Bears
The Bears are comprised of the Peoples of Caledonia, and south-western Orkneyjar, an island which they share with the Wolves. They are made up of diverse groups and clans, which fit into three main broader categories; Celts (including Highlanders, Islanders and Lowlanders), Picts and Sassenachs (being non-Caledonian-born Bears), though the latter term is generally considered an insult. Predominantly but by no means exclusively human, Bears are traditionally clad in tartan, generally in the form of kilts, worn with little or no armour.
The Bears have a reputation for being people of celebration, enjoyment and honour. They love drink, songs and games and enjoy hospitality. However, do not let their fun loving nature deceive you, for the Bears are also strong and fierce warriors and will fight to the death to defend their friends, their honour and their Queens. In modern times the Bears have faced adversity as they find their place in a changed Erdreja and the nation is now led by Lairds, who are charged with the day to day running of the faction. The three Queens now look after the faction’s more spiritual needs, though they remain key members of the Privy Council and there is still no law in Caledonia other than the ‘Will of the Queens’. With more formal structure than in the chaotic old days, the faction is gaining strength, though it is still one of honour, fun and of course the Bears are always ready for a good fight!
Laird General Jander-Kai
Jander-Kai is the Laird General, who leads the Bears faction. He has the ultimate responsibility to the Queens for the faction and the final decision on all issues are his. He has fought hard to bring the Bears out of their bleaker times and has been part of the command structure for many years. Jander stepped up to the Laird General position after the assassination of the previous faction leader, Laird Protector Obidask MacTrew. Jander was previously the Laird Arcane looking after all the magical and ritual aspects for the Bears, before which he had been a formidable ritualist for the faction.
Laird Protector Dougie MacFinn
Dougie has been in the Bears from its earliest inception in the days of Thorfinn MacBeths’ reign. He is a Ruling Laird of Caledonia and is second in command to his friend and comrade Jander-Kai. In his role as Laird Protector Dougie assumes overall command of the military forces of Caledonia, working with the Warleader and his Thanes to keep the Bears safe from hostile intentions. In his time Dougie has been Bodyguard to the three Queens and Faction Champion to name but a few of his roles. Dougie was also extremely successful as the War Leader of Caledonia and he was privileged to be elevated to War Leader of Erdreja by his peers for the epic Cataclysm battle. Like most Bears, he likes to fight, to drink and is by his own admission an accomplished and enthusiastic dancer. However, Dougie is perhaps best known for his martial prowess and he has been crowned Daggers Champion at the Gathering no fewer than nine times.
Laird Defender Mat MacFinn
Mat is the third Ruling Laird and oversees the Queens Fianna, ensuring that the Queens’ Will is heard and enforced across all of Caledonia; be that the Islands, Highlands or Lowlands.Mat has been a prominent member of the faction since his youth, when he started out as a Squire in the Queen’s Fianna. He rose quickly though the ranks, eventually becoming the head of the Fianna with the rank of Bran Laoch, gaining many interesting contacts along the way. Mat left the Fianna when he was made a Ruling Laird but still oversees them, where his long-established associations provide a link to the more nefarious individuals within Caledonia. Mat likes drinking, fighting and dancing and is reputed to be popular with the ladies.