The Goldhand Clan

[zuluman 79]

Clan Goldhand

Welcome to the Clan of Merchants

Important News:

Please welcome our new clan members!

All Goldhands are to report to the construction site of Kal'Alras.

About:

While the Goldhand Clan is at its core a family of merchants, the clan includes accomplished architects, soldiers, political leaders, and treasure hunters.

The clan generally keeps to themselves and is distrustful of rival clans but are generous to those that they choose to forge an alliance with.

The blood-bond within the clan is incredibly strong and Goldhand's look out for their family members and are willing to fight ferociously for their honor.

The Clan:

To a Goldhand the Clan is everything. Someone once said:

A rock by itself is nothing more than a stone, swept around by the wind and water. A thousand rocks fused together by unbreakable bonds are a mountain. Storms pass it by and the sea breaks against its shoals.

The Goldhands take this to heart. Each individual member will pass on, that is the way of the world. But the Clan stands strong and does not fade with time. As such no betrayal of the Clan will be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to: stealing from the Clan, killing another Clan mate, dishonoring the ancestors, failing to acknowledge direct orders from the Clan leaders. In addition betraying the Dwarven nation is highly frowned upon and may mark the offending Dwarf as an sworn enemy of the Clan.

Any oath sworn in blood is binding and cannot be broken without expulsion from the Clan. Such oaths should never be undertaken lightly. Similarly, any oath sworn on one’s ancestors carries the same weight as a blood oath and should not be broken.

Disputes between Clan members should be brought to the Clan leader or older Clans members immediately. Arguments and disagreements will be solved without going to an outside source unless absolutely necessary.

All Clans-mates must respect one another. We are all related by blood. Remember to respect your elders. They’ve lived longer than you, and certainly have more knowledge stored away then you might give them credit for.

Traditions:

Initiation:

All Goldhand’s go through an initiation. This is a ceremony that welcomes the new blood to the Clan. The ceremony is simple enough, an instills those involved with a sense of duty and companionship and provides them a greater understanding of the family that they have joined.

Trials

There are no trials for the Goldhands. You either contain the blood of Tungdil himself or you are bloodbonded to someone who does. No trials are set in stone to prove your honor or worth. Instead your deeds for the clan will mark you as a valued and honorable Clans-mate. Your deeds may lead to the Presentation of the Coin ceremony.

Presentation of the Coin:

This is a rare ceremony performed only when the Clan leader sees fit. Its goings on are secret and known only to the Clan leader and those who have been a part of the ceremony. Every Goldhand strives to, at some time in his or her life, take part in this ceremony.

Burial:

There comes a time in every Dwarf’s life when his ancestors call his name and he ceases to walk with his feat on the stone. On a sad occasion such as this the Clan gathers to remember their fallen family member. When a member dies, either naturally or on the field of battle his body is encased in stone. This is done before the next sunrise if possible. Ale and tears flow freely as the family member is remembered for his deeds. His stone sarcophagus is then carried to a sacred resting chamber to be placed with those of his ancestors. While burials are a sad time, Goldhands also know that their friend will be smiling and laughing at them from the great halls of Tungdil. If the deceased’s deeds were truly remarkable it is said that they might even join the sacred halls of the Merchant Father himself.

History/Lore:

The Noble House of Goldhand, also known as Clan Goldhand, extends far back into Dwarven history. The line goes back originally to Tungdil Goldhand, the fifth son of Urguan.

The house originally began in Kal’Urguan where the sons of Tungdil Goldhand proudly and honorably served the nation. As time went on the size and prosperity of the house grew. Sons served in the military or the mines, and daughters married well, solidifying strong political alliances. Many of the stories of the individual house members have been lost over the years to the wear and tear of time, but several journals remain chronicling the participation of the family in great wars, and the proud service to the Dwarven crown.

With the building of Kal’Alras, several of the Goldhand’s saw an opportunity in the making. The fledgling city would need wealthy and powerful Dwarves to make it prosper. Virtually all of the members quickly joined the Guardians, the military of Kal’Alras, to help fight off bandits and other undesirables while the city was formed. As time progressed the family became more deeply rooted in Kal’Alras. Friendships were formed between the Baron and Overseer. The family also had high ranking positions in the military, and a spot on the Council of Kal’Alras.

As tensions against the mother city of Kal’Urguan, Kal’Alrasians prepared for a right against the capital. The city had grown into a multi racial area, and a war between the Humans and Dwarves put everyone on alert. During the attack by the humans on Kal’Urguan, the Goldhands turned out in great numbers to defend their Dwarven home. But when the dust settled it was clear that Kal’Alras was going to secede. A division in the clan was formed as the Alrasian Goldhand’s who had grown in power in Alras decided to stay, and the rest of the clan who felt stronger ties to Kal’Urguan. This division has lessened over time, and while House Goldhand is once again a solid family, many members have not forgotten the disagreement. Forgiven but not forgotten.

With the war over, and Alras declared a new nation, the Goldhands in Alras hung up their axes and turned to the merchant business. Their business flourished and they soon became one of the leading merchant families in the area. Stores opened in Kal’rog, Kal’Urguan, Alras, and Al’Khazar.

Business in all of the stores flourished especially the store in Al’Khazar. The Goldhands became some of the richest Dwarves in all Aegis. The focus on merchant affairs led to political life falling by the way side. The new Alrasian Council was formed leaving out the majority of the old Alrasians, Goldhands included. The name Goldhand dimished in Alras, where once it was a well known name.

The family fell upon hard times. The vast warehouses in Al’Khazar fell to the noxious cloud. Troubles between parts of the Dwarven nation and Alras made the once great merchant city unpleasant for Dwarves. Many of the Goldhands had to choose between their city and their dwarven brethren. The choice was easy for most: honor bound to the Dwarven nation, dismayed that Alras had forgotten its roots, and disgusted by some of the blatant discrimination in Alras, all the Goldhands returned to the home of their forefathers. The halls of Kal’Urguan once again rang with the jingle of Goldhand coins.

The return to Kal'Urguan was short lived. It was not long before the reach of the undead extended to the mighty dwarven capital. Lava fell from the ceiling and over the great fortress. Undead poured down the grand-stairway and flooded from the mines. It was all the Goldhands could do to carry their clan's sacred items from their clan hall. Soon the family became separated as the survivors of Aegis retreated into the verge. Amongst the masses of refugees it was difficult to stay together and in the rush of people to the boats the clan was split.

After the disorderly flight from Aegis, the Goldhand's were separated upon arrival. The clan split up heading in different directions and searching for areas of habitation. Some headed for the wilds, others to Alras, and still others to Salvus. It was only after finding the Dwarven capital that the Goldhands were reunited.

After finding the new Dwarven capital, the clan was reunited and a clan hall in the city. Gone were the vast sums of wealth that the cousins had held back in Aegis, but the clan was happy to have good solid stone over their heads and dwarves to rely on. Once again they had a starting point to build up their business once again. Gulroid stepped forward as clan leader and attended many meetings of the dwarves at this time, representing his clan to the best of his ability. He was disgusted however by the lack of productiveness that the clans had, and that none of them seemed to be able to agree.

Just when the Goldhands thought they had a stable place to live once more, a dragon forced the dwarves out of Karik. The clan splintered off, with Rasun and Gulroid heading back to their ranch in the wilds, and Dunhagen and Delios heading to Salvus where the clan owned a small shop. The war with Salvus has hurt the Goldhands as much of their stock in the city has been pillaged or has gone unaccounted for.

More recently there have been new additions to the clan. Algoda Goldhand survived the flight from Aegis and the undead threat and was welcomed with much feasting and ale drinking. Moruk and Gorum Goldhand married into the clan helping to solidify the strong dwarven blood as Frostbeard and Goldhand blood were merged. The clan has retreated to their holdings in the wild as plague has griped the land. Having found an abandoned fortress, the clan is restoring it, and giving the Goldhand heirlooms a proper place of honor once more.

While the Goldhands were constructing the fortress the situation in Alras deteriorated. The death of High King Syrio sent a shockwave through the members of the clan who had once called Kal’Alras home. Suddenly there was hope kindled as it was clear that Alras was fading quickly. The reign of High King Aislin was short. Gorum and Moruk were present when the new High King succumbed to madness. Through diplomatic and military strength the Nation of Alras was once again under Dwarven rule and in the hands of the Goldhands.

With power of Alras given to the Goldhands by Paragon Kjell. The Goldhands went about dismantling vast parts of the city which had long been abandoned. The underground Dwarven District would become the new Goldhand Clan Hold and the outer city would house the inhabitants of other races who had long called Alras home. There were other changes as well. Under Rasun’s rule, the city restored its old flag and colors and reclaimed it’s long abandoned name: Kal’Alras.

Not all was easy for the Goldhands during this time. There was unrest amongst the clans and the Dwarven nation was under severe strain. The Noble clans ended up in a position where they controlled and ran their own holds as city-states, each having separate representation, militaries, and social structure, but uniting when there were outside threats. And these threats did rise. Most recently a long and bloody war with the Orcs cost the lives of many Dwarves. The capture of the farms by the Orcs forced the Goldhands to relocated the farm land. This area was eventually recaptured but scaring to the land due to the tolls of war were immense.

The Dwarven treaty with the Orcs, ending the bloodshed between the two races did not sit well with many Goldhands who felt that the other clans were dishonoring their ancestors and the dead who had so valiantly fought the Orc scum. But in a meeting with other clans and the new Rex of the Orcs, the Goldhands were outvoted and the Dwarven Nation as a whole declared a truce. This was partially due to the threat of the human nation and also a rising sense of darkness and foreboding coming from the sightings of necromancers roaming around the reaches of Asulon. These robed men bode ill for all the free peoples.

Members:

Ranks:

Head of Clan- the leader of the clan

Member- Clan Member. Those who have been in the clan longer have seniority.

New Blood- New entrants to the clan

Black sheep- member of clan who has showed no honor or betrayed the clan

Known Active

Head of Clan: Thoak Goldhand (Thoak_Sludgefist)

Gulroid Goldhand (Zuluman111)

Rasun Goldhand (Rasun37)

Borin Goldhand (meltedsnowman)

Gorum Goldhand (darkling7788; Azaroth)

Moruk Goldhand (Payed_Legend; Payed)

Norak Goldhand

Praxedis Goldhand ((PraxedisG))

Eliff Goldhand ((Irene42))

Toran Goldhand ((Alakabam))

Arkenos Goldhand ((CentralGuard))

New Blood

Travis Goldhand ((travista))

Gromly Goldhand ((HenryA15))

Kayne Goldhand ((youlovesocks))

Tirin Goldhand ((Yakmala))

Ezekiel Goldhand ((Sprintindwarf))

William Goldhand ((WizardInABox))

Oyvind Goldhand ((CaptainBrock))

Luke Goldhand ((brvhrt1005))

Kel Steelarm ((MonstaaaMunch))

Fomsil_Goldhand ((DunkingDunnkers))

Morgarr Goldhand((MrBamPow))

Hydrose_Goldhand ((trotta1234))

Missing ((IC or OOC))

Presumed Dead

Eamon Goldhand (Eamonltd)

Thadir Goldhand (Inzzaneblade)

Dunhagen Goldhand(Dunhagen)

Delios Goldhand (Kibeira)

Alfados Goldhand (Alfados)

Algoda Goldhand (Algoda)

Visitors to the Fortress

Inquisitor_Ithric ((Twistedonslaught))

Application

*only Dwarves need apply

*the following application is OOC

*the following application is just to get to know you and we aren’t looking for any specific answers. We reserve the right to ask you to RP with us before accepting you

*We reserve the right to ask you questions about our history and lore to make sure new members have read it.

Applications are currently Closed

MC Name:

Character Name

Profession:

Have you read the clan history? (Please actually read it):

Short Bio:

What are your characters ambitions? (become famous merchant, head guard, etc.)

What kind of experience are you looking for in this clan? (friendship, rp experience, etc)

Credit: Part of the lore for the clan has been adapted from The Dwarf's Guide to Roleplaying a Dwarf- originally authored by Sam Sherry (

http://www.quest.org/cg/dwarfpacket.pdf)

[Aislin 4354]

Looks fantastic, well done. Shame you all left Alras, we'd love to see you back.

Just not with axes.

[Dun_Irongut 104]

*Darius smiles as he notices the new flyer on the clan notice board and continues to sip his drink as he reads*

It's nice te see the Gold'and Clan is returnin' te their roots. Cheers, brother.

*Darius raises his glass and chuckles. After noticing there is no one else around, he stumbles away awkwardly, wondering what became of the Frostbeards*

[Dukester 120]

*Reads the flyer and Nods*

Aye,

And I shall keep an eye for Delios and Dunhagen. Apart from that, a well written Flyer.

[no longer active 734]

Mili lifts his mug to the arrival of the Gildhands in Mount Ire

[Rasun 27]

"Aye Clan Goldhand! Let us grow back ter our wealth an' prosperity! Welcome Gorum an' Moruk ter de clan as well! Good ter 'ave yer."

[Cracker 4570]

*Hildr quickly recognizes the names of the two new inductees to the clan*

Aren't d'ose lads de' last Frostbeards? It seems det de' Goldhands have absorbed most if not all de' remaining true Frostbeards into d'ere clan.

Guud fer d'em! Just hope de' use d'em wisely.

[Algoda 885]

Ye forgot me Rasun! *winks* Anyway, very gud flyer ye made Gulroid!

[Gorum© 623]

Aye! We be glad that th gold'ands 'ave welcomed us intu da clan. But we will nay ever fer'get our roots, we still be fros'beards by blud! Har har, guess its time I start practicin' me merchantin'!

[no longer active 734]

Glad ta see de clans comboine!

[Supertimmy4ever 19]

Gud tu see the goldhands back! And algoda i didnt know ye were a goldhand? Hiding sumtin? I hope ye All will help the kingdom well.

[ThanksChris 605]

Gorum and Moruk are leaving Alras?

[zuluman 79]

Gorum and Moruk are leaving Alras?

My understanding of their intentions is that they are certainly not leaving Alras, they have just married into the Goldhand Clan become clan mates.

[Algoda 885]

Gud tu see the goldhands back! And algoda i didnt know ye were a goldhand? Hiding sumtin? I hope ye All will help the kingdom well.

*chuckles* 'Ah recently joined mate!

[Rasun 27]

"Aye th' Goldhands shall soon be sellin' many ov our guds in Mount Ire!"