Dwarven Clans
From the Carved Halls deep beneath the Mountains, to villages dotted along the fjords and costs in the shadow of the Mountains, the Dwarven Clans are how the Dwarves organize themselves.
As political Units they tend to occupy settlements more than territory, though control of underground passages is seen as critical to a Major Clan's power. Especially large entrances on waterways to the area's under the mountains, as these facilitate trade with the outside world.
Clans are divided into Major and Minor Clans, though the distinction is somewhat arbitrary. All Clans tend to claim to descend from some mythical founder, a Culture Hero often responsible for some great feat of craftsmanship or valour. The Major Clans have ancestors of a more ancient Pedigree, though this does not hold universally true and the designation of 'Major' has more to do with the ability to control larger dwarven settlements and to earn the vassalage of other clans.
At the present there are Seven Major Clans and close to Forty Minor ones. The Foundation of a New Clan is a somewhat rare event. Dwarves are, by inclination if not nature, hidebound and dedicated to tradition. Virtually no Dwarf would declare there own clan, as to do so would suggest equivalence with other Ancestors. What has happened however is for others to Declare a New Clan around some-one. Several of the Minor Clans have been formed from people recognized by a Major Clan as 'worthy' of the title.
The Major Clans
Clan Fjalar Descendent from the Legendary Brewer and Giant Slayer, creator of the Mead of Poetry, said to inspire the greatest epics.
Clan Brokkr Descendent from the Crafter of Mjolnir, as well as other Magical items. The Brokkr clan have long been Kings and Rulers of the Dwarves, renowned for Craftsmen skill and Cunning. Because he cheated their ancestor, they loath Loki.
Clan Invaldi A Clan of diverse Craftsmen, second only to Brokkr. Their ancestors fashioned Sir’s Hair, Great Ships and the Ring of Odin. They are often rivals of Brokkr and constantly want to one-up them.
Clan Durinn An ancient Clan, Lore-Masters and Skalds. They are said to keep some of the most ancient records of the Dwarves, and much lore. Durinn was a Skald and Giant-slayer.
Clan Dvalinn Another Grand and Noble Clan. Dvalinn was supposed to have revealed Runes to the Dwarven people, and from his line come many of the Few Dwarven Mystics and Wizards. They are also famed explorers, and many have settled in or close to human lands.
Clan Sindri Clan of Goldsmiths, Silversmiths, Jewelers and Miners.
Clan Andvari A secretive clan, known for their craftsmanship of Magical rings and association with Water. They build boats that ply the underwater streams of the world.
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