Clan MacRaine

Among the clans of Eroch, none are more respected both among their fellow clans or among outsiders as Clan MacRaine. Their history has proven them time and again to be the best of warriors and the wisest of leaders. When Clan MacRaine speaks, others listen.

Structure

As with all Erochan clans, its members are paradoxically fiercely independent and extremely respectful of tradition. A clan doesn't really have a set hierarchy, as the warriors and homemakers do what they need to do to keep their mead hall safe and operational.
They are led by a clan-father or clan-mother that is elected in a very long, very loud process. Typical elections require days of debate, gallons of mead, and more than a few brawls. Unlike the other clans, Clan MacRaine traditionally only elects clan-mothers since the rise of Alda MacRaine.

History

When the ancestors of the Erochans were exiled from civilized society, one warrior, Raine led his family and companions to a place that they could fight orcs and shelter the young and old. A boisterous man, Raine didn't just want a home where he could live, he wanted a place to drink, and feast. He created the first of Eroch's mead halls.
The others among the exiled mercenaries adopted Raine's lifestyle with enthusiasm, creating halls of their own and hosting their own feasts. Raine was very respected, but the independent nature of his fellows meant that he never ruled over any but his own.
Millennia passed and what was once a motley group of mercenaries became proud warrior clans. Through all of that, Clan MacRaine kept their honored place in the Clanmoot in Andreggen. They say that the snows fall and melt and fall again, and the wind blows in every direction a day, but nothing ever changes in Eroch.
Nothing did change until Alda MacRaine, daughter of the clan-father, rebelled against the stifling life of an Erochan woman and left the clan's hall. Rumor spread quickly among other clans that she left to join the Coven of Crow Maidens. In truth, she joined the adventuring party of Eldain Mal'atre.
Her actions were a source of great embarrassment for her clan at first. Eventually, however word of her brave deeds spread, both from Andreggen and from the south. Her renown grew until she was seriously considered as a successor for her father. Tradition won out, however.
Alda still won more than her share of honor for her clan. After Ansarien Ill'conter conquered Mandia, he turned his attention to Eroch. Alda was the one who led the charge for all the clans, with Clan MacRaine in the vanguard.
From then on, Clan MacRaine found all the honor they needed to earn the respect of all other clans, and all the rest of the Twin Worlds, besides.

Religion

As with all other Erochan clans, Clan MacRaine shows a respectful deference to a local archfey. This deference is not true worship, but can often appear that way to outsiders. This specific being is the Lady of Mists, a powerful nature spirit with prophetic abilities.
The most important rite involving her is a rite of passage for the clan's warriors. She tests the perspective warrior's wits, endurance, and resolve. If successful, she grants the warrior her personal guidance. In another tradition Clan MacRaine meets with other clans that revere the Lady when the first leaves of autumn fall. They then compete in games and tournaments in her honor.

Founding Date

3794 2R

Type

Geopolitical, Clan

Parent Organization

Eroch

Notable Members

• Alda MacRaine