--[Clan Silverbraid]--

[CharlestheDwarf 69]

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Clan Silverbraid 

KHAZAMAR KHORUMM’THRY

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    “To this, our grim duty. Our charge and our destiny.”

Thurgrim Silverbraid on the nature of their Oath, circa 166 S.A.

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Spoiler

 

There are a few clans amongst Urguan’s Folk are known to be individually accepting of, or, rather, ‘accommodating’ to change inherent within this world. Be it of newer generations trying their hands at innovation, or some sudden onset of a continent spanning crisis. Yet, there are fewer still capable of thriving within a frozen hellscape - cut off from the reaches of their kin upon a self-imposed exile in the belief of it being ‘for the better’ after a blood curdling civil war. Although, most clans do not have quite so strange an origin as the Silverbraids.

 

Formed by dwarves fleeing the conflict of the War of the Beard, Clan Silverbraid was founded under the leadership of an ‘Ongrim Svardinsson’, an illegitimate child to the Grandaxe’s ‘Grimaxe’ line. It was under his guiding hand that the refugees had been able to carve out a small home for themselves within Arcas, and a home it would be for the next couple of centuries, even when the endless frost came. They became self-sufficient, cut off from the rest of descendant-kind and drawing upon the wide skill set inherent within their populace. Hewing their own stone into shape, using pipes of steam to fill their halls with warmth, and drawing the hands of smiths to wring both blade and maille within the walls of Kal’Iosnath.

 

Unfortunately much of this time of growth is only known through word of mouth, as a great number of records were destroyed or simply abandoned during a period of flight simply referred to as the ‘Exodus’ in the year 95 of the Second Age. It is believed that a combination of the swell in undead on the continent, as well as the dwindling heat from thermal vents within the deeps, spelled an end to their time within the hall.

 

Few survived the several decades of travel that followed, and those who made it to Aevos were scattered. It was not until the year 149 of the Second Age that a living Silverbraid would be discovered – Thurgrim, Son of Angrim, Son of Ongrim – having completed the journey to Urguan that had begun so many years prior. 

 

Since that time, a call has been sent across the lands. A call of reunion as the Silverbraid banner is flown once more, and that very same descendent of Ongrim sought to preserve as much of his clans culture that yet remained in its second founding. A founding that sought to give it purpose as a bulwark against the darkness of Khorvad, and to serve as keepers of the world that Yemekar wrought for his descendants to inhabit.  

 

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Culture

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Clothing

As well traveled a people as they are, the dwarves of Clan Silverbraid possess a near-endless variety of clothings and styles that are best suited to their needs at any particular given point in time. Though, it is noted that they often tend to be a variety of multi-layer coats and tunics tucked behind a belt for men, and layered dresses with a mixture of the former for women. Clan colors are not typically worn upon the day clothing of the average dwarf, though may be apparent in particular items or outfits meant for more formal occasions. A small resin-cast token of a cut braid is also always present upon their person, hung from somewhere upon their body - This token, of course, being their Honor Braid.

 

Depictions of both Angrim Silverbraid (Left), and Aerrund Silverbraid (Right | AI Generated)

 

Appearance

 

Being primarily descendants of Mountain Dwarves, if with a somewhat thinner blood and having to combat a generations worth of malnutrition. Silverbraids often weigh in on the musclier and taller end of the dwarven spectrum, though have never quite breached the limit of 4’9”. A high grooming standard is a constant among these folk, and it is extremely common to find individuals who braid and hang ornamentation from both hair and beard. The colors of which usually fall across the spectrum of reds and blondes, but may also include browns and blacks in due part to their mixed lineage, though their eye color typically only ever seems to fall within the ranges of blue to green in appearance.  

 

Arms & Armor

 

Decades of travel and centuries of separation from their kin have been hard on the dwarves of Ongrims line, and so their ways of weapon and armorcraft have since adapted to the lack of specialized skill sets or forges. Coats of plates, limbs of scale, and hauberks of mail are all commonplace amongst the warriors who sought ease of repair and upkeep. Though their reunification with the kingdom has returned the opportunity to don rigid plate, one could say that a dwarf donning any of its other counterparts could be considered traditional, in a matter of speaking, or at the very least practical due to their lust for the roads-less-traveled.

 

Fortunately, the given choice of weaponry has not suffered much in the same regard as their means of armor forging. Haefral Nerrothgeron’os - colloquially known as Geronfrâl, or ‘Deeping Wood’ in common - served as a suitable replacement for the frozen timbers of Atlas, harvested from the cores of great fungal stems for use in tools, cutlery, ornamentation, construction, and weaponcraft - sometimes even an ingredient in culinary delicacies! This has allowed a great many tools to share a continued existence amongst the Silverbraids. The reintegration of spears became especially popular once their populace had left Atlas, as both sturdier game and enemies were more susceptible to such weapons compared to the Darkspawn of centuries past.

 

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Clan Hierarchy

 

 

Clan Lord

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Oftentimes used interchangeably with ‘Dwarf Lord’ or ‘Clan Father’, the Lord of the Clan is the one who has been deemed as responsible for 'manning the helm', so to speak. They are given the authority to appoint any and all positions within the clan, as well as draw up and enforce laws among their kin as they see fit. The feminine counterpart to this title would be 'Clan Matron', 'Dwarf Lady', or 'Clan Mother' - accounting for the fact that this is, certainly, a position to be held by both dwed and dwedlon alike. 

 

Thane

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A title commonly shared amongst Urguan’s Folk, the ‘Thane’ serves the role as heir-apparent to the clan. They have been handpicked by the Lord to continue guiding the clan once they have either passed, or stepped down from the position. They serve as the head of the Elder Council, though a Thane typically operates upon similar ground and authority as other Elders do. If the Lord is long absent, they may serve in their place until their return, or the council votes upon their ascension to the position.

 

Elder

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Honorable dwarves who have long served the clan, typically those of no younger than three centuries in age, may find themselves within the esteemed position of Elder. They are responsible for upholding the culture and values of the clan amongst its members, as well as its upkeep in absence of the Clan Lord. Should neither the position of Lord or Thane be filled, a meeting of the Elder Council may be called to democratically vote for a successor.
 

Oathbearer

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Oathbearers form the bulk of the clan, formed of both blooded and un-blooded dwarves who have passed their trials and taken their oaths. They are given the right to the clan name of ‘Silverbraid’, as well as being recognized as having earned their place within the clan.

 

Beardling

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Beardlings are dwarves who have been born into the clan and have yet to pass their trials. Though they are not yet considered Oathbearers, their blood and belonging to Silverbraid origins allows them to be raised within the halls of the Silverbraids as any other Oathbearer might. It is only when they take their trials, however, that they are truly given a chance to prove themselves to their clan and receive the full recognition of their kin. Beardlings are also afforded the right to attempt the trials until they pass, though they must still adhere to the ten-year span between attempts.

 

Aspirant

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 Aspirants are dwarves who are un-blooded, having stated that they wish to join the clan as an outsider and being deemed as an acceptable dwed. Aspirants are expected to spend their time learning of the clan and its ways before attempting the trials. Upon passing, they are accepted as full fledged members regardless of their relation or blood.

 

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Cultural Traits
 

Friend to Yrrommar | Clan Silverbraid has, for better or for worse, been known to be among the more agreeable and diplomatic clans to form within recent history. Forced to mingle with a variety of non-dwarves amongst a variety of foreign cultures, an appreciation was found for their fellow descendants. This appreciation extends to their beliefs as well, as Urguan, Father of the Dwarves, was shapen in the image of Yemekar, who could not bring himself to destroy his other creations that he saw as flawed. To respect, cooperate, and form lasting bonds amongst descendant-kind is seen as a means of veneration to The Creator. As such, ideals of dwarven superiority are incredibly rare amongst these groups of Urguan’s Folk. This does not mean, however, that they are not without their prejudices. This often drives them to be a more neutral force amongst those who inhabit the world, distancing themselves from soldiery or duties that might invite conflict. 

 

To This, Our Grim Duty | A popular phrase upon the nature of the refounding, and by extension oath, of Clan Silverbraid. A strong hatred for Darkspawn is prevalent throughout the clan, each having their own reasons for bearing such fury aside from the held belief that they are a mockery of Yemekar’s creations. It is seen as the duty of each man, woman, and child to face the darkness should it rear its head, regardless of where or against whom the abominations stand. It is said that one takes the Baraz eron Dokrum Yrroavos’rum, or the ‘Endless Vigil’, upon their coming of age, or joining the clan as an unrelated dwarf. To rescind this oath - to join ranks with the Darkspawn - is seen as an unforgivable act.

 

The Wandering Folk | Owing to their roots and values, it is far from rare to see a Silverbraid trekking across the land and far from home. The nature of their oaths, and often their work, encourages these dwarves to travel the world. Many times over have Silverbraids returned from a far flung corner of the world with something new in their possession. Be it a relic from ages past, an item that might impart valued knowledge upon further study, or something as simple as a book detailing a culture that had been encountered upon their journey. 

 

Ancestral Remnant | Recently discovered, the Silverbraids have traced their lost lineage to those from both the Grandaxes, through Svardin Grandaxe, as well as the unknown Irongut who’d married Ongrim Silverbraid. Though unknown through the ages of frost, either on purpose or by tragedy, bits of culture have been drawn upon,  intertwined, and maintained from both ancestral lines. A lust for knowledge in all things and measured martial proficiency to meet any threat they are presented with has resulted in the formation of their ‘Warrior-Scholar’ mindset.

 

Jack of All Trades | Due to their previously fractured nature, and extensive loss of culture, the Silverbraids were reformed with the ideals of encouraging its members to follow their own paths of interest within the clan. This sense of nurturing individual talents has led to a wide variety of skills existing amongst its members, though lacking in particular volume of specialists in any one area. It is, perhaps, both their greatest strength and ultimate weakness. A clan flexible to the times and challenges ahead, but lacking in raw capability and manpower lest a distinct individual should rise amongst their chosen craft.

 

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Physical Traits

 

Dwarven Fortitude | As with all of Urguan’s Folk, members of Clan Silverbraid possess the extensive wells of stamina and hardy bodies granted unto dwarves. This is, perhaps, the largest singular physical reason as to why they survived their exodus from Atlas. One can draw upon these reserves to drive away at laborious work or harrowing battle for hours on end. With the right medical attention, it is said that any blow suffered by a dwarf that does not outright kill or maim them is one that will eventually recover in full. 

 

Frost Walkers | Centuries spent within the frozen tundras of Atlas had resulted in many casualties for the Silverbraids, yet those that remained found themselves able to withstand bitterly cold conditions. This trait has been passed down through blood from ancestors long passed, and now stands as a testament within their descendants to their survival. These dwarves have been noted to be especially resistant to natural cold, often hiking mountain trails in little more than summer clothes, or resisting the bite of frozen steel within their suits of armor. 

 

Mixed Lineage | Being born of unity between that of Mountain and Cave dwarves, as well as the intermingling with other common clans, has resulted in a not-so-pure bloodline amongst the Silverbraids. Red and blonde hairs with pale skin are just as common as their darker or more desaturated counterparts, often even springing up amongst those thought to be of one particular subrace or the other. This has also, however, resulted in these dwarves possessing a diluted form of innate talent amongst them for magic - Voidal magic in particular - due to their Irongut lineage.

 

Stunted | Following a steady, and then rampant, decline in quality of both life and diet within their frozen home, the exodus had been well undersupplied in regards to food. Rationing had begun almost as soon as the journey had begun, and hunger claimed more souls than the cold did. Decades of malnutrition plagued and stunted the Silverbraids, resulting in the already stout folk to become shorter. The maximum and minimum heights of all dwarves naturally born have been reduced to the ranges of 3’5” to 4’9”.

 

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Clan Values

 

Honor is Your Word | It is a strong held belief amongst the Silverbraids that when a word has been given, be it in official oath or something as simple as a verbal confirmation, it is to be considered a serious undertaking. If one is to be taken seriously, their word must be believed. If their word is to be believed, then it must be given and taken action upon. 

 

Valued Knowledge | Unfamiliar with much of their history, and the loss of their clan's culture, it has been deemed that ‘To learn is to know, and through knowledge we may fight.’ Information on all things in the world is deemed valuable, and as such must be retained to the best of their abilities. Be it books of fiction, history, music, the sciences, and - especially - Darkspawn. Knowledge from Yrrommar is not looked upon with disdain by the Silverbraids, and is instead seen as an untapped reserve. To this end many Silverbraids are known to be, at least in part, scholars. Knowing of the world at large and, typically, knowing some degree of the dwarvish language.

 

Iron Integrity | Dwarves have, throughout the ages, held a variety of different reputations amongst a variety of different peoples. A valued and stalwart ally to some, self-serving and ignorant to others, but steadfast to nearly all. Clan Silverbraid pushes its members to not waver in their duties, or as an individual. To become a respectable and reliable dwed is looked upon with great pride by the Silverbraids, while those who shirk away from their core beliefs and responsibilities are viewed with disdain.

 

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Traditions and Rituals

 

 

The Endless Vigil & Trials | Upon a dwarf's coming of age, or an unblooded dwarf wishing to join the clan, it is said that one must prove their determination to walk the path they set before themselves. To do this they must, at the least, pass a trial typed and assigned to the individual based upon what it is they wish to do. They are given a five to ten year period of abeyance upon an elder of the clan assigning this trial, and should they complete it they shall take the Oath of Endless Vigil (Baraz eron Dokrum Yrroavos’rum) and receive their Honor Braid (Anart Khorumm).

Baraz eron Dokrum Yrroavos’rum | An Oath taken upon the completion of an initiates trials, upon which they will be guided by an Elder or Clan Lord. It is said that a prayer is given to each of the Brathmordakin, from the first unto the last, of which a disavowment of Khorvad is given. Upon the initiate completing the recitation of their Oath, they are considered to have grown into maturity and responsibility, and so will have a silvered affection added to their braid before it is cut away by the elder. This is to become their Honor Braid, a badge of the struggles they had overcome during their trials, demarking each of their successes, and a reminder of the words given before the gods.

 

Baraz eron Dokrum Yrroavos’rum

ᛟᚨᚦ ᛟᚠ ᛖᚾᛞᛚᛖᛊᛊ ᚢᛁᚷᛁᛚ

 

“I am a Silverbraid.

I carry Yemekar’s wisdom,
And the compassion of Anbella.

 

I carry Dungrimm’s valor,

And the wit of Ograhad.

 

I carry Armakak’s luck,

And the greed of Grimdugan.

 

I carry Belka’s passion,

And the blood of Urguan.

 

Until the sun dies and my bones are dust,

I will stride into the howling dark to shed the light of the Brathmordakin,

knowing that I may not return. 

 

I will serve my purpose given to me by Yemekar,

Tempered by the fires within his forge.
 

To this, my Oath.

To this, my Duty.

To this, my Endless Vigil.”

 

Funeral Rites | The body of the deceased Silverbraid is to be prepared by the mortician-- cleaned down and groomed. Certain internal organs are removed to slow decay. The deceased will have their most prized possession, as well as their braid if it still remains intact, placed upon their chest and folded within their hands. They will, then, be wrapped in a shroud and interred within a stone sarcophagus.

 

Feasts of Passage | Whether it be in celebration or mourning - in response to a great achievement or wedding, or the passing of a long beloved member of their family - grand feasts are one of the few traditions of the Silverbraids carried from days of old. When the bleak endless winter sought to drive joy from home and hold, blessings of Belka and Anbella were called upon to brighten these days with all manner of cuisine, music, stories, and crafts. These were often held within the Clan Lords largest hall and honored guests were always a central and integral part to these festivities, dressed in their finest liveries and expected to take part in games with the rest of their kin.

 

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Clan Trials

 

 

Upon a dwarfs coming of age, marriage into the clan, or acceptance as an outsider, they are given the option of taking their trials in order to become full-fledged members of the clan in order to receive their Honor Braid.

 

The initiate, or initiates, will stand before an Elder or Lord of the clan, informing them of their decision to take the trials and what they wish to pursue as a path in life. Depending on what they state they wish to pursue - be it the trade of a smith, warrior, merchant, or any other profession or pursuit - three trials will be selected for them to complete that may best test their qualities within the given profession.

 

For each trial the initiate passes, they will gain a mark of completion upon the silver affection that will be given to them upon taking their oath. Though they are given three tasks upon their outset, an initiate may request to attempt as many of the trials as they wish, though they are given only a ten-year period to do so. At least two of the original three trials must be completed in order for the initiate to be allowed to take their oath. The more marks a dwarf is able to accrue, and in the shortest period of time given, is often viewed as showing a means of ones potential upon the outset of their trials. A dwed with only two or three marks may be seen as one who yet still has a great deal of growth before them, while those with more may be seen as more capable.

 

If an un-blooded initiate fails their trials, they are not immediately expelled from the clan. Instead, they are given a ten-year period to learn more of what it is they wish to do within the clan, to train, and explore their given options. At the end of that ten-year period, they are allowed a second and final chance to complete the trials.

 

Trial of the Traveler

 

Travel amongst at least Three different non-dwarven nations, learning of their culture and the folk within. Written passages upon their culture, or three individuals speaking upon the dwarfs efforts, will be accepted as completion of this trial.

 

Trial of the Scholar
 

Gain a moderate level of proficiency in the dwarven language, and then submit a written prayer or other form of literature at least a paragraph in length or write a book on a topic and submit it to the clan's personal library.

Trial of the Diplomat
 

Resolve a complex manner of conflict through diplomatic means or engage in diplomacy with officials of a foreign governing body. Proof or eyewitness testimony must be provided for its completion.

Trial of the Merchant

 

Negotiate a trade worth the wholesale total sum of at least two-hundred and fifty minae or resell purchased merchandise worth at least a hundred minae at atleast a twenty-percent profit margin.

Trial of the Soldier

 

Serve a chosen military, preferably the dwarven military, and graduate from its entry-level rank or participate in battle during war. This may also, instead, be substituted with taking to battle with agents of Khorvad, Void-spawn, or those of a draconic persuasion.

Trial of the Healer

 

Learn the basics of medicine, including but not limited to; First-Aid, Emergency Trauma Care, Herbology, and/or Alchemy. Use your knowledge to prove your proficiency in such topics.

 

Trial of the Leader

 

Take assertive action and effectively lead a group of individuals through a difficult task, or danger, whilst putting the interests of those before you ahead of yourself. Provide eyewitness testimony as proof of these deeds.

 

Trial of the Craftsman

 

Choose a profession of interest and then seek out a teacher capable of teaching that profession. Show that you possess a level of competence equal to, or greater than, a Journeyman within that craft.

 

Trial of the Champion

 

Prove yourself far above and beyond what is asked or required of you; This may be achieved in many ways and under many different circumstances. No singular task is the ‘correct’ way to succeed in this trial, as its success hinges upon the judgment of the Clan Lord or at least three of the senior-most clan members. To pass this trial is considered a great honor and a telling sign of a dwarf with a promising future.

 

This task is not chosen upon the outset, and one may only request judgment once. If the initiate fails to pass this trial, they may not attempt to pass it again.

 

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Joining the Clan

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Send a message, or make a post with the format listed below!

IGN:
Character Name:
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Upon acceptance into the clan you will be ranked to ‘Beardling’ or 'Aspirant'.

 

 

Credits to the following for assistance with the formation of the clan!

Xx_RoyalCrafter_xX
SimplySeo
Reece_Nolan
Hrokaz
Cpt_Noobman
GremlockGremlin

 

Edited April 21 by CharlestheDwarf

[_RoyalCrafter_ 3242]

About brath damn time. Brathspeed to the Silverbraids

[UnusualBrit 2061]

1 hour ago, _RoyalCrafter_ said:

About brath damn time. Brathspeed to the Silverbraids

🤬