Stoneshield Clan
The Stoneshields, much like many other dwarven clans, can trace their history back thousands of years. Some of the earliest records have been lost, but most yet remain.
They are as proud and dwarvish as they come, having rejected the notion of staunch tradtition for the most part in favor of the pursuit of technology.
Structure
The king is the ultimate authority, while still being bound by law himself. He will always rule with a few trusted councilers at his side who are usually close family members such as brothers, uncles or sons.
Guilds are a huge part of the economy, a closely knit together organisation of craftsmen and merchants. Some even have political influence due to their importance, such as the engineering Guild.
Culture
Dwarfs are a hardy people. Stout, proud and stubborn. The dwarfs of the Stoneshield clan are as Dwarven as they come. They are a warrior culture above all. The only profession with similar admiration might be an inventor or engineer. Often do they dwell on the memories of old and the wrongs done to them by outsiders. Every wrong is recorded with close detail. The stoneshield clan claims to own the original 'Damirak groza' or book of grudges belonging to the high king of the everpeak. Wrong doings thousands of years old are recorded in the great book and will only be struck out once the wrong has been put right.
While there are still those pray to them and create weapons and armor in their name, there are now also many who do not. In their image their own minds and their technology will preserve them where the gods have failed them. Every invention, new and old, is guarded closely. Any dwarf would rather die than give away their secrets.
Public Agenda
The Stoneshield Clan has laid claim to the seat of high kings several times in history ever since the capital fell in 2468 BTF. Dwarfs are perhaps the most stubborn creatures in the world and have not given up their quest for vengeance and justice. To this day they still wish to retake Kraka Varanka for their kin and to reform the high kingdom of the dwarfs as it was in the golden age.
History
The Stoneshield clan has had close ties with the High Kings for many years before the fall of the High Kingdom. The king of the Stoneshield Clan was the high king's cousin from his mother's side and thus the closest relative that remained alive. He tried to reclaim the capital two times in his life time. The first was in the year 2212 BTF and the second time in 2178 The second of which cost him his life.
There have been many other attempts to retake Kraka Varanka. In 1987 BTF, 1567 BTF, 1207 BTF, 654 BTF, 2 ATF
The attempt in 2 ATF ended with the orcs routed and the capital retaken with the help of the Eldoriens. The Stoneshield king Thorgrim II sat on the seat of high kings for three years. While the rebuilding of the halls was just still starting the orcs and goblins came back. The Orc chief Grutha 'Beardtaker' killed the high king in single combat when a battle ensued, taking his beard in the end. The dwarfs left their halls again in the face of the orcish invaders, griping all the way back home.
There was only one attempt since in the year 465 ATF by king Thorgrim III which ended in a great failure. A new attempt to conquer the Capital and claim the mantle of high king might soon again be under way. Such a venture might only be possible if all clans stand united. Which has not happened since the golden age.
Demography and Population
As with most dwarven people a huge majority dwell in the underground cities. Karaz Durazak is by the far the largest city of the Stoneshield kingdom. To fully sustain themselves with enough food to feed their populace many a dwarf has taken to toiling in fields outside of their mountain home.
As Unbreakable as Stone!
Founding Date
4256 BTF
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
The Dragonback Kingdom
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Related Species
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