Skullcleavers

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The Skullcleaver brigade is a dwarven guild with a long history of aiding their fellow dwarves and their allies in the valley.

They are not mercenaries, though their aid can be requested to assist Sundren or any other group. They make regular patrols of Sestra and the Viridale Forest and have eventual plans to set up a post somewhere around Sundren.

Purpose

To responsibly and reliably provide kin within the Sundered Valley with banner, shelter, arms, and armor. In doing so, provide our fellows within the Sundered Valley with aid and protection, and Sundren's artisans of magick, cloth, gem, wood, and stone a network on which to rely.

Recent Activities and Current Goals

The Skullcleavers continue their efforts to rebuild after the departure of several of their leaders.

They have a long-standing commitment to aid the defence of Sestra.

Their long-term plan is to set up a outpost somewhere around Sundren. Their current base of operations is the Four Lanterns Inn.

Relations and Past Activities

Sundarian Legion and Arbiter's Alliance

The Skullcleavers have typically enjoyed good long-term relations with the Sundarian Legion and Arbiter's Alliance. There have been rumors of strain between the Skullcleavers and senior members of the Legion of late, related to the treaty signed between the Skullcleavers and the Veritas. This is not common knowledge.

In the aftermath of the signing, the dwarven mage Abathor Deepbender spent some time in a Legion prison designed to hold mages. At least one senior member of the Legion has recently demanded that adamantine be made available to them. It remains to be seen what else may come of this.

Sestra

They have always been close to the Sestra militia, formerly known as the Corsairs, and now known as the Corps de Grace. This was a relationship tempered in the grim struggle against the Naga and Yuan-ti one year ago. This was a time when the Legion was stretched thin, and Sestra looked to it's own for protection. The Skullcleavers aided in battle, and after the struggle aided with equipment, training and patrols of Sestra.

The Skullcleavers gave a sizable portion of their holdings of coin, metal, wood, and crafting supplies to the Corsairs to aid in the rebuilding and re-arming of Sestra. In addition to this a suit of fine Darksteel armor, magical gloves and circlet were given to the Captain as a show of good will and respect for his position. The Corsairs were speechless at the act of kindness and stated that the Skullcleavers' kindness to Sestra would not be soon forgotten.

In more recent times Sestra has typically sought to hold off and not unduly provoke the Slitherscale Lizardmen residing in the Sestra Caves. On one occasion a Skullcleaver mission into the caves to investigate magical crystals led to the commonfolk fearing retribution. To help allay such concerns, the Skullcleavers conducted additional patrols of the town and met with the Corsairs' leaders to discuss their findings.

Thane Dryn Stonewhisperer has approached the Exarch of Sestra suggesting that the Skullcleavers be given control of the Sestran mine, currently run by the Enclave, but was rebuffed.

Exigo Syndicate

There is common ground between the Skullcleavers and the Exigo Syndicate. The Exigo is known for it's skilled crafters, and there are at least several dwarves among their number. Skullcleavers have co-operated with Exigo endeavours on several occasions. The Skullcleavers try to stay out of the increasing Exigo-Warden conflict. However, the presence of dwarves in both factions and the Exigo's close relationship with the dwarves of Whurest will no doubt lead to challenging situations for the Skullcleavers in the future.

The Skullcleaver members vary in origin and outlook, but as a group they have chosen not to seek alliance with the Exigo Syndicate when this was considered in the past. This has been driven by dwarven traditions (such as not taking "beyond their measure" of the earth's bounty) plus loyalty to their druidic kin. At least a few Skullcleavers have voiced concern that the Exigo may plan a most-undwarven open-cast strip-mine.

Whurest

Nestled among the peaks of the Spine of the World to the north live the dwarves of Whurest (Bristlebeard's Hollow). The Skullcleavers do not have formal relations with them, but they have visited many times. As the only established dwarven hold in the valley, Whurest is high on the list of Skullcleaver priorities. Discussions with the dwarves of Whurest on matters of common interest is a logical future step for the Skullcleavers.

The Exigo are close trading partners with Whurest. The Skullcleavers recently helped collect resources for Exigo towards building a proper trade road through the Viridale to Whurest. This road would have aided their northern kin greatly, but this decision was also driven by a desire to not see the Thayan Enclave succeed in their competing road-building efforts.

Whurest is said to have very productive mines, but is dependent on the difficult and highly-contested Cold Climb pass for trade and food supplies. Keeping this trade route open may yet prove to be a goal for the Skullcleavers.

Wardens of the Vale

The Skullcleavers try not to involve themselves in the increasing Exigo-Warden conflict, but the presence of dwarves in both factions may cause future difficulties.

Over the years the Skullcleavers have had a number of members who were both druids and members of the Wardens of the Vale. The Skullcleaver dwarves vary in both origin and outlook, but due to this influence the Guild as a whole has historically been relatively sympathetic towards the views of the druids. Conflict does still occur between Skullcleavers and individual Wardens, and the wise dwarf keeps a wary eye out for trouble when venturing into the Viridale.

Veritas Syndicate

The Skullcleavers have led many assaults on Mount Schild in the past. However, following negotiations led by Thane Dryn Stonewhisperer and his kin Gromlin Onxylum of the Veritas, a treaty has been concluded between the two groups, allowing the Skullcleavers free access to the adamantine deposits in Veritas territory. The existence of this treaty is not common knowledge.

Predictably, the Sundren leadership and Legion were most displeased when they heard of it.

Thayan Enclave

The Skullcleavers are hostile towards the Thayan Enclave. There have been no confirmed episodes of open conflict, but there have been recent rumors of dwarven miners being "accidentally" injured in the Zinc mine.

The Black Hand

Scarcely over one year ago members of the Black Hand ambushed three members of the Skullcleavers in the Caves of the Viridale and cut off their beards in the name of Bane. For as long as a Skullcleaver draws breath such deeds shall never be forgotten, for the memory of dwarves is long, and their axes sharp.

The Remaining Forces of Darkness

Relations between the Skullcleavers and the other factions hostile to Sundren are typically of the "Kill them on sight" variety.

History

The Skullcleavers were originally a band of Dwarves rallied together by the Dwarf known as Gael Ironhide. Ironhide formed the Brigade as a homage to his days at Citadel Felbarr and the many patrols of the orc-claimed lands surrounding the citadel. Upon the loss of too many of his patrols Emerus Warcrown ordered for the patrols of the outer lands to stop and Gael was reassigned to the halls of the citadel, where he grew tired of his duties and longed for the thrill of battle. Upon arriving in Sundren he formed the group consisting of possibly eight dwarves (none of which were openly recorded).

The group formed on several occasions and lead many successful patrols of the Viridale Forest and Sharahan Hills. Some time after the group's formation the bands leader disappeared (believed dead) and thus the keystone of the Skullcleavers was removed. The dwarves once again took their seperate paths.

Eventually the cup of the Skullcleavers was taken up by a Dwarf known as Glagnur Frostfury. He managed to gather a few of the dwarves for a short time before he too dropped the cup. The next attempt to rally dwarves was from a female dwarf by the name of Boflasia Glimmerstone, who offered her services as a healer to any dwarf in need.

Finally after many failed attempts it seems that it was a human that reignighted the flames of the Skullcleavers. Master Pentec, friend of Brorgor Ironfist offered to his friend to fund and aid in the assembly of the dwarves to the only known dwarven banner in Sundren, The Skullcleavers. He paid to have the armors and arms for ten dwarves commissioned and made to match. This original pattern was a dark armor with spiked pauldrons. It bore an Insignia on the center of each set of Platemail. The Skullcleavers' armor is as much to give the dwarves that wear it pride as it is to strike fear into who would oppose them.

Governance

(Excerpt from the 'Foundations of Stone')

"Skullcleavers shall be governed by a selected body of seven wardens presided over by a single thane. Wardens shall be elected from, and by, the body of the Skullcleavers and given dominion over seven areas: arcanum, spirit, nature, order, battle, munitions and acquisitions, and craft-works. By the will of this council, and its thane, the Skullcleavers shall be guided in their inner and outer workings."

"During times of particular urgency the Warden Council may elect to temporarily surrender their governing power to the currently appointed thane. In doing so, all governance and direction will be set forth by the thane. It shall be the Warden of Order's duty to enforce that after such a period of urgency has passed that dominion be restored to Warden Council."

Thane

"Appointed by the Warden Council, the thane occupies the highest post within the Skullcleavers. It is the explicit role of the thane to preside over the Warden Council and ensure that the council not only performs its duties, but that it does so to the safekeeping and best interest of the Skullcleavers. Votes cast by the thane during gatherings of the Warden Council shall carry double the weight of any single council member."

"The role of Thane shall be carried out by the appointed until they can no longer perform their role or the council deems the current thane has, or is, failing to perform their elected duty."

Glyir Belindorn serves as Thane

and before him (in descending order):

Dryn Stonewhisperer, Gloirin Ironforge, Kilinar Klenk, Brorgor Ironfist, Boflasia Glimmerstone, Glagnur Frostfury, and the founder Gael Ironhide

Warden Council

"Wardens within the council are granted dominion, by the body of the cleavers, over areas of clan interest. All votes cast by wardens of the council council shall carry the same weight."

Roll of Honor

The records are incomplete, as much was lost in the grim struggle against the Naga. The following dwarves are known to have formerly served with the Skullcleavers:

Aerum Warhammer
Albert Steelaxe
Boflasia Glimmerstone - Thane
Brogor Ironfist - Thane
Bulinus Stonehammer
Deli Wakenk
Dergil Stoneswill - Ogresbane
Dimitri Darkforge
Dordleton Grumblestout
Dryn Stonewhisperer - Thane - Called away to the North
Durlig Orcslinger
Durin Rustbeard of Mithral Hall/Adbar - Second Axe of the Captain's Iron Wall
Ebannon Shalemalus
Fenbarr Galedeep
Folina Nixiestone
Gael Ironhide - FOUNDER
Glagnar Frostfury - Thane
Glaran Orcsbane of Adbar
Glebur Scarletrock
Gloirin Ironforge - Captain
Gorgrim Ironstar - Ogresbane, Orcsbane
Helga Agleh
Jazpyr Silver-Anvil of Mithral Hall
Kagan Whiteaxe
Kilinar Klenk of Mirabar/Silverymoon - Steward
Klausus Stonesoul of the Vast - Mossclaw Hacker
Krak Ironshield
Lagnar Thundercrest - Mossclaw Hacker, Ogresbane
Logan Stoutshield
Noli Stonehammer
Oskar Silverbeard
Pebble Axewhistle - Ogresbane
Peeli Pebblepounder - Mossclaw Hacker
Raggard Haffee
Ruby Ironforge - Ogrebane
Thain Axbreaker - First Axe of the Captain's Iron Wall

The Skullcleavers are always eager to hear word of the fate of their brothers and sisters, and it is hoped that this list may be made complete.