Clan Varcheg

Structure

Clan Varcheg are ruled by might with the Jarl being the strongest warrior in the clan. At any time another clansmen may challenge the Jarl to a Holmgang for the leadership of the clan though this must always be to the death. On the death of the Jarl a grand tourney is organised where any clansmen may take part. The warriors all fight to the death in a large pit with the last survivor being proclaimed the Jarl.

Culture

Varcheg society traditionally alternates between raiding and hibernation seasons. Raiding seasons include the pillaging of others for wealth and resources, inside Solstein if they cannot leave, and hibernation involves looking within to their needs and managing their affairs. The martial society of the Varcheg has all its residents frequently armed and resolving disputes with duels, most often to first blood. By Varcheg custom anything can be claimed and duelled for by the rules of Holmgang if both parties have a valid claim. If a party refuses a duel it is a case for the Lawspeaker who can force a duel or pass over the property to the challenger as they see fit.

History

The largest of the clans the Varcheg lay claim to the first Warchief of Solstein and many more since. The Varcheg have led many of the great raids of Solstein's past and come to the aid of many clans in their times of need. They are generally respected among the clans though often skirmish and fight with their neighbouring Brænde over all manner of trivial affairs. The Varcheg expressed little support for the Emerald King from the onset of his rule and on several occasions demanded he step down to allow a new warchief 'more suited to the role' to rise. The Varcheg Jarl Hjurik continued this opposition until his death in a raid of the lowlands. The ensuing tourney lasted three days until finally the Jarl Gartin took power and quickly marched to Calgurn to make himself known. To the surprise of the clan Jarl Gartin returned with a new wife, Kelda, the daughter of the Emerald King. Gartin ruled with an iron fist turning the Varcheg into fierce raiders in alliance with the Emerald King until the revelation of his plan. When the Varcheg discovered their Jarl and several champions had been replaced by changelings they began a brutal cull killing the changelings and nearly taking Kelda's life if not for her masterful use of illusion magic that allowed her to escape with severe wounds. Kelda narrowly made it to Calgurn where she joined the plot against her father and fled with the other conspirators down to the lowlands. Since the Emerald King's demise the Varcheg have been a steady hand for the Solsteiners leading several raids to gather new plunder for the rebuilding of the state and restoring its old customs to fill their hearts. Tensions have grown evermore against the Brænde with the clans nearly engaging in open war on several occasions except for hte interventions of warchiefs. When Skade rose to power the Varcheg Jarl Gothram was her main opposition and lost due to the changed vote of the Måne. While initially the Varcheg were fierce critics of the Warchief a meeting with Gothram led to their positions changing and rumours of an oncoming great raid.