[CHAR] Valley Dwarf Clans I

[Wernher]

Clan Hornfel



Muin Hornfel

Bio:
Hornfel was never all too interested in the affairs of the valley since he was so low down Muin's bloodline. Nothing was expected of him and all he could expect was a small inheritance to subside as he lived in the shadow of his older brothers. It is because of this that in his youth he was afflicted with wanderlust and left the valley to come back only sporadically over many years. Still, each time he came back it was with wondrous tales and wondrous treasures indeed, which took the interest of many who, knowing there was a whole world out there, thought they could profit from the contacts he made outside. These merchants employed craftsmen who in turn also had families and slowly, Hornfel founded his own clan, capitalizing on his travels to insure himself some wealth through trade with outsiders.

Clan History:
No dwarf likes the other humanoids, but they sure enjoy elven silk and when the winter is rough, human crops. Hornfel and his follower capitalize on this with ease, being the only clan that willingly mingles with outsiders. This made them a wealthy clan that established itself as the middleman between the other clans and the rest of the world (and sometimes even between the clans of the very valley they were in when some stubbornly refused to talk to others) and even got them begrudging respect from others as they are often the first to signal an incoming menace and call for the clans to rally their banners to defend the valley.

Other relevant characters:
-Kas Vibrek: An adventuring companion of Hornfel that doesn't even originate from the valley, he says that he himself is one of the sons of a powerful foreign lord though there is nothing to suggest it might be the case. He established himself in the valley alongside Hornfel, encouraging wanderlust in dwarves of a more... martial persuasion. Now, he is officially known as a 'Mercenary Captain' and unofficially as HORNFEL's captain as they watch each other's back whenever possible. Some have qualms about seeing most of the fighting men of the clan periodically leave the valley to fight for and against outsiders, but no one complains about the gold they see when they come back.

-Sister Yulia of Ergoth: A human that keeps close to Hornfel for good reasons as she is known to preach about her foreign god to whomever might want to hear about it, sometimes even those who don't. She's a human cleric Hornfel associated with during his travels and is now unwelcome in her homeland, thus her presence here. Hornfel says he has a debt of honor toward her and thus cannot throw her out, but some rumors say he has deviant sexual relations with the weird human girl. Well, at least time will rid the valley of this problem, humans are short lived after all... but shouldn't its effect already be apparent? Its been some years...

-Goldfinger Orban: Voice of the craftsmaster and merchants of the clan, he respects Hornfel as his clanleader but in business, they talk to each other as partners. His job is to motivate dozens of people with divergent aims and interests into somehow working together to keep the clan going in more or less the same direction.

Location of the clan:
The main pass entering the valley, between two mountains.

Population of the clan:
-1712

Main settlement(s) and economical activities of the clan:
-Muin Town: 'Don't expect foreigners to know or care about the local customs. If we want to build a trade post we'd best keep it simple' was what Hornfel said about the name of this settlement years ago. It was supposed to merely be a location to facilitate trading with the outside but it quickly became prosperous, attracting craftsmen who wanted to deal directly with the strangers to have bigger profit margins. Located straight on the main path to and fro the valley between the mountains, it has no real farmland and relies on the melting ice for water but with trade, this town, protected from the outside world by stone walls, didn't know any real starvation yet.

-Hornfel-Krag: Ambitious, Hornfel wondered if he could perhaps find something worth mining in the mountains to further his own riches. He didn't find the gold and gems he was hoping for, instead finding numerous deposits of iron and other cheap metals. Still, he knows that the smiths have many secrets that were the source of many experiments so while the miners here work to produce weapons and armor of decent but not much better quality as well as every day goods people need, he has what experts he could gather to try and work on a magical alloy of sort.

Military forces of the clan:
Vibrek's Company:
Soldiers of fortune motivated by the desire to see outside the valley and gain some coins.
-120 Hammer & Shield Linemen.
-30 Crossbowmen.
-10 Horse Scouts.

Muin Town's guard:
The honest constables that insures when people get too drunk they can sober up in a cell, that or the last, desperate line of defense.
-18 Mace & Shield Guardsmen.
-The Militia (Peasants get bow training one day a week, range, not accuracy training, to mass fire volleys should the wall be attacked)

Hornfel's Retinue:
Soldiers from Vibrek's company that decided to quit traveling due to either old age or because their wives got pregnant. Still, they were looking for a stable day in, day out job close to home so Hornfel, for a significantly reduced salary of course, offers them stability.
-30 Hammer & shielf linemen.
-10 Crossbowmen.

How much does your clan respect the Gods and the old traditions?
Most dwarves are supersticious but while they swear by the old gods, very few actually actively worship. It is notable that at this point, Yulia's religious fervor has attracted some converts.

What justifies your claim for the lordship of the Valley?
Quite simple: To the outside he was always known as the son of Muin and now that Muin is dead, they don't see a higher person of power than him in this region of the world. It might be because they don't know any better, but he is seen as an equal among leaders by the outside world, no matter how small his kingdom, and has already been accepted as the ruler of the valley. This might not hold much sway to the stuborn dwarves who don't care about what 'outsiders' think, but he is still known by the local as a fair and easy going leader that believes 'He who rules the less, rules best', making him popular among the more liberal elements of the valley.

Quote one thing that makes your clan special among the others.
The Hornfel clan is a young filled with people who like their chief, didn't find their place in the rigid social structure of the older clans. As such they have a drive to make their place in the world, aggressively going forward toward new ideas, even if it means leaving the old traditions behind.

Relationships:
-Clan Reverent: Hornfel merely smiles when his brother speaks of religion to then say 'To each his own'. He's already explained how the reason Yulia lives with him is because he owes a life-debt to her and thus won't betray her, no matter what he thinks of it. Still, their relationships remains cordial if not warm, for Hornfel and Dourhorn know each other both to be reliable. Dourhorn might be zealous but it is why Hornfel doesn't believe he'd ever betray one of his kin and Hornfel might have been led astray but not so far he'd forget the meaning of family.

-Clan Longstrider: To the youngest clan leader Hornfel is surprisingly kind, preferring to offer him good deals and whatever help he can provide at every turn. He says its because clan Longstrider plays an important role in things, preventing dangers rather than simply reacting to them, but truth is his attitude is rather paternalistic. Leth is after all one of the few clan chief that is younger than he and Hornfel is quick to dismiss his potential claim to the title of Lord-Master saying that 'even if the task Leth has taken upon himself to accomplish, it shouldn't be the task of the entire valley'.

-Clan Bright Shield: Agrim always was the brother Hornfel felt the closest to before the both of them left the valley to their respective adventure and as such is willing to consider him closer than just kin. Still, he feels that the both of them have grown apart since they left each other, not having yet fully digested Agrim saying that his tales of adventure were lesser to his own, stating fighting for the high king against the green hordes would always be a superior deed than what Hornfel did, questing with a bunch of foreigners.

-Clan Orin: Hornfel would love to say that he 'likes' his older brother but Orin does make it hard to do so. Hornfel is after all in an excellent position to sympathize with Orin, sometimes there are things that need to be done and they might not be glorious deeds, its just that Orin doesn't seem to understand the extreme importance of public image, something Hornfel takes painstakingly good care to maintain. Ultimately he tries to work pass his uneasiness and be courteous as well as honest with his brother but somehow, he can't help but think maybe Orin has something to do about everyone whispering about him and Yulia...

[Bluetommy]

Clan Orin

Clan Orin

Muin Orin

Bio and Clan Information: Muin Orin was the fourth of Master Muin's many children, and was always the most dutiful. Orin was always by his father's side as a youth, learning as much wisdom he could from his father. While training as a warrior, Orin also learned the necessity of just and fair rule from his father's tutelage. Orin became an adequate warrior and a kind man, joining his elder brother Dourhorn on his father's council. Orin was always the quietest of the house of Muin, hiding a keen manipulator and an ambitious leader. Despite this, his mediocrity as a warrior meant that it was hard for him to attract a large following, but what he does have is incredibly loyal due to his charity.

Ore is one of the building blocks in Dwarf society, Dwarves are famed for their incredible tools and weaponry. Most of this ore comes from the mountains surrounding the Dwarven valley. The clan of Orin lives in these mountains, using them for shelter and using them to mine ore which is then traded away. As such, Orin's clan is among the richest, second only to perhaps Clan Hornfel. Unlike, however, the respected and trustworthy clan of Hornfel, the clan of Orin is known for being isolationist and territorial, it is said that the northern mountains (their territory) are among the most dangerous places in the valley.

Other Important Figures.
-Torgin Bjorn
^{Friend of Orin and steward of High Mountain Keep, A former architect, is among the best economists in the valley.}
-Urist Belkar
^{Grandchild to Muin and nephew to Orin, Belkar is a child of eight, adopted by Orin after he ran from home. Belkar is naive and serves as Orin's conscious, preventing him from becoming the valley's only true villain.}
-Harpheart
^{Wife of Orin and mother of all his children, Harpheart is ruthless and brutal, making it very clear that she doesn't love her husband and is using him for her own gain, Orin is forced to keep a tight leash on her.}
-Orin Straybow
^{First-born son of Orin. A young adult, Straybow is the chief military commander of High Mountain Keep. Straybow is young and a serial womanizer, he also inherited his mother's ruthless streak.}

Location of the clan: High Mountain Keep is located to the south-west of the west pass, seated at the top of the region's largest mountain.

Population of the clan: 1366 Dwarves.

Main settlements and economical activities of the clan:
-High Mountain Keep is less a keep and more a cave with a draw-bridge, carved into the peak of the region's largest mountain. The keep contains around 900 Dwarves, perhaps more, all of whom are terrified of outsiders and react poorly to anyone not of Dwarven origin. The keep contains a large amount of mining shafts and forges, while also housing a large amount of impressive constructions, all thought up by Bjorn, especially the massive "doomsday floodgate". Containing all the magma used in the forges, the massive amounts of molten rock will flood the keep if it is ever opened. This serves as a final assault should invaders reach that deep into the mountain. There are farms near the very peak of the mountain, with sloping ceilings and glass panels keeping the snow out but letting the sun in. Water is harvested from melted snow or underground pools should they be found.

-Holsis' Outpost is a town to the southeast of High Mountain Keep, situated in a secluded forest flanked on all sides by mountains. The 400 inhabitants are mostly lumberjacks, harvesting wood from the forest and bringing it back to High Mountain Keep. The town is also the main trading hub of the clan, with the merchant's guild office seated here. It also hosts the majority of the clan militia, with most of its lumberjacks being skilled enough with an axe to fight with it. The town seems near desolate during the day, when all the lumberjacks are out harvesting, but at night it is a haven of drunken tomfoolery and xenophobic lynching.

Military forces of the clan:
-Forty axedwarves
-Twenty hammerdwarves
-Ten pick-tossers
-Five crossbowmen

Other: The majority of the clan do not commit to regular worship of the gods, but a majority of laborers possess idols to their patron gods to protect them, and most aristocrats are regular worshipers.

Having the distinction of being among the closest sons to Muin at the time of his death, and having been around the king for the vast majority of his youth, Orin claims that he was raised to be Muin's inheritor, and was groomed for leadership from a young age.

The Orin clan sets itself apart due to its reclusive nature and trickery. Members of the clan do not care for heroics or following the old ways, they do what is in their best interest, and that is what makes them the most morally dubious of the Muinites.

"There will be a throne at high mountain keep, and it will be my arse sitting in it." -Muin Orin

[gorgenmast]

Clan Hoarfrost

Muin Bladeborn

Muin's fifth son was so large and so heavy at birth that he had to be cut from his mother's womb. It is said that Bladeborn was as large and heavy as an ox's heart in the midwife's arms, and as such it is somewhat unsurprising that he grew to become a giant among the dwarves - in terms of both stature and renown.

From an early age, Bladeborn was large and strong enough to wrestle down boys several years older than he. Bladeborn's strength came to be his identity, and he cherished the ability to give an effortless walloping to anyone brave or foolish enough to spar with him. Under the tutelage of the Lord Master's most seasoned captain, Dolmur Goutfoot, Bladeborn came to become a mighty warrior. Though Bladeborn was well-endowed in brawn, he was found wanting in brains. Bladeborn is nearly illiterate and is rumored to have difficulty performing even simple arithmetic.

With the passing of his father, Bladeborn asserts that he is the rightful heir to the valley's lordship. Discounting Dourhorn as an "insufferable runt", Bladeborn argues that his elder brothers are too weak to rule, invalidating their claims to lordship. And though Bladeborn may indeed be better suited to protecting the valley from the likes of goblins and human poachers, his detractors make a compelling argument that the mighty dwarf is too simple-minded to handle the day-to-day governance of the valley. Bladeborn, however, believes that might supersedes logic and law. If Bladeborn cannot win his throne by legal succession, he is well prepared to back his claim with brutish force.

Clan History and Retinue

Muin Bladeborn left his father's citadel some time ago to establish his own holding in the northeast of the valley. Nestled amongst the snowcapped peaks of the Hoarfrost Range, Bladeborn and his settlers took the name of Clan Hoarfrost in homage to their new home. Bladeborn may not be the wisest of Muin's sons, but he is smart enough to surround himself with talented advisers. The Hoarfrost Court is filled with a eclectic cast of characters:

Captain Dolmur Goutfoot: Bladeborn's old instructor now serves as his primary confidant and right-hand-dwarf. Goutfoot is old even by dwarf standards, but that does little to stop him from riding out to lead the Hoarfrost dwarves against the clan's enemies. Goutfoot supports Bladeborn's claim to lordship, but after seeing his master struggle to write runes or perform simple arithmetic since he was a boy, Goutfoot secretly doubts his master's ability to rule the valley.

Velmor Cragbuckle: A successful merchant and moneylender, he joined Clan Hoarfrost in lieu of Reverent as he felt Dourhorn was more competent with money and would tax him more steeply than the comparatively-ignorant Bladeborn. Recognizing his skill, Bladeborn charged Cragbuckle with serving as the clan's principle bean-counter and adviser in all things monetary.

Fogrin Greyspine: Formerly a spy in the employ of Lord Master Muin charged with gathering information from the broader dwarven world. With his master's death, Greyspine was persuaded to join Bladeborn's court. Greyspine now puts his services to work for Muin, operating a network of spies throughout the clans of the valley.

Sevrith Angule: The newest and most contentious addition to the Hoarfrost court. A human hailing from a neighboring kingdom of men, the Hoarfrost dwarves tried to turn Sevrith away, only to discover that Greyspine had invited him to the valley under direction of Bladeborn himself. At the age of 50, the former mercenary has reached the end of his effective fighting life at a young age as humans do. Though his joints are too brittle and achy to serve as a sellsword, Sevrith now sells the knowledge he accrued over years of campaigning and fighting as a consultant of sorts.

---

Location of the clan: The Hoarstrath, a rugged, wintry vale nestled among the Hoarfrost Mountains in the northeast of the valley dominated by old growth spruce and pine at the high altitudes with dense groves of aspen and maple in the bottom of the vale. The Hoary River races down from glacial meltwater in the high mountains fast and cold, tumbling over numerous waterfalls and boulder-strewn glens as furious white torrent. Eventually, the Hoary settles into the glassy waters of Lake Murthanz.
Population of the clan: 1,582 dwarves
Main settlements:

Troutglen: A narrow canyon carved out by the Hoary River falling down toward the lower elevations of the Hoarstrath serves as the main settlement of the Hoarfrost dwarves. The cold pools beneath the waterfall teem with the town's namesake rainbow trout. Stone bridges span the chasm, connecting tiers of walkways and homes dug into the sheer cliff walls. Troutglen is positioned at the farthest navigable point of the Hoary River, and boats from Lake Murthanz are often docked at jetties in the pools. Bloodborn's keep is carved into the eastern face of the canyon.

Bog Landing: Although a rudimentary road runs all the way to Troutglen, virtually all goods to and from the town pass through Bog Iron to be sailed upstream. Bog Landing is situated at the southern shore of Lake Murthanz on a reedy bog strewn with dead trees. A network of jetties run out a considerable length out to deep water, and several huts have been built on stilts over the water. On solid ground is a small trading post surrounded by a low palisade wall where the crude path to Troutglen meets the well-established roadway that runs throughout the valley.

Silver Mines: When Hoarfrost dwarves first settled the valley, prospectors scoured the Hoary's sediments for traces of gold for any sign of deposits in the Hoarfrost Mountains. The prospectors found little gold, but an abundance of silver. Following the Hoary and its tributary runs deep into the mountains, enterprising dwarves found several silver deposits, of which two were deemed worthy of constructing a mine. The Shivering Run and Heelspur Mines are both quite successful. The Lord Master's death, however, has thrown the legality of the mines' charters into question. Nearby clans are now claiming that the lucrative mines are in their territory, rather than rightful Hoarfrost land.

Military forces of the clan:
100 Shield-and-hammer dwarves
50 Axe dwarves
50 Crossbow-armed dwarves (levies)
12 Riders

How much does your clan respect the Gods and the old traditions?
Reasonably so. There is a chapel in Troutglen and a small outdoor shrine at Bog Landing. Bladeborn, however, is not known for being particularly pious. This is most likely out of ignorance than for any heretical beliefs.
What justifies your claim for the lordship of the Valley?
Bladeborn holds that he is the only dwarf strong enough to lead the valley through its tribulations.
Quote one thing that makes your clan special among the others. A martial slant; a belief that Hoarfrost is truly the strongest clan and is willing to shed blood to see this fact made apparent.

[Elgappa]

Longstrider Clan

Leth "Goblin-Bane" Longstrider

Bio

Born as the only Child of Ragnar "The Longstrider", who was the second son of Lord Master Muin, few would ever assumed that Leth would lead a whole fraction of his grandfathers kin, and nobody would have dreamed about him raising a claim to the position as Lord of the valley! But Murins Grandson now leads the Clan Longstrider, as the youngest Clan leader that any dwarf in the Valley ever had heard of.

Leth took the punch, yet his face showed his sadness, for Agrim always had been his favorite uncle. "May you always Travel on secure paths, uncle!" With soft round cheeks, and not a single hair on them, Leth had to fight his tears, but wouldn't dishonor him by crying like a little girl.

Ragnar himself was a simple dwarf, with little ambition, but great loyalty to his father and brothers, taking on the position as Warden of the Valley, leading his folk to protect it, on the surface and below. As soon as Leth could muster his first beard, he had joined his fathers Rangers, and wandered the endless roads of the valley, the area around it and the vast darkness below it. Killing his first Goblin before coming of age, Leth soon was renown as a great warrior among the folk of Muin.

When his father, Ragnars, died at the hand of the Goblins of the Black-Nose Tribe, Leth was struck with grief, and mad with anger. For Three years, Leth and his warband, had vanished into the dark, before ascending once more, with the caves of the Black-Noses turned into silent graves for the greenskins. Taking on his fathers position as Clan-Leader, Leth "Goblin-Death", now leads the folk of Longstrider, and continues to follow his old mans duties, by protecting the Valley from all its enemies...be it within, or without!

Ragnar had wished his grave to be as simple as every other Rangers who had fallen in battle. A simple stone coffin, with his name carved into it, his axe laying on top of it. Leth was known to spend much time mourning his father, even after his bloody revenge. He had changed much from the soft young boy, to a true merciless warrior and finally to the new Warden. As the doors to the hall of the dead were pushed open once more, Leth turned around. His uncle had returned!

Clan History and Members

Clan History: Few enemies are more hated then the wicked Goblins, yet they are not the only bane of the dwarfs in this valley! Be it Orcs,Goblins, Hill-men Barbarians, or the terrors that lurk in the vast darkness of the caves below, they all lust for the riches, the blood, or even the very souls of the dwarfs of this valley!
Yet, the best defense against such terrors lies in attacking them, and for this very task Ragnars and his folk were chosen to wander the Valley, the land around it and the paths below it!
Against all odds, the Clan grew in size and power, and even could establish some limited trade in supplies and information's, with Human Trappers and Elven Rangers outside the Valley. Yet their main focus lays on defending the Valley and scouting for any danger that may approach it!

Other relevant characters:
-Kregoc Irontooth: Holding the Rank of "First Ranger" Kregoc is the oldest and most experienced Veteran of the whole Clan. Second only to Leth, he has taken the position as his right hand, and most trusted Adviser.
A grim, scared Veteran, Kregoc duties have shifted to a more administrative duty. Also the Marshall of the Clan, he is in charge of overseeing training of fresh recruits, who eagerly open their ears, when the old Veteran shares his wisdom.

-Brodic and Trakec Flintcloak: Leth has no siblings, yet if he ever would call somebody brothers, it would be the twins Brodic and Trakec. Growing up with them in his fathers hall and later becoming part of his unit of rangers, there was no time in Leths life, where he couldn't count on his two brothers-in-arms!
Brodic is a giant, at least for a dwarf, and is said to hold the strength of an bear, while his younger brother Trakec is a sly fox of a dwarf, with an brilliant tactical mind. Both also paid a price in blood, as Brodric lost his tongue to a goblin knife, and Trakec his leg to the bite of a Hillmen axe.

-Xara Karrak Xe´Resh: An exotic beauty, coming from a far away land, Xara was a strange guest in the halls of the Longstrider clan. Claiming to be the sole surviving child of a lost dwarven kingdom she was granted a right to stay, under the condition that she would work her share.
This decision by Kregoc Irontooth, was quickly revoked as Leth had returned form a long patrol outside the valley. Falling for her the moment he lay eyes on her, he claimed that it was unjust to let a princess, for such a beauty surely had to be of noble blood!
Sparing no expenses, Leth would go to great lengths to court her, and soon would take her as his wife. A cunning, if not sly woman, some claim her to be the source of Leths ambition to become lord of the Valley.

Clan details

Location of the clan:
The clan claims the land at center of the Western Border, near the small lake.
Population of the clan:
-1175

Main settlement(s) and economical activities of the clan:
-Waystone Hold: A fortress that is mostly carved into the mountain, Waystone Hold is the heart of the Longstrider Clan. With its gates cleverly hidden from searching eyes, and carefully layed out traps and murder-holes, it can be easily defended from enemies.
With the years Waystone Hold has been expended further and further into the mountain and below, and some would rather call it a town, rather then a Fortress, as many non-militant members of the clan have settled down in its halls, and following peaceful businesses inside and outside the wall. The fortress has also been build on a warm spring, keeping it warm even in the coldest winter, and making the inhabitants the cleanest dwarfs in the whole valley.

-Last light: Deep below the valley, in a cave lightened by glowing Fungus, lays the small town of Last light. Originally founded as an outpost, for the exploration of the far depth, and for prospectors to rest, it has experienced quite a growth in size, as many honorable discharged Rangers were granted mining rights in the depths they had spend most of their life exploring. Farming fungus and algae, it also has become a pragmatical farming post during the winter.

A common saying of this clan is:" We are rich in Iron and blood, not gold!" There is much truth to this statement, as the economy of the clan is mainly based on supplying its actions to protect the Valley. Under the leadership of Ragnar the clan was completely reliant on the support of other clans, yet Leth has changed this as soon as he came into office. Reducing the military, and placing many of his older rangers in Reserve, he could reach some level of self-substance. Granting land and mining rights to Veterans, the Longstrider clan was able to build up his own reserves in Food and ores. Yet the Western Border is cold, and its land is barren and even with its trade with outsiders, the clan is constantly only a harsh winter away from Hunger and Poverty.

Military forces of the clan:
120 Rangers: The core of the clans forces, these lightly armored Dwarfs patrol the valley and scout for its dangers. Forgoing the typical dwarven ways of war, they mostly stalk their prey, and strike when its guard is down. Armed with crossbows, bows and hand-weapons (swords, axes and Hammers), and little to no armor.
60 Warriors: A steady core of warriors holds the Waystone fortress. Clad in Heavy armor, and armed with might Axes and Hammers, they guard the Stronghold against all intruders.

The Waystone Reserve: All firstborn sons must serve some time as Rangers, so was the law that Ragnar proclaimed, and even his own son wouldn't receive an exception from this rule. Yet mostly this time is not longer then a year, and after it the rangers are placed in the reserve, allowed to return to their farms and mines. Then there are the old Veterans, who were granted land on their own, as a reward for their service. Both are called upon in times of dire need.

How much does your clan respect the Gods and the old traditions?
After years out of the warmth of the Waystone Hold, and with painful memories of fallen brothers-in-arms, many Rangers find relieve in the faith of the gods. Almost each outpost has a shrine of the Gods, and many are devote in their prayers. Pragmatic (at least for a dwarf) Longstriders folk are respecting the old ways, and its teachings, yet out of necessity, many of the old ways of war had to be abandoned. "Honor is a luxury that we have to sacrifice, lads!" Ragnars Quote is still seen as a grim acceptance for "dishonorable" acts, like ambushes, the use of poison, and use of psychological warfare to strike fear into the hearts of the enemies.

What justifies your claim for the lordship of the Valley?

"While other clan leaders had buried their noses in Books, Leth Longstrider has fought in the shield wall! While others had counted their coins, Leth Longstrider had lead ambushes against the enemies of his people! While others had warmth and shelter, he had to wither the storm and cold with us, his shield-brothers! While others have left our beloved Valley, Leth has spend his life protecting it! And while other leaders are arguing about an "rightful" heir, Lord Master Muin lays still unavenged! ENOUGH I SAY! This Valley needs a warrior to lead it, and nothing else! And if Leth Longstrider is one thing then it is a bloody warrior, lads! " Kregoc Irontooth, addressing his rangers in the Ale-hall

This is the creed that Leth uses to strengthen his, questionable, claim to the Valley, as who would better fitting to wage an full scale war of revenge against the goblins then he himself? But this is only the half truth. Something has awoken inside Leth, and the ambition he harbors inside his heart grows every single day. If nothing should change his heart, said ambition and desire will surely consume him, yet the price would be costly, and most likely bloody.

Quote one thing that makes your clan special among the others.
The grim Rangers of the Longstrider Clan have protected the Valley since it was settled by the kin of Murin. Its people are stubborn and hardy folk, who will never back down from their duty, or this Valley. They are warriors, who place their duty above all else, be it honor or wealth. But most of all, they are wanderer, who know the Valley better then anyone else does! There is no tree, no stone and no cave they wouldn't recognize from their travels.

Relationships:

-Clan Reverent: Back when Ragnar had lead the clan of Longstrider, the relationship between the clans were far warmer. As a devoted dwarf, with great honor, the former Warden had seen the potential of his older brother, even with his shortcomings. Yet Ragnar is dead, and Leth make no secret that he sees Dourhorn unfit to lead. In the Council of Murin, the Warden and the Councilor seldom shared an opinion, and arguments broke out over the slightest provocation. Yet, many rangers pass through the west pass, and after months outside the valley, they welcome the warmth and hospitality they offer to the protectors of the Valley.

-Clan Hornfel: Being the economical weakest clan in the Valley, the folk of Longstrider would often be the first to starve, if it werent from the Support of Hornfel. Generous donations, exception from taxes and excellent trade deals have greatly improved the relationship between both clans. A clan seldomly known for luxuries, Murin now has regular orders from Leth for elven Silk, wine and poetry, and a polite, yet firm demand to ask no questions! Seeing his uncle as a good trader and leader of a clan, he dismisses any of his claims to become new Lord-Master. "A trader should keep on counting coins, rather then raising his head to far up!" Giving not much about rumors, he still takes a great dislike in the presence of Yulia!

-Clan Bright Shield: Above all other dwarfs, there is nobody that stands higher in Leths respect then Agrim does. With that in mind it is of little surprise that in the eyes of the Longstrider clan, the folk of Bright Shield is almost seen as kin. Respecting them as fellow warriors, there is a friendly rivalry between the Rangers of Longstrider and the Host of Bright Shield. With Leth raising a claim to the title of Lord-Master, he will most likely offer Agrim the title of Warden in return for his support, and his voucher that Ragnar was the secondborn son of Murin, making Leth his rightful heir, if one would dismiss Dourhorn!

-Clan Orin: Leth and his people greatly dislikes the Clan of Orin, and the opinion is most likely shared, yet little is know about their folk. Isolationist and territorial, there have been already conflicts between the Rangers of Longstrider and the forces of Orin before the death of Lord-Master Murin, conflicts that only need a spark to ignite once more. On a personal level, Leth has little love for his uncle Orin, and openly oposed him most of the time in the council. Another cause for bad blood was when he insulted his wife Harpheart as "A hag with the face of an goblins and a heart of a spider! Like a mad dog, one rather should put her down, then bed her!" and still denies an apology.

[BlackBishop]

Reverent Clan

Muin Dourhorn

Dourhorn is the eldest of Muin's children and marked as a Dwarf of ill gotten luck. As a babe a birth defect rendered Dourhorn paralyzed in the right side of his body. Though he eventually learned to use his frozen limbs, they remain deformed, stiff, and uncooperative. Unable to pursue the life of a warrior, Dourhorn turned toward scholarly pursuits instead. Dourhorn achieved an honourable place among his father's council, earning his ear on matters requiring more than an axe to solve. Nevertheless, Dourhorn's disability and envy of his virile brothers left him jaded and humourless. While he is not the most popular of his father's children, his intelligence and wisdom have earned him a small following and a thriving clan in Muin's Pass.

Reverent Clan takes its name from the Dwarven God of Death, or more specifically, the God's servants whom drag the unworthy dead to the underworld to spend eternity in darkness. A name seemingly befitting on the dark nature of Dourhorn and his followers, yet their village is prosperous, benefiting from their leader's intelligence. Following Master Muin's death, Dourhorn feared violence from his brothers and led his followers to safety, whereupon they built a small settlement. Like Dourhorn, most share an affection for scrolls and parchment, while others recognize Dourhorn's abilities and thought him their best chance to survive in the bitter mountain pass.

Chief among Dourhorn's followers is his younger sister, Bittercoat. An accomplished archer and deadly with her spiked cudgel, Bittercoat's amiable nature is often at odds with her elder brother's stern attitude. It is said that the lass took pity on Dourhorn until realizing his wits more then made up for his physical short comings, and the two forged a strong bond. Grisbold Oakfeet is Dourhorn's trusted captain, the leader of Reverent Clan's warband. A Dwarf who fought in many campaigns and the scars to prove it. Oakfeet shares Dourhorn's surly nature, and is a strict disciplinarian for the clan's fighting ranks, yet there are few others better to lead a troop of Dwarves. Thinmail Brittleback followed Dourhorn from Muin's citadel but for no other reason then to follow his wife, Bittercoat. A marriage of politics orchestrated by Master Muin, Brittleback is perceived as a flamboyant weakling who happens to come from wealthy stock. Though he adores Brittleback, it is widely known that there is little affection to be returned.

Reverent Clan have established themselves in the eastern tracts of the pass, building their village in a sheltered hamlet, bordered by a ridge, rocky hills, and a stream.

The clan boasts a modest population of roughly 2,000 Dwarves.

Claiming the lands around their village, aptly named Reverent, the Dwarves of the clan busy themselves with a small farm, a large pasture, and a productive mine, producing iron, malachite, and coal. Central to the village is Fanghorn Temple, a low building cut from obsidian stone and dark as night.

The Reverent Clan's warband consists of fifty Dwarves; thirtyfive axedwarves, ten archers, and five boar riders.

The Clan is largely steeped in tradition, holding to the old sagas and scriptures as a framework from which to live their lives. A dogmatic view of the Gods is implemented to keep law and order, however the tenants of old tend to grow more lax the higher up the hierarchy of the clan. Regardless, the Gods are paid homage and traditions of old are upheld among the clan.

As Dourhorn is the oldest among Muin's children, he and his followers claim the rule of the valley should pass to him. Yet for the legitimacy that surrounds his claim, it cannot be denied that Dourhorn's physical weaknesses are a detriment to his claim, and most pass him off as being too weak to rule the valley.

Reverent Clan sets itself apart from the other clan's for it's religious fervor, conducting themselves in a manner befitting the Gods and Dwarven heroes of long ago. They strive for wisdom above all things, and seek to impart wise counsel on any whom ask.

[Slamurai]

Raudaz Karolus

Biography: Unlike most of the other clan heads, Karolus is not a son of Muin, but a cousin. Having no brothers of his own, Karolus came to see him as a fraternal companion, and they spent a good deal of time together during their adolescent years. The older and wiser Muin would teach an eager, curious Karolus about boyish fascinations, tales that made Muin both envied and admired by his younger cousin. In many ways, Karolus sought to emulate him, as if he felt the need to prove his worth as an only son. Fortunately, Muin either realized this or was not content being alone in the spotlight, and happily indulged his cousin’s fancies. They shared bouts with training blades, turns with the pickaxe and afternoons galloping through the valley atop their hogs.

By the time adulthood robbed them of their frivolous adventures, Muin was working his way up the totem pole. From a stonemason to a landholder, then to the lord of the valley - that was a progression that Karolus was forever proud of his cousin for, though a small part of him lamented the fact he had not been as eminent. To his fortune, Muin bid him join his circle as a close retainer, having not forgotten their bond as adolescents. This earned Karolus a measure of renown for himself, which he appreciated. It would be enough to start a clan of his own, and carve his path to distinction.

Recent history: The death of Muin was a heavy pill for Karolus to swallow. He’d fashioned Clan Karolus into proper retainers of the throne, always ready to stand at the Master’s side in times of good and bad. With the loss of his cousin, Karolus lost a close friend, brothers if only in spirit. He also lost his crutch - Muin’s successes were his own, that was true. Karolus owed his status thanks to his cousin’s deeds, and realising this, blamed himself for piggybacking off his triumphs.

There would be little time to wallow in his sentiment, however, as Karolus knew another clan would try to fill the void left by his cousin’s death. His many first cousins once removed would surely be eyeing each other with suspicion and planning their moves. The least Karolus could do to honor Muin was to see the throne occupied by a worthy lord. Not himself, no, he hadn’t the stomach nor the ambition to reign over the entire valley. But as an elder to the many claimants, he would do right by his bloodline and support the best one for the task.

Other relevant characters:

• Alden: Karolus’s right-hand man and steward. A close friend since the two were boys.
• Uesli: Commander of Karolus’s retinue. A veteran warrior of many campaigns.
• Hadlee: Karolus’s wife of forty years. Her brewery puts the rest of the valley to shame.
• Otger: Karolus’s son, now a young adult. Obedient to a fault, yet lacks independence and the drive to strike out on his own.

Location: Clan Karolus enjoys a section of the most fertile land in the valley. It sits in the center, just west of Muin’s Keep. It is protected to the north by Kalerodom Lake and to the south by mountains. Its location makes it very much a bulwark of the main keep - anyone passing through to the keep by land must also pass through Karolus’s territory.

Population: Approximately 3,000

Main settlement(s) Karolus's base of power is an ancient hold known as Seaver Keep. It is a heavily-defended structure, jutting out from the side of a mountain and looming over the pass to Muin's Keep. Vast farmland and pastures stretch under its shadow. The hold is utilitarian in its architecture, designed to stop armies in their tracks, rather than inspire grandeur. Its cold, dour appearance beguiles the demeanor of its inhabitants, however, as Clan Karolus's denizens are generally merry and upbeat.

Economic status: Karolus’s prosperity comes not from minerals, stone or metals, but from foodstuffs. It boasts most of the valley’s best soil, making it a prime location for farmland and livestock pastures. A large quantity of its produce is sold to or traded with other clans. Its surplus output is likely responsible for keeping some minor clans from starving. Both geographically and symbolically, it is the heartland of the valley.

Military: Clan Karolus has near three hundred and fifty fighting men at its disposal. Two hundred of these dwarves carry long pikes, arranged into two blocks of one hundred soldiers each. They carry shields strapped to their forearms, leaving both hands free to control their pikes. Swords and axes hang at their belts, ready to be drawn should the pikes snap or the tide of battle forces them closer to the enemy. One hundred other soldiers wield heavy crossbows and carry pavise shields, from behind which they can shelter as they reload. The remaining fifty dwarves are members of Karolus’s personal retinue, and are armed with shields, battleaxes and arming swords. They ride trained boars into battle, though are just as formidable on foot as they are in the saddle.

Religion and traditions: Karolus himself is reverent to the gods, and sees the beliefs and traditions of the dwarves as integral to their culture. He does not force dogmatic tenets on his clan, knowing that times have changed and old practices have become outdated. He strives to preserve as much of the original intent as possible, while keeping the faith relevant to the modern day. The clan itself is one of the most active in matters of religion, although this has more to do with acknowledging tradition and an admiration for its culture than true piety.

Justification for claim: N/A - Karolus does not seek the throne for himself, but aims to elevate one of Hurin’s sons instead. In the meantime, he maintains Hurin’s Keep as a neutral territory. Karolus has neither the youthful energy or ambition to rule.

Unique feature(s): Karolus is among the largest of the clans, thanks to its wardenship of Hurin’s Keep and the fertile soil of its territory. It enjoys significant manpower and political influence for this reason. As a member of Hurin’s inner circle, Karolus has always had a grasp on the valley’s political climate and has been familiar with most of the other clan heads since they were born.

[Dogematix]

Clan Bright Shield

Muin Agrim "The Bright Shield"

Bio

Brief biography of your clan's leader: The second son of the late Master Muin did not come into the world alone. Agrim and Ragnar were always each a piece of a pair, living in each others shadows. The heir and the spares people used to call them (until yet more brothers came along) and it was a title Agrim himself could speak with a smile. Who wanted to be the heir anyway? All the pressure and restrictions, no that wasn't something Agrim wanted for himself. He was the rebellious, drunken lech of a young dwarf, always getting into fights or being thrown out on his ear for making eyes at a lass he shouldn't. Though it was a common bragging point that none could take the second born twins in a fight when they were together (neither brother cared if it wasn't totally true).

It was decided that this lad was in need of discipline, so Agrim quickly learned that part of the trade off of being the spare was that you were destined for a life in the military. Apparently the kindness of his father that had kept Agrim from that life had worn thin when he'd been caught bedding a wealthy merchant's daughter. This one apparently couldn't be trusted to become the new warden of the valley.

Never one to shy away from a brawl, Agrim proved himself skilled in the art of smacking heads together in the sparring circle. It only took some harsher smacks on the head from the master at arms to thrash some true soldiers spirit into him. Then the call for the banners came to their valley. The high king rallied his forces to war and each dwarven lord was expected to send their tithe of warriors to throw back this fresh incursion of orcs and goblins. It was a bittersweet goodbye as he shook Ragnar's hand for what each thought to be the last time.

“And this one! I want to see that beard down to his knees when I get back!” Agrim roared, giving his young nephew a light punch on the arm. Both brothers gave an overly hearty laugh. Forcing a smile made it easier to wave goodbye.

Agrim would not return to his ancestral valley for many years. Serving in the front lines of the conflict at its height and serving in garrisons when it hit its lulls. It was in the fire of war that Agrim found himself, battered and hardened like a blade in the forge, the lad found his true purpose in life and when the time came stepped up to the role of leadership. It was in the battle of Azul's Folly that Agrim earned himself the name of “Bright Shield”. The goblin hordes had found their way into the mountain halls of Clan Azul. During the battle it was said that Agrim held a swarm of the wretches in a bottleneck in one of the clan's mining shafts, buying valuable time for reinforcements time to rally and form up for a counter attack. This wouldn't be the last time Agrim proved himself on the battlefield as he went about earning a fine reputation for himself among his fellow warriors and the nobility.

The horrors of war had tempered the petulance of his youth, if not his lust for drink and song. When Agrim returned home he was a changed dwarf and one ready to settle down. He was gifted a stretch of land near the lake across from his father's keep and given leave to resettle the abandoned lands there. When it came time to build his clan Agrim was sure to spread word beyond the valley, offering up work and a new home to his old shield brothers.

It did something to keep him busy given the other news he was given on his return.

The mountains of the pass loomed overhead as beautiful as ever, it was good to finally see the damn things again. “Ho there, sentry! Look what the bloody wolves dragged in! Where's our good warden?” The look on their face told him immediately that something was wrong. Half of Angrim hadn't made it home.

Clan history and members

Recent history of your clan in brief: Agrim was livid with rage and grief at the death of his father at the hand of goblins, spilling out from the lands of his own clan no less! After the funeral rights were settled Agrim swore a sun oath and a moon oath to see his father avenged and to see the valley littered with goblin blood! The clan has been acting as if they were ready for war, renewing their defenses and sending scouting parties out to hunt down the goblin menace.

So far Agrim has stayed out of the family politics. Unfortunately so far he has had to temper his rage so far, knowing that his first duty is to the living under his banner, but preparing against the goblins and against the beasts of the wild is much the same in his eyes.

Fia Valten – A dwarf lass with a spirit as fiery as the colour of her hair. Fia is a merchants daughter, raised in the family trade, with a good head for numbers and business. She's also Agrim's wife and -according to him – the real brains of the clan. The two of them found plenty of premarital comfort in each others' company during their youth. When Agrim returned to the valley they reconnected and it didn't take too long for him to work up the nerve to propose.

“You're damn right you'll marry me!” Was her response. “You know how long I've had to put up with folk wondering when someone's gunna make an honest woman of me?” Agrim could only stutter out a bewildered response, he'd expected her to be a little more... blushing.
Braden Stonehammer – One of Agrim's old war buddies, a veteran sword bearer, pale in beard and eye. Ever pessimistic and in a perpetually grim mood. He and Agrim met each other in the northern campaign, fighting side by side on multiple occasions and forming a bond of trust that only brothers of the battlefield could know. Braden was offered the chance to become Agrim's master at arms, a place he took with pride. Training and maintaining the clans warband of veterans. The past year has embittered him though, as he's watched his chief fade from the fierce warrior he was and be disrespected by pompous whelps who have never even seen the ancient foes. He pushes Agrim to prepare their forces, believing it is only a matter of time before the other clans strike.

“He asked me if I wanted to keep up the career, spend my days shouting at whelps with arse hair for beards and freezin' myself stiff in the mountains and in return I'd be man of standin' with his own fancy house and fine food and clothes to have. I said to him... I could become accustomed to that.”

Wotin & Odella – An old greybeard too stiff in the joint to tend his sheep. Wotin found his place as the village elder, not only because of his age but because of his beautiful (and rarely used) voice. When Agrim first heard it in the village tavern he was taken aback, thinking it bloody unfair that the old crone should have such a golden tone. After spending a few nights in the keep Wotin was named the chief's bard. His place is to sing at events and the chief's table, and to keep the stories of the ancestors and the clan fresh in their minds. He'd happy to do it so long as he can stay at the tavern most nights.

Odella is his daughter. A young dwarf lass who now tends her family flocks and unlike her father, never stops talking. She had a love for gossip that rivals the dwarven lust for gold. Her habit of worming her way into most of the clans inner dramas has placed her in the unofficial place as Agrim's eyes and ears in the clan.

Brond: A rare thing, a dwarf that works with wood. And earth and other things, but the young woodcutter sees himself as an engineer and self made man. An ambitious engineer, Brond saw Agrim as his chance to make it in the valley. He is hungry for oportunity and sees the variety of smaller industries that the clan can call upon as a box tools and toys with which to prove himself and to build a better holding. Agrim was more than happy to have a builder with some energy about him and a way to make use of the forests he'd inherited.

Clan details

Location of the clan: The clan is located across the lake in clear view of Muin's keep.
Population of the clan: 1543
Main settlement(s) and economical activities of the clan:
Sternhold Keep is a fortified castle built into the base of the mountain on the northern edge of Kalerodom Lake. The old thing has seen better days but Agrim considers it a fixer upper. He keeps a number of masons from his fathers household around to help restore and fortify it even further. It serves as a commanding guard post to deploy troops from forcing attackers to face them head on.

High Hearth is the village in the hills near the lake mountain. The dwarves who live there are mostly farmers by trade, tending sheep for mutton and wool to see through the winter with a few cows offering milk. The vegetables grown up there have to be tough enough to survive the cold the northern climbs, the only reliable harvests tend to be carrots and potatoes that are planted deep and early in the season so they can see out the frost in soily comfort. The rangers tend to make their home there, along with some of the warriors Agrim brought back with him who serve as a militia garrison and hunters to keep back any predators in the woods to the north. The pelts they get from it make some good cloaks and trade items too.

Of course there are miners among the clan, no dwarven clan could speak its name with pride without numbering some sons of the earth among their number. Though they don't seek any precious metals. Simple stone from the quarry is always welcome for building efforts and any ore that's found is quickly worked over by the smiths for tools and weapons.

Given their closeness to the lake Plenty of younger dwarves of the clan work the lakeside for fish and clay, finding an honest living and work the land like their ancestors.

Military forces of the clan:
20 Rangers – The scouts of the dwarven war hosts. These lads are trained to survive in the wild and equipped to move quick and quiet. Lightly armoured, they carry supplies to survive in the wild along with bows and hand axes. Agrim gained a great respect for their type during his time in the Green Wilds where the ranger troupes saved his hide more times than his pride would allow him to repeat.

42 Crossbows – Warriors of the line. Clothed in chainmail and shields strapped to their backs. Those bolts pack a mean punch when fired by these trained marksmen.

70 Warriors – The linemen of the dwarven armies. These stout hearted, heavily armoured, lads form the shieldwall, fighting with axe and hammer in hand.

1 Balista and 3 crew – Ah old Hilda, how we love her so. A rugged bolt thrower set up to help defend the keep. Agrim had to really grease some palms to be able to bring her back.

How much does your clan respect the Gods and the old traditions?
Agrim would consider himself a godly Dwarf. He pays respect to the priests, heeding their words and he wont deny calling on the aid of the gods when things seemed lost. But he doesn't see it as a thing to ram down folks' throats. Agrim doesn't feel any need to engage in great philosophical debate and ignores any who would say he just pays the gods lip service.

The folk of the clan as a whole are considered moderates.

What justifies your claim for the lordship of the Valley?
“You've seen how it is, Agrim. The valley needs a leader and none hear can answer that call. Dourhorn is too weak and that clan of his, Reverant? Damnation, they sound like a bloody cult! He'll see folk burned at the stake. Hornfel's too brash, you seen him, he spits on the old ways that made us. Him and his house think they're better than all else in the valley. He'd take the lord's treasure and sell this place to the highest bidder before leading it. Then there's Leth... he's still a boy I tell you. All fire and spark, he isn't long enough on this earth to lead a whole valley. Folk respect you, heard of you and drank to that name and seen you drink beside them. That leaves you to the task.”

Agrim hasn't said anything on the matter other than he refuses to press a claim. The place of heir falls to the eldest and he will not be the one to draw blades against kin. But in his heart he doubts his older brother's ability to lead. And with bitterness brewing in the hearts of their kin it may be time for him to cast away his hopes of peace within the valley.

Quote one thing that makes your clan special among the others
Many of Clan Bright Shield served in the High King's war host at some point, having come to the valley due to the draw of their new chieftain. Of course not all of them are new comers but many of the warriors married into older valley families. This gives them a much more experienced warrior force if not a larger one.