Clan Brynjar
Clan Brynjar is a clan of Goliaths that inhabit the foothills at the base of Giant's Rest. Clan Brynjar is know to Novayan Natives of the wheat bowl as relentless raiders and an ever enduring threat to their lives and livelihoods.
Structure
Clan Leader: Currently Asbjorn 'The Bear' of Clan Brynjar. The clan leader is the ultimate authority on all maters of the clan.
Thanes: Honoured warriors of the clan chief who forsake any claim to clan leadership, they are responsible for the martial functions of the clan
Elders: Goliath elders who have lived for longer than 200 years they are responsible for the social functions of the clan
Forge Warrior: Talented warrior recognised for their martial prowess and talent as smiths.
Culture
The Way of the Forge
The forge is the heart of Brynjar life, both literal and spiritual. Every member of the clan is expected to learn smithing from childhood, from crafting simple nails to forging weapons worthy of champions. The forging of one’s first weapon is a sacred rite, performed under the watchful eye of a Forge Father and completed with a prayer to Baldreng. The process of crafting is seen as an act of devotion, and to create a masterwork blade is considered a holy offering to their god. Many Brynjar warriors wield weapons made by their own hand, believing that true strength comes from steel shaped by one’s own soul. The Elders - Keepers of the Forge Lore
In Clan Brynjar the Elders are goliaths who have lived over 200 years, these venerable figures serve as pillars of wisdom, tradition and judgment, ensuring the clans customs endure over generations. They act as arbiters in disputes and instructors of clan history. Their voices carry the weight of centuries and their decrees are law, second only to the Cheif of the clan. The Forge Fathers - Shepards of Flame
The religious leaders of Clan Brynjar, known as Forge Fathers, are both priests and master smiths. They are responsible for teaching young goliaths the sacred art of smithing, leading ceremonies in the great forges, and blessing weapons before battle. Each Forge Father carries an anvil-shaped warhammer, symbolizing their role as both spiritual guides and creators. Forge Fathers serve as judges in matters of honor and dispute, their rulings binding and unquestioned. They also oversee the Rite of Return, ensuring that the weapons of fallen warriors are reforged or returned to their families. The Thanes – Warriors of Honor
Brynjar warriors are among the most feared in Novaya. Known as Thanes, they are lent as mercenaries to the Grand Duchy, serving in elite warbands. These warriors fight not for gold, but for honor and tradition, believing that their service is a test of their mettle and a way to earn glory for their ancestors. Thanes wear heavy plate armor, often engraved with the names of past wielders and reforged after each battle, carrying the strength of generations. Their code is strict:
The forge is the heart of Brynjar life, both literal and spiritual. Every member of the clan is expected to learn smithing from childhood, from crafting simple nails to forging weapons worthy of champions. The forging of one’s first weapon is a sacred rite, performed under the watchful eye of a Forge Father and completed with a prayer to Baldreng. The process of crafting is seen as an act of devotion, and to create a masterwork blade is considered a holy offering to their god. Many Brynjar warriors wield weapons made by their own hand, believing that true strength comes from steel shaped by one’s own soul. The Elders - Keepers of the Forge Lore
In Clan Brynjar the Elders are goliaths who have lived over 200 years, these venerable figures serve as pillars of wisdom, tradition and judgment, ensuring the clans customs endure over generations. They act as arbiters in disputes and instructors of clan history. Their voices carry the weight of centuries and their decrees are law, second only to the Cheif of the clan. The Forge Fathers - Shepards of Flame
The religious leaders of Clan Brynjar, known as Forge Fathers, are both priests and master smiths. They are responsible for teaching young goliaths the sacred art of smithing, leading ceremonies in the great forges, and blessing weapons before battle. Each Forge Father carries an anvil-shaped warhammer, symbolizing their role as both spiritual guides and creators. Forge Fathers serve as judges in matters of honor and dispute, their rulings binding and unquestioned. They also oversee the Rite of Return, ensuring that the weapons of fallen warriors are reforged or returned to their families. The Thanes – Warriors of Honor
Brynjar warriors are among the most feared in Novaya. Known as Thanes, they are lent as mercenaries to the Grand Duchy, serving in elite warbands. These warriors fight not for gold, but for honor and tradition, believing that their service is a test of their mettle and a way to earn glory for their ancestors. Thanes wear heavy plate armor, often engraved with the names of past wielders and reforged after each battle, carrying the strength of generations. Their code is strict:
- Never retreat from an honorable fight. To do so is to disgrace both oneself and Baldreng.
- A warrior’s weapon is sacred. If a Thane falls, their weapon must be returned to their family, or if the family is lost, reforged into a new blade, carrying their spirit forward.
- Crafting is as sacred as battle. Every Thane must contribute to the forge, ensuring that their martial prowess is matched by their craftsmanship.
Assets
Brimthar – The Hammer of the Bear
The weapon of Chieftain Asbjorn "The Bear" Brynjar, a colossal warhammer forged from the shattered remnants of an ancient giant’s weapon. A symbol of the Cheiftains unriavaled strength. The Ember Forge
Deep within Giants Rest, atop a lake of molten rock lies the Ember Forge. An ancient forge where the greatest of weapons of Clan Brynjar are forged. It is said to have been creatted when Baldreng himself struck the earth with his hammer, igniting an eternal flame. Only the most skilled Forge Fathers are permitted to use the Ember Forge, works created within the forge are considered sacred relics of the clan The Thane's Oathblade
The signature weapon of a Thane an Oathblade must be personally forged by each Thane as a part of their initiation. Forged of Blacksteel, mountain-forged iron blessed by a Forge Father. Each blade bears the name of its wielder, as well as a rune of Baldreng. If a Thane falls in battle their blade must be returned to their family or reforged into a new weapon to honour their spirit The Anvil Cloak
A symbol of leadership amoung the Forge Fathers, Woven from the coarse fur of a mountain beast and reinforced with fire tempered bronze plates. Anvil Cloaks are emblazioned with the sigil of Baldreng, A hammer over flame. Worn by Forge Fathers marking them as spiritual and Smithing Leaders of the clan Anvil Cloaks are said to grant the wearer immunity to fire, allowing Forge Fathers to walk unscathed through the hottest forge flames. The Brynjar Warhorn
Carved from the horn of a legendary Beast that once roamed the mountains the Brynjar Warhorn projects a deep thunderous bellow that echoes across the distant lands. It is used to summon the Thanes from across Novaya in times of great need. It is said that when the Warhorn sounds, even the mountains themselves tremble in response.
The weapon of Chieftain Asbjorn "The Bear" Brynjar, a colossal warhammer forged from the shattered remnants of an ancient giant’s weapon. A symbol of the Cheiftains unriavaled strength. The Ember Forge
Deep within Giants Rest, atop a lake of molten rock lies the Ember Forge. An ancient forge where the greatest of weapons of Clan Brynjar are forged. It is said to have been creatted when Baldreng himself struck the earth with his hammer, igniting an eternal flame. Only the most skilled Forge Fathers are permitted to use the Ember Forge, works created within the forge are considered sacred relics of the clan The Thane's Oathblade
The signature weapon of a Thane an Oathblade must be personally forged by each Thane as a part of their initiation. Forged of Blacksteel, mountain-forged iron blessed by a Forge Father. Each blade bears the name of its wielder, as well as a rune of Baldreng. If a Thane falls in battle their blade must be returned to their family or reforged into a new weapon to honour their spirit The Anvil Cloak
A symbol of leadership amoung the Forge Fathers, Woven from the coarse fur of a mountain beast and reinforced with fire tempered bronze plates. Anvil Cloaks are emblazioned with the sigil of Baldreng, A hammer over flame. Worn by Forge Fathers marking them as spiritual and Smithing Leaders of the clan Anvil Cloaks are said to grant the wearer immunity to fire, allowing Forge Fathers to walk unscathed through the hottest forge flames. The Brynjar Warhorn
Carved from the horn of a legendary Beast that once roamed the mountains the Brynjar Warhorn projects a deep thunderous bellow that echoes across the distant lands. It is used to summon the Thanes from across Novaya in times of great need. It is said that when the Warhorn sounds, even the mountains themselves tremble in response.
History
The Mountain Raids - A tradition of Strength and Tribute
For centuries the goliaths of Clan Brynjar have upheld an ancient custom known as the "Tithe of Strength" a series of small, controlled raids against Novayan settlements to claim livestock, resources and on occasion, prospective wives.
For centuries the goliaths of Clan Brynjar have upheld an ancient custom known as the "Tithe of Strength" a series of small, controlled raids against Novayan settlements to claim livestock, resources and on occasion, prospective wives.
Mythology & Lore
Clan Brynjar worships Baldreng, the Fire-Forged, The War-Hammer of the Gods, a deity of warriors and smiths. They believe he once roamed the world, hammering mountains into shape and forging weapons for titanic wars of old.
Brynjar warriors often bear tattoos of hammers and anvils, marking their devotion. Many carry small charms of blackened iron, said to grant Baldreng’s blessing in battle.
The holiest site of their faith is The Ember Forge, a colossal anvil resting atop a molten lake deep within the mountains. It is said that Baldreng’s hammer struck this place, igniting the eternal flame that fuels their forges.
By Hammer and Fire
Founding Date
1000EA
Type
Geopolitical, Clan
Capital
Alternative Names
Goliaths of Giants Rest
Predecessor Organization
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Demonym
Goliaths of Clan Brynjar
Leader Title
Head of Government
Government System
Meritocracy
Economic System
Barter system
Executive Body
The clan is ruled by the clan Chief. Any warrior within the clan can challenge the ruling clan Chief to a duel for the leadership of the clan. These duels are usually to the death. The clan Chief often consults his Forge Fathers and Elders for guidence and advice on clan matters.
Deities
Location
Related Traditions
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Comments