Clan Ulfmund

Clan Ulfmund is the first, and therefore the oldest, Neptunian Clan out of four. They are part of a greater Ice Giant Confederation. Generally-speaking, the Ulfmunds are known for being excellent "tanks," explosives specialists and the *"rowdy hooligans of space"* according to the writings of Martin Goodhound.

### **Numbers:**

**Triton:** *~475000 (Civilians); ~14500 (Active Personnel).*

   **Neptune:** *~20000 (Civilians); ~1500 (Active Personnel).*

### **Notable People:**

* **Ulf Trygvasson** - clan founder, semi-legendary figure, known as the founding father of the Neptunians’ traditions and culture.
* **Harald “Blackmane” Rolafsson** - incumbent clan leader, professional raider and career bandit, former head of the infamously-radioactive Triton-16 mine. Specializes in heavy explosives.
* **Inna “Tinkerbell” Gunnarsdotter** - inventor, chief mechanic of the Ulfmunds’ biggest raid fleet. Well-known for her work with mechs, ship repairs, and “magical” tech-reviving gloves.

### **History:**

Most of Clan Ulfmund’s early history, naturally, centers around its founder. The origin of Ulf Trygvasson isn’t certain or well-known, but most accounts state he was the son of a carbon miner brought over from Earth itself. Sources in the legend also state he was half-human, half-Awakened, and could assume both forms at will, but most consider just that - part of the legend.

According to contemporary accounts, Ulf was born at a time of great despair and strife for those on the outskirts. People around Triton in particular were split into several dozens of warring factions, which drained out the planet’s resources and nearly rendered its colonists extinct. Even though these factions nominally had leaders, every man was for themselves in every mine they went down to. Anarchy, starvation, and death were rampant back then - much more than they are now. Naturally, Ulf didn’t like seeing his new homeland in such a poor state, so he embarked on the mission that would define his life - Ulf sought to unite all the moons of Neptune and Uranus into one nation under strong, just, efficient leadership:

As the Wolf-Maw’s Saga states, Ulf would achieve total unification of Triton over a period of five years. Clan Ulfmund’s first members renounced their ties to other factions, and most of the founding members joined through diplomacy and keen interest. Many saw Ulf’s ideas as a chance for prosperity, so in its first few years of existence - Clan Ulfmund encompassed nearly the whole of Ice Giant space. Though unification wasn’t a smooth transition, as many rebellious factions were crudely subjugated and even wiped off the records. Everyone was forced to be as a single nation, under one leader, with a unified code of law and designated traditions. As time would show, many did not, and could not, adjust to such a way of life:

Though unified through both diplomacy and force, Clan Ulfmund’s trials were only beginning by that stage, as the biggest rebellion yet would emerge soon after establishing dominance: A successful conspiracy in the upper circles nearly killed Ulf Trygvasson himself, and thanks to inhumane violence on part of the rebels - they broke off from Clan Ulfmund and formed Clan Dreyrhund not long after. Then the Forest Sisters also instigated a rebellion, because of alleged exploitation of workers and “lack of care for the more natural aspects of life.” That resulted in the formation and secession of Clan Trebjurn. And lastly, an entirely new force to be reckoned with emerged in the face of Clan Hagmar, who took over half of the Ulfmunds’ land and property through their wealth and cunning.

Worst of all, Ulf died of stress and age soon after the four-clan system was put into place. Indeed, the Ulfmunds got back to square one in terms of, well - all their initial goals. It was also the Ashen Bloodbath’s beginning, so times would be tough for everyone around the Ice Giants. Stuck in a dire spot, they made some questionable alliances as the Hagmars decided to appear - namely with Clan Dreyrhund, the butchers who have arguably inflicted the most damage upon them long-term. Though, seeing as to how the Dreyrhunds conducted warfare through terror tactics, the Ulfmunds soon broke this alliance and sided with the (more profitable) winning side.

Nowadays, Clan Ulfmund rarely engages in conflict. They have developed a reputation of wild, yet reliable workers and specialists in their craft. No doubt about it - the gruff miners know how to explode turf and run a mine or two. One wouldn’t exactly say the Ulfmunds are thriving currently, however - their newfound ties to the Syndicate are certainly bringing in good money and products. In exchange for manpower and copious amounts of carbon, of course.

### **Culture:**

Being the first and oldest proper Neptunian clan, the Ulfmunds and their founder are considered the pioneers of Neptunian raidership. Most of the holidays, mannerisms, and traditions stem from the memoirs of Ulf Trygvasson and the saga about his antics. Ulfmunds hold a lot of pride in being first to do everything the “native Neptunian” way - even if the philosophy and tactics are outdated, and some of the measures no longer apply to contemporary situations. They are, of course, closest related in culture to Iceland and Norway.

Much like their sigil - the white wolf - Ulfmunds have the mentality of pack animals. They eat, sleep, hunt, and raid in tightly-knit groups, preferably small packs a dozen personnel strong. Self-reliance isn’t practiced as often as it is in other clans, hence - the Wolves are at their strongest when they’re a team. Each team member has their function, whether on the battlefield or back home. An Ulfmunder usually knows only one or two skills, but the ones they have - they certainly become masters in. That pack mentality also reflects in their family ties, as it is quite common for Ulfmunds to still live with their great-grandparents’ homes.

Although the Ulfmunds started as a group of poor carbon miners and helium extractors, their element is air more than anything. Considering that most Wolves spend their time in space rather than back home, families included, it’s quite unsurprising they’ve learned to be excellent pilots and talented maneuverists. In spite of that, Ulfmunds specialize mostly in explosives, armored vehicles, and hit-and-run tactics. Mechanics and demo-men are especially valued among the Ulfmunds, as they partially embody the values and fierce warrior characteristics Ulf Trygvasson sought for.

As one might have already noticed, there is a certain cult of personality surrounding the legendary miner’s son. While yes, it is a persistent issue with Clan Ulfmund, especially in the way they treat the Wolf-Maw’s Saga as a holy scripture, there are still some secular elements without an element of sweet, sweet dictatorship to it. It’s simply one of those traditions and values other Ulfmunds don’t like to talk about, since it might paint them and their leader in a bad light.

In essence, the Ulfmunds embody classical vikings that love to raid, party, stick together, and most of all - have fun while doing it. Hedonistic as it may sound, the White Wolves keep their households frugal and their relationships genuine. Their favorite holiday is certainly the Balrog Festival, as it usually means lots of booze and brawls - everyone is permitted to duel within non-lethal constraints during the festival, after all. Ulfmunds are considered to be a heavy middle ground for all Neptunians in terms of customs and traditions, as well as the more desirable people to trade with.

### **Specialties:**

* **Ulfhednar:** AKA the “Praetorian Guard” of the Ulfmunds. Ulfhednar are a small corps of veteran officers who serve as advisors and personal guardians to the incumbent clan leader. Naturally, they’re armed and armored better than a typical Ulfmund rifleman, with a distinct wolf’s-head helmet usually serving as the distinguishing feature. Another element of the Ulfhednar formal uniform is the big halberd they carry around their earl.
* **Gripir:** AKA the Explosives Specialist. As the name implies, Gripirs are the ones making bombs and explosive rounds for the Ulfmunds. They’re famous for their resourcefulness, as they’re able to make a bomb or a shell out of pretty much anything on hand. Armored lighter than other units, speed is any Gripir’s key element, as they’re usually the skirmishers and trapmakers within their assigned teams.
* **Sleipnir:** AKA the Workhorses. Made and bred within Triton’s deepest mines, Sleipnirs are the tanks of any operation. Their armor may be standard, but their strength most certainly isn’t. Hence why they bear heavier arms, such as cassette rocket launchers or power-hammers, and wear heavier gauntlets than a standard rifleman.

### **Friendzone:**

The Ulfmunds have always been rather sociable and outgoing. Sure, they might have fought with every other clan at some point in time, but most of that is in the past. And honestly - who wouldn’t raid a neighbor, especially in these parts? Indeed - although rambunctious and unstable, Clan Ulfmund is seen both as a reliable ally and a force to be reckoned with, be it by other clans or by the Syndicate, who they’ve established a strong connection with. Ulfmunds dislike Hagmars to a certain extent, since they generally see them as meek egg-heads. Trebjurns, however, are a big favorite - Ulfmunds love to party and work with that clan in particular.