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.
Auz
