Sju-Vaktemo
Watchers on the Wall
The Wyrmsback mountains has long served as a natural border to the heartland of Ostoria, and the goliath tribes of the Sju-Vaktemo were created to be its sentinels. However, their duties as the servants of giant-kind took them far and wide. But no matter how far from home they traveled, the half-giants always kept their clans and kin close to heart. When the cataclysm occurred, those goliath who survived returned home, and to this day the goliath continue their eternal duty of watching over the crypts of Ostoria's legends, and keeping out the empire's enemies while watching for the return of Garyx.The Seven Clans
The Sju-Vaktemo (or seven clans) have existed as long as goliath civilization has, and each clan maintains its own traditions and practices in its territory. Each clan takes its name from a powerful totem spirit or creature that makes its home in that part of the mountain range.Clan Mahoru
The Mahoru are the northernmost tribe of the six, and dutifully guard the snow-bound tombs of Frost Giants near the northern tip of Frostgrasp Bay. They are called the Snowwraiths by some because of their ability to hide in plain sight and their seemingly endless stamina. They primarily survive by fishing in the Frostgrasp, and take their name from a powerful aquatic hunter whose style they emulate.Clan Manticore
As protectors of the lavish mausoleums of Cloud Giant families, the Manticore are some of the most prideful Vaktemo. The Manticore's territory has a powerful connection to the plain of elemental air, and as a result there are numerous flying creatures which make their home in the high bluffs of this area. The Manticore are skilled marksmen, and are famous among the Vaktemo for their greatbows, which they use to emulate their namesake's ranged hunting style.Clan Griffin
The mightiest clan of the Sju-Vaktemo, the Griffin watch over the crypts of heroes and Storm Giants from the tallest peaks of the Wyrmsback. With the assistance of clan Manticore, they protect the sacred tomb of Isedod, a cloud giant metropolis that fell from the sky and was later buried beneath a mighty glacier. This clan is known as a clan of champions, as nearly every goliath trace their roots to a champion of the Tapperhot. The family leaders of this clan act as advisors for the leader of their clan, and all clans, the Sju-Forer (Clan Speaker). The Speaker is the most recent victor of the Tapperhot, and they are responsible for communing with the gods for signs of a coming war, or the day when the clans shall embark on the Korstog, the great crusade to restore Ostoria to its former glory. Many members of the clan tame beasts to quickly traverse the range with news from the Speaker, which include hippogriffs and their namesake animal, the mighty Griffin. Isedod is almost eternally buried in snow due to the divine storm Ozark which hangs over the city for much of the year. The storm is said to only allow passage to those with the Speakers blessing, and as a result the warriors of Clan Griffin are often called Storm-Heralds.Clan Boreas
Taking their name from a legendary wind spirit, the warriors of Boreas watch over the crypts of Fire Giants generals and master craftsmen, many of whom worked in the Forge-City of Kinaldur. Clan Boreas is located near the Howling Gap, one of the few passes through the Wyrmsback accessible by foot. As a result, the clan regularly encounters outsiders from Kinaldur or elsewhere who are attempting to use the pass. Consequently, the goliaths of Boreas are the most glib and worldly of the Vaktemo.Clan Bannog
The bannog guard the crypts of Hill Giant jarls in the southern reaches. They are famed for their strength, as their hunters will travel into the foothills and even into the Mantle in search of large prey, which they then carry back during grueling weeklong journeys. Their favorite prey include the titular Ychen Bannog and the semi-intelligent Loxodon.Clan Lerna
The southernmost tribe of the Sju-Vaktemo, the Lerna take their name from the famous hydra that once made lair in their territory, before it was slain by the goddess Hiatea as part of her trials. They watch over the crypts of renowned hunters and Red Lion priests, and treat each hunt as a sacred ritual to Hiatea.Clan Hekaton
The hekaton watch over the deep crypts of Stone Giants thanes in the lowlands nearest Gizovad. They are named for a demi-god descendant of Obadai and stand sentinel on a large chasm that connects to the deep caverns of the underdark.
Type
Geopolitical, Clan
Capital
Alternative Names
The Spearbears, The Six Guardians, The Clans
Demonym
Vaktemo
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Tribalism
Economic System
Barter system
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Location
Controlled Territories
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments