Subject: Clans From: ** Sender Unknown ** DWARVEN CLANS IN THE REALMS Or A Treatise On The Clans Unique To The Campaign World Of James Alex Renn In Roughly Political And Economic Order Clan Hammerfist (Hill and Mountain) This Clan is the wealthiest, most politically powerful and least traditional of all the Clans found in the Realms. It is not however the largest, which follows, but has a internal tradition of only having the very best, and skilled, of Dwarven members. Hammerfist is one of only two Clans that frequently take in Dwarves belonging to other Clans. They also have the highest rate of exiling members who don't live up to their stringent standards. Additionally they possess the largest mithril deposits known. It is rumored that, following a severe Drow loss, they also have a large supply of adamantite, but no Dwarves are talking ... This Clan is also unusual in that it is the only Clan that has both Hill and Mountain Dwarves among it's members. Hammerfist's motto seems to be, "Use Whatever Works". And it does. They control four mountain strongholds and five hillsteads. Clan Bloodaxe (Mountain) This Clan -is- the largest of the Dwarven Clans. It is also the most traditional. When non-Dwarves think of Dwarves it is the Bloodaxe Clan that they are thinking of. Most PC Dwarves will be of this Clan, they simply out number any other Clan. This Clan controls some twenty Dwarven strongholds and steads, twice the number of any other Clan. They are not noted for any one particular trait or craft, they are the norm from which other Clans are measured. Clan Stonecleavers (Mountain) The undisputed champions of stonecarving. No other Clan can come close to their skill with stone. The carved walls of their Great Halls are rumored to marvel the great works of all the other Races. Royalty from around the Realms hire Stonecleaver Dwarves to carve their palaces and their statues. It is said that this Clan has close ties to the fabled Deep Gnomes ... But of course no Dwarf is telling the tale. The Clan controls one stronghold, two steads and a number of secreted quarries. Clan Swifthammer (Mountain) A Clan noted for it's total lack of any distinguishing characteristic. Considered, even by Dwarves, to be fairly dull as cultures go. They control but three steads. Many ales have been drunk while trying to decide, among non-Clan members that is, which of these steads is more boring. Clan Steelhand (Mountain) Crafters of the finest Dwarven blades in the Realms. It is said, amongst blooded warriors, that a Steelhand blade seems to come alive in your grasp. They consider difficult custom jobs as entertaining challenges. Most Steelhand blades are suitable for enchanting. Even the Elves concede that they can do no better, high praise indeed. To receive a Steelhand blade from a Clan member is a profound honor, not lightly taken by any Race. They control but one large stronghold. Clan Goblinbane (Hill) No name strikes fear into the hearts of Goblinkind as does that of Goblinbane. Their roving bands of outriders are a common sight in the lands of the Humaniods. Hunting down and slaughtering all of Goblinkind they find. What event inspired this ceaseless hatred is lost to time, known only to the Clan and possibly the Elves. This Clan occupies but one stronghold, a vast fortress never taken by an enemy. Rarely even seen by allies for that manner, these fanatics are very insular. Goblinbane PC's are very rare indeed. Clan Stonehammer (Mountain) Noted for their use of their namesake: hammers with stone heads. Not surprisingly they are expert stonemasons and are hired in this capacity by all the Races, even the Elves. Where the Stonecleavers are artisans, the Stonehammers are skilled craftsmen. Their engineers are also widely known and respected. They control six steads and one stronghold. Clan Steelskin (Mountain) Renown armorers throughout the Realms, they say that they can armor any being that has a corporeal form. They have yet to be stumped by a challanger. All Steelskin armor is one armor class better then it's normal listing, it's also ten times more expensive. They, like Clan Steelhand, have but a single sprawling stronghold. Clan Blacksword (Hill and mixed) The second Clan which allows non-Clan Dwarves among it's ranks the Blackswords are sellswords par excellence. Fielding the largest Dwarven Army known, including their feared Cavalry Regiment made up of Dwarven Boar Riders. And most feared of all, the Red Sash Brigade in their crimson baldrics, full field armor and field plate barding on their boars. None has ever withstood one of their charges. The Blackswords will take in any Dwarf if they possess a skill they need. They hire themselves out to any willing to pay, as long as they need never face a Dwarven enemy. They control a single fortress and four smaller strongholds. Clan Bloodstone (Mountain) Ranking only slightly more interesting then Clan Swifthammer, this Clan also vies for the champion of the dulldrums. Moderately more individualistic then Swifthammer they are known for producing stolid of uninspired warriors. They also adorn themselves with their namesake. They control two strongholds and five steads. Clan Blackrock (Hill) Though they are considered Hill Dwarves they occupy volcanic hills exclusively. The greatest workers of volcanic rock and glass in the Realms. Their glassworks is the most technically advanced know. Their blackglass vessels are known Realmswide, both cast glass and blown. Very few Clanmembers ever leave their barren lands, those that do rarely return. The Clan controls two steads in remote and unfriendly locations. Clan Flintaxe (Hill) This Clan is considered the most primitive of Dwarven Clans. The last Clan to develop metalworking skills, some three thousand years after other Dwarves. Most noted for their flint napping abilities and closeness with the Element of Earth. Some believe that this Clan is becoming a separate species, not unlike the Deep Gnomes ... only the Gods know for sure. This Clan controls five closely spaced strongholds and steads. Clan of the Trollslayers (mixed) This isn't a proper Clan, they have no children, most are male and all members are warriors or priests of warrior gods. This Clan was formed by despondent warriors who had given up on life, the suicide cases, walking wounded, the berserkers. They exist solely for combat, life has no meaning other than battle and death. Many members drop out after they have cleansed their souls of guilt or shame. Some remain until they die among their slain enemies. The average life span of a Trollslayer is one year ... the legendary Drumor lasted six. They have no place to call their own, all Clans will give them space as needed ... you never know if you may be one someday ... Clan Herald Devices Hammerfist: a vertical hammer with fists as striking faces Bloodaxe: a double-headed battleaxe canted at an angle dripping blood Stonecleavers: crossed stonemasons mallet and chisel Swifthammer: warhammer canted at an angle with wings Steelhand: right hand gauntlet vertical, grey or silver Goblinbane: crossed pick and sword, both bloody Stonehammer: vertical hammer with stone head Steelskin: three overlapping dragonscales Blacksword: three crossed swords, points in, black Bloodstone: a stylized oval bloodstone in black and red Blackrock: three jagged black rocks in a pyramid Flintaxe: vertical singled bladed flintaxe Trollslayers: two bloodied swords, both vertical, one point up, one point down James A Renn james@isaac.stonemarche.org