Cracker

*Hildr receives the message. With a hearty sigh and forlorn look, she begins to jot down a message. She folds it delicately, a fair bit despondent in losing one of her most valued clan members, before having a messenger place it near the gates of Khaz for Kiror to see.* To Kiror, I know you may find the action of reporting Arbrek Starbreaker's newfound ownership of the city to Kjell as wrong and nefarious, against any noble intentions. And indeed, my intentions were not noble. I grew sick with worry and had panicked upon reading the notice, as it had appeared that from initial glance the Starbreakers had seized control of Kal'Dwain. I had hastily reported it to Kjell, as I knew that under his orders I was to watch for this kind of behavior. Occupying the former cities was banned under his law, as time and time again the division and diaspora of dwarves has led to the decline of our peoples. From the exodus of the ironguts to the disappearance of more than half the noble clans from Khaz, these divides have whittled our race down to a mere "supply closet", as the orcs refer to us. I did not seek bloody war but knew that under the Paragon Kjell's laws and domain, the Starbreakers sudden action was against his law. As a priestess, I had no choice but to report this to the paragon, and thus I have stirred a tempest which I can not tame. I do not feel regret for informing Kjell, but I do feel sorrow in the actions and divisions it has caused. My sole desire is for the dwarves to prosper, united, as one nation and peoples. I do not desire the demise of the starbreakers nor for the permanent closure of the city of Kal'Dwain, but to fulfill the obligations to my Paragon and insure Mount Ire is completed and established as a capital before any new cities are built. I hope these ties will not be severed forever, Kiror. We could have supplemented another with both of our knowledges of the old Dwarven ways and truly established a return to the golden dawns. But I will understand if you find my actions wrong, wrong enough to depart permanently for the clan. I bid you my highest respects and hope you find yourself well in life. I will hold my word, and will acknowledge that if you ever forgive my actions, you will always hold a spot in the clan. With sorrow, Hildr Dawnsworn

(There's always been incentive in employment, food, supplies, and free housing, even since Khaz. It's just no one bothers to seize their opportunities to get power and fame in the Dwarven kingdom. On my old char, Balthar, through the Dwarven economic system I made around 30k in minas just through utilizing incentives and ingenuity. This system just encourages us to RP together and improve RP while also making these incentives more well-known)

Bah! All dwarves who abandon d'ere kingdom be considered traitors to de Dwarven name! Head to Mount Ire and prove honor wid de' true dwarves! Dun be an anarchist!

If ye' du be insistent on living above surface, Mili was right. De're be a Dwarven meadery and farmland close to de capital, de' land owned by Hildr Dawnsworn, miself, and de' meadery profits split between me n' Gimrik Braveaxe. Fer a price ye' can procure yerself a home, so ye' feel comfortable in yer nature roots.

As a blackaxe, I'd expect you to follow the Dwarven gods! You would always have allies with the Dwarves in that regard. As high priestess in RP of the dwarves, I could easily indulge you in our religions and customs for you to find a priest.

*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.

Nay, Royal Guards could still be of a clan. It just be det when dey become a royal guard dey put de' life o' de' king and de' kingdom over de' clan.

(( Oh! Serious lack of priests too. I'm the only priestess. I cover priest + female, but we could still use more. :P ))

*Hildr quickly finishes etching out a long parchment's worth of information. She places it upon the board in the upcoming noble district for all to see. She quickly nails it up, and leaves a few loose sheets of parchment for comments and concerns.* (Written, so no dwarf accent) To all those who it may concern.... I've spoken around with many-kin, and noticed they've all agreed that the prior Legion's and Armies have not accomplished as desired. Even to me, a Dawnsworn, these ideas of standing armies, one led by strangers and men one does not know, one that are not linked by family or culture but just of job employment, seems not of our culture, but of humans and elves, kin who are not as binded by clan bonds and traditions as we. Not only that, but typically of what I've heard, most battles are rounded up by prominent members of clan or clan leaders thrown into fray, rather then organized legion arms. I was raised in the old way of fight and war, and this is how it entails. Perhaps, as we revive some of the older ways, we may revive this and find light to utilize the old way of the Warbands. *Below lies a quick, colorful sketch of a dwarven noble leading his clan among commoner clans to battle on a snowy tundra* The Warbands work fairly simple. Rather then have soldiers who nary from the same background work together and meet together for training, we divy the clans to the responsibility. Noble clan leaders or exceptional commoner clan leaders will act as commanders to the king. They will organize milita based warbands of their clans, and any vassal commoner clans who wish to aid them. The King and his royal guard will issue military tasks to the noble clans, who will then relegate them to the clan members and commoner clans. This will accomplish the same as a supposed Legion, but with greater efficiency due to clan bonds being strong and tight, thus clans acting more to accomplish the goals of the kingdom. It also encourages good communication between clans, and creates a good relationship as noble clans sally out to recruit commoner clans to act as vassals and help defend the kingdom. The royal guard also keeps the clans in line, to insure these noble clans do not abuse their Warbands for nefarious deeds. They act as the driving force above the clans and warbands, the chiefs who monitor and adjust the battle plan along with the king. The King's personal warband is his clan, their vassals, clan-less dwarves, and the royal guard. An example of how it can work, is that the King issues the Ironguts to patrol the Deep Roads for bandits and scum. The Ironguts, a noble clan in this situation, work with vassal commoner clans such as grimmhalls and starbreakers to help clear the deep roads. The Royal Guard will supervise the actions of the military commanders of the Ironguts to insure of no foul play. This system will not only bring back the old way of warbands forming to quell enemy forces, but also be more effective than traditional Legion-work due to it revolving around clan unity, then a non-existent Legion unity. Clans will work hard to keep the peace and act as a standing milita. Of what I know, the dwarves of Asulon have mainly operated on a militia system anyway, and this would would only add rather then detract. It is far easier than to conjure a great Legion leader, anywho. ~Signed Hildr Dawnsworn

*Hildr grins to herself, as she takes a mettled tome from her satchel. She dusts it off, before opening its tarnished pages and reads out the Clan Trials* The Trials of the Dawnsworn have been compiled... The Trial of Humility: -Under the true gods, no man can hold boast nor honor. To recognize this, an Acolyte vying to brand the Dawnsworn name, must relinquish his weaponry and wealth for a short period of time, and go to the streets of the cities of heretics and non-believers. He must beg for alms (500 minas) in the name of the true gods, and face any discrimination or humiliation associated with it, demonstrating his undying faith for Yemekar. Trial of Knowledge - Knowledge is crucial to survival. Education has proven itself time and time again to create progress and instill safety and security. Thus, every Dawnsworn, of all backgrounds, must prove their intellect and faith. After intense study of the Dawnsworn archives, one must pass a series of difficult questions regarding Dwarven culture, (true) faith society, customs, mechanics, and ideals. Finally, to fufill the trial one must also publish one article. The article can be a poem, scholarly paper, stories, etc. Trial of Honor - While one must prove humility to enter the Dawnsworn, one must prove honor to even be considered a dwarf. Honor is bred into both ancient and modern culture and thus to insure its survival is key as Dawnsworn. As Dawnsworn, to act of chauvinism, cowardice and betrayal is forbidden. To prove honor, one must challenged a person of legends in a particular skill to a gentleman's duel (a duel where the other person selects all terms). You must perform said duel with honor and respect, despite any calls. Traditionally, a trial of Dungrimm. Trial of Hearth - Quelling inner evils is a tenet of the Dawnsworn. Through meditation and piety, slowly but surely one can triumph over the vices of vile gods. However, to attain the rank of Dawnsworn, one must enter a state of dream and conquer a prominent inner demon. To do so, one must gather ingredients to brew the Potion of Pox, a potion which permits one to attain a sentience in their nightmares/dreams. Once you awake, entail your dream truthfully to a clan elder, and they will evaluate it to see if you've stemmed this inner fault. Traditionally, a trial of Anbella's. Trial of Blood - To prove both the blood of Dawnsworn and to prove the boon of creation, one must engage in the trial of blood. Setting out to find the greatest reagents and materials to forge an object of greatness (sword, shield, mask, armor, tools, etc.), one must then have it magically reinforced (alchemy, mage, runes, etc.), and then tasted against the staff of Kansaaz. If the object breaks, one's will and resolve is not fit for the clan. If the object bends, one does not possess the blood, but can enter the clan and assume the blood. If the object remains firm, then one possess blood and can pass the trial. _____________________________ (Current Tally of Members and Trials TheCrackerJack: All Doom6153: Completed Trial of Honor, gaiusmarius08: N/A Leland22: N/A snakeyeeees: Completed Trial of Honor, moosehunter123: Completed Trial of Honor (2nd Time), bov61: N/A )

( If you cannot handle the IC stigma's of switching clans, don't. OOC there is nothing to it, but there will always be IC repercussions, as amiable as you may be. If you REALLY wish to join the dawnsworn but are too fearful of getting ironguts disappointed, just use your alt as a dawnsworn character. Also, it's meta to call Mili out IC since he has only submitted a largely OOC application. ))

((Gaius, snake, and leland have demonstrated good quality apps to begin testing if they are capable as dawnsworn. To the others, please put a bit more effort into the application. As soon as the trials have been figured out, testing will begin.))

( We just got a few engineers, so its not a big deal, though we could use someone who can write well to design siege weaponry. Everyone in the city has some combat skill. We don't have anyone who's a particular scholar or writer besides Gaius. A brewer could be a fun profession. We don't have much of a cook either. ))

(( I was talking to Mili, Kjell can teach him runesmithing. Also, I agree with Mili, if a golem is going to lead the Starbreakers + be the greatest smith in Asulon + be an accomplished rune smith, well judging by the golem lore that's breaking it, even if Arbrek ends up making a new body, or they just try some "experimental" body. ))

( Couldn't you ask Kjell )

Hildr grasps the book gently, flipping through the ancient tome. She scans the book with old memories of her father's teachings flooding her thoughts. She closes it abruptly and replies. "Perhaps fer a' master excavator like ye', d'ese runes n' inscriptions be easy tew find. But if it truly were su easy fer any lad er lass to acquire, my peoples n' de' truth o' de' Dawnsworn wuuld be long gone. T'anks fer de' book t'ough. Mi father had a book like d'is in his study, and it be guud to relive d'ose more innocent days under mi' father's care." Hildr quietly stores the tome in a smaller pouch, before inquiring if Kiror had made any further progress on his excavations and if he had made a decision upon Hildr's offer.

Walking about the silver city, you notice a thin piece of parchment wavering near the inn. You approach it and give it a quick read. To all whom may concern, I've noticed after conversing with a variety of most esteemed laborers of our city, that the means of production are quite lacking. Farmers and miners must voyage forth to wild, uncharted lands in order to forage for food and supplies. These trips halt and wither our economy, and it seems unwise to keep them in pursuit. Thus, I plead with those in higher administration to make strides towards expanding the lands of the High Elves. Talks with foreign nations can insure a safe region for mining, lumbering, and farming, one not subject to the laws of the abhorred wilds. I, or anyone of choosing, would be more than happy to request land expansion on equal terms with an allied nation. Do tell if this is needed, as personally with the reap of the land, the economy would bolster as fellow mali'aheral receive raw materials to trade and indulge in. Van'ayla, Evern Aherna.

Evern trots up to the post, and notices the thick signatures and messages sprawled across the register. He takes a thick quill and begins to jot his name down Evern Ahern, potential Justicar. He puts the quill back to his pocket, smiles and gallantly jogs off to tend to those of the city.

( Alrighty. Can golems make new bodies though...? That seems much. Also, if you do plan on reviving the starbreakers, can you give some stereotypes and ideas behind the culture of the clan? Most of the other clans have them so it would be good for the RP. Here is what I mean Blackaxes: Shrewd diplomats and cunning warriors Ironguts: Happy go-lucky and goodie good laborers and mages Dawnsworn: Stoic and tempered crusaders and scholars Braveaxes: Devious warriors and many ex-bandits/trouble makers Irehearts: Dragon-slayers and crazed warriors w/ blood lust Starbreakers: ??? ))

(( Talk to Charles because apparently he has smith-skills now also it seems kind of lore-breaking and OP for dead souls to make their own golems (let alone a golem body for themselves ) then spiral back down to Asulon AND be the exact same soul they were prior with no golem mental handicaps... And to make a golem you do need the anvil of kal'urguan/karik/mount ire... Why not just make a new character? You can still revive the clan that way. Or even just let the clan for a time, then bring it back when the clan is needed most through an rp revival, or something of the sort. I can't say that bending or even breaking the golem lore that far makes any sense ))

(( You do not have to be of blood to be of the Dawnsworn as you would be adopted in. However, lacking the blood of the clan makes the trials harder, and you need to renounce the irongut name and face any consequences of it before assuming the title. We do not desire bad blood with the ironguts thus it would need to be settled peacefully. Perhaps the character could have both bloods or something else which lessens the impact. Moose I would like to see a better application than that. Put some effort, write a few paragraphs. ))

( Just a heads up Arbrek but... (Taken from golem lore page) "4. Golems are slow and heavy in both mind and body. They do not have to be idiots, but they are neither great leaders nor great thinkers. Their thoughts and ideas are straightfoward and simple, as are their actions." Golems can't really smith or use rune enchantments either...too big and too simple. I can't see Arbrek leading a dwarven clan as a golem as it may end up breaking lore. Do any golem smiths aside from Kjell exist atm, anyway?)

-Reserved-

The Dawnsworn (Thread W.I.P) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GaajP3QrfY Clan o' wonders, clan o' soul Dungrimm wrath ye', harbor no foe For our axe triumph, our claid gleam bask in de' blood o' fiends Clan o' ancients, Clan o' bold Anbella keep hearth n' hope afire Fer de' dwarves been called to slay der kin; De' former clan, Kansaaz, whom against de' power o' sin. Clan o' pious, clan o' kings Yemekar stem dis malcontent Let de' true gods ring out, de trinity unfold And let Dawnsworn assume der rightful hold Ballad of the Dawnsworn; Kentmar Dawnsworn, First Century _______________________________________________ Intro to the Dawnsworns Currenty led by the matriarch Hildr Dawnsworn, the Dawnsworn clan have recently resurfaced after long years of bitter struggle in hiding. Deemed as heretics in ancient times, after a ruthless Dwarven tyrant deemed the "true gods" and true trinity of Dungrimm, Anbella, and Yemekar as pagan gods, and eradicating Dwarven faith, those that remained true to the old cultures and old ways became known as the Dawnsworn. Uniting under the clan "Levli-Kansaaz", or the clan of wonders, they fought bitterly and went to hiding to insure that the true gods and old ways would last until a time, where they would resurface and the Dwarven golden ages restore. Now that the true gods have resurfaced, it is the sole responsibility of Hildr Dawnsworn to restore the title and power of the Dawnsworn, and insure the eradication of the dwarven culture and true faith never occur again. They are sworn to insure the dawn never sets, and that the culture and texts of old never dies out. The Dawnsworn followers and members consist of largely crusaders, archivists, scholars and a large thriving underbelly of laborers to provide wealth for the pursuits of the Dawnsworn. They operate on a rank-system based on merit and aid to the clan along with the objectives of the clan. One does not need to be blood-linked to assume the title "Dawnsworn", but once one does assume such a title, one is tied to the clan as family. Those who were blood-tied to Levli-Kansaaz will also be inducted in much haste. The goal of the Dawnsworn is simple, to promote the true Dwarven faiths, under the Holy Trinity and the Paragons below them. Furthermore, they aim to archive and keep records of the past, pre-historical Dwarven histories. They are traditionalist, stubborn, and filled with honor, tolerating no trickery and banditry. Furthermore, they seek knowledge from not only the old-ways to restore, but of all peoples. They strive to fulfill libraries of vast knowledge, teach this to others, and fight and conquest in the name of the old gods and the Dwarven Kingdom. _______________________________________________ Ranks of the Dawnsworn Currently, all members of the Dawnsworn are Acolytes. Until they pass the initial trials of the Dawnsworn, they will only be members of the clan as Acolytes and not fulfilled members. They are permitted to use the title "Dawnsworn", but only if prior mentioning their sub-par rank of acolyte. The following RP trials are the ones necessary to become a full-fledged member of Clan Dawnsworn. More ranks will come beyond that. The Trial of Humility: -Under the true gods, no man can hold boast nor honor. To recognize this, an Acolyte vying to brand the Dawnsworn name, must relinquish his weaponry and wealth for a short period of time, and go to the streets of the cities of heretics and non-believers. He must beg for alms (500 minas) in the name of the true gods, and face any discrimination or humiliation associated with it, demonstrating his undying faith for Yemekar. Trial of Knowledge - Knowledge is crucial to survival. Education has proven itself time and time again to create progress and instill safety and security. Thus, every Dawnsworn, of all backgrounds, must prove their intellect and faith. After intense study of the Dawnsworn archives, one must pass a series of difficult questions regarding Dwarven culture, (true) faith society, customs, mechanics, and ideals. Finally, to fufill the trial one must also publish one article. The article can be a poem, scholarly paper, stories, etc. Trial of Honor - While one must prove humility to enter the Dawnsworn, one must prove honor to even be considered a dwarf. Honor is bred into both ancient and modern culture and thus to insure its survival is key as Dawnsworn. As Dawnsworn, to act of chauvinism, cowardice and betrayal is forbidden. To prove honor, one must challenged a person of legends in a particular skill to a gentleman's duel (a duel where the other person selects all terms). You must perform said duel with honor and respect, despite any calls. Traditionally, a trial of Dungrimm. Trial of Hearth - Quelling inner evils is a tenet of the Dawnsworn. Through meditation and piety, slowly but surely one can triumph over the vices of vile gods. However, to attain the rank of Dawnsworn, one must enter a state of dream and conquer a prominent inner demon. To do so, one must gather ingredients to brew the Potion of Pox, a potion which permits one to attain a sentience in their nightmares/dreams. Once you awake, entail your dream truthfully to a clan elder, and they will evaluate it to see if you've stemmed this inner fault. Traditionally, a trial of Anbella's. Trial of Blood - To prove both the blood of Dawnsworn and to prove the boon of creation, one must engage in the trial of blood. Setting out to find the greatest reagents and materials to forge an object of greatness (sword, shield, mask, armor, tools, etc.), one must then have it magically reinforced (alchemy, mage, runes, etc.), and then tasted against the staff of Kansaaz. If the object breaks, one's will and resolve is not fit for the clan. If the object bends, one does not possess the blood, but can enter the clan and assume the blood. If the object remains firm, then one possess blood and can pass the trial. _______________________________________________ Application The following application does not get you into the clan. It is merely an indicator that you show interest in the clan. You will need to fill the trials of the clan prior to induction and earning the proper title of the Dawnsworn, and filling this app is not necessary to be recognized to be able to receive the trials, as you can just demonstrate excellent IC RP and ooc interest. However, an app is vastly preferred. You will be contacted if we deem you worthy, and given trials to fufill. If dawn asunder, death await. For sworn to dawn, our lives are given to fate.

8 nations is just to fill out the ones all the current ones which exist (Holm, Seventis, Salvus, Renatus, Hanseti, Orcs, Elves and a misc.), though you can mix and match. Neutral is always an option, I just like the idea of clans having varying opinions on different nations. Just trying to get more out of the clans and forge a more modern identity out of them.