The Havish Clans

## Hierarchy

### The Konge

The Konge is the King of Nordhaven. This title has been bestowed on few in the past, as the first Konge of Nordhaven was Konge Hersker, an immortal Frost Giant that ruled for most of Nordhaven's recorded history. After Hersker's death, the Havish developed a new system of determining a Konge.

When a Konge dies, the Jarls of the Ruling Clans convene on Slottehjem to hold a Kings Moot. The Jarls themselves cannot become Konge, but they are each entitled to nominate an individual they find fit to rule. The nominees' deeds are recounted before the hall during a great feast. The following day, lots are cast for each nominee to determine the next Konge.

For all intents and purposes, the Konge holds power over all of Nordhaven and its Jarls.

### The Jarls

Jarl is the title given to the head of a Clan, usually the Patriarch or Matriarch. Depending on the Clan, the title of Jarl may be conferred by an Elderly Jarl to their younger, more fit child, at which point the former Jarl becomes the Clan Elder. Jarl is a title that can be held by man or woman, as the Havish do not discriminate based on gender.

The Jarl presides over all matters of the Clan and the lands under the Clan's control.

### The Huskarls

Huskarls are warriors in service to the Clan Jarl. They often receive their title by distinguishing themselves in service to the Jarl, much like a Knight of Soril. Huskarls tend to preside over delegated lands, collecting tribute from the Clansmen in the name of the Jarl, and are entitled to a share of the tribute for their service.

Some Huskarls are favored by the Jarl, and are granted the title of Shield-Brother or Shield-Maiden, depending on the Huskarl's gender. These Huskarls reside either within the Jarl's hall or within close proximity to it and serve as the Jarl's bodyguard and chief military advisors.

### Honored Clansmen

**The Skalds**

Skalds are warrior poets, and distinguish themselves by recounting the stories of the Clan. Often times they travel between the cities and towns of the Clans, spreading word of great deeds accomplished by the Clan's warriors. Skalds are also trained to read and write, acting as scribes for the Huskarls who cannot. Skalds eventually take on apprentices, teaching them the ways of the Clan and the stories so that they may pass them along one day.

**War-Bound**

Every able bodied man and woman of Nordhaven learns to fight, and many become fearsome warriors. However, in times of peace, many of these warriors tend the farm, work the forge, or trade goods and wares. War-Bound know no such life. They are warriors who pledge their lives to the service of the Clan, fighting in the front lines of conflict, hunting beasts that threaten the land, or protect the cities under the Clan's control. War-Bound tend to distinguish themselves as such by getting tattoos that depict their deeds. More often than not, War-Bound who survive long enough become Huskarls.

**Berserkers**

Berserkers are War-Bound who engage in the Rites of the Farhimmel. This Jotun tradition causes Berserkers to fight with abandon, shrugging off most attacks that are set against them. They mark themselves with a tattoo depicting a bear, as they embody the ferocity and strength of the Farhimmel's mighty creations. Despite their usefulness in battle, most Clans see Berserkers as wild and crazed, as when in their blood rage they have a hard time discerning friend from foe.