How the wind did howl over heath and hill, returning to the hearths of Kirthaven.
With it came the echo of a far-off storm, slowly rolling down into the great valley of Dunwald. To then lord over mighty Thundermar, washing away the corruption that’d tainted the banks of the Verrall. From there it’d wind its way through to the very mouth of Northeron, far off past the darkened reaches of our many enemies.
Rain droplets trickled down upon Throrgar’s palm, his callus hands drank deeply the sky’s gift after hours of labour. “Soon to be at Kirthaven,” he muttered, "The ground is in -dire- need o’ that.” The Thane spoke as if his voice was meant to reach out to his gathered fellows; yet as his blue eyes turned from the valley and into the village’s bustling centre, he spotted not one of Stormheart’s folk.
A pang of guilt shot through the Thane’s body, as he clasped his hand around the ceremonial Khal’brass he had been inspecting just a moment before.
“Didn’t think you where one fer contemplating?” A voice came from his flank, where a mighty Razorbeak and its rider had just landed; like whispers upon the wind. “Pfah-…” Throrgar grunted. “I’m just trying ta make sense o’ this, mother.” He admitted, sounding defeated. “Ye sent them away yerself, ye know?” Haelga responded, sliding from the saddle of her mighty beast, standing soon with her eldest child. “They’re gone, I’ve allowed them ta make their own paths, their own futures.” Throrgar said, turning to his mother as the mild trickle gave way to a sudden downpour. “I’ve not seen many o’ my folk since that day. Not in Thundermar, Aerie or even that o’ Ironforge. When my call comes, will any o’ them answer, will they return?”
A silence then fell, leaving nowt but the wind to speak for them. After a while, Haelga finally cut off the wind. “I know all too well how ye feel, lad o’ mine. It was with yer father that I stood in a place such as this, though he’d never admit to it; waiting on our children ta return. You see, hopelessness may take the mind, but what does yer heart tell ye?” Throrgar scoffed at that, shaking his head defiantly. “That we are broke. That me own mother and her flock be ta only thing keeping us afloat in this world o’ coin and connections."
“Since a boy, both ya heart and head have been intertwined, my lad.” Haelga sighed, taking the Khal’brass from his hand. “Hold out ya arm.” And so the son complied. “This is a sign passed down by our forebears, by ya father…" She’d speak softly, sliding it up the large arm of Throrgar, his smile fleeting. “When the time comes, those whose oaths were true will return to you, I promise ya that.” She said, lifting her son’s chin to meet her gaze. “Aye…” the Thane responded, his eyes wandering back to the oncoming thunder. His thoughts of failure begin to disperse, for his eyes bear witness to the raw strength, smiting the land he had learned to love. Something re-ignited within him then, something that’d laid dormant for far too long.
“I feel ta storm once more within me.”
She turned, replying;
“It never left ye, my son.”
Thane
The leader of his family, the strong-willed overseer of his home. He has earned his seat at the high table of his hearth and will defend his honour and pride should it be besmirched. His say is final and his judgement understood, ever watchful for heroic deeds and grand gestures of his own, a keen story-teller who will continue to pass down tales of the ages.
A stoic defender to all that call themselves Stormheart.
Khal'rand (Council)
The Khal’rand usually comprises of the Thane’s most trusted. Tradition has sought this role to be filled by family, his eldest sons and daughters. But the Khal’rand changes with each passing Thane. It is within this circle of trust he shall pick a successor to the family. Those chosen would likely comprise of the strongest warriors and the most persuasive minds. The greatest hand-picked worthy enough to lead the clan should the need arise.
Thulman'dahl (Honoured)
Loyalty, Strength, Will, Knowledge and Courage.
Upon completing the final trial and earning the last ‘Marking of Garhl’ you’ll take part in the ascension ceremony. Your name then revered amongst the family of Stormheart, you’ve overcome many obstacles, trials and tribulations to get to where you stand now. But should you wish to uphold the name Stormheart forever, you’ve more than earned the right to call yourself one. But we all have our own legacy to keep, it will be the story of how you sought glory amongst kin that will forevermore be a tale of the ages to come.
Godken'dahl (Courage)
Bal’gahn Stormheart, first Thane of our family. He who had slain the great white bear Garhl at the foothills of Ironforge centuries past. Courage, only truly comes when you’re afraid and through this final trial - you’ll search yourself, delving deep to find it; and confront it.
( Fifth Claw:
https://imgur.com/54X9diF)
Guma'dahl (Knowledge)
Meira Stormheart, first to bind and transcribe for Bal’gahn, keeper of the first pages of the Ghal’bram. Her knowledge stretches countless passages and books left to find for those worthy. Understanding the ways of a Stormheart within her left legacy. To learn from their ancient laws and tradition.
( Fourth Claw:
https://imgur.com/TybKEKr)
Kost'dahl (Will)
Karban Stormheart, creator and first wielder of the Stormheart’s mighty Stormhammer Mohr’Grum. A seasoned shaman who took great fondness in living as one with the wild, for this trial will see you traverse the mighty landscapes of Khaz Modan. To be one with the earth, water and sky. Finding the right mindset that all Wildhammer share.
( Third Claw:
https://imgur.com/s8sdbeH)
Misfaran'dahl (Strength)
Olgan Stormheart, the strongest recorded of our family and grandfather to the present Thane Throrgar. The ‘breaker of mountains’ and the hauler of stone, a trial focussed on your body and mind. Strength comes from many places, find it and you’ll succeed. Or crumble under the weight of our forebear’s watchful gaze.
( Second Claw:
https://imgur.com/0vzFyOS)
Skalf'dahl (Loyalty)
Throrgar Stormheart, the current Thane of Stormheart. To earn the first claw you’ll need to prove loyalty to him. Be this by a gift of wealth or blood. Your character will be judged accordingly to whatever they present. Alongside this gift you’ll take the oath of our family, adorning the sacred Khal’brass upon your most dominant arm.
Honour your Thane, honour yourself.( First Claw:
https://imgur.com/E95Bvlq)
( Khal’brass:https://imgur.com/vMASm8A)
Modoss (Marked)
You’ll be tattoo’d with the simple paw, acknowledged by Thane Stormheart as he’d believe you ready. Allowing you to begin the ‘Trials of the Garhl’.
( Paw of Garhl:
https://imgur.com/pcJPzLO)
Mogo'dune (Unmarked)
You’ve found Clan Stormheart, now awaiting an open audience with the Thane and family, for it is he who will ultimately decide if you’re destined to join us, or to be turned away.
Re-igniting of Stormhammers
Atop the highest pinnacle of Aerie Peak, Clan Stormheart continue tradition in re-igniting their ancestral weapons. This often occurs annually, or just before major conflict.
The Ascension Ceremony
When a Dwarf finishes their final trial, reaching Godkend’dahl - they will then await the prestigious and well revered ceremony of ascension. Bringing their name into the the very legacy of Stormheart. A night of stories, festivities and family.
Earning Thulman’dahl.
The Highland Games
Thane Throrgar Stormheart often hosts the Highland Games from the comfort and pristine beauty of our beloved Kirthaven. So be sure to keep an eye-out for this most excellent celebration of unity.
Thundermar's Bare-Knuckle Brawl
Thane Throrgar Stormheart often hosts the Thundermar’s Bare-Knuckle Brawl from within the bowels of one of Thundermar’s finest breweries. So be sure to keep an eye-out for this most excellent celebration of strength and -drinking-!
Kirthaven Gryphon Trade
Overview
The Idea
I’d like the opportunity to act upon an initiative that I believe hasn’t been overly explored within the Alliance of Argent Dawn as of yet, it’s both complimentary and ideal based around my current guild status and setting. To supply another ‘lively’ RP area to visit for singulars or guilds, pretty much any who’d benefit in the purchasing and/or training of gryphon. To invite you and yours along for anywhere between 1 - 3 days at a time, within Kirthaven to undergo in-depth one-to-one training and bonding between you and your new feathered friend. This’ll range from talks, demonstrations, preparations and flight within detailed proportion over the days spent with us. Or, you’re seeking out further help and/or advice from one of the many veteran Wildhammer on how to maintain, care and support your already loving companion.
We aim to provide a believable and pleasant environment to help thrive in rider and beast RP, to bring the personality out of your mount and secure a start to a story we hope you’ll long continue once you leave us. Another open door for more possibilities for the Alliance on Argent Dawn moving forwards.
Our Gryphon
They will be the very foundation to the RP we intend to deliver within Kirthaven, seeking to give everyone the most authentic rider and beast interaction possible. Utilising our diverse gryphon creation system, we’re able to formulate beasts with various personalities and temperaments, every new batch of rider will hopefully have a personalised experience with us. However, firstly we’d like to start off with partnering up our current gryphon, those who’ve remained within the family even though their last rider disbanded; by either death or abandonment. These gryphons are fully fleshed out members of Clan Stormheart and won’t be sold, but given to those deemed worthy enough to us, but most importantly to the gryphon itself.
Once we’ve finally gifted the last of our extended family to new and suitable riders, we’ll then proceed with restocking fresh beasts, this process is as much IC as the rest. Clan Stormheart will need to wrangle, break-in and move forward each singular gryphon to a platform where they are suitable enough for a potential rider. Insuring this experience is as authentic as possible, we’re likely to have intermissions between selling and supplying the gryphon we have by 1 to 2 weeks at a time. However, between this time we’re more than happy to host groupings of folk who’ve already settled on a companion, to offer advice or further training where needed – so that we’re constantly flexible to aiding where we can.
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
Noteable Instructers
Thane Throrgar Stormheart
The leader of his family and flock, the strong-willed overseer of his home. Having handled and raised a total of five Razorbeak spanning almost one and a half centuries of his lifetime, you’ll find no better instructor for both novice and experienced alike.
Combat:
Thane Stormheart has weathered many skirmishes and fought in many battles across the borders between both Highland and Hinterland alike. He’ll be taking you in-depth on how to utilise both rider and beast in the midst of battle, covering as many bases as he can regarding weaponry and tactics.
Armouring:
Upon purchase of your newly gained gryphon, you’ll then be advised to speak with Thane Stormheart to have it suitably armoured if or when desired. Contacts within the forges of Thundermar and Aerie Peak have vast knowledge regarding the outfitting of our feathered friends.
Experienced Flying:
A class for those who’re already content in the saddle, managing a few flights with their companion beforehand. Thane Stormheart will go into more detail regarding long-haul journeys and suitable preparations during certain weather conditions.
Haelga Stormheart
Clan Stormheart’s Gryphon Master and mother to the current Thane. Renowned amongst her own to being a specialist with finding that special connection between both rider and beast. A grand asset to her people, now able to pass on all her wisdom to those seeking lasting companionship.
Bonding:
Undoubtedly the most crucial part to your time here in Kirthaven for all new riders, Haelga will undertake the task of matching you with one of our many Razorbeak. It’ll be a lengthy process to find the perfect partner, for very few gryphons are co-operative or trusting at first.
Novice Flying:
It is only fitting that after you’ve created the initial bond between your newly found companion that you’re taught the very fundamentals of how to saddle it up correctly. Haelga will take you slowly through the steps, aiding in solidifying the fresh connection between both rider and beast.
Rhea, the Matriarch
Keeper of the Peace:
Rhea is the colossal matriarch and protector of Kirthaven’s flock. Little pardon is given for mistakes and any attempt of harm to those who Rhea takes within the flock will result in dire consequences.
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
Further Information
Payment
To fund the efforts within Kirthaven, Clan Stormheart will price a gryphon’s worth accordingly. To be negotiated after a first viewing, payment can be made in various forms.
Gold:
Probably the most ideal form of payment, it’ll be greatly accepted into the coffers of both Kirthaven and Thundermar respectively.
True-Silver:
A renowned material for the likes of Clan Stormheart, it’s used to craft the honourable Khal’brass (Arm Ring). Physical proof of their loyalty to both Thane and family.
Favour:
A favour to a Wildhammer is most likely the least to be chosen, for it’ll be down to Thane Stormheart to decide if it’d weigh out the offer of such a noble beast.
IC Restrictions
Clan Stormheart will retain the right to refuse anyone we feel isn’t fit or suitable for the riding or purchasing of one of our many gryphon. Perhaps because they require further time and training with their chosen beast.
A message however to Death Knights, Demon Hunters and Warlocks in particular, your presence is noted and whilst not overly accepted within Kirthaven, the purchasing of a gryphon will remain at the Thane’s discretion upon each individual arriving.
▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Clan Stormheart has been a unique Wildhammer presence on the Dwarf RP scene since February 2018. We’re not a military guild, striving to delve into the spiritual and cultural side of Wildhammer RP.
We accept:
Wildhammer (Preferred) and Bronzebeard origins.We do not accept:
Dark Iron, IC Warlocks and IC DKs.Note: Being primarily Wildhammers, we rely heavily on Gryphons within our daily RP. Level 30+ is our desired minimum (Purely for flying purposes).
We use a fully working and updated Discord Channel regarding further IC and OOC.
Artist Recognition:
https://artistsnclients.com/slots/22270-digital-illustration#Current IC Base: Kirthaven, Twilight Highlands
Leadership Contact:
Throrgàr - Discord: Wur890#7073 (GM)
Thunderlung - Discord: Bashtian#2055 (Officer)
Grongul - Discord: Stormfury#1027 (Officer)
