The Rodnye

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An Urskan magical bloodlines

The eight rodnye of Ursk (singular: Rodnya) are the secretive magical bloodlines that both control the magical power of the population of Ursk, and rule the country. The rodnye are each a loose confederacy, headed by a powerful mage, each with their own idiosyncratic and individualistic attitudes and rules. Only those invited to join a rodnya may undergo the secret rituals that bind them to the bloodline and enhance their arcane strength. Nonetheless, at the highest levels the rodnye coordinate to rule and defend the country.

The eight rodnye are:
- The Rodnya Voknaz, based in the western part of Ursk, and known primarily for their skill in war and in shaping elemental forces into destructive magic. Long a proponent of offensive power as the best defense against dragon invasion.
- The Rodnya Morozmir, based in the southeast of Ursk, and specialists in defensive magic. Said to be particularly strange, and likely involved somehow in the vast arcane wards that protect much of the country.
- The Rodnya Zoryana, based in the center of the country, known for their penetrating gaze and uncanny ability to see what is, was, and might be.
- The Rodnya Kinzal, enchanters and illusionists
- The Rodnya Nivik, conjurers and teleportation specialists