Knights of Tidor

Amongst the dwarven clans of Hyste Talma, there is one that deserves special recognition. Perhaps you’ve heard of the charismatic Tidor, a dwarf of unmatched strength and determination? Though to you, he might be simply known as the “Mountain Lord.” There are many legends about Tibor and his questionable behavior, but no sane soul in Hyste Talma would deny his importance to the current political upheaval. Tidor and his clansmen are the main unifying force behind the movement to help free beastkin. His faction, insane enough to brave the northern winds, travels through the frozen land to reach the Winter Tribes and, at times, even Frontloch Lake.
The Clan of Thousand Skills embraces members with varied professions and backgrounds, fostering a network of connections, spies, and allies across the world. Champions, the most formidable warriors, lead the clan in perilous missions against slavery.

Structure

You hear their boisterous laugh first. A mishmash group of bizarre individuals—a dwarf, an elf, a centaur, and… you aren’t sure what the rest of them are. They sit at the biggest table in the tavern, as if they owned the place. Their weapons shine in the light of the fireplace, and their cups are filled with ale. You can see the truth in their dead eyes, the murder in their smiles. Once the alcohol runs out and the tavern quiets down, their cheerful facade will reveal monsters lurking inside. Hunting for justice.
The Clan & The Mission. The Knights of Tidor are knights in name only—or perhaps, it’s simply a mockery of the noble title granted to dwarves of high standing in Hyste Talma. None of the members of this shady yet strangely honorable organization can call themself a knight. If one were to define the Clan, I imagine words like rogues and vigilantes would be used. Anyone willing to give themself for the cause is welcome amongst the Knights of Tidor. Warriors, merchants, healers, teachers, and priests. Men, women, and children. If they’re willing to work to change the world, they’re valued by the tight-knit community of outcasts with hard eyes and soft hearts.
The Knight’s self-assigned Mission is to rid the world of slavery. They preach that freedom is the fundamental right of every living being and that taking it away from people is a sin so great, it can only be punished by death. That puts the Knights of Tidor in direct opposition to the Dragsa and Queen Anara and as the allies of the Harrat Wing.
Tidor the Mountain Lord. At the helm of this formidable group stands Tidor, a dwarf of unmatched strength and determination. Known as the "Mountain Lord," he is not only a seasoned warrior but also a respected leader. Though his bizarre behaviors and even more questionable decisions have raised many eyebrows over the recent years. Mounted upon his massive bear, Tidor exudes a commanding presence, instilling both fear and admiration among his foes and comrades alike. The Clan of a Thousand Skills. There are no criteria on which the members are accepted, other than willingness to help the helpless and to free the world from the chains of slavery. Thus, the Knights of Tidor can be fighters, wizards, rangers, rogues, or clerics. Any profession can prove to be useful. Any background is an asset. Resourcefulness and variety of skills are the biggest strengths of the Knights. They have a widespread network of connections, spies in Dragsan cities, and friends in places all over the world. Whenever something is needed, it usually finds its way into the right hands.
The Champions of Freedom. The strongest of warriors in the Clan are given the title of a Champion. No one is sure about the origin of it—though most think it must have started at a tavern, somewhere along the line—but the purpose of such a Champion is close to that of actual champions. Those mighty fighters are the ones sent on the most dangerous missions. They lead teams of Knights of Tidor and are responsible for planning and executing operations.
Battle Tactics. The Knights of Tidor used to focus on information gathering and extraction missions. They’d prepare well to care for the freed slaves and make sure their informants safely disappeared into the north. More recently, however, their modus operandi began to change. More often than not, the Knights take unnecessary risks and kill more and more Dragsan soldiers. Spurred into action by the tension building on the continent and the precarious friendship with the Harrat Wing, they turn more violent.
That being said, the Knights have their honor. They don’t kill innocent people, human children, or servants equally exploited by the nobles. They neither torture nor capture, and when they do take lives, they are not cruel about it. They are willing to lay down their lives if it means helping the slaves escape their masters.
The Knights of Tidor usually have an exit strategy prepared in advance. Whether in the shape of reinforcements, a well-placed explosive distraction, or a transportation spell. Once they have their target freed, they flee.

Culture

Blood of the Clan

Traditionally, a dwarven Clan is a family, connected by blood and ancestors. Yet, that’s not what the Knights of Tidor consider a valid requirement. When their leader was but a small child, his own family died in the frozen tundra outside of Hyste Talma—and he stumbled upon slavers from Dragsa. He had spent years in chains, being paraded around courts where his pain and humiliation were considered the highest form of entertainment. It was Harrat Wing’s raid during the summer festivities in Woodhaven that set him free. As a young dwarf, he made a vow to treat every Kutauri as his blood brother or sister, and to do everything in his power to help them end slavery for good. Upon his return to Hyste Talma, Tidor reclaimed his inheritance and began his journey as a warrior. In time, he gained both incredible skill and connections, but what made him different was his approach to one of the most important dwarven concepts: clans.
Due to Tidor’s past, it is his wish to allow anyone in need of a home, a place amongst his family. Although skilled warriors are the most valued, and the only ones to actually carry the title of a knight, everyone is welcome. Thus, Tidor’s Clan is full of outcasts and lone warriors, grasping to find a new purpose in life. This has earned them both the name of the Clan of Thousand Skills and the scorn of the Knights of Ruth.

The Corruption

Over the years the sinister influence of Chaos started to corrupt Tidor and the mightiest warriors of his clan. Although the Mountain Lord is in deep denial, those around him can’t help but notice the changes in his behavior. The contrast between the goofy dreamer with a good head on his shoulders, a good leader willing to risk everything for justice, and the grumpy, ruthless mercenary that stands at the helm of the family now, is stark and disconcerting. Some claim to have seen purple and red hues lingering in Tidor’s eyes after a fight. Some speculate that it’s the memories of his own enslavement that are finally catching up to him and pushing him down a dangerous path. Yet, there are voices that blame Harrat Wing for the turn toward brutal force and mercilessness. Once revered by everyone, Tidor and his Knights face increasingly more opposition in Hyste Talma. At the same time, the Mountain Lord grows impatient in his old age. He feels the change in the world and can’t waitto see the Fortress of Dragsa’s Fall. During especially vicious battles or assignments that are positively soul-crushing—such as freeing children from slavery—Tidor and his Knights are prone to bouts of uncontrollable rage, much like their Kutauri equivalents. Slowly, with one thought after another, it sneaks in and takes over their dreams, their personalities, and their lives. Eventually, there will be nothing left but wrath and pain.

Stat Block

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Tidor's Guard Tidor's Champion Vindu Assassin Tidor the Dwarf Chieftain

Type

Geopolitical, Clan

Alternative Names

The Clan of Thousand Skills

Leader

Tidor, The Mountain Lord

Parent Organization

The Kingdom of Hyste Talma