Clan of the Bear (Artos)

The Bear Clan claims to be the oldest and first of the Celtic peoples.  According to their oral traditions, the first of the Bear Clan were born of the Great Bear named Artos during the dawning of the world.  The Bear Clan believes they are the direct descendents of the first men and rightfull heirs to the land surrounding the Valley of the Bear, the place where humankind was brought forth into the world.   They are also keepers of the sacred Stone Temple on the shores of the Great Boudica Lake.  Specialy trained druids chosen from the clan serve as the the temple's care-takers, and other members of the clan make a living selling goods to and trading with those making pilgrimages to the revered site.   The Bear Clan, beleiving they are descended from the Great Bear, have a special affinity for bears, using their likeness in their art and emblems, as well as using druidic magic to tame and keep large numbers of the bears in each village.  Black bears and large brown bears are used as animal laborers, guards, and even family pets.  The largest cave bears are highly prized and trained as war beasts, sometimes carrying the highest ranking druids or tribe leaders into battle.