Clan Rockhammer

Clan Rockhammer, an industrious Dwarves clan nestled in the ancient Lortmil Mountains, stands as a paragon of dwarven resilience and culture. Known for their mastery of metallurgy and an unwavering commitment to their laws and traditions, the Rockhammers have forged a legacy of unyielding strength and enduring alliances. Their settlement is a sprawling network of tunnels and grand halls hidden deep within the mountains, serving as a fortress and cultural hub for their people.

Guardians of the Lortmil Legacy

Founding of the Clan

Clan Rockhammer traces its roots back to the early days of the dwarven migration into the Lortmils. Drawn by the region's rich deposits of precious metals and gems, the Rockhammer ancestors carved their first halls into the mountain's heart, establishing a stronghold that has endured for centuries.

• Founded: During the early dwarven exploration of the Lortmil Mountains.
• Key Figures: Borval Rockhammer, the clan’s legendary founder, is revered as a paragon of dwarven industry and leadership.
• Legacy: Known for their contributions to metallurgy and the crafting of enchanted weapons.

Role in the Hateful Wars

Clan Rockhammer played a pivotal role in The Hateful Wars (CY 498-510), joining forces with other dwarves, gnomes, and elves to purge the Lortmil Mountains of humanoid threats. Their warriors were instrumental in securing key passes and driving orcish warbands into the Pomarj.

• Contributions: Provided elite tunneling squads and heavy infantry during the wars.
• Aftermath: Secured their lands but faced a diminished population due to heavy losses.

Geography and Settlement

The Rockhammer Halls

The Rockhammer settlement is a marvel of dwarven engineering, blending functionality and artistry. Located two days' travel from Valkurl, their halls are both a fortress and a thriving hub of trade and culture.

• Grand Halls: Vast, ornately carved chambers adorned with murals depicting their history.
• Tunnels: An extensive network of passageways connecting living quarters, mines, and forges.
• Defenses: Impenetrable gates and intricate traps safeguard the halls from invaders.

Strategic Position

The clan's proximity to Valkurl has allowed them to form lucrative trade agreements while maintaining a buffer zone against external threats.

Culture and Society

Clan Values

The Rockhammers hold a rigid adherence to dwarven law, emphasizing honesty, duty, and the collective welfare of the clan.

Core Tenets

• Honesty among dwarves is paramount.
• Theft or deceit is punishable by exile.
• Mutual aid and protection are sacrosanct.

Clan Justice

Justice within the clan is swift and impartial, overseen by a council of elders.

• Verdicts: Innocent, Not Proved (a black mark on one's record), Guilty.
• Punishments: Range from restitution to death, depending on the crime.

Military Traditions

The Rockhammer militia is renowned for its discipline and expertise in subterranean warfare.

• Earthwardens: Elite warriors harnessing elemental powers for defense.
• Mithral Guard: Highly trained soldiers specializing in tunnel combat.

Trade and Diplomacy

Relationship with Valkurl

The Rockhammers have a long-standing trade alliance with Valkurl, facilitated by the High Roads Trading Company.

• Exports: Precious metals, gems, and enchanted weaponry.
• Imports: Foodstuffs, textiles, and alchemical supplies.
• Alliance Benefits: Mutual defense agreements and shared infrastructure projects.

Ties with Clan Rockhall

While independent, the Rockhammers maintain a strong alliance with Clan Rockhall, another prominent dwarven clan in the Lortmils.

• Collaboration: Joint efforts in mining, defense, and cultural preservation.
• Challenges: Occasional disputes over mining rights and territorial claims.

Politics and Leadership

Current Leader: Thane Durnan Rockhammer
Thane Durnan is a pragmatic and visionary leader, balancing tradition with the demands of modern diplomacy.

• Background: A seasoned warrior and skilled diplomat, Durnan has strengthened the clan's position in the region.
• Policies: Advocates for greater cooperation with human and elven neighbors to counter mutual threats.

Internal Politics

The clan's rigid adherence to law and tradition often leads to heated debates among its elders.

Factions

• Traditionalists: Favor isolationism and strict adherence to ancient customs.
• Progressives: Advocate for increased trade and alliances with neighboring realms.

Challenges and Threats

Humanoid Incursions Despite their efforts during the Hateful Wars, the Rockhammers remain vigilant against the threat of orcs, goblins, and other humanoids.

• Blackthorn Orcs: A resurgent force in the region.
• Pomarj Raiders: Regularly raid trade caravans and border settlements.

Political Tensions

The clan's alliance with Valkurl has drawn the ire of rival factions within the Lortmils, leading to occasional diplomatic friction.

DM-Only Section

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Secret Alliances

The Rockhammers have quietly established a pact with a faction of rock gnomes to uncover a legendary mithral vein believed to be hidden deep within the Lortmils.

• Details: This venture is fraught with danger, as the rumored location is near a dormant illithid enclave.
• Adventure Hook: Players could be hired to explore and secure the site, facing subterranean hazards and rival factions.

Internal Struggles

A faction within the clan seeks to overthrow Thane Durnan, viewing his progressive policies as a betrayal of dwarven tradition.

• Details: This faction secretly collaborates with a human merchant guild seeking to exploit the clan's resources.
• Adventure Hook: Players could uncover the conspiracy and decide whether to support or oppose the current leadership.

Conclusion

Clan Rockhammer exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of dwarvenkind, standing as a bastion of tradition and progress in the heart of the Lortmil Mountains. Whether as allies or adversaries, they offer countless opportunities for rich storytelling and thrilling adventures in any Greyhawk campaign.

Clan Law

Dwarves value law and order above all else; usually content with their place, they see an iron maintenance of the status quo as the best way to preserve the Folk. In the eyes of a dwarf, clan rules and law must prevail. Local dwarven laws are often rigid and harsh and are often built on the following principles:

A dwarf shall not speak falsely to another dwarf

A dwarf shall not steal from another dwarf, nor keep from another dwarf that which is his or hers by right, whether through force or deceit.

A dwarf shall not conceal personal injury or illness from fellows of the same clan.

A dwarf shall never act against any other dwarf, of any clan, by aiding or using the aid of nondwarven creatures.

A dwarf shall not refuse to aid another dwarf of the clan, when the life or health of the needy dwarf is in danger.

Clan justice is done through trial by clan elders, none of whom can have a blood-interest (direct relationship to either the accused or injured parties). Verdicts are limited to "innocent," "not proved" and "guilty." Obtaining "not proved" verdicts is far from an acquittal, however; they are a black mark against a dwarf's name - those who collect more than six such verdicts are cast out of a clan. Punishments for a "guilty" verdict range from service to injured families to death, and are at the whim of the elders - there are no set sentences for given crimes.

Rockhammer Battle March

Marching down into a tunnel I heard a mighty roar
It was a wild Rockhammer treating orcs like a toy
So pick your feet up and move on double-time
We’ve got us pigs to chop – and they’re runn’n fast

Rockhammer; AXES HIGH!

Way down in the tunnel I heard a mighty roar
It was a laugh’n Alaghor treating goblins like a toy
So pick your feet up and move on double-time
We’ve got us greenies to chop – and they’re runn’n fast

Rockhammer; AXES HIGH!

Way down in the tunnel I heard a mighty roar
It was a grin’n Alaghor treating ogres like a toy
So pick your feet up and move on double-time
We’ve got us pongos to chop – and they’re runn’n fast

Clan Rockhammer by 3orcs

"By Stone, Steel, and Stalwart Hearts, We Endure."

Clan RockHammer Worship

Moradin
The Way of Moradin
Clan leader: Oakenforge Rockhammer

Type

Village

Location under

Lortmil Mountains