Dwarven Clans

There are several dwarf clans in the Scab. Those on this page are the most well known, and their relationship with Clan Blackaxe is noted.

The category of a dwarven steading is based on its size:

• Large steadings are known as Strongholds and typically house 250-500 dwarfs.
• Medium steadings are known as Holds and typically house 100-250 dwarfs
• Small steadings are known as Delvings and typically house 50-100 dwarfs
• Tiny steadings are also known as Delvings or Family Holds and typically house 10-50 dwarfs

Clan Anvilfist

Leader Unknown Size Medium Relationship Neutral Characteristics Secretive Isolationist

Clan Anvilfist is located between the ruins of Flamelich’s Lair and Carrion Valley. They are extremely isolationist, cautious, and secretive. When clansfolk do travel, they never reveal that they are from Clan Anvilfist. The reason was a practical one. They for centuries had the most lucrative gold mines anywhere in The Wold, but word has leaked that this may no longer be the case. Either that or the clan is spreading that rumor to keep hopeful prospectors away. They do not officially attend the Stone Festival, some do attend. Due to how their hold entrance faces the lava lake, they can see anyone approaching the area easily and will send a patrol out to send them away. Very rarely visitors are redirected to what they call the Plateau of Lost Souls to await the person they came to see. No visitor in the 5th Age of the Wold has been allowed to come to the hold itself. Not much else is known of this tribe or its current situation.

Clan Grimrock

Leader Thodrumin Metalspine Size Medium Relationship Neutral Characteristics Diplomatic Prosperous

Clan Grimrock is located east of the Serpent’s Breath River in the most impassable and difficult terrain of The Scab. The singular path leading to the Hold is well tended and supported so that the Gnomish Caravans can reach them. There is a Gnomish Caravan repair delving near Grimrock, but its exact location is kept secret from even most of the Grimrock clansfolk. This clan is very diverse in who its clansfolk patron. In fact, they are the only clan that has not officially declared one or more gods to patron as a clan. Thodrumin Metalspine is the clan chief and rules with a council that is elected by the clan and representative of its people as well. There is a small contingent of gnomes that are considered part of the clan and they have a seat on the clan council. He is known to be honest and fair and is occasionally called upon to mediate between other dwarven tribes or to represent the dwarven clans with outsiders. Clan Grimrock are the most proficient masters of mining and delving. They will hire out their masterminers to other clans when they are having difficulty. This clan mines everything and their most lucrative mines are always kept secret. Due to their skill and diplomacy, they are the wealthiest of the clans, yet their people live simply with honor and responsibility being the key words to their moral code. They have trading deals with most nations of the Wold, despite their remote location thanks to the Invisible Gnomish Caravans.

Clan Mountainheart

Leader Gwalin Sternbough Size Large Relationship Friendly Characteristics Patriarchal Traditionalistic

Clan Mountainheart can date its lineage back to the Red Dwarves of the 2nd age. Its original stronghold was north of Fhorge Mountain and the clan believes it was destroyed in the 4th age by Fhorge as the clan worshiped Domi instead of him. Now they have a newer stronghold in the southern ranges of the Scab just west of Serpent’s Breath River. The clan officially patrons Domi and the clan greatly frowns on anyone who patronizes any other god but him. An honorable tribe, they trade with the other tribes and foster relationships with smaller clan family delvings throughout the Scab. As the closest clan to the Eastern Wind Tunnel Entrance, they claim ownership of the location and have a force presence there at all times. They make excursions down into the wind tunnels to search for any drow presence and to keep the area clear of monsters and other dangers. A large diamond mine is also near the Wind Tunnel location. They use the facility there to train their young to be both warriors and miners. Clan Mountainheart is very patriarchal, dividing professions and jobs clearly into male and female responsibilities. Chief Gwalin Sternbough works to keep the clan’s tradition strong and unwavering. All are required to attend clan gatherings where these traditions are taught and lauded. It is a punishable crime for parents to have undisciplined children. A cave down by the river has from time to time housed some of the outcasts, but they tend to not stay there for long.

Clan Wyrmbane

Leader Grukhoin Boulderbelt Size Large Relationship Rival Characteristics Expansionistic Confident

Clan Wyrmbane is a large clan located just east of Fhorge Mountain. The clan stronghold was originally an adamantite mine centuries ago and is built and supported to withstand the strongest earthquakes, which is a regular occurrence around Fhorge Volcano Mountain. Fhorge is the officially declared patron of this clan, though most dwarves also patron Domi. A smaller number also patronize Scald and other powers. This clan is not friendly with any other clan, though they do attend the Stone Festival for purposes of achieving dominance and conducting trade. They also do not want to risk ire with Domi. They hold their own gathering to honor Fhorge, holding contests of strength and skill. However, few outsiders choose to attend. Clan Leader Grukhoin Boulderbelt is a strong leader who believes in the leadership of the strongest and is training his twin son and daughter to honorably follow in his footsteps.