Dwarven Nobility

The following Lore Clarification was originally written by Jamgun, for the purposes of clarifying how the various dwarven clans function, how players may apply for and RP them, as well as who the various clans are. Included on this page is a list of all known clans in current lore, which also includes a list of custom made player clans. You can click **Known Clans** below to go to that list.

## Dwarf Clans

Dwarven clans, by history, derive from the first ever curse-of-flesh afflicted Earthen - the Ironforge clan. This clan stood strong as the ruling clan among the dwarves until the unfortunate War of the Three Hammers, breaking up into three smaller clans - The Wildhammer clan, the Bronzebeard clan and the Dark Iron clan. The Bronzebeard Dwarves maintained supremacy over their cousins, driving them out of Ironforge City, only for them to build their own cities - Grim Batol, and Shadowforge. The term of "Ironforge clan" later became inter-changeable with the Bronzebeard clan.

From Wikipedia, the Gaelic term for clan or less identifiable family group is fine [finÉ¨]; lÃ­on tÃ­ is a term for "family" in the sense of "household"; and muintir is a term for "family" in the sense of "kinsfolk".

That said, families can be denounced as clans, however this may vary highly from character to character - whether you wish, or are able to uphold a Household's name, or have become so famous, rich and overall powerful that your family name is regarded within the collective library of the dwarves as a clan, it will all depend on how this has been accomplished. You may carry an anonymous surname, or otherwise, but will have to work extensively to make it mean something, thus giving a reason for clans to be unique on their own.

*How do you form a clan then? How do you know you have enough fame or power to uphold a clan?*

Well, we must first look at what we have. In Warcraft, clans are loosely used to pronounce standing factions, castes or otherwise famous individuals who have marked themselves in history. These clans can be Greater due to their multitude of political or extensive advantages, or minor, due to their lack of such, or perhaps focus in one or another special potentials.

Each of the few Greater clans hold a variety of Lesser clans, which hold a variety of Minor clans, forming their own castes and specialties. A clan becomes Lesser when holding more than a few unique qualities, political strengths or otherwise. Becoming a clan requires fame, fortune, vitality, sometimes all three values at once. Of course, once a clan has been formed and recognized, the only way to remove them from existence is wiping them out completely. Those things said, you cannot form a Greater clan, or be directly linked to their household, as it implies being accepted into their family, one way or another.

Clans can be split into multiple branches. It all depends on who leads them, where they are lead, and how many of them are there. A clan does not necessarily require the staunch support of a Thane, or the existence of a Thane to be created. Thanes are military leaders, highly trained fighters or casters, whom have marked themselves within the military of the dwarves. Mountain Kings do not initially become Thanes - they must first prove themselves in martial combat, leading forces on all fronts of the Alliance whenever needed. Should a family member within a dwarven clan become a Thane (Molten Thane for Dark Irons, Thane in the form of a Famous Gryphon Rider for Wildhammers), they will quickly gain staunch support to their clan in the form of military units and offers of business.

## Known Clans

The list also includes custom dwarf clans from Chronicles, which will be marked with an asterisk (**\***) next to them.

##### Greater Clans

* **Bronzebeard Clan** - The Bronzebeard clan is arguably the most sounding name across all of Azeroth. The two, current most famous members of the clan are Muradin Bronzebeard - King-Thane of the Frostborn, member of the Council of Three Hammers, and Brann Bronzebeard, leader of the Explorer's League.
* **Dark Iron Clan** - The Dark Iron clan forms the majority of the Dark Iron population - whether as constant insurgents to Moira Thaurissan's rule as Queen-Regent, or otherwise. They have several unnamed clans under their rule, and the vast majority follows the rule of Thaurissan blood without questionable loyalty, eager to prove themselves to the Alliance.
* **Shadowforge/Thaurissan Clan** - The last of the Thaurissan clan blood lies within the son of Moira and Dagran Thaurissan - Dagran Thaurissan II. Once he is of age, it had been de﻿cided that he will spark a new age among the three clans of Dwarves, becoming King of Ironforge, as he has both Dark Iron and Bronzebeard blood.
* **Wildhammer Clan** - The Wildhammer clan forms a vast majority of minor clans piled up together to form a strong, unified family. They have strong ties in the Council of Three Hammers through High Thane Falstad Wildhammer, and provide staunch support to the Alliance, especially after having had their minor clans within the Twilight Highlands united and brought to stability.

##### Lesser Clans

* **Angerforge Clan** - Famous for having a long lineage in Dark Iron dwarf history. Their most prominent leader is General Angerforge, who has initially rebelled against Ironforge, only to survive a defeat, leading the armies of Shadowforge. He would survive the assault on the Blackrock Depths, ensuring the clan's loyalty to Moira.
* **Anvilrage Clan** - The Anvilrage clan form the majority of general Angerforge's forces, loyal to the Dark Iron's Queen-Regent. They house warriors, casters and golems alike, and may have the vast majority of Dark Iron ore-resources within Shadowforge City.
* **Anvilmar Clan** - Famous for being the founding fathers of the Bronzebeard Clan, the Anvilmar clan houses major influence within the Senate, having been permanetly settled within as to watch over their kin and kind. Few of their house become brandished warriors, although their fame precedes their name in combat, for they have invented a certain combat style which had been passed on from characters such as Hjalmar Anvilmar to the King of Stormwind himself.
* **Stormpike Clan** - The Stormpike clan is arguably large, having formed their own empiric expedition in reconquering ancient dwarven lands within the Arathi Highlands. They are at constant war with the Frostwolf Clan. Their clan houses various warriors, explorers and resources, having sound ties within the Explorer's League as well.
* **The Frostborn** - Allies of the Alliance Expedition, they are the only known clan of Frost dwarves. Some may have followed their king, Yorg Stormheart, to the main kingdoms.

##### Minor Clans

* **Doomforge Clan** - A dark iron clan who's members are comprised of Arcane smiths, Craftsmen and Dragoons
* **Dunwald Clan** - A clan of Wildhammer dwarves focused solely in forming excellent warriors. They are located in the Dunwald Ruins, in the Easternmost portion of the Wetlands - the Twilight Highlands.
* **Firebeard Clan** - A minor Wildhammer clan, present in the Easternmost area of the Wetlands - the Twilight Highlands. They house a village which had been constantly attacked by the Twilight Hammer. Their numbers have been reformed, and constantly support the Alliance through the other Wildhammer clans. They are politically allied with the Thundermar clan through marriage. Their minority is only confirmed due to having been constantly chewed upon by the Twilight Hammer, focusing solely upon resources and combat forces.
* **Hammersmith Clan** - The Hammersmith clan form a strong number of Blacksmiths, mostly encountered in the Wetlands in broken numbers. They are not known to show themselves in the public, and have high potential in losing their extremely few numbers.
* **Mullan Clan** - A small clan focused solely in forming excellent Gryphon Riders, located in the Easternmost part of the Wetlands - the Twilight Highlands.
* **Moore Clan** - A small clan focused in breeding rare Ebon Gryphons, located in the Easternmost part of the Wetlands - the Twilight Highlands.
* **Stonefist Clan** - A minor clan within the Senate, playing politically aggresive against all who threaten Ironforge and their clan respectively. Small in numbers, especially after the Dark Iron had played a coy move with an infiltrator, they are the most suspicious of newly rising clans.
* **Thundermar Clan** - A minor Wildhammer clan, present in the Easternmost area of the Wetlands - the Twilight Highlands. They house a village which had been constantly attacked by the Twilight Hammer. Their numbers have been reformed, and constantly support the Alliance through the other Wildhammer clans. They are politically allied with the Firebeard clan through marriage. Their minority is only confirmed due to having been constantly chewed upon by the Twilight Hammer, focusing solely upon resources and combat forces.
* **Shalefire Clan\* -** Hailing from the south west of the Wetlands, the Shalefire clan spreads their political influence from their domicile, Dun Harvas. Historically, their allegiance belonged to the Thaurissan Clan, but today they follow a different High Thane; Muradin Bronzebeard. The story behind this betrayal both haunts and benefits them, earning them both loyal friends and vehement enemies. Regardless, the name 'Shalefire' is well known within the Senate. Their current Patron is Glym 'Dirgehorn' Shalefire.
* **Cragbeard Clan\* -** A strong albeit new clan, recently founded by a joint alliance of dwarven allies, friends, and family. The clan is currently headed by TBA.

##### Former Clans

* **Burningeye Clan** - A dark iron clan who's only known member was Thane Burningeye, who was known to be delighted in battle, wielding a pair of greathammers.
* **Corehammer Clan** - A dark iron clan who's only known member was Thane Corehammer, who was known to be enormous (or just enormously fat).
* **Moltenfist Clan** A dark iron clan who's only known member was Thane Moltenfist, who's avarice was known to be legendary, having owned a famous jeweled goblet.
* **Doyle Clan** - A former Wildhammer clan, wiped out by Twilight Drakes. They were famous for being stubborn, thus the result of their demise. They were last located in the Twilight Highlands.

## Clan Rank Overview

Below is the ranking of clans relevant to one another, and how your dwarf might progress through them. The leader of a Clan is the "Patriarch" or "Matriarch" respectively. It's worth noting that the caste system of the dwarves allows for females to become High-ranking nobles as well, as dwarven society has since abandoned many sexist traditions.

##### Greater Clan

You can form a Greater Clan, however these will be held to the highest degree of scrutiny. The clan must be entirely self sufficient, feeding, arming, protecting, and keeping its people warm on its own. They are subject rule from the Council of Three Hammers, and all Greater Clans recognized by the Council have Ambassadors in the council. Claiming independence from the Council is a big taboo, and almost always incurs military action from one of the "big three".

##### Lesser Clan

To form a Lesser clan, you must first have been a Minor clan for an extensive amount of time, having branched out in at least three different paths further described below, being focused in at least one at any given time. They may or may not decay over time, but to reach this entitlement, you must first fill in the requirements. These clans are the strongest players can assume, and becoming one requires multiple alliances, high military power or otherwise to define themselves in.

##### Minor Clan

To form a Minor clan, you must first have successfully branched out in a single progressive direction, standing a certain test of time, and marking yourself within the Dwarven society. You will require a standing estate within your society, having proven yourself either within a military, economic, archaeologist or political career (or any other potential way, provided it makes sense). These would not necessarily require an application, as you could gain the entitlement for a minor clan after having spoken with a GM. The bits that are required, however, will naturally demand an application.

* Military Path
	+ To form a clan through the military aspect of the Dwarves, you are required to fight extensive battles, acquiring at least three official officer ranks. It is unlikely for a Stoneknight or Ironknight to mark their household down as a clan, although it is possible through the acquisition of a Thane's support to, at any rank, form a household That said, anything above Throneknight, should they properly present themselves in fame and glory within their society, can turn their household into an official clan.
* Economic Path
	+ To form a clan through an economic path, you must have formed an extensive business path, providing profit and support to the economic potential of the dwarven society in which you reside. Trade, monetary value and good word are all important in this path. The most recommended and assured route is continuous support of other clans, providing caravans and supply exchange inbetween them.
* Archeologist Path
	+ To form a clan through an archaeologist's path, within the Explorer's League or without, you must have funded at least one expedition, while having found several minimal artifacts, and one major artifact of times long lost. These need not be of dwarves alone, although it would be harder to gain interest in them without the support of the Explorer's League.
* Political Path
	+ To form a clan through a political path, you must have become a part of the Dwarven Senate, or its Ambassadorial wings within either of the many cities of their allies. This would be a route of intrigue and wit, requiring smartly chosen words and continuous ties, depending on your current position, for a succesfull attempt.

Other paths can be naturally chosen, provided they make sense for you to be granted entitlement for a minor clan.

## FAQ - Dwarf Clans Edition

###### *So, how do I get started?*

The requirements for initiating a minor clan require you to have some form of status - whether economical or otherwise, the likes of having a high military rank among the Dwarves. You will not need to apply for a Minor clan, however, you will need the background to start one. Your family members (if you have any, player or otherwise), will be able to become part of this clan and assist you in your ventures. All of your economical, political, military power or otherwise, become part of your ventures as long as they participate in activities that tie your actions for the Alliance, or the Lesser and Greater clan's actions.

###### *Can I eventually reach the stages of a Lesser or Greater clan?*

You can only reach the maximal stage of a Lesser clan, as the Greater clans would go within the level of control of an entire Army Group, whereas a Lesser clan's army can only go as far as a Field Army (such as the likes of an Alliance Field Marshal). You will either have to unite with several other minor clans to advance into the stage of a Lesser clan, or grow on your own. Consider the description of how noble families tended to unite or give away wealth, in villages or otherwise. This does not mean every Lesser clan owns a Field Army. It only means they can go *that* far.

###### *Where will I apply? Should I be using any format?*

Naturally, you will only need to apply for the prerequisites, which goes outside of having to apply for clandom, but you may include having formed a Minor clan within your application(s), should they reach the expected requirements. Lesser clans, however, will require successive confirmation with all minor clans, or confirmation of resources, that lie within.

Applying for a dwarven clan will naturally be included within the reign of a Character application - you will need to include the details of becoming the Patriarch or Matriarch of your Minor or Lesser clan within the History section, additionally describing wealth and forces that you hold with their respective charts or locations using the Forces format. Again, there are many ways to form Minor clans - you will simply have to run it through with a GM as to see what fits in best before applying.