Karkûn Narâg
Karkûn Narâg, as it is translated best to Common as The Tome of Grudges, is a book, blessed by Morndinsamman.
These books can only be opened, only when a King is seated upon the throne of Kingdom of Dora-Nil.
Document Structure
Clauses
The Karkûn Narâg is organized by year and often divided into sections based on the nature of the offense. Some dwarven holds even maintain multiple books, such as the Book of Kings' Grudges (for offenses against the royal line) and Clan Grudges (for insults to specific clans or guilds). The entries include:
- The Name of the Offender: Whether a person, a clan, a foreign nation, or even an entire species.
- The Crime: A detailed account of the offense committed, written with unflinching accuracy.
- The Date and Location: Where and when the offense took place, recorded down to the finest detail.
- The Vow of Redress: What is demanded in recompense or, if that is not possible, the solemn oath to right the wrong through honorable vengeance.
- The State of the Grudge: Entries are marked when they are “avenged,” often with a note of how the debt was settled.
Historical Details
Public Reaction
The Book of Grudges is ultimately a testament to dwarven resilience and an oath never to forget a wrong nor forgive an insult. To outsiders, this may seem like inflexible stubbornness, but to the dwarves, it is nothing less than a sacred promise: a life lived in pursuit of justice, an honor upheld, and a bond that unites them with their ancestors and kin.
Legacy
The Karkûn Narâg is more than just a record of grievances; it is a pillar of dwarven identity. It binds the dwarves together across generations, reminding each clan of the debts they owe to each other, their ancestors, and themselves. The dwarves view the grudges as part of a sacred legacy, a duty passed down from one generation to the next.
For a dwarf, avenging a grudge is an act of profound honor, a declaration of loyalty to one’s kin and ancestors. Some young dwarves even take vows to travel the world seeking justice for ancient grudges, wearing these vows as badges of pride and sharing tales of their victories when they return to their homeland.
The Ritual of Inscription
Only the King or an appointed Lorekeeper may inscribe new entries in the Book of Grudges. This is a solemn and ceremonial act, often performed by candlelight within the deep, quiet halls of the hold. The pen used is crafted from an iron feather, its ink mixed with powdered iron and blessed by the priests of Moradin. When a grudge is settled, the King places his iron-clad hand upon the entry and speaks the words, “Grudge Avenged, Stone Reclaimed”, before marking the page. This signifies that the debt is settled, restoring a part of the dwarven honor and bringing a sense of peace to the entire hold.
Medium
Paper
Signatories (Organizations)
Comments