Grudgelore: A guide to Grudges and Grudgekeeping

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Grudgelore: A guide to Grudges and Grudgekeeping

By Jorvin ‘Kazrinkadan’ Starbreaker

 

Often I have encountered foreign folk, who are ignorant to perhaps one of the most important aspects of Dwarfish culture, this is not to befall them, as I have even met beardlings who are similarly baffled. I write the following to elaborate upon the most ancient of Dwarven traditions, one that to this day shapes our encounters with the other races. I speak of course, of grudges.

 

 

The Nature of a Grudge

 

The idea of a grudge is not a foreign concept to the surface races, it is a feeling of ill-will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury, the intensity that the Dwarvish race takes it to however, is of another nature entirely.

In Dwarvish culture a grudge is not a mere concept, it is a statement with predetermined ‘conditions’ for which it might be settled. When a grudge is declared, an oath is made by the Declarer to refuse any and all settlement with the assailant except that which is written within the grudge. 

 

The state of grudgehood between two parties varies depending upon how extreme the wrong of which the grudge was issued. Between feuding families grudged over the matter of a stolen pig, it might be as simple as a refusal to sell wares to the offending party. Between jaded lovers, it might be as petty as a refusal to remain in the same room until an apology is issued. Or between two nations, that they might exist in a state of hostility and even war, until the matter of the grudge is settled. Even those grudges lodged over the smallest, pettiest of grievances, to ‘forgive and forget’ a grudge is among the most dishonorable actions a Dwarf can take.

 

An aspect of grudges which I have oft seen folk forget, and feel needed to note here, is that grudges are much like family heirlooms in that they are passed down from generation to generation until fulfilled. Upon inheriting a grudge, it becomes a Dwarf’s solemn duty to seek its fulfillment with the same intensity as their fathers. Likewise, if the target of a grudge dies before it is crossed out, then the grudge then passes to their next of kin.

 

The Great Book of Grudges
Kzd: Dammaz Kron

 

According to tradition, every wrong, slight, or trespass worthy of grudgehood, is recorded within the Book of Grudges. In practice, they are recorded into the book within the Dwarven capital, which over the years has been held by High Remembrancers, Kings, and other authorities on Grudgelore. Despite this, every clan is entitled to keep their own Grudgebook. This can be done for many reasons. Some clans may feel their grudges worthy of a more personal record, whereas others might simply not have access to the ‘Great’ book, such as the case with clans in independent holds, or those not living within the Dwarfen realm. Such clans are often held in disregard by Urguanite Dwarves, yet they too are entitled to see their grudges transcribed, as with any other Dwarf.

 

Grudges transcribed within the Great Book of Grudges are often grievous in nature, and should the Dwarves find themselves in battle with the assailant, will shout these grudges in a way akin to battle-chants.

The Greatest of Grudges are transcribed upon that ancient book. Any grudge written in King’s blood is of no doubt such severity that it might only be settled through war. When this happens, the Dwarven capacity for war reaches its zenith. The Dwarvish race is stubborn enough that it would see itself bled dry to avenge a wrong.

 

This is perhaps the greatest weapon in the arsenal of Dwarvish Kings, as once a War of Retribution is declared, armies of Dwarves will flock to his banner, no matter their previous engagements. It is not unknown for entire throngs of longbeards to appear when a Grudge-War is called. The only foil to Dwarves emboldened by a King’s grudge is a war of attrition, and even such tactics are not guaranteed to work against Dwarves who have felt that they have been dishonored.

Righting a Grudge

 

To declare a grudge is to make a promise to the gods, a promise to refuse any compromise or quarter until a grievous wrong has been righted. Because of this, there are only two ways to resolve a grudge. The first and foremost is to fulfill the terms of settlement written upon the declaration of the grudge. The second and less common method is to give something, or commit an act deemed of equal value in the eyes of the one who has written the grudge.

 

To use an example, a grudge might only be settled in coin or blood, but if the assailant saves the life of the wronged at any point, that may be grounds to settle the grudge, despite not technically fulfilling the terms of settlement. It is worth noting however, that it is left up to the wronged to decide if the action is worthy of grudge-fulfillment. Secondly, if it is done with the explicit intention to right the grudge, this is often considered un-genuine. A man might save a life, but if he only does so to save himself, this is considered in poor taste.

 

Final Notes

 

In the age we find ourselves in, where many-a grudge has been declared, and longbeards stir to cross out their own ancient grudges, I hope this guide is considered informative to those whose knowledge on the subject is perhaps somewhat lacking. To the foreigner, may this aid you in understanding the complexities of Dwarven allegiances, and to our own folk, may it assist you in the writing of your own grudges.