A swiftly struck match-stick blisters up into a shallow haze of orange and red as it illuminates the weathered and crooked features of the Thane’s face. Ushering it’s delicate flame to the wick of a half charred candle before extinguishing the heat upon a sharp exhale. It’d grant just enough light upon this somber evening, sitting alone in a small cobbled chamber with nothing but the homely sound of Kirthaven’s Roost screeching out long into the night. The ‘Old Bear’ Stormheart would have the Ghal’bram laid out infront of him, an ancient codex of his family - passed down from Thane to Thane now belonging to Grahda. It’d hold many trials and teachings of ages past, scrawled out in ink from the Thane’s many forebears. Each important figure of his families legacy adding their story to it’s sacred parchment. A lick of his thumb as he’d gingerly turn a well written side of a page to fall now into his own ‘chapter’; it’d be rather empty. A long life spent, with many children and a loving hearth to show for it. However he feels it isn’t enough to solidify his place amongst the Stormheart’s legacy, he strives for more and with that, a new beginning.
“Tis’ not enough-..”
He’d suddenly attack the Ghal’bram with a large left hand out of frustration, hastily turning a few pages as he’d shoot his gaze desperately between notation and crudely drawn imagery in attempt to find what he seeks. Knocking over a half-filled ink pot in the process, leaving it to spill out onto the notched table infront, seeping through the cracks. “Bah-..” upon his acknowledgement though caring little. He’d eventually find the page he sought, worn and laced with cobwebs. A fine layer of dust settled upon the oldest part of the codex - Thane Bal’gahn Stormheart, first of his family and slayer of the great white bear, Garhl.
“It’s fading-..”
As the old Dwarf blows off the dust, picking away the cobwebs but to no avail as the ink has already become too marked with passing time. The written passages of Bal’gahn seem almost lost, unrecognisable are the teachings of the first Thane. In a state of panic Grahda almost tears away at the delicate pages, Meira, Karban, Olgan? Their pages seem to have suffered in the same fate, distraught the old Dwarf slams his balled right fist down into the table. Watching the spilt ink adjust, settling still once again upon the wood, rearranged.
“Ye ok, Da?”
A sweet voice would reach the haggard ears of the Thane, the soft spoken Aerla - youngest child and only daughter would be standing by the door, holding a fresh mug of ale and a plate of boar with sliced cheese.
“I’ve brought ye somethin’ tae eat, fresh from te pantry! Not seen ye all day!”
Almost skipping into the room, their vibes collide as the distressed Thane looks over shoulder with a forced smile upon seeing his beloved daughter. He’d nod to the side table upon his left, keeping his hands flat out upon either side of the Ghal’bram. His head bowed to the fading pages of his people. Lost in his own thoughts.
“Kind o’ looks like a bear paw, Da. Don’t ye think?”
Aerla speaks out, laughing with innocence as she’d settle the Thane’s dinner down upon the opposite table. Nodding to the spilt ink, now spread out just a few inches from the Thane’s right hand - it’s rolled and shifted, much to Grahda’s surprise. Indeed, it looks rather like a bear paw.
“Bal’gahn-..”
Grahda would utter as he’d look to Aerla, gently placing his large right hand upon her own dainty left. Guiding it over to the spilled ink, adjusting his head as he’d observe the angle of the pooling liquid so that it’d match up correctly, a process of thought to follow.
“What’re ye doin’, Da?”
Curiosity would hold reign over Aerla’s voice and features, observing her father as she’d allow her hand to hold aloft above the spillage. To which Grahda slowly lowers her ivory skin, allowing the odd ink alignment to settle onto her flesh. A moment or two pass before Grahda peels his daughters arm from the ink, looking now to the crudely ‘painted’ markings of a bear’s paw upon the back of her hand.
“What does ‘et mean, Da?”
The inquisitive Aerla asks, but she’d get no straight answer - not yet. For the Thane falls back heavy into his chair, starring up at the imagery upon the back of his daughter’s hand.
“Tae mark o’ Garhl-… Ofcourse.”
The teachings of the Ghal’bram will live on, printed into the -skin- of every Stormheart.
New Ranking System (Highest to Lowest):
Stormheart Family:-
Thane: The leader of his family, the eldest amongst his kinsmen and 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, leading in the ‘Markings of Garhl’ as he seeks to continue the teachings of the Ghal’bram to his people. 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 father 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.
Syddan’dahl (Family): 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. In which you’ll be lifted up into the family, the weight of the Khal’brass sinks into your very -blood-. You’ll become part of the Stormheart legacy, the greatest glory an outsider could achieve in their life-time. To await that moment when the Thane swears his love and acceptance, it’ll deliver you into a family bond that’ll stand the testaments of time. A place for you carved onto the family tree, holding high the name Stormheart forever.
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Trials of the Ghal’bram:-
Godkend’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 Mok’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 father to the present Thane Grahda. 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): Grahda 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 )
OOC: You’ll work your way up the trials, starting with loyalty and eventually end with courage as the tattoo progresses.
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Settlers:-
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 Ghal’bram.
(Marked Paw: 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.
Ceremonies:
‘The Markings of Garhl’: When a Dwarf has passed a trial, Clan Stormheart will gather for a night of festivities regarding the various accomplishments of passed trials each Dwarf pledged have completed. They will receive their added ‘Mark of Garhl’ tattoo.
‘Ascension’: 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 Syddan’dahl.
Kirthaven: Clan Stormheart will take part in the yearly festivities regarding this sacred settlement, from burial to marriages and birth of new life.