Clans in Rorestvia

Clans in Rorestvia evolved as a response to centuries of occupation by the Triad Empires. They began as tight-knit family units banding together for mutual protection, resource sharing, and preservation of cultural identity under foreign rule. Over time, these clans grew into complex social structures that, while still rooted in kinship, have expanded beyond simple blood relations.

Clan membership in Rorestvia Factors:

Core Family:

At the heart of each clan is typically one or more founding families, though the prominence of these original bloodlines differs between clans. Direct heritage or marriage are typically the only routes into the Core Family.

Extended Relations:

Clans have grown to include distant relatives, in-laws, and adopted members, with some clans placing more emphasis on blood ties than others.

Affiliated Members:

Many clans have incorporated non-related individuals or families through various means, though the ease and frequency of this practice vary.

• Marriage alliances
• Adoption of skilled individuals or influential families
• Granting membership as a reward for service
• Political or economic alliances formalized through clan affiliation

Many members (especially of larger clans) are only affiliated members and don't actively participate in Clan activities.

Cultural Identity:

Each clan has developed a distinct cultural identity, traditions, and practices. Some clans strongly emphasize these shared customs, while others are more flexible. Economic and Political Units: Clans function as social, economic, and political entities with shared resources and collective interests. The degree of economic interdependence and political cohesion can vary significantly between clans.
This clan structure has allowed Rorestvians to maintain a sense of identity and autonomy despite centuries of outside rule. However, it's important to note that the specific implementations of these elements can differ widely from clan to clan, reflecting the diverse cultures and histories that makeup Rorestvia's complex social landscape.
Approximately 60-70% of Rorestvians have some form of clan affiliation, with the remaining population either being unaffiliated or belonging to smaller family units that don't hold the same political or social status as recognized clans.

Reasons people aren't in Clans:

Recent immigrants: Those recently settled in Rorestvia may not have established clan ties yet.
Urban dwellers: People in larger cities might have looser ties to traditional clan structures.
Marginalized groups: Individuals from minority species (Non-Orc/Dwarf/Elf/Humans) are more likely not to be a member of a clan.
Independent professionals: Some individuals may remain unaffiliated to maintain neutrality or independence in their work.
Descendants of non-clan families: Some families have historically remained independent of clan structures.

Clan Sizes:

Major Clans:

Population: 5,000 - 20,000 members These are the most influential clans, often with a presence in multiple cities or regions.
Examples: The Naval Union, Clan Kaine

Significant Clans:

Population: 1,000 - 5,000 members Essential players in regional politics are usually centered in one major city or area. There might be 10-20 clans of this size

Minor Clans:

Population: 200 - 1,000 members Local importance, often specialized in particular trades or services Numerous, perhaps 50-100 across Rorestvia

Small Clans:

Population: 50 - 200 members Family-based units that have achieved clan status Very common, possibly numbering in the hundreds

Nascent Clans:

Population: Less than 50 members Recently recognized or struggling to maintain clan status Numbers fluctuate as some rise and others fade
Number of recognized clans: Roughly 300-500 in total, with the vast majority being small or nascent clans

Primary Related Location

Lake Rorest

Related Organizations

• Rorestvia

Related Ethnicities

• Anor Human