Stewards of Vdalion - Clan Whitemane

[CurledSpiral]

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Clan Whitemane was founded by the last Seneschal of Grimnir and the first Frost-speaker of the Moot. Created out of those bureaucrats and laborers who made up his powerbase following the Emperor's death. Thrym, whose dedication to the will of Grimnir, steadfastness in the treachery of his son, and boldness in quashing the various rebellions and holding the empire together for a time is legendary. It is Thrym who the Whitemane’s emulate above all others save Grimnir himself. In that emulation the clan has produced many great warriors and Frost-speakers alike.

However, despite or perhaps because of these achievements the elder clans have always viewed the Whitemane’s as upstarts and opportunists. None more than the ancient Steelmane’s who place the blame of their great Khan’s assassination at the feet of Thrym. The often harsh rule of the Frost-Keepers born of the Whitemane’s have only embittered and nursed the other clan’s grudges.

So it was that a century ago a cabal of rival clan’s led by the Steelmane’s enacted a plan that has become known as the night of melted snow. Across the Moot-lands countless Whitemane’s were hunted down and murdered. Not even the reigning Frost-speaker at the time was spared. In the months that followed Whitemane clan-holders were destroyed and the clan was laid low.

Only recently has the clan shown signs of resurgence.

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To be a Whitemane is to see oneself as inheritors of Thrym's legacy. To view oneself not only as a son of Ymir but as a bulwark against the disorder and chaos that the clans would cause where it not for the wisdom of Thrym and the Moot itself. As such they serve as the primary enforcers of the Moot's will amongst the various clans and work to maintain the realm's infrastructure. It is common to see the Whitemane serving as Frost-keepers and scribes to the various officials of the Moot.

 

The Clan understands well that their task is a monumental one. The very nature of the clan's lends itself to infighting and the empty throne of Grimnir serves as a constant reminder that the empire lacks an Emperor. Eternally stirring the hearts of the ambitious. In this regard they have earned a reputation for being stubborn as mules and for the extreme measures the clan is willing to go to maintain order.

 

To those beyond the lands of Vdalion the sight of a Whitemane is a rarer sight. Though rare it is not unheard of for the Whitemane to serve as diplomats of the Moot to foreign powers. Far more common is the sight of a Whitemane leading raids against any settlement that has come to close to the borders of Vdalion. Politely encouraging them to settle elsewhere.

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 - The position of Khan acts as the clan's liege. Whitemane succession laws are a Tanistry, meaning that to determine a successor the clan gathers and chooses a worthy Whitemane as the Tanist. This is handled through a vote of every being of the clan in good standing. Voting begins while the current Khan is still alive to ensure a smooth transition of power within the clan.

 

 - The elite soldiers of the Whitemane's and often filled with the more martially minded of the clan. Taking inspiration from the old royal guard. The Rimeguard wear heavy armor and function as a well disciplined shock-troops. They will most often serve as the Khan's retinue or are loaned out to Frost-speakers from smaller clan's who may not be able to protect themselves. All are required to have served as Moot Huskarl and to proudly display Grimnir's tears.

 - The rank and file of Clan Whitemane, often made up of landed freemen who have pledged a portion of each year to the family in payment for farming the lands granted their ancestors. Though not required many of Whitemane Huskarl's boast the Grimnir's tears the distinct facial scarring signifying they have served in the Moot's Huskarls.

      

 - Servants as the name imply are those who serve the Whiteman's in a non-martial role. Though they have a hierarchy all their own. It is suffice to say that those who reign as leader of their respective field are known as Servant of Cooking, for example. Almost always pulled from the small-folk.

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If interested in joining the clan please contact Dox#8381 or approach a Whitemane in game.