behind the scenes.
Ursus is particularly infamous not only for its militaristic and xenophobic attitudes, but also for its cruel treatment of the Infected, who have become the target of pogroms carried out by the local patrol units. Those who manage to survive are usually sent to Originium mining camps in the vast Northern Tundra alongside political prisoners. They are subject to forced labor until they either die from their Oripathy or are systematically killed for the overseers and guards' entertainment. When an Originium mine becomes exhausted, the remaining prisoners are to be executed before the mines are destroyed.[1]
The Ursine language is similar to the Russian language in our world though somehow, both have distinct grammars and accents even though both are mutually intelligible enough with each other.[2]
Description
A great empire with a mostly Ursus population. Its vast lands lie in the extreme north, and though it sits on a great wealth of mineral resources, much of its territory remains undeveloped. Under the leadership of the previous emperor, Ursus stepped down the path of industrialization and militarization, rapidly building its power by launching wars against neighboring countries. However, with its defeat in a war against Higashi and the igniting of tensions between the army and the nobility, Ursus finds itself in the midst of a turbulent societal revolution.[3]
"The might of Ursus shall be glorified across the land!"
Long before the nation was called Ursus, it was called the "Hippogryph Empire" and ruled over by an Elderly race. However, in Terran Year 31, the current Ursine regime, the Ivanovich dynasty, was founded after the Ursi overthrew the Hippogryphs, who had failed to defend the country from the NightzmoranKhagan.[4] The Ursi's nationalistic pride and ferocity drove them to conquer vast territory in northern Terra, and they sought to expand southward in search of fertile lands to support their war machine.
During the reign of Ursus' previous emperor Vladimir Ivanovich, the empire's unrestrained expansionism suddenly reached an unprecedented level through numerous foreign wars and conquests of uninhabited lands. Through his command, Ursus won the Battle of the Four Emperors, which annihilated the mighty Gallic Empire.[5] It waged ten invasions against Kazimierz known as the "Ursus-Kazimierz Wars," which resulted in its occupation of numerous Kazmierzian territories for around a decade. At the same time, Ursus' expedition in its northernmost border, dubbed the "Border of Civilization," led to its encounter with the Collapsals of the Infy Icefield. With its supreme military, the empire acts as a border, both to contain the Collapsals and to use their fragments to strengthen their forces, spearheaded by theEmperor's Blades.[6] Ursus' might during its heyday is acknowledged by many with the following line:
“
Five groups of shieldmen can slaughter a squard of knights; Four Royal Guards can wipe a settlement off the map; Three Wendigos can conquer a small town; Two army groups can decimate a duchy; One sovereign can throw the world into chaos.
However, Ursus' expansionism is not without cost. Its immense military puts a huge strain on its economy and population, especially once the spoils of war can no longer sustain further conquests. As the empire expands, it has also suffered many defeats, leading to a decrease in morale. One such devastating defeat was the death of some twenty Emperor's Blades in the "Valley of the Setting Sun."[8] Back in its homeland, many citizens began to grow unsatisfied with the empire's militaristic policies and their poor living conditions. The Ursine leadership needed a scapegoat to take the blame, and this scapegoat eventually became the Infected. Various laws were passed encouraging discrimination against Infected, which served to distract the population's attention from their leaders' corruption.[9]
A war against Higashi known as the "Bloodpeak Campaign" in the year 1072 marked a turning point in Ursine history.[10] Originally, the war in the east was meant to be a distraction from internal political conflicts following Emperor Vladimir's illness and the empire's inability to hold annexed Kazimierzian territories. However, not only did Ursus suffer a heavy loss, but also Higashi successfully invaded it in retaliation. Even Kazimierz took the opportunity to recapture its lost territories amidst the failing conquest in the east during the "Daybreak over the Golden Prairie." Worst of all, Emperor Vladimir died sometime afterwards, leaving a power vacuum in the middle of the war.[11]
Following the failed invasion of Higashi, Ursus experienced the "Great Rebellion." Allegedly started by a drunk soldier who injured a nobleman, it escalated to a civil conflict between two factions: the royalist Fifth Army and the old guards' Sixth Army. In the midst of the chaos, the Fourth Army betrayed the nobles and allied with the royalists. Together, the two divisions completely annihilated the Sixth, which weakened the nobles significantly.[12] A large number of high-ranking officers were purged from the Ursine military, weakening overall national strength. While the Rebellion did not completely purge the old, warmongering aristocracy, the aftermath gave rise to the dominance of a new generation of nobility, who were seen as more moderate and progressive.[13] It also inspired others to rise up and fight for the rights of the Infected, such as Buldrokkas'tee's son.[1]
Until present day, the conservative nobility, many of them under the influence of the Deathless Black Snake, have continued to lead Ursus on the path of war, believing that only war will strengthen the empire, at the cost of the Infected and common folk. The Chernobog-Lungmen crisis, initiated by Reunion and backed up by the Third Army, was one such conspiracy that aimed to drive Ursus into another conflict. Even the current Emperor of Ursus, Fyodor Vladimirovich, does not have the power to act, despite his pacifism and his wish to end the Infected's plight.[13] On the other hand, the new nobility represented by the State Council with Islam Witte at its helm are working to reform the empire, concentrating on consolidation of the Emperor's power and development of industrial trade across the empire.
Tatiana: An Ursine civilian who used to work as a copyist at a local university, until she was forcefully turned into Infected by the vengeful Reunion during their occupation of Chernobog. After being tortured both physically and psychologically, she initially mistrusted other Infected. She and Guard encountered R.I. as they were infiltrating Chernobog. After some initial hostility, R.I. provided her basic treatment.[14][15]
Ivan Iziaslav☠: An elderly Ursine Infected who contracted Oripathy after working in the Originium mines. He took care of Talulah alongside his wife after she fled from Kashchey. Ivan handed himself to the patrolmen while they launched an anti-Infected pogrom on his village in order to keep Talulah and Alina safe.[16] He was murdered on the spot after demonstrating his Arts before the patrolmen.[17]
Ivan's Wife: Ivan's unnamed wife who took care of Talulah and showed concern towards her. Her fate remains unknown after Talulah and Alina were forced to escape the village.[18]
Vladimir Ivanovich☠: The previous Emperor of Ursus who, despite his natural born illness, showed great tactical acumen and leadership. He led his nation in the quest for expansion to the south and won the Battle of the Four Emperors, turning Ursus into a militarily powerful empire and becoming possibly the greatest monarch in Ursine history.[5] However, he was also responsible for the failed conquest of Higashi, the corruption and stubbornness of the old aristrocrats, and the persecution of the Infected before his sudden death. Despite not caring about the Infected, he was described as a supposedly "kind and benevolent man" by his followers.[19]
Baron Neva†: An Ursine noble who was stabbed to death by the royalists of the First Army during the Great Rebellion. Following his death, the Nomadic City that once was part of his jurisdiction was abandoned.[20]
"Alyosha Bluebeard": A cavalry commander of the Ursus Imperial Army and an old comrade of Hellagur and Patriot. At one point made a bet with Hellgaur that Patriot, then loyal to Ursus, would ascend to the Grand Marshall rank in the army.[21]
"Barclay the Bald Bucther": A veteran soldier of the Ursus Imperial Army who fought alongside Patriot and Hellagur against the Kazimierz Campaign Knights during the "Daybreak over the Golden Praire". According to Hellagur, he was extremely worried when he saw Kirill Nearl, Margaret's grandfather, rally numerous knight orders that were already ambushed by the Ursus troops.[22][21]
Enemies[]
Most Ursine soldiers and troops are notable for boasting good stats in addition to having a ranged attack which can target Ursus Civilians and Talulah, the Fighter over friendly units.
Deity Grypherburg: The capital of Ursus, where the imperial palace and the State Council is located. To some old guards, it is the holiest place in Ursus.[23]
Shiraziberg: An industrial Nomadic City briefly mentioned by Talulah[20].
Simoch: A city said to be driven into a lake and sunk by the Emperor's Blades.[19]
Facilities[]
Pine Valley Retreat: A sanatorium in central Ursus where Grand Duke Vanya stayed after becoming a political victim.
Landmarks[]
Northern Tundra: An inhospitable, frozen region lying in the north of Ursus. This is where the Ursus Army set up concentration camps for the Infected, and where the battle against the eldritch beings from the Northland took place.
