I can say I agree with most others have said so far.
*Being unique:*
Bearans are large, savage, and closely connected to forests in which they live in, but I belive it is important to make a further distinction between them and the other races in architecture and environment they live.
I wouldn't want them becoming too similar to an elf that walks on elegant treetops (being that massive doesnt help despite most bears being excelent climbers), or dwarfs that live deep in the mountains (they would loos a lot of conection to nature here).
*Nothern Europe/Russia/America enviorment*
- Most importantly enviorment itself should always at least seem untouched by civilization.
- I agree that environment should involve vast (and on many places snowy) boreal, pine and temperate forests
- lots of rivers and lakes as well as hills and caves.
But i disagree on tropical forests as that very likely spreads the culture too far.
*Being large*
It is also important to note they are massive creatures... largest playable race from what ive seen, and their architecture should reflect that.
- Oversized homes (perhaps like viking longhouses) and oversized furniture (if any) should make a human, elf or a dwarf feel even a bit uncomfortable, but not in a bad way (kind of like Beorns home).
- I firmly believe that that architecture should involve very large open spaces indoors as well as outdoors. They could use (as mentioned) large open caves and then expand from the enterance of the cave outwards.
*Simple and essential. Not too primitive or complex*
- Their buildings should mostly be made of wood and a bit of stone where required, but i would ignore adding metal, esspecialy precious metals like gold.
They put value in other things so I dont feel Bearans would care much for adorning their building in anything else other than trophies or totems.
- Each of their homes would likely have a place where they can revere the land/spirits/ancestors. Be it a small shrine in the cave or a small secluded pond.
- The smaller setlements should be focused nearby the areas that are rich in resources (next to rivers or lakes). Otherwise i feel most of their homes would be spread and solitary.
*A meeting place for everyone*
- I feel Bearan prefer to be left alone, but with recent wars the need for a place where everyone congregates has risen up
- Their main city should reflect all of the above noted things, but also allow a way for other races not to feel to exluded when they arrive as guests.
- I can imagine it being on a very large river or lake. It can have a massive open cave (maybe even behind a waterfall of the same lake/river) where Bearan sleep/rest/socialize. The cave itself can then be accessed from the smaller tunnel on topside of the waterfall as well as the large enterance on the lower part.
- Outside the cave itself is where every other race could make their own workshops/houses, but without disturbing the layout of the Bearan architecture too much. So you could perhaps see an elf workshop atop/inside a nearby tree or meet a dwarven blacksmith in his stone workshop.
I probably missed out on something but I suppose I delivered the main points.
Last edited: 2022-07-31 14:47:01