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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.

Cannons would be fine. Guns would very quickly become very ******* silly, though.

You were always a good one, Reece, solid mate. I’ll miss ya hombre.

Soon, Umgi

Jorvin Starbreaker did not know Benedict personally. However, upon hearing of the death of a fellow void-slayer in passing from the folk of Aegrothond, he makes a point to pour out a drink to him upon the fires of the Shrine of Dungrimm, Dwarfen God of the Dead. Anyone, especially a halfling, who went to that hell and survived, warrants a Dwarf’s respect.

hwat. Chief I know this server ain’t no bastion of originality but what in the goddamn.

RP Name:: Jorvin K. Starbreaker MC Username: DixieDemolisher. Discord: You already got it homeboy. What Nation Are You Affliated With?: Urguan. Why Do You Wish To Come?: Utak can’t have all the glory, and Jorvin’s always been a history buff. What Skills Can You Bring?: I possess a flamethrower.

Now, I ain’t one of them big magic or creature fellas, hell I don’t have one of either, my opinion is just one of the average player. I adore it! The general idea of driven but sentient undead really appeals to me, with an overarching goal but enough space to seek it in their own way, and actually develop a personality beyond a ‘grr bad guy’ sort of sense. They’re not brute strength big bads (obviously) which I like because, from a player perspective it really makes you need to strategist, and think before you get into a fight. If one were to fight them as well, it would very easily make someone underestimate them. They’d be fun antagonists, but good lord would it be even more fun to play as one. They’ve got enough room to develop their own personality, while not being able to develop as a ‘token evil team-mate’ so to speak, unless it outright benefits them to cooperate with someone. Finally, and something I really appreciate is that, overall they don’t need to rely on a shadowy cabal of Necromancers, on specific cliques to give them an ‘in’. They have to rely on each other, teamwork and all that, which I think is a really nice touch, and from an OOC standpoint makes them not only actually more accessible, but the general vibe a lot more inviting since, as you said yourself it’s not so much a ‘you need to know a guy’ type deal. Sign me the **** up if this submission gets approved, as I adore the overall concept. PS, sorry for typos it’s five in the morning.

I like the fact diddling the demon dogs is punishable with death by fetus monster. Perfect time of the year to post something genuinely dark, can’t say I appreciated reading it while I was checking the forums before bed, but holy **** its a damn good read nonetheless. Y’all should be writing novels.

Accept it you cowards.

These letters be spicy yo

Be gentle, its his first time.

Aye, that opinion is pretty much my own on the matter. Ain’t a whole lotta point in banditry if half the parties involved don’t remember it happening. Don’t want someone to recognize you from banditing them? Genuinely conceal yourself, put out their eyes, somethin’.