The Four Chiefs
There are over a hundred clans in The Skeld. The clans govern and decide policy by a council composed of the chiefs of each clan, but the chiefs only fully assemble a few times a year for special councils. The rest of the time, a group of chiefs from four different clans make most of the day to day decisions, including adjudicating civil and criminal cases, managing taxes and city operations, and overseeing the garrison and militia.
These four clans are chosen every 10 years by the others from the same district of the city and surrounding area. These districts are divided into the four cardinal directions (N, E, S, W).
The Four Chiefs serve as representatives of the interests of the other tribes in their district. This is a more efficient process and enables the other chiefs to focus on their duties to their clan.
Clan System Overview
- Extended Family: Clans are bound by blood, adoption, and marriage, or by a shared oath.
- Social Structure: Your clan determines your place in society
- Mutual Support: Clan members help each other survive
- Shared Honor: Individual actions reflect on the entire clan
The Ironback Clan
Elder: Grimjaw Ironback (Orc)
Specialty: Leadership and governance
Values: Honor, tradition, clan unity
Clan Culture
The Ironback clan has produced more settlement leaders than any other. They value honor above personal gain and maintain the ancient traditions that have kept The Skeld alive for centuries. Members are expected to put clan welfare before individual desires.
Clan Obligations
- Must uphold clan honor in all dealings
- Expected to take leadership roles when needed
- Cannot refuse aid to clan members in need
The Goldfingers Clan
Elder: Nala Goldfingers (Halfling)
Specialty: Trade and commerce
Values: Prosperity, networking, information
Clan Culture
The Goldfingers clan controls most of The Skeld's trade relationships. They maintain extensive networks of contacts and always know the best deals. Members are taught that information is as valuable as gold, and both should be invested wisely.
Clan Obligations
- Must share profitable information with clan elders
- Expected to contribute to clan trading ventures
- Cannot engage in trade that harms clan interests
The Stonebeard Clan
Elder: Borin Stonebeard (Dwarf)
Specialty: Crafting and mining
Values: Skill, durability, hard work
Clan Culture
The Stonebeard clan produces The Skeld's finest crafters and miners. They believe that anything worth doing is worth doing perfectly, and their work is built to last generations. Members take pride in creating items that will outlive their makers.
Clan Obligations
- Must maintain high standards in all work
- Expected to teach skills to younger clan members
- Cannot sell inferior goods under the clan name
The Windwhisper Clan
Elder: Kythara Windwhisper (Goliath)
Specialty: Spirituality and magic
Values: Wisdom, balance, connection to the divine
Clan Culture
The Windwhisper clan serves as The Skeld's spiritual guides and magical practitioners. They maintain the sacred sites, conduct coming-of-age ceremonies, and interpret omens. Members are expected to provide guidance and healing to the community.
Clan Obligations
- Must provide spiritual guidance when asked
- Expected to participate in religious ceremonies
- Cannot refuse healing to those in genuine need
Choosing Your Clan
Consider how your character's background and goals align with clan values. Your clan choice affects starting resources, social connections, and roleplay opportunities throughout the campaign.
Inter-Clan Relations
The four clans work together for The Skeld's survival, but tensions exist:
Traditional Alliances
- Ironback + Windwhisper: Leadership and spiritual guidance
- Goldfingers + Stonebeard: Trade and production
Common Conflicts
- Ironback vs Goldfingers: Honor vs profit
- Stonebeard vs Windwhisper: Practical vs spiritual approaches
- Resource disputes: Water rights, mining claims, trade routes
Clan Ceremonies
Coming of Age
All clans participate in the trials of the Deep Shadow
Seasonal Gatherings
Each clan holds seasonal celebrations that strengthen bonds and pass down traditions. These events provide opportunities for advancement, matchmaking, and resolving disputes.
Clan Honor
Your actions reflect on your entire clan. Bringing shame to your clan name can result in exile - a fate worse than death in the harsh desert. Consider the consequences of your choices carefully.
Leaving Your Clan
Rarely, individuals may leave their birth clan:
- Marriage: Joining a spouse's clan
- Adoption: Being formally adopted by another clan
- Exile: Punishment for bringing great shame
- Calling: Spiritual or professional reasons (very rare)
Changing clans is a serious matter that affects all your social relationships and requires significant roleplay justification.