The Oath of Iron

Carved into the stone walls of the royal court chamber of Dar’Kalori over ten thousand years ago, with letters inlaid with silver, the Pact states:

“Of those people under the Mountains, of those born of Stone,

let them all be seen as equals within the Clans.”


Beneath these words are seven hands, each belonging to a Clan Chieftan. Each Clan that still remains can trace its roots back to the Pact, and many say that it is enforced through ancient magic ensorcelled in the words. While Stoneborn who turn aside their brethren or inflict unjust harm upon other Stoneborn are said to find that their fortunes turn sour. Thus, most Stoneborn think twice before wronging another Stoneborn.

However, this has also led to the mistreatment of those Stoneborn without a Clan, as the specific wording only seems to encompass those who have sworn an Oath to a Clan.

The Oath of Age

Each Stoneborn, upon reaching an age of understanding (typically eighteen winters), take an Oath to one of the Clans on the Winter Solstice. While the vast majority of Stoneborn swear their Oaths to the same Clan as their parents, it is not unheard of for a Stoneborn to be of a different Clan, especially if they dwell under the banner of another Clan.

  • The Oath requires that the unsworn be bathed, groomed, and their hair brushed with sacred oils.
  • They then spend a night in silent contemplation about their future, usually within a simple chamber with minimal furnishings.
  • The unsworn are provided with water and simple bread as their nightly meal.
  • The next morning, as the rooster crows, the unsworn and all the other unsworn of that year are brought out of their chambers, dressed in simple white linens.
  • They carry an unlit candle, while their immediate families, Clan leaders, and various other attendees stand in the great hall, each holding a lit candle.
  • The unsworn speaks a litany, ending with the Pact of Iron.
  • In response, the Clan Chieftan responds with the Pact of Iron, followed by “And now you are Sworn. You may choose your own path in this life.” and the Chieftan lights the candle of the newly sworn with their own.

After the grand ceremony of the Oath, there is often a feast held by the parents and close relatives of the newly Oathsworn. As several Stoneborn are generally sworn at the same time, such feasts often crowded multiple feast halls, and were seen as grand events.

The morning after the new Oathsworn becomes an apprentice to a craft, and will often spend the next few years in training to learn, and master, their chosen craft.

Notaries and Pacts

While members of other Heritages have oaths they swear of allegiance, often most seen among the Humans and the noble Houses, Stoneborn hold their Oaths and Pacts sacrosanct. Thus it is said that the Stoneborn choose their words carefully, and when they promise to do something, they strive to fulfill their duties. Some believe that such structures arose as a method to maintain order among so many people dwelling in such close proximity.

Among the Stoneborn, one occupation arose that seems to hold great sway, that of the Notary, individuals who spend their time studying the nuances of language and go to painstaking lengths in writing documents that aptly detail agreements between two (or more) parties. While anyone can write up a contract or agreement, Stoneborn not only pride themselves on their diligence and astute wording, but some say that the Notaries practice a form of magic unseen among any other people.

When an individual is a willing party to an Oath crafted by a Stoneborn Notary, and they break the Oath, it is said that great misfortune befalls them. While that may be seen as mere superstition by some, the Notaries are sure to inform their brethren of Oathbreakers, and such individuals forever carry a stigma from all Stoneborn and their allies.

Most Notaries go to great lengths to record the Pacts they write, using special inks of unusual colors or with traces of precious metals, and transcribed on thick parchment or even tanned hides. Because their work is seen as an art form, a Notary rarely writes a frivolous Pact.

More information on Faction Membership: Notaries can be found on the Factions page.

The Clans of the Stoneborn

Six great Clans of the Stoneborn exist, each bearing members of all the Stoneborn people, from Dargadians, Kahrnuthaens, and even Akhunrasi.

Coldenhammer

Sigil: A blue hammer

While many of the other Clans call the mountains their permanent home, with most hailing from the strongholds beneath Mount Dumator, Greystone Mountain, and once the ill-fated Three Maidens, those of Clan Coldenhammer have long since broken from that tradition. For ages they were referred to as “hillfolk” by other Stoneborn, sometimes as a derogatory manner. However, sometime after the rise of the Empire, a large number of Clan Coldenhammer made an alliance with House Altorra, and settled in the mines beneath the city of the same name. From that point on, they became prosperous in their pursuits of industry, and in turn the city of Altorra also became prosperous.

The Clan is also known to have a fair number of sailors among their number as they are one of the few Stoneborn Clans to venture out upon the waves. Over time they were the only Clan to develop methods in crafting seagoing vessels, although most of their ship designs were wide and short, and better suited to staying within sight of the coastline rather than traversing the great open seas. However, despite this, it is said that a number of Stoneborn settlements on scattered islands bore the sigil of Coldenhammer.

Remarkedly, one of the easiest methods of determining if a Stoneborn is of Clan Coldenhammer is because they often dye their beards blue. The vibrant blue dye came from grinding up a vibrant beetle that thrived near Altorra in great quantities. The beetle had long been a pest to local farmers, and thus every summer they would employ local children to capture the insects and grind them into paste. 

Hordram

Sigil: a feather quill above an anvil

Those of Clan Hordram generally see most other Stoneborn as uninteresting traditionalists who largely eschewed the mystical arts due to some unexplained inherent difficulties. The members of the Clan had been isolated in a southern hold called Dar’Muria for untold ages, with little contact from outside Stoneborn Clans. Thus, they developed in a different direction, seeking to overcome the difficulties of their people. Some even call them “The Clan of Sorcerers”, some in jest and some in admiration for their pursuit to overcome.

The studious members of Clan Hordram were also often seen to be recluses who spent much of their time in Dar’Gorad poring over ancient lore or transcribing crumbling texts to keep them from being lost to the ravages of time. Leaders of other Clans would often consult with them to learn of historical accounts, and many Clan Stergrimmer would consult with them to learn the histories of their people.

Interestingly, their development of the Art of Pacts has long been held in high regard. Some stories state that the Art was developed even longer before, as evidenced by their practice of keeping Oaths and the Art had been forgotten by the Stoneborn, and was merely rediscovered and refined by Clan Hordram . While other Stoneborn outside the Clan also practice the Art, most practitioners hail from the people of Hordram.

The Origin of Clan Hordram, as relayed by Balgori Stonehelm

In an age before, the Stoneborn of Clan Hordram lived in a mountain stronghold in the south, known as Dar’Muria. It was said to rival Dar’Kalori in its height, with vast halls and cunning defenses, and great forges which created all manner of wonders. However, there came a time when the mountain shuddered, and great cracks appeared in the halls. The deepest mines began to fill with molten magma, and the workers below fled to the upper halls to escape being cooked alive. The mountain shuddered once again, months later, and the Stoneborn knew that their halls would eventually fall into the depths, and that liquid rock would entomb them all. 

Thus, the Stoneborn of Clan Hordram closed their halls, and sealed the ways behind them. When the last Stoneborn left the stronghold of Dar’Muria, they renamed it Mur’Khadra, which roughly means “The Unlit Mountain”, as they knew that no light held by Stoneborn hand would ever again illuminate the halls.

It is said that when those of Clan Hordram arrived at Dar’Gorad, they bore with them a new Art, not before seen among the mountain dwellers. They brought with them the binding sorceries of writing Pacts, and taught their new Art to other Stoneborn. However, even so, among the Stoneborn, many would seek out notaries from the clan for the most important Pacts, and it was not unheard of for Notaries to travel abroad to visit other Stoneborn settlements, often bringing with them a caravan of apprentices and bodyguards.

A Note by Anton Gionas

It is strange that the Clan that brought a new Art had fled their home, did they actually develop such a potent magic, or did they steal it from something else that dwelled beneath the mountain? It is known that the Stoneborn have always had issues with summoning forth magic, how did they come across an Art that was not also known to the Ar-Nura?





Kagras

Sigil: three candles

Dwelling in Dar’Gorad, the members of Clan Kagras often refer to themselves as the “Shields of the Mountain”, and “The Vigilant”. They have long been tasked with the defense of their mountain home, while Clan Stergrimmer were more concerned with the duties of leadership and expanding the influence and wealth of Dar’Gorad. 

It is said that in their pursuit of defense, the armorsmiths of the clan are said to be the first people to forge armor of linked rings, thus bringing chainmail into existence. Their armor and shields are rumored to be of exquisite craftsmanship, and able to withstand great punishment. 

The masons of Clan Kagras are also said to have designed the defenses of the chasm leading to the door of Dar’Gorad. They built fortifications allowing for overlapping fields of fire from both sides of the chasm, as well as enclosed bridges that connected the sides, far above the heads of any invaders passing below. They designed chutes to disgorge simmering hot oil, as well as great braziers that could be upturned and their flaming hot coals dumped upon intruders.

Interestingly, Clan Kagras seemed to always have a larger number of Kahrnuthaen than any other Clan, and the illustrations of many ancient Hordram heroes bore horns, such as Thradun Foebreaker and Nadina Ironhorn. Dar’Gorad was even remarked to have taller doors than the other Stoneborn mountain holds, probably in order to accommodate the Kahrnuthaen.

The Vigilant Three, as relayed by Balgori Stonehelm 

Passed down is a tale wherein three soldiers of Clan Kagras were accompanying an expedition to a far settlement, and they were stalked by a ravenous beast, a creature made of bone and shadow that seemed immune to the bite of steel or iron. However, it could not move in the light, and when the Stoneborn learned of the creature’s weakness, the three heroes surrounded the creature, each suffering terrible injuries from its long wicked claws and gnashing teeth. They stood in place throughout the long night, holding it trapped in a circle of candlelight as it writhed and cursed at them. Finally, the rays of the sun broke over the horizon and the creature was no more. Shortly after, each of the three perished from the injuries sustained from their fight. 

Since that time, in the grand hall of the Kagras, the statues of Adari Blackstone, Nehora Frostshield, and Thradun Foebreaker stand in a circle facing outward, each holding aloft a candle. Thus, Clan Kagras honors them by using the sigil of three candles.

Mordan

Sigil: A pair of crossed axes

Many members of Clan Mordan are said to be the most bloodthirsty among the Stoneborn, and more Battle Priests of Vardur originate from the Clan than any other. They are the first to answer a call to war, and have emerged forth from the mountain ready to carry the fight to their sworn enemies.

Some see those of Clan Mordan as religious zealots, strictly adhering to their faith in Vardur, whom they commonly refer to as “The Lord Beneath”. They view their arms and armor as symbols that venerate Vardur, and often wear some amount of armor in their everyday life. 

They constructed the Cathedral of Battle as a way to venerate the One-Eyed Lord of Battle. Within the oval-shaped theater, the Battle Priests held great tournaments, allowing all sorts of combatants to partake. Interestingly, even Ughol were allowed to enter Dar’Kalori in some number, provided they were seeking to fight within the Cathedral. While engaged in the exaltation of Vardur, the Ughol were tolerated.

Those of the Clan who were not adherents of Vardur, rare though it might be, often engaged in mercantile trade. These individuals often traveled abroad, opening up new trade routes and seeking locations to set up permanent shop. In cooperation with their Battle Priest kin, they established a sizable presence in Vanterheim and Raldensvale. 

The Fall of Kagramar, as relayed by Balgori Stonehelm

One belief is that part of the reason for their bloodthirst was that the Clan tried to establish a stronghold but due to an attack by an Ughol horde, it was left in ruin. The story goes that Clan Mordan founded the outpost of Kagramar, in the shadows of the Talonspire Mountains, Intending as a foothold toward westward expansion, as well as a waypoint for caravans. It also became the bastion for the Clan, and the majority of their numbers dwelled within. However, it would become one of the many tragedies that befell the Stoneborn people. 

An Ughol horde overran the outpost, slaughtering the defenders and a handful of survivors fled to Dar’Kalori. Most of the survivors took up residence in Dar’Kalori and sought to reestablish the Clan and bolster their dwindling numbers. However, a few others hired themselves out as mercenaries, leading them to fight in a number of petty skirmishes.

Two centuries later, Athrain Blackspike led a small expedition to reclaim Kagramar from the Ughol, and with him had a company of five hundred battle-hardened Stoneborn warriors. Through a series of brutal battles in halls once held by the Stoneborn, the forces of Blackspike pushed the Ughol out of the stronghold… or so they believed.

Little more than a year would pass as the Stoneborn improved their outer defenses, waiting for a retaliatory assault. Their own reinforcements arrived, as did a number of Stoneborn civilians. There were around a thousand Stoneborn inhabiting Kagramar when the Ughol attacked from below, using mine tunnels that the Stoneborn thought had gone unused. Of the defenders, only a dozen made it out of Kagramar. 

Thus, the members of Clan Mordan hold that grudge and long sought to prove themselves in battle.

Stergrimmer

Sigil: A great anvil and hammer

Often known as traditionalists, they often eschew new practices and instead hold to ancient techniques and practices of their forefathers. They were seen to be slow to change, but also steadfast and resolute, and their craftsmanship reliable and hardy. 

Said to be the eldest Clan, they ruled over the splendor that is Dar’Gorad for all of written memory, claiming to have founded the stronghold when the Stoneborn came from a place long forgotten to time. They were responsible for constructing the Hall of Rain in an age before the Empire, and designing it so that the falling water would flow down to the depths. They invited merchants from across the Realm, to conduct business in a vast marketplace, and brought much prosperity to their doorstep. 

Other Clans often look to them for traditional viewpoints and question how their ancestors handled similar problems. Clan Hordram have always puzzled them, as they pursue arts that the Stoneborn have difficulties with. Their largest rivals have always been those of Dar’Kalori, among their cousins in Clan Thranmor, whom they often see as a little too brash and reckless with their pursuits of innovation.  

Due to the sheer number of rubies mined from beneath Mount Durmator, those of Clan Stergrimmer began using them extensively as a silent symbol of their Clan. Despite the fall of the mountain holds, members of Clan Stergrimmer still have a penchant for choosing rubies to accentuate their jewelry, and many blades wielded by their warriors bear small rubies inlaid somewhere in their handles. 

The Tale of Thalgrim the Steadfast, as relayed by Balgori Stonehelm

One tale of Clan Stergrimmer speaks of the impenetrable nature of Dal’Gorad. In an age long past, a great host of an “Enemy” marched upon the great gate. They passed through the narrow chasm, and they “paved the chasm floor with bodies” as the defenders of Clan Stergrimmer rained arrows, hot coals, and boiling oil down upon them. 

However, despite such heavy losses, the invaders kept pressing forward. Finally, they reached the moat, which was a burning pit of coal and iron spikes. However, the forces of the Enemy had brought a bridge that they lay over the great smoking moat, and their troops began hammering at the great metal gate. 

The Stoneborn hero, known as Thalgrim the Steadfast, descended from an upper window high above. The enemy forces were so intent upon their battering of the gate that they did not notice him until he stood amid them, swinging his great axe and hewing them asunder. When he stood upon a mound of corpses, the ground stained with their blood, the enemy retreated to regroup. He walked across their bridge and began striking it with his axe. Three times the enemy attempted to swarm upon him to keep him from destroying their bridge, but the legend says that he beat them back soundly each time, and despite his hide being “filled with enough arrows to resemble a boar’s bristles”, he swung his axe upon the bridge until it fell to pieces into the moat. Afterward, the enemy would not cross the moat again and eventually fled. 

It is said that Thalgrim the Steadfast, Hero of Clan Stergrimmer, was the only Stoneborn to perish from the onslaught. However, his sacrifice kept the invaders from breaching the gate to Dar’Gorad.

Thranmor

Sigil: A single eye against mountain peaks

For countless ages those of Clan Thranmor have ruled over the stronghold of Dar’Kalori. Unlike their cousins of Clan Stergrimmer, they are known as innovators, constantly seeking new crafting methods and developments, always striving to develop a new technique that is more efficient or produces a better result than what is traditionally acceptable. It is said that their tinkers developed the first engines of steam, which were quickly adopted across the Realm.

Clan Thranmor have long dwelled beneath Greystone Mountain, and long ago they mined deep and found vast veins of silver ore. It is believed that the sheer amount of silver that was available to the Thranmor caused them to use it in every aspect of their craftsmanship, which quickly earned them the title of “the Clan of Silver”. Some members of the Clan eschewed all other precious metals in their choice of jewelry, further adding to the moniker.

Through their wealth, they often bribed or bought the compliance of the other Clans, and their caravans were always guarded by some of the most well-paid mercenaries. At one point, the elders of the Clan had learned that a great Ughol horde had been amassing and would likely crash upon their gates. They used their vast wealth to hire an army to camp near their gates, and when the horde finally arrived, they were met with an army comprised of mostly sellswords and mercenary companies. Not long after, to celebrate their victory, they had a great Cathedral of Battle constructed in Dar’Kalori, and over the years the mercenaries were gradually replaced by Battle Priests.

For a long time, the Clan was focused on the advancement of industry, using their vast wealth to supply the innovative minds of their kin. Their patronage also extended far beyond their own people, and many clever craftsmen and inventors would flock to Dar’Kalori looking for funding for their projects. 

It was also their search for new practices that led a sizable contingent of them to the mountain city of Myrneas, where they established a colony and carved their halls directly into the mountain. The Stoneborn of Clan Thranmor created a vast industrial complex beneath the mountain, with the assistance and aid of House Krellion, and their achievements and creations within were often second only to those of their Dar’Kalori kin.

The Lighting of the Forges, as relayed by Balgori Stonehelm

Where would the Stoneborn be without their great forges, and their renowned craftsmanship? It is said that in the beginning, as they sought to emulate the great Forge of Marath, the members of Clan Thranmor sought out a source of divine fire, and delved deep in places where the rock flowed as water. 

It was in these places that they encountered seven great firewyrms, and in a battle that would leave many Stoneborn as ashes, they managed to slay the creatures. The hearts of the firewyrms were used to ignite the great forges deep beneath Dar’Kalori. From that time onward, any metal crafted within those great forges is said to be “wyrm kissed” and often has a strange red hue that can be seen in certain light.

The Clanless

There are others who are without a Clan, due to a number of possibilities. Some are exiled for their crimes from the mountain holds, and they and any of their children are forever seen to be anathema and are never allowed to rejoin the Clans. There are other Stoneborn who have never sworn the Oath to join a Clan, due to any number of factors. They may have been born of a renegades that fled justice of the Pact of Iron, or been children whose parents refused to bring them to be presented to the Oath. There are also tales of small valleys and vales populated by small groups of rogue Stoneborn families. These families have had countless generations dwelling apart from their people that they no longer hold to the Pact of Iron, nor do they know what it means. 

Other stories speak of lost expeditions to the far north, to a range of mountains past the ice and snow-covered lands. The Vyaldur speak of Stoneborn with skin of ice-blue, haunting eyes, and they have no discomfort from the frigid winds.

Then there are other Stoneborn who have descended far beneath the mountains, far below where Akhunrasi dare tread, and down there in the darkness they hold strange customs and practice foul beliefs. 

However, the majority of the Clanless are those who were born to families who fled the mountains long ago, eschewing Clan allegiance. These errant Stoneborn seek to keep their lines hidden and avoid interacting with their kin. Often they even refuse to take the Oath, despite having the offer to rejoin their people. Thus, they are known as the Clanless.

Player Character Restrictions:

Stoneborn characters may be members of any of the Clans, or Clanless.

Only Stoneborn may have Faction Membership: Notaries.

Player characters may choose to create their own fledgling Clans, established within the past decade. These are from the refugee Stoneborn, as they attempt to reestablish their place in the world.