Clans of the Nords
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2018 1:13 pm
This is a place to brainstorm the different clans that will appear or be mentioned in SHOTN, as well as the lore behind them.
What is a clan?
The Nordic concept of a clan (indeed, the word itself) derives from the crew of a ship - the most famous clans having their origins in the crews that followed Ysgramor on the Return. Their function can range quite broadly: some may be warrior bands or familial tribes, whilst others may be akin to guilds or mercantile operations. Some may simply be a club for aimless young Nords to join and find a sense of belonging.
The clans of SHOTN can be divided in two: those currently in existence, and those attested in songs and chronicles.
Existing clans
Bear:
Dragon-Heart:
Boar Snout:
Fire-Hand: A fierce and influential warrior clan. Originally hailing from Eastmarch, but banished after a lengthy clan feud with the Oar-Breaker clan of Kynholm. Controls large swathes of land through their chieftain Jona the Ansei-Ender, who, after her victories in the War of Bend'r Mahk, gained massive martial renown as well the title of Jarl of the Reach, ruler of Dragonstar East and Karthwasten.
Red-Tooth: founded and ruled by a bloodthirsty (vampire) chieftain, whose beard is stained red with blood. Not otherwise populated by vampires.
Red Wolf: A rogueish clan based in the forested heights around Nimalten and the western Rift Valley. Despite a dubious reputation as thieves and murderers, they enjoy goodwill from the local population, and are seen as folk heroes defending the local farmers against the often perceived tyrannical whims of the Riften hold throne.
Skull-Drinker: raiders led by Horg the Stout and based in the Jerall mountains. Aware of the Septim empire but exist largely beyond its laws. Recently responsible for the death of the Count of Chorrol.
Snow-Talon Clan: The primary clan of Falkirstad, this clan honors Kyne above all others, and their members frequently travel to the top of Mt. Snowhawk to pay reverence. Currently lead by their Chieftain, Korigg White-Feather, who is every bit as judicious as his father before him, the late Chieftain Torbens Oak-Lung.
Attested clans
Wolf Tail: founded by Sigrun the Blue Wolf, a Companion of Ysgramor.
Rotting Dreugh: founded by the crew of the Norfryk, Companions of Ysgramor.
Red Sun Clan: An attested seafaring clan of the first era, credited with being the first to bring wasabi to Skyrim from Cathnoquey.
Clan Dire & Clan Gant (both attested): Clans mentioned in the Five Hundred Mighty Companions, with members being part of the Row of Succession
What is a clan?
The Nordic concept of a clan (indeed, the word itself) derives from the crew of a ship - the most famous clans having their origins in the crews that followed Ysgramor on the Return. Their function can range quite broadly: some may be warrior bands or familial tribes, whilst others may be akin to guilds or mercantile operations. Some may simply be a club for aimless young Nords to join and find a sense of belonging.
The clans of SHOTN can be divided in two: those currently in existence, and those attested in songs and chronicles.
Existing clans
Bear:
Dragon-Heart:
Boar Snout:
Fire-Hand: A fierce and influential warrior clan. Originally hailing from Eastmarch, but banished after a lengthy clan feud with the Oar-Breaker clan of Kynholm. Controls large swathes of land through their chieftain Jona the Ansei-Ender, who, after her victories in the War of Bend'r Mahk, gained massive martial renown as well the title of Jarl of the Reach, ruler of Dragonstar East and Karthwasten.
Red-Tooth: founded and ruled by a bloodthirsty (vampire) chieftain, whose beard is stained red with blood. Not otherwise populated by vampires.
Red Wolf: A rogueish clan based in the forested heights around Nimalten and the western Rift Valley. Despite a dubious reputation as thieves and murderers, they enjoy goodwill from the local population, and are seen as folk heroes defending the local farmers against the often perceived tyrannical whims of the Riften hold throne.
Skull-Drinker: raiders led by Horg the Stout and based in the Jerall mountains. Aware of the Septim empire but exist largely beyond its laws. Recently responsible for the death of the Count of Chorrol.
Snow-Talon Clan: The primary clan of Falkirstad, this clan honors Kyne above all others, and their members frequently travel to the top of Mt. Snowhawk to pay reverence. Currently lead by their Chieftain, Korigg White-Feather, who is every bit as judicious as his father before him, the late Chieftain Torbens Oak-Lung.
Attested clans
Wolf Tail: founded by Sigrun the Blue Wolf, a Companion of Ysgramor.
Rotting Dreugh: founded by the crew of the Norfryk, Companions of Ysgramor.
Red Sun Clan: An attested seafaring clan of the first era, credited with being the first to bring wasabi to Skyrim from Cathnoquey.
Clan Dire & Clan Gant (both attested): Clans mentioned in the Five Hundred Mighty Companions, with members being part of the Row of Succession