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Even now, it sickened Jorvin.

Twenty five years had passed since the tumor had begun to grow on his clan. Twenty five years since Torkan Starbreaker had begun poisoning the soul of Gotrek’s line with his Khorvadic ways. Twenty five years since Jorvin himself had been plunged into paranoia, always looking over his shoulder, always waiting for cultists to strike at him from the dark, before the truth could be unearthed. The search for proof had driven him mad, and in madness he became volatile, always assuming of a plot against him, and reacting...Violently if given any ‘conceived’ justification for his suspicions. 

Finally, after those twenty five horrible years, it had come to a conclusion. And yet, even with the events of that night playing over and over in his head, there was one thing that sickened him to his core. That the Heresiarch, for all his former talk of family, had spat his hellspawned words to his final end. What sickened him was that his dying breath was not spent conveying a message to his children, nor his brothers whom he’d betrayed, but rather spent hailing Khorvad, the foul exile himself.

And yet there was relief in the fact it was finally over...Torkan Starbreaker, Arch-Heretic of Atlas, and ‘Prelate’ of Khorvad was dead, caught by authorities in a failed attempt to kill King Fimlin. Rather than let his clan be fore-shamed for a century from this tragedy, Jorvin took action, offering his hand as executioner, to purge this cancer from his clan, personally. In this at least, he reasoned that his clan would be spared the guilt, and blow to their honor. Despite this, he had finally become a ‘kinslayer’, a thought which sickened him to his core.

And yet the deed was done, and the blood of both Velkan, and Gotrek’s lines stained his blade as one, yet there was still one task at hand...

[!]

From within the depths of Kal’Varoth, a host of ravens has left the mountain bearing messages, dispersing them across Arcas in generous fashion to ensure their message is read. Each note bares the sigil of Clan Starbreaker upon it, and is signed by their Clan-Father himself.

”This message is one written is one I wished dearly I would not have to write. I wished dearly that this problem would outlive me, that Torkan Starbreaker would remain in Serrimor, or Atlas, and his crimes with him. This was a selfish wish, and ultimately proven futile. Torkan Starbreaker is dead, slain by my own hand for the crimes of Khorvadic worship, treason, and conspiracy to kill the King. Henceforth, he shall be known forever and always as Torkan ‘Silverfinger’, just as heretics in the past.

Let it be known that I have taken in his youngest children, Lulubelle and Karvak Starbreaker as my wards, as it is my duty as Clan-Father to ensure they do not follow the same path as their blood father. However the status of his adult children is one I must herein address.

I write this message to all of-age children of Torkan Starbreaker, in order to ensure his heresies do not outlive him, I summon you Kal’Varoth to declare your innocence, should you have preformed any foul deeds in the service of your father, I invite you before me to renounce them, and declare an Oath upon the shrine of Anbella, within the temple of the Brathmordakin, that you shall forever remain true to Yemekar, and your family. You are given a year’s time to answer this call, if you do not, you will be assumed traitorous. Should you fail to present yourselves to me, the Clan Elders or High Prelate of the Clergy before this period, you will meet the same fate as Torkan, and will be purged for your heresies. The death of my blood is not something I relish in, and I implore you to heed my summons.” -Jorvin Starbreaker, son of Kazrin Starbreaker. Ruling Head of the Ancient Line of Gotrek, Clan Starbreaker. Lieutenant in Dungrimm’s Legion, and Rikkin at the Council of the Elective Constitutional Monarchy of Agnarum, and Underrealms of Urguan.

“Narvak oz Urguan, Narvak oz Dwedmar! Aruuuuuh!” the young Starbreaker shouts

Gib space steel

He a big boy, he a good boy.

Like the style! Might eventually hound you if/when I make my human in the works.

Either way, welcome back to LOTC!

Finally

a trustworthy news-source.

The young Clan Father nods approvingly.

”Da umros ovar aghar da Khor’morred. da Khor’yarred var kav da Dwedmar thorokian.” (Eng: “The humans can have the world above, the world underneath will suit our people just fine.”)

The Starbreaker shoulders his war-hammer, a small smile under his helm as he would look forward to exploring the mountains in question, the realms beneath them even more so.

I for one, support the pew-pew.

Gimme Dwarven muskets, give spook hunters gold-bullets. Dewit.

Here’s a bunch from Kal’Azgaryum

Does this mean one can acquire Dwarven panzers.

1 minute ago, JokerLow said:

((Dont worry just to let you know that the body of Thoak is not in the crypts as he is protected by a golem...or what was left of his body after the war.))

((I re-read it myself just before my last response, you’re right, as I said my bad. I’ll have to bring up the subject of Thoak’s body to Kazrin when he comes back from getting a pack of cigarettes.

1 minute ago, JokerLow said:

((I was in charge of Dwifur's body and I still have his body at this time. The post about Thoak s death that kazrin made was just informatial, the only way you couldve know about the place where bis body rest is by asking Kazrin.))

((Then someone messed up, because it was among the sarcophagi in the crypts, be it an empty coffin or otherwise, as for Thoak, at the time of making this post I believed he was sealed within the tombs, honestly bad on my part.

28 minutes ago, JokerLow said:

((1. Thoak’s Body was not burried in Ulrah’s crypt.))

((2. Dwifur’s Body was not burried in Ulrah’s crypt.))

Hekkaes ‘Anvilaxe’ Goldhand hears the news and he looks sadden towards the path of Kaz’Ulrah, he then shrugs saying ”’nd dis be’ a realle stuped’ deed by da dwarves eron Agnarumm. Disturb da deat’ be’ a dis’onorable act, o’ ye ‘ig’ Prelate, ‘ow could ye du dis tu da bode’ eron da fallen dwarves dat once swear an oat’ tu Kaz’Ulra’, da kingdum ye guys called a kingdum erun kinslayers. Disturben’ da deads ‘nd callen’ et a Dute’ by Dungrimm be’ vere’ dis’onorable frum da clerge’. Seems loike dwarves forget tu respect da dead...”

((Dwifur most certainly was, as he possessed a grave there. Upon second reading I do recall Thoak being entombed elsewhere, but seeing to the man a burial felt proper.

“Removin’ t’em from t’eir graves be indignant, of t’at I will confess, but it is wit’ just cause we ‘ave done so. Kaz’Ulrah fell, t’e bodies of our honored dead will nae be left ta’ t’e Umri to rob should they feel compelled to, I care vereh little fer t’eir allegiance, as kin is kin, and despite w’at t’ey may ‘r may not ‘ave done in life, all Dwarves deserve burial wit’ t’eir descendants, barring t’e most...Dishonorable folk ‘mong t’em. Now, do yerself a favor, drop t’e accusatory nature. I myself fought fer Ulrah in t’e final battle.”

(Source: https://paul_rj.artstation.com/projects/BmXV3D)

On the 21^st of the Grand Harvest (exactly two months prior to the writing of this message) a journey was undertaken by High Prelate, Fili Grandaxe, aided by Starbreaker Clan Father, Jorvin Starbreaker, to the old crypts of Kaz’Ulrah. This journey was one of duty, as it was found impermissible that the Dwarves as a people would allow their honored dead to remain any longer in foreign lands, as the crypt had since the fall of Ulrah a decade prior. 

As such, with oversight from the High Prelete himself, they would break open the tomb, and move the coffins to a carriage brought explicitly for their transport. The bodies are to be reinterred underneath Kal’Azgaryum, where they shall remain with their living descendants for the foreseeable future.

Listed below are the names of those recovered

• Borgin Grandaxe
• Valen Grandaxe
• Decks Grandaxe
• Rogan Grandaxe
• Jakrod Silvervein
• Boreas Silvervein
• Rasun Goldhand
• Noreath Goldhand
• Servis Stormbreaker
• Gerigston Longmane

16 hours ago, Cpt_Noobman said:

“May deh hospital thrive wif deh Clergy’s blessing. If yeh require religious figures or deh tips o’ an old alchemist, seek meh out” says Fili.

”T’would be much obliged ef t’e clergy were ta’ grace t’e ‘ospital grounds wit’ t’eir presence, per’aps arrange ah blessin’ of Anbella fer t’e grounds? An as far as alchemy goes, t’e ‘ealin’ potions might be ov ‘elp?”

10 hours ago, Farryn said:

“Hmm, I should pay a visit to both Aegrothad and Agnarum at some point,” Elvira wondered, smiling at the formation of the hospital and the encouragement of healing. Despite being able to heal with magic, she always preferred the mundane way. “If they ever need a supply of healing potions and salve, or a temporary healer, I’m happy to offer such to them. It’s good to see mundane healing is being improved and encouraged.”

“T’at would be most welcome!”

In any other kingdom, in any other land, one would consider the opening of a clinic to be a dull affair, important on a local level if most. Today however, is a moment of immense symbolic value, at least in the opinion of this author.

On this day, the 15th of Malin’s Welcome, 1701, construction finishes on the first official hospital of Agnarum. With construction ordered by Gimli Metalfist, who served as quartermaster for the project, the assembly of the healing ward was overseen by several healers, most notably Illynora Sylvaeri, who along with Runnir Starbreaker, and Nepir Wolfguard, served as advisors during the construction, in order to ensure the medical facilities were constructed in the utmost standards, our leader on the project, Master Metalfist, was happy to oblige.

With the planning of several other wards already underway, it seems for the first time in a generation, masterful Dwarven engineering will be put to work, constructing a house of healing rather than weapons of war.

For those readers who are not of Urguan’s folk, and therefore are unaware of the monumental symbolic value of this event, one must understand for well over half a century, the Dwedmar peoples have been embroiled in conflict, violence, and war, beginning with the Civil War, all those years ago, to as recent as a decade ago, with the fall of Kaz’Ulrah, and the mass exodus of Dwarves from their halls, many would not survive the trek to Agnarum, and even fewer would be able to adjust to life here, I was one of the lucky few.

We Dwarves have suffered, by the Gods we have suffered, but instead, today, with our voices singing the songs of old once more, we carved out a house of healing from the rock, within the eastern quarter of the city. If the Brathmordakin are willing, this may one day prove to be among the most advanced medical facilities in the realm of Atlas, as the tools to do so are most certainly within our grasp, all Dwarves require is the knowledge, as for too long we have forfeited healing for violence, and creation for destruction.

If you believe you are skilled enough, perhaps pay a visit, and if you are hired, make use of this facility to save lives, rather than take them.

Anbella bless this facility, and Dungrimm guide those we could not save previously. May the Dwedmar know peace after such turbulent times.

- Jorvin ‘Stone Eye’ Kazrinkadan Starbreaker.
 

“Ironkiln?” Jorvin remarks, distaste to be heard in his voice as he swiped the the document, nailed to a post upon his patrol route. The Guard of Agnarum re-read the note, before shaking his head. “Changin’ yer name dunnae release ye from yer written word, ‘ow... distasteful.” Is all he would comment, before discarding the note onto the frozen ground, and returning to his duties.

Written by Jorvin Kazrinkadan Starbreaker

Hello weary traveler! If you are reading this, then clearly for one reason or another you wish to travel to the lands of the Dwedmar. Having lived in this realm for the better part of a decade, I have explored most, if not all within the borders of this fine nation, and am happy to impart my wisdom upon you. However, one must remember when traveling, just like any long trek, it poses it’s dangers. This guide will help you to on your way, instruct you on the dangers, the local niches one must avoid, and particular attractions once you enter within these lands. 

PART 1:  What the **** is an Agnarum?

The Kingdom of Agnarum lies nestled within valleys and hitherlands of the southwestern regions of Atlas, bordered by the Yatl Wastelands (Often referred to as the Fennlands) to the southeast, the Duchy of Barrowmount to the North, Curon to the Northeast, and the ocean some twenty miles to the west. Agnarum is not a large nation by any means, though its population is larger than one would think at first glance. Many villages surround the mountains, but underneath the hills of rock and gravel, and windswept hitherlands lie miles and miles of cityscape below. It is a long and sometimes difficult journey to reach these lands from the North, but once one does they will be greeted with he hospitality of the Dwarves, as these conservative-minded Dwed have not forgotten the old tradition of treating a guest warmly. Once a minor hold, Agnarum now bustles as many Dwarves, and sometimes even entire clans have moved here from the north.

Part 2:  The Surface

Congratulations! You’ve reached the borders of the Kingdom, and now you begin the journey from the hitherlands to the keeps below! While you trek your way through our lands here are a few things to be aware of, and be prepared for.

• Local Wildlife

Being just on the borders of the tundra, many species of wildlife call this region home. Deer and moose reside in the forests to the east, and mountain goats climb along the rocky spires. If you are not a hunter, and fishing is your profession, the river running through our lands provides ample trout and salmon to those who know how to gather them, be warned however, as it is not just Dwedmar which hunt them. Packs of wolves from the south can often be found in the valley, and bears of all manner, from the harmless black, to the terrifying polar war bear prowl the region. While easy to avoid these lumbering beasts have claimed the lives of many an unfortunate traveler who was not prepared for the challenges of the land. 

• The Climate

Agnarum is a beautiful land, but one cannot expect to travel there without facing adversity in one form or another. Simply put, Agnarum is a cold realm, though hardly arctic like our Fennic neighbors, even our summers are considered temperate by some. Always be prepared for the cold, as the temperature plunges even further during the night, warm clothes are a necessity three seasons out of the year, and during winter it is ill-advised to leave the mountain home. However, in almost ironic fashion the actual city of Kal’Azgaryum is one of the warmest locations in the southern realms of Atlas, being buried hundreds of feet under ground, insulated naturally from the weather. Even during the coldest of winters, when life on the surface could be all but barren, the lava flows underneath the earth keep the city well heated, never dipping below sixty degrees. (Which is why it is not unheard of to see Dwarves shirtless, even in our cold climate.)

• Crime

In regards to illicit activities, I am proud to say that despite our troubles (which all realms possess) Agnarum has one of the lowest crime rates among major nations, in no small part due to the constant vigilance of Dungrimm’s Legionaries, who serve as both the military and policing force of the kingdom. Recreational use of drugs is legal, and not particularly stigmatized, though use in excess is frowned up. Unlike the Empire of the Humans, magic is not shamed, nor illegal, excluding for obvious reasons that of a dark nature. Racial laws are also unheard of, despite some of our number being unfriendly to outsiders (mind you this is not the norm). So long as one behaves, they are welcome within our halls. When on the road, be careful of banditry, as the Curonites to the north have been suffering from highwaymen for some time. Similarly, the exiled Frostbeard (Often referred to as Blackfists by older Dwarves) have also attacked citizens of Agnarum on the road, though they have for the most part, been kept at bay.

Keep your wits about you, and you will be fine.

Part 2: Kal’Azgaryum

If you have made if this far, your journey is over, and you survived, I knew you would! Now the real fun begins! You will find the Dwarves of Agnarum a friendly, fun-loving folk! Our taverns bustle as men and women brag over their most recent hunt, and our libraries possess the knowledge of ancients, gathered by the dutiful Remembrancers. You will find the information available here rivaling even that of the Eternal Library of the High Elves, and only surpassed by the Great Library of Draugr itself. If it is a party you seek, you have come to the right place, as our folk like nothing more than a song, a party of friends around the hearth, and a damn good drink, produced locally of course. If you have come seeking a smith, you will find one, as our craftsmen are rivaled by none, save perhaps the Elves of Aegothrond, if only for the fact they themselves, are as Dwarven as Elves can get!

If you require a smith, the clans Metalfist and Starbreaker are your best bet, specifically Gimli Metalfist or Stromnikar and Kazrin Starbreaker, feel free to ask around, as to contact them is hardly a difficult task, the stereotype that all Dwarves know each other often proves true among the residents of the Kingdom. Likewise, if you need a chef, you will find no better than the Cottonwoods, specifically Bjor, who reside on the surface, in the shadow of the mountain. If you have come seeking shelter, you will find it here, and if you require a blade, you will find the many a warrior in our halls, though do not mistake our kind for common mercenaries, Dwarves are always willing to fight for a righteous and just cause.

And, if you come with a king’s ransom, you could perhaps commission even the Runesmiths of yore, whose craft is finer than none.

And perhaps, if you are an adventurer, one might wish to delve into the ancient tunnels and ruins that can be found within the cavernous mountain chambers? Though be mindful to respect the dead in your spelunking, as Dwarves will not tolerate the disrespect of their ancestors.

In conclusion, we are a stubborn, unwavering folk who are not prone to leaving our mountains, but do not mistake this as anything but a harsh exterior, for once you have made friends with our people, it will not soon be forgotten, as Dwarves have long lives, and even longer memories. If you come as a visitor, you will be welcomed with the open arms of the Dwedmar, and if your intentions are fowl...Well, if the wildlife doesn’t kill you, you will find the Dwarves just as ready to cast you beyond our borders.

Good luck on your journey! I hope this guide will help you in your travels, and I hope to see you soon.

The Siege of Kal’Azgaryum, 1698, written by Jorvin ‘Kazrinkadan’ Starbreaker.

The following is the latest recount from War-Historian, Jorvin Starbreaker, also author of ‘The Fall of Kal’Tarak’, and ‘The Battle of Prince’s Folly’.
 

Allow me to preface by saying, right off the bat, yes, I am a soldier within the Legion of Dungrimm, and a loyal one at that, however do not allow this to cast doubt upon the authenticity of my writing. I consider professionalism to be the utmost importance, along with the fact I do not find the act of kinslaying to be a fitting propaganda piece.

The Battle took place on the 1st of the Grand Harvest, 1698 underneath the twin peaks, and before the gate of Agnarum, it was a clear day and little was out of the ordinary. I myself was many miles from the city at the time during the battle, as I was off on a ranging towards the Southeast, investigating suspected bandit activity. When I was informed of the attack via messenger raven, I rushed back, but arrived too late, as the fighting had already begun.

Clan Frostbeard, formally exiled from Agnarum, attacked with between nine and twelve thousand soldiers, led by Garrond Frostbeard (assumed? If anyone know the exact number, and leader of Frostbeard forces during the battle, please send bird.) with the intent of raiding the city, possibility in retaliation for the near-shaving of Garrond Frostbeard a short while prior.

The attack was sudden, and the Legion caught off guard, bells sounded throughout the city to alert the guard, and the commanders quickly rushed to assemble some fifteen thousand men to the defense, leading these forces was the Grand Marshall himself, Dain Metalfist, as well as a majority of the command staff. Rushing up the stairwells to confront the Frostbeards, Legion forces were not afforded time to coordinate a defense prior to the attack, leading to a rather disjointed entry onto the battle, at least until assuming a shield-wall before the gate.

The Frostbeards peppered the defenders with arrows, and though the main line held relatively well thanks to their shields, those trading missiles with the enemy through arrow-port, and windows were hammered with projectiles. Despite this, there were relatively few casualties on both sides during the skirmishing period of the battle, the Frostbeards held, and so did the Legion, as the two’s shield walls occasionally clashed with each other.

It was an hour after the opening of the battle, disaster struck. Due to a tactical error of the highest sort, there was a miscommunication in the ranks, forces of the Silvervein Clan, led by Dwarger ‘Savior’ Silvervein charged ahead of the main battle-line, assuming support from the rest of Legion’s vanguard. Without the aid from the rest of the host, some three thousand men of Clan Silvervein were soon surrounded by Frostbeard forces. Forces from Clan Metalfist, led by the Grand-Marshall himself attempted to intercept, breaking the encirclement, but were unable to reach the Silverveins in time, leading to the Marshall being wounded, and evacuated back to the gatehouse by Gimli Metalfist. Things looked grim, as the legion took substantial casualties in the attempt to pull out the Silverveins, but the Frostbeard attack itself was slowing.

Silvervein warriors had managed to inflict a significant amount of casualties upon Frostbeard forces during their charge, despite being heavily outnumbered. Eventually after this deadly confrontation, the two sides slowly begun pulling back, as despite the heavy damage they had inflicted, the Frostbeards proved unable to break the Legion’s lines in a reasonable amount of time, and further assault was deemed too costly to carry out. The Legion, meanwhile had fallen back to the gatehouse, tending to the wounded and forming the shield-wall behind it’s metal porticulius. It soon became clear that, unless heavy siege weapons were brought to bear against the gate, there would be no breaking the Legion, and as such, the Frostbeards soon sounded their retreat.

Official numbers will vary over the next week, as we are still counting all the dead, though it is roughly estimated that three and a half thousand were lost of Angarum’s side, with just as many wounded, while the Frostbeards suffered similar, albeit slightly lower casualties, due to their own smaller force. It is the personal belief of the author that this battle has done much to highlight the deteriorated state of Dungrimm’s Legion, as I described in ‘The Host of Dungrimm’, and I suspect action will soon be taken to begin reforming Dungrimm’s Legion, in terms of discipline.

[!]

The following is transcribed onto the first page of the book, written exclusively in Dwarven.

If I am to go to war, let it be just

If I am to go into battle, let it be a victory

If I am to fall upon the ground, and have breathed my last

Dungrimm, War-Father, Guardian of the Slain

Welcome me into your halls

I am the Hammer of Yamekar, and I shall smite the wicked

I am the Sword of Dungrimm, and I shall grant us victory

I am the Shield of Anbella, and I shall safeguard the Dwedmar, wherever they may be

Hear my oath, o mighty gods of the Brathmordakin, for I swear in your name

Only in death, does my duty end.

-Written by Jorvin Starbreaker, son of Kazrin Starbreaker

The Legion of Dungrimm is the standing army of the Kingdom of Agnarum, standing between thirty, and forty thousand strong, it is the smaller, yet most disciplined force among the descendant hosts, however... Few in number are the Dwarves who patrol the hitherlands at night, and the discipline that sparks fear in the hearts of our opponents, has degraded. This is of blame to no one, as we live in a time of peace, however I believe things can be done to improve the state of our valiant host, as I will outline in this document.

1. Loyalty and Duty

2. Cohesion and Uniformity

3. Doctrine and Purpose

1: On loyalty, duty, and the dereliction of.

Having gone through training, and spoken with my fellow soldiers of the Legion, several things have come to mind, some of which I believe negatively impact the effectiveness of our fighting forces.

I am aware, as the race of Urguan, the lines between civilian and warrior are often blurred, which leads one to wonder why we are so few in number? The answer, in my opinion, is how the legion recruits its members. Many take soldiering on as profession akin to the guilds, secondary to their primary trade. While being versed in many things is admirable, it is my belief that if the majority of the population knows how to fight, then there should be something setting the Legion of Dungrimm apart from civilian militias.

As of now, our training regimen teaches people how to fight, this is good, and should not be changed, but I believe it is not enough. Equally important to knowing how to fight, is how to take on the mindset of a soldier, a man who fights not for personal glory, or fame, but one who stands behind his helm, and acts only out of duty to his people. Becoming a skilled combatant is only the second purpose of effective training, effective training is, in my mind, breaking someone down, and building them back up to become a better version of themselves, one that is loyal to the King, and to the Brathmordakin, who fights for others rather than themself, and one who will not recoil against the enemy.

Increased physical training, and more importantly drilling  is what I am suggesting, what I believe is necessary, learning how to fight as one, cohesive unit. Knowing how to fight is one thing, but having the stamina to do so is another, beneath is my personal suggestion for a regimen based off my own experiences, feel free to alter at will.

Athletics: Knowing how to strike is important, keeping the strength to do so is even more. Soldiers of the Legion will be pushed to their limits, running in heavy armor for between two or three miles, the objective is to maintain a steady pace the entire time, rather than bursts of strength, or energy.

Climbing: We are the mountain folk, and as such the mountains will be the grounds we fight to the last, learning how to properly climb rock-faces, whilst in armor is an important talent which, while common, cannot be assumed to be known beforehand.

Endurance: Weight lifting, swimming, and the ability to withstand harsh environments are skill-sets that will be required, as the forces of the Legion are often fighting abroad when working with allies. We live within marching range of a hellish tundra, and a volcanic epicenter, operating in these regions could be done, in order for soldiers who have otherwise grown accustomed to the underground climate, to be taught how to withstand the harshest of environments.

In conclusion, the goal of said intensified training is to create a highly specialized, highly coherent fighting force, far more distinct from the general populace than it is currently. Instructors will be needed on site at all times to ensure a high standard of competency, and punish incompetency with further training, or menial tasks, however this instructor does not necessarily need to be the Grand Marshall, but can be anyone from the Officer’s branch, assuming they have the skill necessary to do so.

On this final note I must bring up a topic that saddens me, which is the fact that very few of our number attend training sessions at any one time, some only joining in for the glory of battle. It is my personal opinion that this sort of behavior should be reprimanded and punished, assuming training becomes more frequent, soldiers would be expected to appear for training at least once every two weeks, UNLESS they have informed an officer, or the Grand Marshall with a reason for their non-attendance, as arbitrary flunking should be punished with demotion, and if done twice, expulsion from the legion.

2: Cohesion and Uniformity

With a stronger emphasis being put on operating as a member of a team, groups of individuals must be taught how to behave in an orderly, cohesive fashion, responding to orders in unison, and bellowing their battle-cries in unison are good places to start, as they also build up moral, as the soldiers in question performing the standardize battlecry will feel inspired by those around them, this also has the bonus of having the OPPOSITE effect on the enemy, demoralizing them in the face of a united front, in the form of a wall of steel, which leads me to my next point…

Uniformity in the legion is necessary in the mind of this author, as he believes the armor of the legion is a banner of pride, but also because in doing so, one identifies more with their smiliarily clad compatriots, as such, standardization should be enforced to a degree of the command’s liking, ensuring that soldiers of the legion are identifiable by their armor in battle. Personalized armor, even if it is more efficient than that of the Legion’s, should not be worn in battle in place the standard armor, unless given permission by their commanding officer. This applies mostly to those of the Ironbreaker and Ranger ranks, as slayer uniforms consist of lack thereof.

Pertaining specifically to the Ironbreaker ranks, I also believe equipment should be standardized, Ironbreakers, as Heavy Infantry, will often be fighting in formation, meaning that weapons such as polearms, towershields, and short-weapons are more effective than greathammers, great-axes, and war-swords. It is not flashy, but I have seen what a spear-wall can do against an enemy rank, and it is a sight to behold. Shields however, should remain customizable, as they more often than not denote the clan of the wielder, allowing them to be easily identified.

The reader will please note I am not suggesting an end to the use of our traditional weapons, far from it, I am no Dwarf to break tradition, I am merely suggesting that spears and the like be used alongside them. Using these weapons also grants one access to spear-walls, effective against infantry, and cavalry alike. With proper drilling, infantry groups can be trained to march while maintaining their spear-wall in a phalanx-like formation, which is not only effective in practice, but also further demoralizes the enemy, whose sight is restricted to a wall of tower shields, bristling with a forest of blades, advancing towards them.

Note, I refrain from mentioning the slayers whilst discussing tactics, as I believe they are best deployed as Shock-Infantry, charging ahead of the main line to soften the enemy front, while the main ranks of infantry advance in a slower fashion due to the complexity of their marching orders. While the Slayers cannot defeat an army alone, they can hold off an enemy section, long enough for fresh reinforcements to slam into the enemy ranks. When not used as the hammers to an anvil, the Slayers I believe, are also most effectively deployed on the flanks of the vanguard, with the intent of sweeping around, and striking at the enemy from behind once the lines class.

3: Doctrine and Purpose

In conclusion, with great effort, the small but skilled Legion of Dungrimm has the potential to become the greatest fighting force in the world, with some effort. However the fact remains that the Dwarven race, as of the past few years, has lost much of it’s former glory, power, and numbers, be it from declining birth rates, or turbulent warfare, it remains the undeniable fact that we are hardly the most numerable of races, as such, it is the writer’s belief that the doctrine adopted by our forces should be that of stubborn defense and, more importantly, detachment from the wars of the surface.

Dwarves, as we are, are most skilled within the realm beneath the ground, we are folk of the mountains and caves, and should war come, it is to these mountains and caves we should make our stand. In the event of invasion, a successful campaign would be one that would tire our enemies out, rather than slaughter them outright, to make a Dwarven kingdom so difficult to invade, any potential aggressor would quickly see the folly in their actions. This is of course, theoretical, as the Hold of Kal’Azgaryum, as magnificent as it is, is not made for these tactics.

The simple fact remains, bridges can be blown, caves can be collapsed, and very quickly (should the need arise) can the Dwarven people shut themselves from the outside world, the tunnelers and miners that we are, we can most certainly clear any self-inflicted shut ins, while for enemy forces it would ideally take a great number of days to do so. The most ideal, defensible Dwarven hold, is one so deep underground, that numerous artificial cave-ins can be constructed to prevent access, while underground highways, Deep Roads, leading from one Dwarven Hold to another, can facilitate the movement of troops, supplies, and refugees should the need arise.

Realistically, such a defense cannot be made indefinitely, but if the architecture suits it, and the kingdom keeps large amounts of food stockpiled encase of the worse, a Dwarven hold can withstand invasion for years, simply by shutting the gates. Rationing food is always a challenge, yet the fact remains that with the Forest Dwarves as they are, we have bountiful resources to harvest in peace time, and stowaway come war. Unless one is under constant strenuous activity, a single large chest can sustain a fully grown man for the better part of two years, if he is cautious and conservative with his meal potions. Therefore, it would actually be quite easy to establish ‘communal silos’ in each quarter of the city, from where food can be rationed. I say quarter because, come the worst, an invasion into our very halls, each quarter of the city, if adequately defended, can be shut off from the rest. A clan hall with sufficient food resources for example, can withstand invasion almost as long as the actual city.

Such a scenario, is of course only if the worse comes to pass, and would require extensive cooperation between the military and the guilds, however it is well within the realm of possibility to do so, and ideally such thoughts would be considered for future Dwarven settlements, or military outposts.

[Final notes/OOC]

This compilation of thoughts, suggestions, and ideas should not be taken as criticism of the current way things are done, these are purely my ideas as someone who has participated in both military style roleplay, and more traditional RP. I simply wanted to offer some suggestions for the sake of improving the roleplaying aspect of things for people participating in the military side of the community. Anyone can join a warclaim, but I think having your character officially join a standard military should be something different. Things such as more intense training, and more detail put into the para/military type things (Such as strategic meetings, law enforcement, etc) has the potential to generate some interesting RP.

“’ ‘as....Anyone actually got ‘proof’ or...T’is jus’ another one’a t’ose t’ings?”

The following is the newest historical piece, written by Jorvin Starbreaker, Apprentice Remembrancer, and Stoneguard in Dungrimm’s Legion, due to the recent OOC controversy regarding this particular battle I tried to avoid certain...Controversial subjects, but nevertheless, I wrote this down, and figured you would all enjoy it! So here it is, a dramatic, in-character recount of the most recent battle against the September Prince....From a Dwarven perspective of course.

Visit the Library of Agnarum today!

The Battle of Prince’s Folly: Written by Jorvin ‘Kazrinkadan’ Starbreaker.

[Prelude] As a Dwed, residing in the lands of Agnarum, there was little I knew on the war against the September Prince, I was a resident of the mountain, and the mountain would keep me. However I would come to experience the wrath of the Prince firsthand after having joined Dungrimm’s Legion.

The call to rally came early in the day, I had just awoken and was performing my morning routine, groggy with sleep, and with a throbbing headache in my skull, as I have often suffered from since my injuries sustained during the Battle of Kal’Tarak. As such, I did not immediately process what had occured, that the shouting of my neighbors, and the ringing of the city bell signified a call to arms.

Quickly as I could, I adorned my uniform, and was armored in steel plate atop it. Strapped to my arm was my towershield, gleaming with my clan crest, and in my hand, a sword of steel. It had taken me but only a few moments to prepare, as I had practiced in the event I would be called to battle. I was to the town square within moments, where the legion had assembled. I am proud to say that the forces of clan Starbreaker were among the first to assemble themselves, as the son of the Clan Father, I was to represent our kindred during the battle.

I met briefly with Dain Metalfist, our commander at the time, and soon received orders to rally the rest of the clans, though it was no daunting task, as when I encountered many, there were already in the process of preparing for combat. All together, the assembled forces of clans Metalfist, Silvervein, Ireheart, Starbreaker, and assorted others numbered fifteen thousand, give or take. My final act prior to marching to war, was to position myself towards the front our our host, in the vanguard. I will confess, I was eager to prove myself, after personal events a month prior led to me doubting my capabilities.

[The Battle] After a day’s march, the forces of Agnarum met with the many hosts of the descendants in the home of the Yrrok-Umri (Farfolk, in the common tongue). The Kadarsi had prepared their city as well as nomads could, an impressive wall surrounded the human’s hold, and their town possessed many chokepoints which could easily be defended.

The Kadarsi were commanded, to my knowledge, by an individual named Ibraheem Aladeen, though I only glimpsed him a few times, and for the most part remained with the Dwarven hosts. The united hosts of the defenders was that of organized chaos, each army holding their own portion of the line, at one point, Grand Marshall Dain proclaimed the following. “Vos Dwed rumol tul not Nir da korhaz vath, tul lare Dwed at Khrum!” (Any Dwarf who is not in the shieldwall, is no Dwarf at all!).

None among us were about to bring dishonor to our clan, our commander, or ourselves, therefore, the hosts of Angarum pushed the Native Kadrasi defenders, and the host of the Elves, and promptly fitted ourselves just before the main gate, before the primary attack occurred.

The battlecry of “Narvak oz Agnarum! Narvak oz Dungrimm! Narvak oz Gimler!” sounded in the thousands, and the beasts of the Prince faltered upon the sight. Thousands of Dwarves, shield-bearers in the first rank (I myself, was here) Pikemen behind, their spears bristling like a hedge through the gaps in the wall, behind that, Rangers whose arrows arched over wall and into the Prince’s horde.

The Slayers arrayed themselves in loose formation behind the main line in the event of a retreat to be unleashed upon the Horde, and buy time for the main bulk of the Legion to fall back. Between our ranks stood our commander, Metalfist, one hand clenched around his sword, the other around the fluttering banner of Agnarum.

It was only then, after our forces took their positions, did the Cult and Creatures of the September Prince throw themselves against us. The line did not break, it did not even falter, and once the fighting had begun, the sound most deafening of all was the pained cries of the Prince’s legion, for the Dwarves that day gave nothing but steel-eyed glares behind their helm.

The first wave broke like water against a mountain, and fizzled soon after. Confident for a time, the Legion and their allies even went as far as to begin pushing beyond the wall. The legion took the Tekom position, maintaining it with only minor difficulties when advancing. Harpies beset our line, yet they were little threat to ourselves, and our archers, though that did get close met their fate, impaled by pikes.

It was only when the Minotaurs were deployed against us, that the commanders felt the need to return to the gate, to prevent great loss of life in the field, though I suspect we could have easily repulsed them there, albeit with heavier casualties than otherwise. The Minotaurs were lured in, breaks in the line forming to allow the slayers through, when the Minotaurs themselves tried to make use of these gaps, the line closed around them, and the pikemen held them into place, while shieldmen like ourselves slashed at their legs.

Slayers hewed the beasts asunder. The second wave had fallen as easily as the first, overall the siege was slowly descending into chaos. Parts of the wall beside our own had collapsed, and cultists had begun assailing over what walls remained, even being as bold as to attempt an attack on the palace

. Dwarven Forces of the Ireheart and Starbreaker clans (myself among them) were transferred to the north-eastern wall to protect a gap that had formed, and prevent the beasts from breaking through to our siege engines. The fighting was fierce, made all the fiercer as the Prince and the Great Golem did battle just above us. Missiles from the mages and from the siege weapons arched over our heads, and the Horde threw as many men as they could into the small gap, yet soon faltered. We had prevailed, and due to heavy planning, with little costs. However, the position could not be held forever, and slowly the legion was forced to fall back further, as the rest of the descendant forces did the same, though I will say as someone present, the Dwarves often were the ones covering the retreat.

Battle drew nearer and nearer to the palace, a contingent was sent to deal with cultists assailing the wall, while another met with the native Kadrasi to help free several large groups of civilians which were trapped within the outer city. The Prince was not faring well, and though he had defeated our golem, it was at grievous personal injury to himself. It was then, we unleashed our greatest weapon. Some say it was a bomb, some say it was a meteor, conjured by our mages, most did not see it, as our forces were forced to flee to the bunkers, less be caught in the blast. However when we emerged…

The destruction was immense, and the prince gravely wounded. He retreated, tail between his legs, body failing him, and those present vowed that the next time he would rear his head, the Tree-Lord would be slain. Those who fell were buried, those who survived were honored, I was personally promoted after the battle. Unlike my last book which detailed the Fall of Kal’Tarak, this is instead the tale of how Dwarven discipline held, and (I would argue) saved the day, against overwhelming odds. Never lose heart kinsman, for as was proven that day, a hundred Dwarves are worth a hundred thousand of our enemies. Narvak oz urguan, Narvak oz da Dwedmar.

(OOC)

MC Name: DixieDemolisher

How active are you?: Very

Discord: Seo#0650

Timezone: U.S Eastern

(RP)

RP Name: Jorvin (pronounced Yur-van) Starbreaker

Gender: Male

Note: I like makin’ things

Jorvin Starbreaker did not know Thoak Goldhand well, but he was a young Dwarf, raised in Kal’Tarak, and for his entire adult life, a citizen of Kaz’Ulrah. He was as loyal as any Starbreaker, and by the gods, he was loyal to his king.

Through panicked shouts as crowds of Dwedmar, young and old fled the vale, Jorvin among them, still battered from the battle, attempted to keep order in the chaos. Broken armor, a dulled blade, and bleeding from wounds on his head, Jorvin still counted himself among the lucky. As the last wave of refugees cleared the vale, Jorvin sighed, he knew they would either make it to Holm or Agnarum, and from there they would be safe.

Battered, the young Dwed perched himself upon an outcropping of rock, through the trees, and past the fields, Kal’Tarak stood tall as ever, now a tomb to his kinsman, and his king....

A pang of guilt hit him hard, and although he maintained his composure, it was not without difficulty. He would stare at the city for some time, before casting his gaze back to the crowd of refugees in the distance...Slowly he nodded, and his grip around his sword tightened.

Quietly, muttered in Dwarven, he speaks, as he begins to stand.

“ Rest, my king, your people /will/ be protected. ”

With that, his battered shield, slung over his back, was fitted once more to his arm, and the young Dwed moved to escort the citizens, to the best of his ability.

Application:
 

(OOC)

MC Name: DixieDemolisher

How active are you?: Very

Discord: Seo#0650
Timezone: U.S Eastern
 

(RP)
RP Name: Jorvin Starbreaker
Gender: Male