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Clan Shattered Spear

Clanleader: Laifnar Icefury
High Priestess: Gyda Shattered Spear
Warleader: Ulf Mossguard

Though unable to rival Clans Grimward or Nightriver in sheer size, Clan Shattered Spear nonetheless accounts for a substantial portion of the Ulven population of Mardrun. Housing nearly as many Ulven within their borders as Clan Stormjarl, their warpacks number far greater proportionately than most other clans, capable of fielding hundreds of warriors if need be. They act as one of the main bulwarks between Clans Watchwolf and Ironmound to the south and the Dirge Swamp to the north.

This proximity to such hostile terrain has led Clan Shattered Spear to harbor a great warrior culture. More so than any save Pack Longfang, Clan Shattered Spear emphasizes martial prowess and honor in battle. Before they can swing a sword, pups are taught how to care for armor and blades, teaching them respect for the steel in hand as if it were an extension of the self, rather than a tool for war.

Despite this culture, the people of Clan Shattered Spear are not barbarians or savages. Many who embraced the colonists sought to learn from their tactics, hoping to find new strategies to bring to bear against the Mordok. While their stories will romanticize legendary warriors, they do recognize the need for support, be it political, agricultural, or numerical. As a result, Clan Shattered Spear has developed strong bonds with Clans Watchwolf, Goldenfield, and Nightriver, respectively.

Insistent on the honor and legacy of individual warriors, the Ulven of Clan Shattered Spear do not pass down swords in the traditional sense, from one generation to the next. Instead, when a warrior is slain and their remains recovered, their weapon is melted down and recast, adding the bones of the warrior to the flames when smithing. It is said this allows the spirit of past warriors to guide and protect their ancestors, while still allowing the soul to join the Great Wolf. As such, it is beyond taboo to take the weapon of a fallen warrior, thereby denying them the honor of watching over their family beyond their own death.

Recent/Current Events:
Year 264
The large swath of land held by Clan Shattered Spear was critical in the containment of Clan Grimward during this war, and their honorable, numerous warriors served as a substantial deterrent to Grimward expansion into their territory. Spending a great deal of their time looking outward, Clan Shattered Spear was in contact with Clan Watchwolf until the battles that wrested control of that land away from the current residents who had, time and time again, been offered refuge in Shattered Spear territory. As the war escalated, so too did Shattered Spear’s involvement, though for the sake of the Coalition, many of their warriors remained at home to control their own borders. Finally, with the official alliance with Clan Ironmound, Clan Shattered Spear and their new ally were instrumental in coordinating the barrier that held Clan Grimward in check, surrounding them by Shattered Spear and Ironmound territory to the north, the Wolf’s Hackles Mountains to the east, and Stormjarl and Nightriver territory to the south.

Clan Shattered Spear has also been one of the most aggressive clans actively pursuing answers regarding the Lorespeakers and their alleged treachery against the Ulven people. Laifnar Icefury, Clanleader of Shattered Spear, has had his hands full simply trying to reign in bands of vigilantes seeking to exact their own revenge on these traitors, but is himself interested to find them and make sure justice is done.

Year 265
With the war ended between the Clans, Clan Shattered Spear got its fair share of reparations when they signed the peace treaty. While the Clan was suspicious of Clan Grimwards intent, they didn’t have time to ponder about possibilities when the Mordok began to unleash the Creeping Corruption upon its people. The pressure with raids coming from the Dirge forced the Clan to ask for allies, and unexpectedly Clan Grimward took up the call and sent multiple warpacks to assist, along with Clan Ironmound sending high quality arms and armor to better equip the warriors out in the field. While the aid from Clan Ironmound was well received, the aid from Clan Grimward was welcomed with a decent amount of suspicion.

Towards the end of the year, the lasting effects of the Mordok raids have shown their true colors in the form of the land becoming corrupted. Daughters of Gaia from the clan work around the clock and even ask for any aid in helping identify how these pockets of rot and decay are forming, and to find a possible way to combat it. Even more troubling was the reports of the Dirge Swamp itself expanding ever so slowly.

Year 266
With the combined forces of Clan Shattered Spear, Clan Grimward, and Clan Ironmound the Mordok are successfully pushed back to the Dirge Swamp borderlands. However, the ease of this task didn’t go unnoticed by Warpack Leaders and Warleader Ulf Mossguard. The attacks that do come throughout the year seem to be only half hearted attempts in some form or another. However, the Mordok’s true intention finally came to be revealed as a diversion from the packs that were sneaking down through the forests and mountains that border Clan Shattered Spear’s eastern border.

In the summer, Warleader Ulf Mossguard sent all and any able bodied warrior on the eastern half to aid Clan Riverhead’s seige by the Mordok. Thankfully they were able to get a large portion of the civilians out on their neighboring clan’s western border, but not without substantial loss of warriors in holding back the seemingly endless waves of Mordok warriors.

After the fall of Clan Riverhead, the clan holds a moot that seems to last for months, deciding on what to do with the refugee’s from the clan. Many want to aid them by helping reclaim the taken land however, many more feel it would be wiser to wait for aid from the other clans and just absorb the refugee’s into Clan Shattered Spear. While many from Pack Riverhead understood the decision to be absorbed, many of them still voiced their desire to reclaim their lost land in the future, which looked possible with the result of the Grand Moot held in December of that year, with the clans deciding to push the Mordok back into the swamp and begin their war.

Year 267
Clanleader Laifnar Icefury and Warleader Ulf Mossguard send out a direct order to all abled bodied warriors to hold the Mordok back from the Dirge Swamp with extreme force. However, Warleader Ulf Mossguard orders a select few of his best warpacks to enter into the Great Forest during the Great Wolf’s Hunt and begin a pincer move in coordination with Clan Whiteoak’s own forces while the rest of the clans came from the south. Their efforts paid off well and were successful in both driving out the Mordok from the former Riverhead lands and the Great Forest with aid from the other clans and allies.

With the Mordok now driven back, the time to build up and begin preparations for all out war to begin. Pack Dawnrock is chosen as the pack starts building the Clan Shattered Spear Outpost while other war packs hold off the Mordok. In only a few months, and only a few casualties, The Outpost is built and is fully staffed with warriors to defend the area. During this entire process, lumber workers and labor teams harvest tree after tree in great speed and skill and send supplies north to help build and reinforce the series of outposts being dubbed the Shield of Mardrun.

Finally the push into the Dirge begins, and even though many of the warriors of Clan Shattered Spear are eager to plunge blade and spear into the enemy, they are met with endless waves of Mordok. So much so that their momentum is brought to a deadening halt and are forced to start falling back. However, in the last month of the year the combined forces from the Clans worked together to coordinate a retreat from the Mordok Forces while a key centralized area took on all the enemy forces without a break. With that opportunity, Clan Shattered Spear was able to slaughter multiple Mordok raiding groups and get all able bodies back behind the Shield.

Year 268
With the Shield now being manned and constantly supplied, Clan Shattered Spear takes a moment to relax and recover from years of fighting both Ulven and Mordok forces. Warriors returned home, lumber mills returned to regular demands, and all seemed to feel the tension in the land release. With that, talks between the Clan Whiteoak and Clan Shattered Spear open up to begin forming their own alliance. However, due to once being enemies in the Ulven Civil War, these talks go on throughout the year, and eventually settle on a name for their new alliance: The Northern Protectorate.

Meanwhile, Pack Riverhead begins to reclaim some of its ancestral lands but are met with Clanless and Bandits who have settled on the once abandoned land. The pack is outraged and tries to bully the now settled individuals into leaving, but are unfortunately met with a strong resistance from the Bandit Lords that have settled the area.

Clan Ironmound
Clanleader: Gustav Ironmound
High Priestess: Inger Ironmound
Warleader: Einar Stonefist

Clan Ironmound is next to the Western Watchwolf settlement near the Great Wolf’s Hackles. Most of the continent’s ore deposits reside in this territory, and the finest blacksmiths practice in this region.

They’re also an interesting clan due to a somewhat shifted power structure – they have fewer Daughters than any other Clan, and as opposed to the frequently matriarchal Ulven clans, they are governed by a circle of mine leaders. Thanks to their position near the mountains and earth, they are one of the few Ulven familiar with fortifications, preferring to hole up against the Mordok and defend, rather than hunting them down. Daughters and women are still respected, but they are somewhat more egalitarian in political structure – as a consequence of this, their emissaries tend to be women, as they understand that the other Ulven are less-than-comfortable with their approach to the earth.

Their reverence is tilted more towards the Great Wolf – they believe that iron and stone, like their names, are a permanent thing, and they understand that the tools they make are often used for violent means. Still, they take pride in their methods of harvesting iron – it is, after all, somewhat superior than the bog iron typically used by the other Ulven, and they are one of the few clans that has a ready supply of precious metals. They mostly use these to manufacture artistic objects for barter and tribute – not ones for ostentatious displays, they do tend to lavish a certain practical, beautiful art on weapons.

As one of the Ironmound traditions, upon coming of age, they are required to forge a single tool or weapon for their personal use, keeping it with them always. This is normally seen as a symbol of the Clan member’s decision to remain a part of the Clan, serving as a reminder should they wander to foreign lands. Upon their death, the tool is melted down and used to forge a small memento of their life. While their funerary traditions remain the same as other Ulven, this object is seen to represent the physical imprint that the departed Ulven have made upon the earth.

Recent/Current Events:
Year 264

Hoping to continue their trade agreements with both sides of the war, Clan Ironmound was adamant in their neutrality. Understanding the strategic value of the clan and their location, however, Grimward and Nightriver both urged Ironmound to join their side. Things came to a head in April, during a political feast held to determine if Ironmound would abandon their neutrality. The Coalition’s reaction to Grimward’s presence sent ripples through many communities, and their action at the feast, while criticized by Ironmound as a whole for being rash and violent, secured the alliance for the time being. Troops were sent to Ironmound to help them reinforce against the inevitable Grimward attack. Throughout the rest of the war, the alliance with Clan Ironmound proved to be critical in containing the Grimward threat.

Year 265
After a long fought war with the neighboring Clan Grimward, Clan Ironmound starts to rebuild the villages that were raised, slow down production of weapons and armor, and catch their breath from the whirlwind that was the Civil War. Just as they began to rebuild though, a new type of foe emerged in the form of the Mordok. Though only a couple war bands, what they bring with them is by far more frightening than any army, the Creeping Corruption. The disease spread like wildfire, starting in Hazemane Village, and quickly started to spread outside of it into Grimward, Shattered Spear, and Nightriver territories.

In the time of the pandemic, High Priestess Inger Ironmound calls for talented healers and clerics of all religions to come and help discover a cure for the Creeping Corruption. However, the Mordok began to attack in earnest against Clan’s Shattered Spear and Whiteoak. With the memories of the Civil War still fresh in their minds, the clan decides to send aid only to Clan Shattered Spear in the form of troops and supplies.

During this time Warleader Einar Stonefist follows suit with Clan Steinjottun’s Warleader and begins building up for what could very well be the inevitable war against the Mordok. The forges work day and night while warriors train relentlessly.

Year 266
Clanleader Gustav Ironmound begins the call for unification of the Ulven people to fight back against the Mordok. Meanwhile, his own forces were well underway to be ready for war and to slaughter Mordok in the upcoming conflict. The clan was met with overwhelming demands for armor and weapons from many of the northern clans, mostly Clan’s Shattered Spear, Whiteoak, and Goldenfield.

With the fall of Clan Riverhead, Clanleader Gustav changed his usual speech to that of a demand for a Grand Moot between the Clanleaders of the Ulven, something done for the first time in living memory. While some were slower to act than others, eventually all of the Ulven Clans, and even some of the colonists met up to send delegates and diplomats to have their voice heard. By the end of the Grand Moot, the decision was made: The Ulven were going to war.

Year 267
The year begins with complete domination on the battlefield from Clan Ironmound warriors. The clan’s heavily armored warriors carve through the Mordok in the Great Forest like a hot knife through butter. Riding their momentum, the warriors press further and push the Mordok like a wave back into the Dirge Swamp. It is in the spring that Clan Ironmound’s ability to produce supplies shines bright. Shipments of armor, building equipment, weapons, repair kits, and more flood the roads and trails to the soon to be Shield of Mardrun.

When the time comes to press into the swamp, Clan Ironmound is hit the hardest due to being the slowest and the most armored. That being said, the clan itself had prepared for such an onslaught and waves of enemies splashed against their shield wall, even when the advance was brought to a halt. During the tactical retreat, the Ironmound warriors acted as the rear vanguard, holding the line against Mordok as their fellow Ulven pulled back to the Shield to regroup. While they took their share of loss in the war, they were one of the few clans to lose so little in terms of lives.

Year 268
With the momentum no longer possible to press forward, many of the clans leave their outposts garrisoned with troops to help keep the Mordok at bay, and Clan Ironmound was no exception to this. They even left a small token of laborers and blacksmiths to help keep the troops of the Shield in good repair and to help with any Outpost repairs. With the majority of their attention now turned back on home, many in the clan wanted to lessen the arms and armor production. When the forges thought they would be able to relax just a small amount, Clanleader Haygreth Greytide himself arrives in the Capital to talk with Clanleader Gustav Ironmound and the rest of the Clan’s leadership. By the end of the month both Clanleaders agreed to join into an alliance they dubbed the Ironward Alliance.

Throughout the year forces from Clan Ironmound trained with the packs of Clan Grimward, bringing the skill and tenacity to the ranks of the Ironmound Warpacks. In exchange for these services, the forges of Clan Ironmound churned out arms and armor to outfit the Clan Grimward warriors. While this decision was met with some enthusiasm from the packs of Ironmound, there were many with the memories fresh of what Clan Grimward’s brutal attack on their families…

Stormjarl finally signing the treaty that ended the Civil War brings a sigh of relief across Clan Ironmound. Though they were willing to stand and fight with their allies in Grimward, they’d much rather not get directly involved in fights between Clans.

Clan Stormjarl

Clanleader: Graytir Stormjarl
High Priestess: Svayla Stormjarl
Warleader: Bolverk Stormjarl
Primary Settlement: Jotunvik

GEOGRAPHY:
Clan Stormjarl is located on the western side of Mardrun. Seated deep within Clan Grimward territory, the ocean borders much of this clan’s territory. A complex network of riverways wind through the territory, making travel by boat a regular method of transportation. The vast plains of the area have proven to be very fertile and Stormjarl farmers do quite well. Large farmsteads cover the clan’s territories. Although it is not heavily wooded, this location is home to a good number of game and many Ulven go through at least basic hunter training. It is a requirement that all main settlements be connected to the rivers in Clan Stormjarl so that their Viknar ships may sail all the way to the coast. Fledgling villages have sprung up outside of the riverways but these are sporadic and usually focusing on farming… but any large village or settlement is connected to the sea in some way.

SAILORS:
More importantly, this clan specializes in fishing and owns the largest number of seaworthy vessels of any Ulven clan. Most of these boats are small fishing vessels, but the Chieftans and Clanleader own and maintain a number of longships. Able to sail across the open ocean and then get into shallower channels and rivers, moving trade goods and transporting travelers is much more efficient with the use of these ships. More so than any other clan, travel by boat and water is a staple to their people.

TRADE & ECONOMY:
With the heavy focus on farming and fishing comes a focus also on trade. Exceptionally skilled craftsman make all sorts of items and harvest food and crops to sell or trade to other villages, settlements, and even other clans. The sprawling main settlement of Jotunvik, second only to Clan Nightriver’s main settlement or the condensed city colony of Newhope, sits near the coast and is home to a larger Ulven population in comparison to others. The elaborate trade system and tithes levied from numerous settlements have allowed Jotunvik to legitimately be a thriving hub of trade, culture, and sea travel. The main settlement is a bustle of activity all the time as ships dock and cast off, goods are moved and stored or shipped out, and wagons arrive to move and transport goods. The Great Hall of Stormjarl is home to the Clanleader and the High Priestess and is the main seat of political discussions, votes on Clan matters, and a place to air grievances or challenge/settle disputes. This is also a reminder that Jotunvik is the heart of Clan Stormjarl; most of the trade comes through it, and anyone of political note must travel to it.

Although smaller than Clan Grimward and Clan Nightriver, they are are the third largest clan on the continent.

POLITICS & LEADERSHIP:
Because of the massive size of the founding Stormjarl pack and the gradual absorption of smaller packs into the founding pack, territories of land are separately ruled and overseen by Jarls. It is a common practice for Jarls to wear a specific design arm torc and then their followers would wear a torc resembling their Jarls. To be a Jarl, the elders and influential members of a territory will cast a vote to bring in and keep the Jarl in service. This has allowed the title to shift often. Neighboring Jarls have sometimes been involved in smaller feuds themselves, similar to how an entire pack can feud against another, but this rarely results to violence. Jarls work hard to keep their title and being unable to remain diplomatic with other Jarls is a fast way to be removed from this honorific. Similar to a small Chieftain, Jarls answer to the Clanleader and help govern different parts of the Clan’s territories. While uncommon among the other Ulven clans, this division of authority has helped Pack Stormjarl maintain a strong leadership and more complex trade and barter economy than some of the other clans.

Because of the heavy use of the Jarls for leadership, individual packs that wish to remain their own entity are required to maintain at least one longship and a crew of Viknar. This fighting force is a sign of respect and authority and without it, a Pack is not allowed to make a legitimate claim to rule their own territories. Many a times a fledgling Pack has been consumed by Pack Stormjarl, the largest Pack in Clan Stormjarl, similar to how two warring clans might conquer warriors and villagers and force them to join their new Clan. Most of the time, this is a ceremonial occurance; should a Pack be unable to maintain a longship and a crew of Viknar to support the Chieftain, then ships arrive with the Warleader and the Pack is taken over and then controlled by Pack Stormjarl. If a Pack and its Chieftain knows they have not fulfilled the requirement to maintain their Pack’s independance, the Chieftain will usually “bear throat” and step down. This is not seen as dishonorable; an admittance to a shortcoming for the benefit of your people is viewed favorably. Most Chieftains that bear throat to the warleader are picked to become the newly appointed Jarl to reside over the populace. Chieftains that do not agree to this may challenge the warriors that arrive. The specifics for this duel can vary; sometimes it is the Chieftain fighting the best viknar warrior the Warleader has brought with them, sometimes it is the 3 best warriors from each crew. The Warleader never participates in the duel due to his significant role in the Clan’s honor but is there to oversee the details. Regardless, there is some sort of challenge, duel, acceptance, or agreement of terms to either prove that the Chieftain is maintaining his force or proof that he is not… or a stalling of time in order to make adjustments. If a Chieftain and his crew challenges the Warleader’s crew and wins, that Chieftain gains immense word-fame and honor and is paid a boon. This could be weapons, armor, supplies, or more warriors for the Chieftain’s viknar. If a Chieftain challenges and loses, the Chieftain is removed from leadership and is considered dishonored… the Chieftain should have known to either submit to Pack Stormjarl or to have the assurance to overcome whatever challenge is presented to maintain their Pack’s independence. This poses an interesting choice to a Chieftain under the questioning review of the Warleader; submit without incident and benefit from the new rule but accept the changes… or fight for independence which would gain word-fame, honor, and more wealth at the risk of losing it all should they fail? All villages, settlements, and Jarls that swore allegiance to Clan Stormjarl have requirements and taxes that are levied on them and a Chieftain maintaining his Pack’s independence is able to avoid these tithes. These are fair and seen as honorable tribute to the main settlements which in turn invest in those communities and settlements. It is a system that has worked for generations and is one of the key reasons why Stormjarl has progressed so far ahead of some of the other clans. In this system, independance from the main Pack is accepted as long as you can earn it, or acceptance of the rulings of the Main pack is required if you cannot. To an outsider, it makes it look like Clan Stormjarl’s politics are based on warrior culture. It actually is not, as it takes a full thriving community, tended fields and a pleased populace, a leader with an eye on the future and prosperity, built wealth through trades and barter, and discipline to train and equip elite soldiers such as the viknar. A strong community is required to maintain the warriors, their equipment, and their boat… and to do so is proof that a Chieftain has earned the priviledge of independence. If a Chieftain earns the right to rule and remain independent, the Warleader will not return for a minimum of 5 years. However, this usually takes place only after a major change (such as a Chieftain passing away or an accusation of bad leadership) and usually a community is left alone for a decade or more.

When it comes to ranking of these statuses, a Jarl is subordinate to a Chieftain and has less sway in political dealings… but not by much. More than a few times a pompous Chieftain has been targeted by a Jarl after boasts or jealously has increased the tension surrounding one incident or another.

Clan Stormjarl is led by Clanleader Graytir Stormjarl who is an accomplished warrior and has seen many years. His more diplomatic and trade skills have allowed him to build Clan Stormjarl to a well supplied and powerful clan. His Warleader is Bolverk Stormjarl, a seasoned warrior and sailor. The Warleader personally oversees the Stormjarl ships and the training of the Viknar, even making routine stops among the different settlements and testing the Chieftains to ensure that their crews are up to standard.

When it comes to matters of politics, Clan Stormjarl has a suprisingly open forum. Political meetings are held every 6 months in Jotunvik at the Great Hall of Stormjarl. This massive building is not just home to the Clanleader and High Priestess, but also to the assembly area that clan members visit during matters of political importance. This assembly hall is one part auditorium and one part stadium; there are seats that line the walls all around the chamber where members of Clan Stormjarl can visit and witness the dealings of political nature. Recessed below these seats are the chairs and waiting areas for Chieftains, Jarls, and ambassadors to reside. Here, matters of importance are discussed and voted on by the leaders of the Clan and witnessed by all those present. Space is limited in the stands and are usually packed in a first-come first-serve ordering. Bearing witness to these meetings is seen as an honor, and anyone who is beligerant or speaks out during the meetings is forcibly removed from the chamber. Weapons are permitted to be worn at these meetings but it is well known that drawing a weapon within the assembly hall is punishable by death.

MILITARY:
Because their borders are surrounded by Clan Grimward, who are very brutal and vigilant in their defense against the mordok, Stormjarl is noted to be one of the safer clans on Mardrun from mordok raids. Their distance from the dirge swamp and the Great Wolf’s Hackles means that attacks from mordok are much less common than with other Clans. However, this means that if a tribe of mordok does make it into Stormjarl territory then they are usually fierce, hearty, and especially savage.
This relative safety from mordok attacks does not mean that they have less skilled warriors than other Clans; many Ulven train and refine their skills, they just have less actual experience then some of the other clans or must venture outside their borders to gain word-fame as a warrior. Clan Stormjarl warriors are warpacks of individuals banning together under the leadership of a Chieftain, Jarl, the Warleader, or a group of Viknar. Sophisticated, well disciplined, or brutal fighting tactics are absent from the base warrior of Clan Stormjarl. Fighting and making war is not the primary responsibility of most Clan Stormjarl warriors.

Because of their heavy usage of these ships, each Chieftan and some prestigious Jarls maintain a group of “Viknar”, trained and veteran warriors that are also skilled sailors, making them a formidable force if used to raid or attack any location near the coast or along a connecting river. Although the need to raid Mordok groups near the coast is sporadic at best, this has been key to the survival of some war packs finding themselves retreating from Mordok attackers, usually after being ambushed and caught unaware that mordok are in the territory. Falling back to the coast or a large enough river in Stormjarl territory, the Viknar have arrived just in the nick of time to save several groups from being slaughtered or overrun. Being a Viknar is an great honor, as the pledge to serve and protect chieftans and ambassadors is taken very seriously. A warrior must pledge to serve the war packs of Clan Stormjarl and test to become a viknar. They are put through grueling feats of strength, endurance, and martial prowess. Where the basic Stormjarl warrior is a farmer with a sword and some skill to use it, the Viknar are trained and elite professionals of sailing and fighting.

Viknar train daily in martial and sailing skills. They are expected to be close to their boat at all times, able to rally and organize at a moments notice. Martial training includes disciplined fighting in small groups, an emphasis on heroic levels of endurance, and focusing the willpower of the crew. Should a crew of Viknar find themselves in battle, they are most often put in situations where striking quickly and with intensity is important, but then having the endurance to last should a fight draw out for long. With the boat at their backs, sometimes retreat is not an option… and the Viknar take steps to ensure that should their crew be overrun or killed, they attempt to set fire to the boat in order to deny its capture. Tight knit comraderie and intense focused training is paramount to the Viknar.

Many communities find honor in supporting the viknar and to know a ship is nearby brings comfort to some communities. Trading a night’s rest and a hearty meal for favor to the local Jarl is a tangible resource to barter. Staple diets of fish, dried meat, beets, and hearty grains are important to enhance the fighting condition of the Viknar; extra care is taken to ensure their crews are well stocked and well fed.

CULTURAL POINTS:
Clan Stormjarl is made up of a more progressive ulven than some other clans. They have some unique traits that set them apart.

A superstitious norm is shared by a lot of the Clan. For a society that focuses a lot on sea travel and coastal sailing, this could have evolved from the sailors trying to read the weather and listen to portents they feel may help them on their journey. The mention of a “Wolf’s Wind” is a common saying; it basically means that something mysterious or odd is about, even if not entirely known or understood. For example, a sailor may try to read the clouds to know when to sail and feel uneasy about it, commenting that there is a wolf’s wind in the air or that they “feel a wolf’s wind”.

The Sax knife has specific meaning in Clan Stormjarl territory. A sax is a sign of freedom and ownership over one’s own life. Those honor bound for payment or service are not permitted to wear a sax, but a free man/woman is allowed and expected to wear one. This is usually on a sax sheath hung from two straps on a belt, either in front of the body or just below the lower back. The sax represents the working tools of the tradesmen, the cutting knife of a farmer, the weapons of the warriors, and the symbolism of politics and free choice. A Stormjarl clan member who was without a sax would be viewed as a servant, even if they were not treated wrongfully or disrespectfully. A young Stormjarl member who becomes an adult is gifted a sax from his local Jarl, Chieftain, or a Priestess.

Arm torcs are worn by many Clan Stormjarl members. They are commonly gifted to community members that are above the free men and woman but still below a Jarl. This system calls out special attention or honor to village leaders, community members, or representatives that have gained favor with a Jarl. To earn the right to wear one is a great honor and to have one removed due to lacking deeds or service is a dishonor. This item is viewed favorably but it is also meant to be a constant reminder; those who serve Jarls are part of a system linking the larger Pack Stormjarl group together. Unlike Jarls, Chieftains in Clan Stormjarl do not wear arm torcs; this is another status symbol of independence among the Stormjarl people.

Clan Stormjarl seems to have a higher occurrence of people serving time under honor bound payment than other clans. People, or the time they can put in and work, seem to be a very viable currency to use in bartering with other territories. It is not uncommon to have groups of villagers travel frequently to other locations and put in work… or for villagers to be forced to do so. For example, a Jarl may approach another Jarl and barter 10 working hands for 1 month in exchange for food and lumber. If agreed upon, the Jarl will send these working hands as payment. In this instance, they are viewed as freemen coming to do work for trade; they would be permitted to wear their sax and enjoy certain freedoms. Should a Jarl anger another Jarl and a raid is conducted or a duel fought that proves one is the victor, forcing the other Jarl to hand over people as tribute/honor payment is seen more like a spoil of war or plunder. These honor bound workers are still treated well, but they are servants… not free people… and are not permitted to wear their sax. During their time, they are given more basic accomodations and food; they are servants working off payment, not freemen coming to work.

RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY:
Religious practices and spirituality in Clan Stormjarl follow the similar paths of most ulven clans. However, due to the clans more superstitious nature, the rituals and spells of the Daughters of Gaia within the Clan tend to incorporate water, favorable luck, or both. Similar to most ulven spirituality, this does not mean that the people of Clan Stormjarl pray to Gaia or the Great Wolf to solve their problems or ease their pains but instead give them courage to see themselves through it… but if luck happens to be on your side, it could give you an edge. Many Stormjarl ulven wear totems of luck or importance and have a heavy influence on using runes on their equipment and clothing.

STORMJARL COLORS, HERALDRY, FASHION:
Although home to any number of colors and fashions, Clan Stormjarl is typically home to a number of colors of tunics, dresses, and art that follow blues and grays. This is most likely due to the fact that Pack Stormjarl, the largest Pack in the Clan by far, has specific heraldry displayed on banners and flags and even uniforms for Viknar and colored sails on their ships. This is usually in the form of a symbol representing a torc along with a knotted design.

HISTORY:
Initially, Clan Stormjarl was not very involved in the conflict with the colonists years ago. They helped move warriors and supplies with their longships and a number of Stormjarl hunters assisted their Ulven allies, but they were not at the forefront of the conflict.

Year 260
Clan Stormjarl keeps to themselves and does not get involved with hardly any colonist settlements. However, a movement within the Clan’s Jarls pushes for an expanded economy after the introduction of the goldwood coin. Tales of Jarls getting rich or striking deals with some of the colonist settlements helps bring the Clan forefront onto Mardrun; not for conflict, but for economical expansion.

Year 261
When the civil war engulfed all of Mardrun, Clan Stormjarl initially declares neutrality. Representatives from both Grimward and Nightriver have been sent to discuss the war with the Clanleader, but Graytir Stormjarl knows that choosing either side could be disastrous for his clan. Many of the people of Clan Stormjarl continue with day to day lives but worry and rumors spread among the Packs about what the future could hold.

Year 262
After several political meetings have taken place and letters sent back and forth, Clan Nightriver and their allies seem intent on gaining Clan Stormjarl as an ally. However, the needs of the safety and the future of his people are not being met and instead the discussions stall through the year. With war looming on the horizon… one way or another… the Jarls and Chieftains tend to their settlements, their longships, and their warriors. A longstanding debt owed by Pack Longfang is called up; Clan Stormjarl invested in the building of Onsallas Outpost in exchange for service in the future. When finally pressed by Haygreth Grimward late in the year, Graytir Stormjarl chooses neutrality for his people… a move that should have been respected. Unfortunately, this sparked the conflict between Clan Stormjarl and Clan Grimward as Haygreth refused to acknowledge Graytir’s choice of neutrality, pulling Clan Stormjarl into the war.

Year 263
Lightning fast and well prepared attacks from Clan Grimward carve into Clan Stormjarl territory, taking a lot of territory from the Clan. The attacks in the dead of winter prove harsh but effective… for both sides. A fighting retreat for months finds the defenders of Clan Stormjarl giving ground and trying to finalize a defense in their final settlement to the south; Jotunvik. The call for help is answered; Clan Nightriver warriors and soldiers from numerous colonies and factions come to the aid of Clan Stormjarl, punching through the sea based blockades and landing troops in the settlement. An enormous battle takes place and builds up to the famed Battle of Blackwolf Creek, where hundreds of warriors are killed on both sides of the conflict. Clan Grimward’s momentum is stopped and Jotunvik is saved; it forces a stalemate for the rest of the year.

Year 264
The battles lines are drawn to the north by land against Clan Grimward and to the south by sea against Clan Squallborn, Clan Stormjarl spends most of its time maintaining defenses. Raids and counter attacks are conducted periodically against territories controlled by Clan Grimward. Organized formations of ships are used to punch through or drive off Clan Squallborn sea raiders who only fully commit to attacks when they have the upper hand. Through no small amount of Coalition coordination, however, the Squallborn blockade was broken, allowing fresh troops and supplies to be deposited on their shores. Proud to a fault, Graytir Stormjarl offered small fortunes to any and all willing to assist them in retaking their stolen homelands, though none stepped forward. This continues for months, including raids to liberate Clan Stormjarl ulven that have been conquered and force to the labor in camps and villages. A bold move is put into motion by the people of Clan Stormjarl; the territory in between held territory and Clan Grimward’s setup defenses is destroyed. Villages are razed, farms are harvested and salted or destroyed, and anything valuable is taken and returned to Jotunvik. This “scorched earth” approach proves costly but effective, denying immense amounts of food and supplies to Clan Grimward. This swath of land, a wound upon Gaia’s sacred ground caused by this war, has been colloquially named “Haygreth’s Scar”, in mocking honor of the Grimward Clanleader. As the other side of the civil war escalates, Graytir orders his Jarls to take their longships and land warriors deep into Clan Grimward territory and to attack their settlements, hoping to cause confusion or force Clan Grimward to split their resources. This appears to help as more Clan Stormjarl captives are liberated, settlements are raided and looted for goods, and news eventually reaches the main Stormjarl settlement; Haygreth Grimward’s forces were defeated in a decisive battle called the Battle of Pyre Hills, forcing him to retreat and setup peace talks. The warriors of Stormjarl rejoice but the Clanleader and his Warleader brace for news of what will happen next.

Year 265
This is the current year.

Clan Grimward

Clanleader: Haygreth Grimward
High Priestess: Freydis Blackwing
Warleader: Khulgar Graytide

Packs

Pack territories are measured in “Walks”. This is approximately the amount a warpack can walk from the main settlement in a day. The larger the Walk territory, the more fierce their warpacks are. This is why some more war like packs have larger territory than their numbers would suggest, and some smaller.

A rough Map of Clan Grimward Territory is here.

• Pack Grimward
• Pack Moonfury
• Pack Graytide
• Pack Oakheart
• Pack Dreadmoon
• Pack Shadowfang
• Pack Duskmace
• Pack Deathlore
• Pack Fieldcrow
• Pack Skullhammer
• Pack Firefist
• Pack Dreamsnarl
• Pack Black Owl
• Pack Whitewood
• Pack Shade Arrow
• Former Pack Blackwing
• Former Pack Goldmane

This clan is second largest on Mardrun. It has recently pushed for a more stern response against the colonists. They have lobbied that the rapid expansion of the colonists is not favored by Gaia and has angered the Great Wolf. Their lack of respect to the land will spell disaster to the Ulven culture and that the colonists cannot be trusted.

Pack Graytide, one of the Pack’s responsible for several fights and battles against the colonists (even after the truce) has not been reprimanded or dealt with by any form of leadership from Clan Grimward. Many suspect that the Clanleader and High Priestess intend to turn a blind eye to their actions in order to fuel their campaign against the colonists and sway the support of other clans or packs.

Recent/Current Events:
264:
Fueled by the conviction of their Clanleader, Clan Grimward ramped up their assault in terms of both military and political actions during the year. Beginning with Clan Watchwolf, moving quickly to Ironmound, and maintaining their assault on Stormjarl, Haygreth Grimward cut a path across Mardrun, demanding his fellow Clanleaders stand with him as brothers, or against him as enemies and traitors to the true Ulven way. With minor assistance arriving simply too late, Clan Watchwolf’s western settlement fell to Grimward advances early in the year, though their fair and respected treatment surprised many in the Coalition. When next his sights were set on Clan Ironmound and their production of high quality steel goods, Haygreth sent his daughter, Wargah, to negotiate terms with them directly, eventually being willing to settle for a signed declaration of neutrality with the Clan, forcing them to trade fairly with both sides in the war or to remove themselves from it completely. Despite popular support for neutrality, emotions got the better of many Coalitionists in attendance at the summit where the declaration was presented, forcing Ironmound’s hand into joining the Coalition instead. Hoping to divide the Coalition forces by splitting their own, Grimward tried unsuccessfully to eradicate Clan Stormjarl, though they did succeed in conquering fully a third of Stormjarl territory in the process. As the year came to a close, Haygreth saw his territory bordered on all sides by enemy clans mounting a unified defense against him, and he knew he would have to gamble everything to emerge victorious, leading a surprise assault directly into Nightriver territory. In the battle now known as Pyre Hills (named for the staggering number of warrior who lay dead by the time the fighting had ended), Haygreth’s forces were routed, ending his visions of conquest, at least for the time being. With one final trick up his sleeve, Haygreth made a personal appearance at the drafting and signing of the treaty to end the war, using his presence and clout to intimidate his way into a better deal, including being allowed to keep all lands taken during his campaign.

268:

In early 268, a series of raids by Stormjarl Warriors attacked the coasts and borders of Clan Grimward territory. Their ostensible goal was to free the Thralls that Grimward had taken during the Ulven Civil War.  While being understanding of Stormjarls motives, most on the continent held their breath at the thought of another Civil War; especially when the combined Ulven forces just were routed from the War in the Dirge. After a tense standoff at the yearly political dinner between Grimward and Stormjarl representatives, a series of negotiations over the summer brought the hope of peace event in the Fall.

In September, the two sides met to discuss terms, arbitrated by Clan Nightriver representatives. Once again, Haygreth Grimward made his personal appearence. Though it seemed that neither side would give, the appearance of the Clan Chieftain seemed to damper Stormjarl’s fighting spirit just enough. By the end of the day, terms had been decided. Stormjarl’s thralls would be returned, but so would Grimward’s Honorbound. Both sides being made whole, the only other issue was a promise to meet to discuss the conquered territory. With Stormjarl receiving a much larger amount of people in the first part of the deal, Haygreth declared at the meeting that the territory known as the Scar would stay in Grimward’s hands to make it even. Stormjarl did not seem to want to contest this action; especially with their assimilation of former Clan Squallborn lands into their Stormborn Coast settlements.