Dwarven Clan

The most prominent culture among the dwarves is that of clan. Clans are joined by blood, marriage, fealty. The most ancient clans can trace their lineage back to the time of their great ancestors. At the center of each clan is a dwarven hold and family.

The core of each clan is composed of the members of the first family - of which the clan is named. If the clan was founded by Rorric Ironbane, then the clan would be called the Ironbane Clan. The immediate members of his family would take the honorific Ironbane as their surname. Those clan members not belonging to the first family would instead name use the “of Ironbane” or “of Clan Ironbane” when not within lands claimed by the clan.

The other families that have sworn fealty to the clan are not bound to this fealty for all time. Instead the fealty is bound up in the tradition of a Thane. When a family gets a new Thane they can renew this fealty, swear fealty to a different clan, or strike out and form their own clan. Large clans often see to multiple marriages between their most prominent families and the first family so that even the death of the Thane would still bind those families to the clan.

Among the most traditional clans they will be lead by a Jarl. The Jarl is the ruler of the clan, but their rule is not absolute. The Council of Thanes is comprised of the thanes that have joined with the clan. The Jarl is the voice of the clan and only the jarl may pass laws or judgement that crosses families. A wise Jarl rules with the understanding of the Thanes.

The leader of a family within the clan is called a Thane. The Thane rules the family and is solely responsible for the actions of their family to the Jarl. If a family member dishonors the clan then the Thane must either mete out sufficient punishment or suffer at the hands of their Jarl. A wise Thane rules as their Jarl and understands the needs of their family.

The Skáld is the keeper of the clan's history and bloodline. This is a very important position although the Skáld does not have any power to directly control the clan activities. The Skáld will determine when new ballads of heroic deeds are created and the greatest ones they will create themselves. This gives them the authority to decide what dwarves are honored in the ranks. Although the Skáld does not present an individual with an honorific they are responsible to advise the Jarl and Thanes.

This gives the Skáld potent indirect power within the clan.

The Council of Thanes will elect one of their number to serve as their war leader. During times of peace the Impirrick is dedicated to the task of protecting the clanhold and crofthold from attack. The Impirrick is responsible for ensuring the skill of arms of those chosen to carry the clan's banner in battle. Only a small percentage of clan dwarves are afforded the honor of carrying the colors.

When the clan calls for war a second Impirrick will be raised from the ranks of the Thanes. This Impirrick, commonly called the shieldman, will serve as chief counselor and second-in-command of the clan's warriors. Should the Impirrick fall in battle, their shieldman shall take up their position until a new Impirrick can be chosen. In addition the shieldman serves as a check on the power of the Impirrick as during war the word of the Impirrick is absolute.

• Aggy Eye Clan
• Blackthorn Clan
• Broken Shield Clan
• Phoenix Clan
• Stonearm Clan
• Stormrock Clan