CLAN STRUCTURE
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DWARVES
Clanholds serve as the centerpiece around which family life revolves
Illus. by D. Kovacs
Clans are an ever-present factor of dwarven life. There are hundreds of clans, ranging from the largest (which spans the continent with clanholds in every major dwarf city) to the smallest (with only a hundred members in a single city). From the time a dwarf is born, the clan is his home. He is raised by its members, has his cousins as his playmates, advances in his career and training through clan connections, often meets his future mate at clan meetings, and looks to his clan chieftain to lead warriors in battle and dispense justice in peace. Every dwarf knows his connec- Clan Duties and Benefits tion to his clan and what his family connection is to each In a dwarf’s personal life, the hierarchy of power begins of the important bloodlines within the clan—and thereby, with himself, then goes to the head of his immediate the degree of family connection he has with nearly every family, then to his clan chieftain, then to the king of his member of that clan. city or nation, and then to the High King. Anyone occuThe clans fulfill an important function in dwarf socipying one of the stations above him has the right to call ety. Unlike in many human kingdoms, land and wealth upon his service or goods at any time, should it become are not what make an individual important among necessary. A dwarf is expected to serve his clan in any dwarves. After all, land is too precious to be owned by way he can, whether it be with strength of arms, money, public service, or even marriage in some cases. Although any one person, and wealth is easily accessible to every the clan leaders do not believe in excessive intrusion dwarf. Economics is not a sufficiently delineatinto an individual’s private life, they ing factor from which to form the basis of social classes. Instead, will not hesitate to take action the clans ful fill that if an individual’s choices function, using the threaten the clan as family hierarchy a whole. By the
CHAPTER 1
to create solidly defined rules for social interaction and the acquisition of personal power. Roleplaying Application: As a dwarf character, what clan does your character belong to? Does he or someone close to him hold a high position within the clan? Is it his ambition to lead the clan or to be a clanwarden, or does he feel smothered by the clan and want to leave? Does he live in a home next to the clan hall, or does he make his home elsewhere? How much does he owe the clan for his current position in life, and how does he plan to repay the debt?
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