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The Bearserkers

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A Den of Bearserkers trekking through the frigid peaks near Jornheim in Axios to prepare for the Coalition during the War of the Beards, 1631 of the First Age.

 

The Bearserkers of the Elder Clan Frostbeard are a band of dwarven warriors who embrace raw aggression in their battles, terrifying foes with their sharp dwedmar steel and belting war cries. Not only are they relentless warriors, but they are also holders of the ancient history written into these lands. With experience in numerous battles comes the retelling of stories long forgotten, acting as oral historians with proof of the tales evident by the scars of their skin. Always in search of great deeds, the Azwyrtrumm Bearserkers devote themselves to Wyrvun, the White Dragon, for it is he who delivers unto them challenges worthy of their might; challenges they confront headfirst. 

 

Each follows the Tradition of Two, which is to be equipped with their Taveiraz, a set of iconic dual-weapons, whether it be axes, or hammers as per the traditions of their Clan. Some even opt to take on a Kronul Baraz, or a Battle Brother, a fellow Bearserker they will fight even the greatest of foes side-by-side, as brothers-in-arms. They forsake heavy armor, and use primarily hammers and axes in combat. Magick is not disallowed, though to succumb fully to the total sickness the powers of Vuur'dor imbue prevents one from being a true Bearserkers, instead donning a jet-black sagum as a Lordakvel.

 

                                                                                     

 

ᛚ History of the Bearserkers ᛁ

In worship of Wyrvun and in adherence to the Nine Pillars of the Azwyrtrumm, both Bearguard and Bearserkers enact the will of the Frostbeards. Donning one’s trial-pelt before rushing into battle on violent impulse is a tradition dating back to the lands of Asulon, deep within the mountainhome of Kal'Karik in the Age of Kings. It was these passionate warriors who led raids amongst other settlements in the pursuit of Grimdugan's adherence to greed, and to glory.

 

Many are their exploits, and further are their names. A number of these Bearserkers including Rhewen, Dugan, Rhorgvar, Baldin, Vithar, Hellio, Asvi, Garrond, Grungot, Oyvind, Gorum, Kerwyr, Verthaik II, Mervel, Thriku, Algoda, and more. 

 

Beyond their names stand their exploits, a fraction of them recorded here in the annals of the Bearserkers.

 

 

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Rhewen 'Papa Bear' Frostbeard, 1548 of the First Age.

 

 

 

First and the greatest amongst them is the founding Bearserker Rhewen ‘Papa Bear’ Frostbeard, son of the great Karl Frostbeard, who would later become the Paragon of Dungrimm. Rhewen would become one of the greatest Azwyrtrumm, as well as dwed to ever grace our realms, standing as Grand King numerous times when his kingdom called for him. The clan was revitalized numerous times by his wise hand; verily so, Rhewen was the Founder of the Bearserkers, far back in the ancient lands of Thales. At his greatest, he stood as Grand Emperor of Vandurguan, the first and last Empire of the Sons of Urguan. Grand forts were built in his name such as Rhewengrad, battles such as the Battle of the White Mountain, Siege of the Iron Mountain, Battle of Cape Bronson, Battle of Hoar Hill, Siege of Kal’Valen, Battle of Marnadal, and the landmark Siege of Kal’Ordholm, all mainly in the Eighteen Year’s War. Truly said, it is Rhewen Frostbeard that embodies the wise ways of the White Dragon Wyrvun the most, an exemplar and creator of nearly all of our sacred traditions. 

 

 

 

 

Bearserker Algoda Frostbeard II is one of the first of the Den, having been born from the legendary Algoda Goldhand who formed the Kingdom of Kal’Alras. Inheritor of the war against the Holy Orenian Empire, Algoda Frostbeard II rose to Grand King, and with his wits and will did he aid in the forming of the anti-Orenian Axionite Coalition, earning him the epithet "the Mighty." It was the Mighty’s wisdom that led to a strong coalition, which led to the destruction of the Fifth Empire of Oren after many decades of tyranny in Axios. Furthermore did Algoda follow on his journey to becoming a true Bearserker for his kin, as a war against Norland in ancient times was undertaken solely by the dwarves, in which the Bearserker led his kin to a resounding victory. 

 

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Algoda Frostbeard II, 1592 of the First Age.

 

 

Grungot Frostbeard, an elder of the clan still blessed with breath by Wyrvun, is credited for fighting what was known as a Necrophage, wielding cursed Ebreitan magics against the Azwyrtrumm. Grungot set an example for his kinsmen for generations to come by charging head-first into the battle, slaying the plague of dwed. For this enactment of Yemekar’s Balance, Grungot was given the title of Skeletonbane. The Bearserker’s accomplishments before his kin did not cease with the acquisition of a title, for Grungot cemented the legacy of Frostbeards through daring battle in the War of the Beards, as well as being one of the ancient architects that rose stone and timber to form Kaz’Ulrah.

 

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Grungot ‘Skeletonbane’ Frostbeard, seated upon the Throne of Azwyrtrumm, 1593 of the First Age

 

Gorum Frostbeard grew to such great wealth during his life as a Bearserker that the dwarf was known as the richest dwarf in both Ansulon and Anthos, amassing over 3 million minas alone. Father of the Urguani Constitution, Gorum also played many roles in the governmental affairs of Urguan, such as the founding of the Second Grand Kingdom of Urguan. It is said that Gorum is credited with the iconic dwarven headbutt as a greeting, in a bout of pure excitement at the finished construction of New Jornheim.

 

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A statue in New Jornhiem dedicated to the legendary Bearserker Gorum Frostbeard, 1629 of the First Age.

 

In times of war, enemies shirk at the sight of the fearsome Bearserkers; such was the case during the War of the Beards, between Kaz’Ulrah and Urguan. Donning their pelts and utilizing agile tactics, the Den of Bearserkers such as Gorum, Bjorn, Grungot and Garrond of New Jornheim infiltrated the battlements holding Coalition forces during the Siege of Fort Kovakirr. With a flurry of hammers and axes, the pelted dwed laid bare a southern opening in the fort, sealing the victory that led to the fall of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan.

 

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The Siege of Fort Kovakirr, secured in part by the Bearserkers, proudly bearing their banners upon their tower shields, 1635 of the First Age.

 

Continuing the trend of the wisdom set within these ferocious fighters, it is written that Verthaik II Frostbeard was the first High King of Kaz'Ulrah, Reclaimer of Jornheim. Verthaik II is credited for the construction of Kal’Tarak, the final and greatest capital of Kaz’Ulrah in the now-frigid lands of Atlas.

 

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Jornheim, Capital of the Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah in Axios, 1641 of the First Age.

 

No less of renown amongst the Bearserkers is Garrond ‘Orcsbane’ Frostbeard, founder of the Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah in which Verthaik II ruled first at his behest within New Jornheim. It was Garrond who bested the Raguk Rex of Krugmar in single combat while being hexed by a shamanistic curse of debilitating slowness. The Valley of Garrond in which the Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah were set bears his name during his time as High King of Kaz'Ulrah, and history even holds that the Urukhai were vassals to Garrond’s reign.

 

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Garrond Frostbeard, seated upon the Throne of Azwyrtrumm, 1666 of the First Age.

 

The final entry in the recorded history of the Bearserkers is the recovery of the body of Rhewen ‘Papa Bear’ Frostbeard, Paragon of Dungrimm, once-Grand Emperor of Vandurguan, who was slain in the bowels of Luciensburg whilst fighting Ratiki forces endangering his kin and allies. The Den of Bearserkers gathered alongside their allies to covertly delve once more into those verminous tunnels, slashing through fur and bashing gnashing teeth to recover the body of their great Paragon. They were Ulfric, Volden, Bharus, Durhuk, Asvi, and Mervel Frostbeard, reinforced by the Goldhands of Dorimnur. 

 

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The Den of Bearserkers assembled as a rescue party, sent deep into Luciensburg to recover Rhewen’s body, 1819 of the First Age.

 

                                                                                     

 

ᚹ Current State ᛖ

 

The sounding of Imperial trumpets and banner-clad destriers bleating in brash battles has stirred the frozen hearts of those warriors once more. While the story of Bearserkers has frozen for centuries, the Den is no longer fit to remain in hibernation, as a new gathering of ursine-inclined dwed attune their wills to that of Wyrvun, and to the Nine Pillars. They are led by Rhorgvar Frostbeard, Clan Father and Banner-Bearer of Jornheim. Rhorgvar’s will stands strong, for in his tenure he has led his clan to great heights once more, fighting the Empire of Man, as well the beginnings of what may be an Inferi Incursion, besting a Zar’akal in combat with his kinsmen at his side.

 

                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

╬═❖═╬  The Path of the Bear ╬═❖═╬ 

 

In the dual-aspect of Wyrvun, Bearserkers follow both the Path of the Bear, and the Path of the White Dragon. Whether it be great Morko Bears towering taller than any mortal, or Qairn Hounds stalking the sands, or even the Stoneback Avetaa domineering upon the gelid tundra, a Bearserker flies into the fray with a furious will to fight and stand valiant against any foe. The Path of the Bear is a journey of ever-increasing risk, and reward; each step is the confrontation between Bearserker, and Beast. As Bearserkers never run from a challenge, there is only one outcome in such a case; harrowing defeat (or even death), or honorable victory.

 

 

 

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A Bearserker overtaking a striped boar in the forested mountains near Jornheim, 1626 of the First Age.

 

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A pair of Kronul Barazi, scouting for Imperial convoys in the Gold Leaf Valley outside of Kal'Baraz, 170 of the Second Age.

 

≪❈≫The Path of the White Dragon≪❈≫

 

Though our masoned walls tower above meager umri, who pluck arrows at our walls like babes casting off dejected food, it is the way of the Bearserker to hone their skills in combat against all foes, not just those who are influenced by Khorvad. Mortal combat is honed, axes sharpened not by whetstones but on the armor of defeated foes. In honoring of the landmark place the Bearserkers have played in the story of the realms of Aos and Eos, all are encouraged to hone their skills in militant combat. Whether raiding with kinsmen or practicing with the legion with fellow dwed, the Bearserker venerates their clan and Wyrvun through martial prowess.

 

These skills must be honed, not only for the battles to come, but in a purification of their souls. The Wisdom of the White Dragon is such that one should see the pinnacle of what their might may bring about. As Bearserkers, these limits are not only sought after, but tested.

 

 

                                                                                     

 

The Significance of Pelts 

 

In the culmination of the Path of the Bear and the Path of the White Dragon do Azwyrtrumm find their pelts. Though most Frostbeards do not wear pelts, many slay the artic predator of the Polar Bear for their initiation into the clan. For the Bearserkers, the polar pelt is only the beginning. While white pelts are the most common, and often the furthest extent a Frostbeard might go in their accoutrements, the lands our kin roam hold far greater a bounty. A system of pelts, each more impressive than the last, has found it's way into the culture of these warrior dwed, after centuries of arguing over who's slain beast was more impressive of a feat.

 

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A Bearserker wearing a prestigious Brown Belt, attempting to take the Fourth Step and acquire their Darkened Pelt, shorly after falling in battle.

The Ursine Ritual

 

Through the bickering of elders, a method of equal combat was created, in the fashion of a ritual; the Ursine Ritual. This is the start of the Path of the Bear, in which one dons greater and greater pelts in a show of one’s skill in combat, and honor before Wyrvun. One would face the foe with no armor, alone. Two weapons held in each hand, forged of Urguani steel, were the only weapons allowed to quell the foe. No alchemical concoctions to be drank, no magickal spells to be slung, and no allies to save one's hide should the battle go south. All a Bearserker has during the Ursine Trial is their wits, tactics, and their weapons. Only through this ritual is a Bearserker able to attest to fellow dwed on equal footing, boasting fully that none could critique. As is their tenants, the dwarf undertaking the trial may not give up and try again on another more fortunate day. A Frostbeard can never surrender, as it is better to die standing than live with the regret of a beast unvanquished. 

 

 

Step 1: The White Pelt

The honor of bearing the White Pelt is easily given, comparatively. All Frostbeards are eligible to wear white pelts, as all must undertake the Trial of the Bear to become a Frostbeard to begin with. It is an introductory step in the Path of Wyrvun. The martial prowess of bearers of the White Pelt are average for a dwarf.

 

Appropriate Beasts: Polar Bear

Step 2: The Grey Pelt

When a clansmate in the Frostbeards seeks to grow beyond the rank-and-file, and push their limits, they join the Bearserkers to don their first pelt of accomplishment; the Grey Pelt. Many beasts of this hue are of moderate threat, and are a test of a Bearserker’s true skills alone.

 

Appropriate Beasts: Direwolf, Scasine Ferox, Pygmy Steppe Mammoths, Giant Mountain Lizard, Khitaurus pack

Step 3: The Brown Pelt

Most Bearserkers find it wise to cease their advance upon the beasts of the realm, finding contentment in the hues of grey upon their back. Those that burn with more fury in their chest seek out greater risks and rewards in the form of the Brown Pelt. Beasts of this caliber would slaughter a human swiftly, and many Frostbeards have fallen in pursuit of this fame.

 

Appropriate Beasts: Stoneback Aveta, Morko Bear, Bedlamm Herd, Qairn Hound, Bristling Boar Herd, Drogokroko

Step 4: The Darkened Pelt

Whether remarkably skilled or outrageously lucky, those Bearserkers who have survived this long make a decision; pursuit of greater heights, or contentment in their current skills while retaining their life. Few have made it to such a crossroad, and even fewer wear the Darkened Pelt to attest to the choice they have made.

 

Appropriate Beasts: Tahala Stag (Dyed), Mammoth, Rimeblood Wolverine, Myrzym, Artic Giant Beard, Prairie Dulk

Step 5: The Black Pelt

The greatest pelt of them all, the Black Pelt is won in truly great combat; a Bearserker undertakes a suicide mission to slay some of the greatest foes in the land. Where most would gather an entire hunting party, replete with heavy armaments and magickal portent, a Bearserker seeks to slay such beasts only with their taveiraz. To see a Bearserker bearing the Black Pelt is a sign of true mastery over nature, and the end of the Path of the Bear.

 

Appropriate Beasts: Manticore, Crokadonk, Demigryph, Greater Sphynx

 

As it is said, rumors remain of even greater foes being slain by ancestral Bearserkers of yore, in pursuit far beyond what most would call the end of the Path of the Bear. Elders tell their Beardlings that some are said to have even worn the scales of drakes, basilisks and other saurian skins upon their backs, slain with only their taveiraz, wits, and might..

 

Eyes of Wyrvun

 

While the quality of their pelts are a testament to their skills against the nature prepared for them in pursuit of the Path of the Bear, gems are rewarded for those who follow the Path of the White Dragon as well. First does a pelt hold no gems, for such is a great honor bestowed upon the worthy. The exact definition of who is worthy begins with those who have attended many Clan trainings or hunts, starting off with cabochon Opals set in the eyes. For those who have stayed strong to the Nine Pillars, the opals are replaced with table-set Emerald, given when the Clan Father or the leader of the Bearserker Den deems that the Bearserker in question has held fast to a particular Pillar. Following this gemstone is that of the point-cut Sapphire, reserved for those who are said to have performed great heroics in a war or raid the Frostbeards have taken part in. Bearserkers holding sapphires in their pelts are said to be some of the finer warriors in the Legion. Beyond the Sapphire is that of radiant Aquamarine eyes, reserved for exemplars of the Nine Pillars. They hold grand hoards of wisdom in both the history of the clan’s battles as well as being able to demonstrate why Bearserkers are some of the most feared combatants in the lands. Finally, those who are said to be the greatest Bearserkers are bestowed resplendent Diamonds, set proudly within their pelt to be a sign of their uncontested martial prowess. They are the embodiment of Wyrvum, redeeming the world into Yemekar’s Balance with breathtaking skill. War heroes worthy of Dungrimm’s affection find themselves at the end of the Path of the White Dragon, their skills perfected. 

 

                                                                                     

 

The Future

 

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A depiction of Bearserkers riding upon Iron Rams in a future hunt, tracking the great beast.

 

A resurgence of Bearserkers is at hand, as the Den rouses from it’s slumber. Should one be brave enough to follow in the frozen path of the White Dragon Wyrvun, send word to the Azwyrtrumm, and they may see it fit to bring you unto the frigid wisdom of the Redeemed. Both dwed and yrrok alike may take part in the events to come, though only Azwyrtrumm may become Bearserkers. Those that wish to take part in their endeavors act so as Maulers, raiders in concert with Bearserkers, though all know it is law to allow Bearserkers the killing blow on any beast in their hunts. Word travels far that even now the Azwyrtrumm rally their Bearserkers for their first outing… 

 

                                                                                     

 

NARVAK OZ AZWYRTRUMM!
ᚾᚨᚱᚹᚨᚲ ᛟᛉ ᚨᛉᚹᛃᚱᛏᚱᚢᛗᛗ!

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OOC:

 

Spoiler

Hello, the Bearserkers have been a part of LoTC history since Thales (2012!!!), and there are a grand total of zero forum posts about their impact, besides in Clan Forum posts, ever since the goat Rhewen made them. This was made to give them a little love. 

 

The Bearserkers are an exclusively Frostbeard group, with a goal to have fun in the creation of CRP events, as well as PVP trainings. I plan on hosting events (with loot!) which are to come in the near future, partnered with @Dorin. If you are interested, shoot me a message on discord at SirShitlips.

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/264875-missive-posted-upon-the-board-of-urguan/

 

Edited by SirBlocklips
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Approved

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Awesome post, I like the pelt/gemstone progression system.

Narvak oz Kaz'Ulrah

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