Clan Slatescar
The orcish Slatescar Clan proudly made a name for themselves amongst Free Cities as some of the best miners and weaponsmiths around. They took great pride in their ability to smith great steel for self-defense, art, and trade. Many Free Cities from all around would trade with the clan to help bolster their own conflicts with rival cities or bandits. The Slatescar people were proud, but did not use their gains to influence other cultures. The clan was more concerned with self-improvement and sustainability than dominating other nearby rivals. If in conflict with another society, they holed up within their fortresses and let their enemies fall upon their blades rather than leave the safety of their walls for conquest.
Historical records indicate the appearance of the clan first being documented in the year 7123. Initially many kept their distance and the clan itself seemed isolationist, but with some effort trade and cultural exchange were initiated. Further records indicate that while it was rare for members to willingly leave the clan, it was not shunned. Exiles were few but did happen from time to time. Conflicts were not common, but the Slatescars were never removed from their fortresses for over a millennia.
Unfortunately, history eventually caught up to the clan in the form of angry nearby cities. Over time, it became common for wars between Free Cities to be waged with Slatescar steel. These weapons made enough of a mark that not only were they coveted, but victims of their blades wished to enact vengeance on the sponsor of this violence. Hoping to both raid their stashes and mines and also get revenge for the deaths of loved ones from their steel, a coalition of Free Cities, hired mercenaries, and jealous orc clans banded together and descended upon the Slatescars. Despite their incredible steel and impeccable defenses, the forces eventually overtook the clan and the Slatescar Slaughter began. Hordes of people flooded the fortresses and struck down as many as they could. Only one family from the clan was reported to have escaped the violence and fled to the eastern coast of Pillarin, but no records exist of any other surviving clan members. The Slatescar Slaughter is recorded to have taken place on the 24th of Grey Skies, 8643. The once proud clan was massacred and its riches were divvied up between its jealous and vengeful rivals.
Historical records indicate the appearance of the clan first being documented in the year 7123. Initially many kept their distance and the clan itself seemed isolationist, but with some effort trade and cultural exchange were initiated. Further records indicate that while it was rare for members to willingly leave the clan, it was not shunned. Exiles were few but did happen from time to time. Conflicts were not common, but the Slatescars were never removed from their fortresses for over a millennia.
Unfortunately, history eventually caught up to the clan in the form of angry nearby cities. Over time, it became common for wars between Free Cities to be waged with Slatescar steel. These weapons made enough of a mark that not only were they coveted, but victims of their blades wished to enact vengeance on the sponsor of this violence. Hoping to both raid their stashes and mines and also get revenge for the deaths of loved ones from their steel, a coalition of Free Cities, hired mercenaries, and jealous orc clans banded together and descended upon the Slatescars. Despite their incredible steel and impeccable defenses, the forces eventually overtook the clan and the Slatescar Slaughter began. Hordes of people flooded the fortresses and struck down as many as they could. Only one family from the clan was reported to have escaped the violence and fled to the eastern coast of Pillarin, but no records exist of any other surviving clan members. The Slatescar Slaughter is recorded to have taken place on the 24th of Grey Skies, 8643. The once proud clan was massacred and its riches were divvied up between its jealous and vengeful rivals.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Elia, Marna, Luwana, Deis, P'Chil, Vernod
Masculine names
D'Waiyn, Gwold, Hunvid, Bertok, Jur'Tas, Kurn
Unisex names
Olos, Sa'Lish, M'Bera, Ilitok
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Orcish with some Free City accent influence
Common
Goblin
Common
Goblin
Culture and cultural heritage
They honor Gruumsh and the many victories he provides to their people. They are accepting of passing merchants, travellers, or visitors as long as they respect their culture. Slatescars welcome other clans to share in feasts and celebrations if they are not in conflict. They are very proud of their smithing prowess. Their weapons and armor are some of the best in Pillarin, and the clan thank Gruumsh daily for this gift of skill. Their mines seem to be consistently brimming with ore and the occasional gem vein. This makes them valuable traders amongst the Free Cities.
Shared customary codes and values
We walk together as one proud family into all matters. We accept our differences and talk openly rather than hide secrets. When one member suffers, we all suffer until we help them to stand again.
Fighting with dishonor is an affront to the clan and Gruumsh. To use lies and deceit in combat rather than tactical strength and merit is to fail your people.
You may challenge clanmates or other orcs to Mayak Ch'nal if you share a disagreement or conflict and Clan Elders will decide the parameters of the challenge.
A betrayal of the clan may result in exile if severe enough. We do not execute our own blood, but shun them from our gaze. If we meet in conflict again, they may be slain, if necessary, as they are no longer member of the clan.
Victory takes many forms. Never fail to celebrate the many victories of life, whether from result of physical or emotional growth. Battle is only one victory. A true Slatescar declares victory over all aspects in their life in the eye of Gruumsh.
Fighting with dishonor is an affront to the clan and Gruumsh. To use lies and deceit in combat rather than tactical strength and merit is to fail your people.
You may challenge clanmates or other orcs to Mayak Ch'nal if you share a disagreement or conflict and Clan Elders will decide the parameters of the challenge.
A betrayal of the clan may result in exile if severe enough. We do not execute our own blood, but shun them from our gaze. If we meet in conflict again, they may be slain, if necessary, as they are no longer member of the clan.
Victory takes many forms. Never fail to celebrate the many victories of life, whether from result of physical or emotional growth. Battle is only one victory. A true Slatescar declares victory over all aspects in their life in the eye of Gruumsh.
Average technological level
Powerful mining, smithing and architectural skill. Their weapons give them an edge in battle and keep them in constant trade with nearby Free Cities to sponsor the conflicts between those cities.
Common Etiquette rules
Smile upon your clan and pass onto them the strength you wish to see in yourself. Lift each other up in your words.
Lies are ill-omens upon you and your clan. Stray from them.
Address all with respect unless they have proven unworthy of it.
Lies are ill-omens upon you and your clan. Stray from them.
Address all with respect unless they have proven unworthy of it.
Art & Architecture
Slatescar art typically is bold and displayed with pride. No matter the quality, the art is put forth as equal as any other within the clan. Usually high contrast, using specific bold color choices to highlight qualities the artist most encourages the viewer to perceive. Songs are rarely played quietly. Most are confident and loud.
Architecture reflects a powerful understanding of strength and stability. Slatescars are excellent at mining the best ores and procuring valuable resources for the creation of weaponry, armor, fashion, and structures. Their architecture reveals their prowess at the forge and displays this power for all to see.
Foods & Cuisine
Food can vary largely, but is often marked by very bold or spicy flavor choices. Common food dishes are usually grilled and lightly blackened. Grains are prized for their flexibility among dishes and Slatescars love to import unique styles to vary their dishes with personal flair.
Proteins vary, but Pork tends to be the most highly valued of meat within the clan. Special occasions call for aged and smoked boar to be served alongside a traditional spiced bread called D'Waiyn.
Drink of choice is a spiced ale aged in rum barrels called Gru'Tesh. Can be served warm or cold. Gru'Tesh is often exported to various free cities to be served as a more exotic drink choice. Some establishments used it as a base for a special drink called "The Smoking Gruumsh," which adds a strong whiskey, orange juice with pulp, and tops the drink with a highly flammable layer of alcohol which is lit aflame for a short bit before being snuffed out and served to customers.
Proteins vary, but Pork tends to be the most highly valued of meat within the clan. Special occasions call for aged and smoked boar to be served alongside a traditional spiced bread called D'Waiyn.
Drink of choice is a spiced ale aged in rum barrels called Gru'Tesh. Can be served warm or cold. Gru'Tesh is often exported to various free cities to be served as a more exotic drink choice. Some establishments used it as a base for a special drink called "The Smoking Gruumsh," which adds a strong whiskey, orange juice with pulp, and tops the drink with a highly flammable layer of alcohol which is lit aflame for a short bit before being snuffed out and served to customers.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Mayak Ch'Nal (solving disputes)
Orlot Me'Ret (coming of age)
Beyamor (honoring deceased)
Orlot Me'Ret (coming of age)
Beyamor (honoring deceased)
Coming of Age Rites
When an orc reaches the age of twelve, they are put through the trial of Orlot Me'Ret. This custom asks the orc in question to confront their personhood and understand their importance to the clan. It is a time for them to stand in front of the clan and display their strength and conception of self before their people. There are little rules for this ceremony other than traditional meals being served and the clan gathering at night for the culmination of the orc in question's personal journey. Those partaking in the Orlot Me'Ret may display their strength through actions, words, art, or whatever they deem represents them best.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When a clanmate passes, there is an observation of silence the following day called the Beyamor. That night, the clan gathers to feast together and once finished they bellow their grief into the night air. Songs and poems may be written afterward and the days following represent a celebration of life after the observation of grief. A weapon will be forged to be buried with the deceased.
Common Taboos
Lies. Self-deception. Consorting with exiles or entities at war with the clan.
Historical figures
Gruumsh One-Eye
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Hold yourself in high esteem and your looks will reflect your inner spirit. Ugliness and beauty are inner qualities. It matters not what you appear as long as you act in confidence and honor.
Gender Ideals
Be yourself. To deny this is to deny your spirit and dishonor your clan. Connect with yourself on an intimate understanding of personhood and identity and then uphold it to the world proudly. Gruumsh frowns upon those who reject their inner self and denies them and their loved ones victory until they prove themselves worthy of their truth.
Courtship Ideals
Do not rob yourself of opportunity. State your feelings without fear and if the love is true you will both profit. Gruumsh smiles upon those who proudly walk together in victory.
Relationship Ideals
Lies are the knives in the back of the clan. To lie to one you love is to turn your back on Gruumsh and your clanmates. Honesty and honor will see you through the toughest battles. If you are upset with a clanmate, it is your duty to bear out your issues. Withholding your anger will only lead to further strife. The strongest bonds are forged in the fires of truth and honor.
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