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Issaries, Inc.
except for the text of The Gudrun Clan
 which is
Copyright © 2004
 Russell Cole

The Gudrun Clan

By Russell Cole
Web Adaptation by Nick Eden

The Gudrun clan is part of the Indigo Mountain Tribe of Dagori Inkarth. Their base is Beetlestop in the South Eastern Foothills of the Indigo Mountains. The clan's lands consist mainly of barren rocky mountain, bleak sparsely vegetated hills and shadowy crags and valleys. The richest hunting is found in the Daytime Woods which are sometimes shared and sometimes fought over with the human hunters of the area. At times these woods have had to be protected from hoards of hungry Enlo, which appear from time to time from elsewhere in Dagori Inkarth. When this occurs, Humans and Trolls join together in culling these pests.

At any time approximately two-thirds of the clan members will be found at Beetlestop with the remainder, particularly the hunting families, living in smaller communities nearby and coming and going as they please. The clan's wealth is based upon their sale of produce from the Munchrooms as well as to a lesser extent the breading and sale of beetles. They maintain a relatively large military and are gifted annually by the Tribal Queen for their work in protecting the tribe from raiders. Mistress Kalarmra is recognised as being one of the most powerful shamen in the tribe and is a full member of the tribal council, although she rarely travels to Redstone to takes her seat nowadays.

As a 'frontier' clan they have a higher proportion of warriors than many others and will often be involved in skirmishes with humans, particularly Praxian nomads and the Fire Worshipping tribes of Aldachur and its surrounds. Not all humans are treated as enemies and it has been known for the clan to operate in conjunction with the Torkani tribe against a common foe.

The population breakdown is as follows:

Families (Approximate Numbers & Location) & Notable Personalities:

Kagak (55 Uzko/8 Uzdo - Beetlestop)
The current ruling family.

• Mistress Kalarmra Spirit Charmer - ancient and very powerful shaman of Jakaboom and famous heroquester (age 350?). She is the clan Queen, but does not get involved in day to day matters and very rarely leaves the temple except at times of great importance.
• Olag Stonecrusher - Chief Karrg's Son and Warleader of the Clan (age 37)
• Belgot Darkmother - Mother of Olag and chief Korasting shaman in the clan. Belgot generally runs the clan on the Queens behalf (age 60)
• Chazlin - Shaman of Korasting & Jakaboom (age 52). Chazlin is well respected within the clan for her power in terms of magic as well as numbers of children (including two Uzdo!)
• Joruk - Uzdo Devotee of Zorak Zoran. Son of Chazlin he is the black sheep of the family although recognized for his great skill in battle. He is usually to be found with the clans small band of Zorak Zorani whom he leads (age 25)
• Torgag - Devotee of Karrg Unfettered. Younger brother of Joruk he is the current clan champion and leads a small group of elite warriors. Olag likes Torgag, but is nervous concerning his worshipping of the Unfettered aspect of Karrg.
• Yukaboz Darksong - Chief Hombobobom Shaman of the Clan. A very powerful shaman who is always in attendance with the Queen.

Grublin (25 Uzko/4Uzdo - Beetlestop)
A rich family due to its responsibility for running the Munchrooms and for arranging trade with outsiders. Mainly Argan Argar worshipping they control a band of highly trained Enlo spearkin.

• Spoonel Quicktalker - Devotee of Argan Argar and advisor to the Queen
• Krangol Leadring - Devotee of Argan Argar who conducts most of the tribes interactions with Humans

Charib (40 Uzko - Beetlestop)
This family are worshipers of Gorakiki Bakatan (Beetle Mother). They work closely with the Grublin family in arranging for sale of their beetles. As well as raising food beetles they also specialize in the breeding of Karrg Beetles which are used by the clan's warriors as well as being sold to other clans.

• Charboz Beetlemuncher - Chief Shaman of Gorakiki Bakatan (age 55)
• Charbol Beetleskin - Shaman of Gorakiki Bakatan (age 38)
• Chardrag BigBite - Devotee of Karrg and leader of the clans beetle riding warriors (age 30)

Oauz (45 Uzko/4Uzdo - Beetlestop)
Second to The Kagak family in size the Oauz family follow the Korasting Tradition.

• Ozdor Longsight - Korasting Mother and a powerful Shaman of Jakaboom. Head of the Oauz family (age 55)
• Oaudam Darklook - Recognised as the most beautiful Uzko in the clan she will always be followed by a throng of suitors (age 28)
• Obdox Twin Mace - Karrg's Son bodyguard to Ozdor and head warrior of the Oauz family (age 29)
  

Saxdruk (35 Uzko/4 Uzdo - Beetlestop)
A moderately sized family following the Korasting Tradition. Once the ruling family they lost their position 4 generations ago after some disastrous losses against Human raiders. They are envious of the Kagak's position as ruling family and there is some tension between the two.

• Sadier Toothneckless - Korasting Mother and Shaman of Jakaboom. A successful heroquester who has always birthed healthy Uzko (age 60)
• Jornal Sweetfood - Korasting Mother and Shaman of Jakaboom (age 32)
• Xion Kindheart - Xiola Umbar Devotee. Loved by all in the clan for the help she gives (age 50)
• Gortel Songweaver - Shaman of Hombobobom (age 44)
• Broznez Saladstomper - Experienced Karrg's Son (age 38)
• Sazdor - A brash young Karrg's Son (age 24)

Bazabab (15 Uzko - Beetlestop)
A small family with a history of worshiping Boztakang.

• Bazgol - Korasting Mother and Shaman of Boztakang (age 35)
• Bazdrak - Shaman of Boztakang. Seen as slightly mad by most he is however always approached when warriors need help against chaos (age 48)
• Grendel - Devotee of Vaneekara and Goran the Scalper. Often away adventuring with his small group of followers. (age 25)
  

Daffog (15 Uzko - Beetlestop)
A small family with a history of producing great warriors.

• Kwang Broosmasher - Karrg's Son bodyguard to Queen Kalarmra (age 30)

Dahz (30 Uzko - Foothills)
Zong worshiping family hunting mainly in the Daytime Woods

• Hobnoz Truesling - The clan's Chief Hunter and shaman to Zong (age 44)
  

Brogur (35 Uzko - Foothills)
Zong worshiping family hunting mainly in The Better Place

Mardur (45 Uzko - Foothills)
Zong worshiping family hunting mainly in The Division Hills & Daytime Woods

• Maruan - Mother of Korasting and Shaman of Hombobobom
• Jarakez - Master Hunter and Shaman of Zong. Although still young he has almost surpassed Hobnoz in skill (age 24)

Beetlestop

Click here for a map

Beetlestop is a thriving Uz town sitting in a rocky valley in the foothills of the Indigo Mountains. Running through the middle of the valley is a small river of brackish, but drinkable water. At either end of the valley are areas of marshland, the northern marsh being inhabited by swarms of small carnivorous beetles. The valley sides are high and very steep with the only access to the valley floor via three paths, two on the West side and one on the East side.

The Eastern side of the valley floor is a mass of jumbled Uz homes made from rocks, bones, mud and anything else of use. The only 'properly' built structures are the beetle pens although even these stone built enclosures are prone to falling over and have been rebuilt many times. The valley floor is otherwise bare, bar the odd rock and the multitude of beetles reared by the Charib family. These are allowed to roam freely, both inside the valley and in the surrounding area. Most of the free beetles are raised as food for the giant beetles kept in the pens, however there will always be a few watch beetles and perhaps awakened spirit allies amongst them.

The Uz dwellings are built to no particular pattern except that the seven families each have their own territory in which they exert their control. The Enlo population is controlled and all Enlo found in the valley will wear ear decoration denoting which family they belong to.

Points of interest include:

• The Raven Cliffs are named after the many Ravens who live there acting as lookouts and allies to the Uz of the clan. 
• The Kagak Family caves which also include the temple to Kyger Litor. These caves go very deep and it is rumoured that hidden passages lead all the way into the underworld. · 
• The Oauz Family Caves are smaller and link with the Kagak Caves. They include a passageway with a concealed exit near South Hill. 
• The Snake River was once famous for its snakes, but unfortunately these edible delicacies have not been seen for many years. It is crossable with care although the ground on both sides is generally boggy and most sensible Uz will use Mothers Bridge which generally only collapses a couple of times per season. 
• The lookout posts on the four hills around Beetlestop valley are each controlled by a different family and are manned night and day by a watch of superior Trollkin lead by an Uzko Overseer. 
• The Zorak Zoran shrine takes the form of a pile of skulls taken from defeated foes. It is said to be guarded by ghosts, zombies and demons, but nobody is foolish enough to get near enough to find out! 
• The two Hunters camps are where visiting Hunters from both the Gudrun clan and other friendly clans usually stop when visiting the area. 
• There are a number of Foe Cursers located around the valley with the type and spirit's might displayed on the map. 
• The Stone Troll is and 8' tall statue of an armoured Uzko warrior. Nobody knows where it came from, but it was there before the clan moved into the valley. 
• Shadows - Dagori Inkarth is always bleak and overcast as with most Uz lands, and Beetlestop valley is the home to one of the great spirit of darkness, which always keeps the valley floor dark and gloomy even at the height of day.

Clan Wyter

Ultempker was a daughter of Mistress Gudrun and a famous warrior and shaman in her own right. She was also the mother of many children and brought great prosperity to the clan in her time. She was eventually killed during the wars of the Wombiter, but her soul was summoned in the modern age to again protect her people.

Military

The following table shows a breakdown of number between full time warriors (generally warband members) and 
other available fighters should the clan need to defend itself in earnest. Uz warriors are all excellent 
scavengers and double up as food providers, regularly returning from the patrol with food they have found (or 
killed). This is one reason there are a higher proportion of warriors than would be expected if they were 
entirely dependent on the clan for support. Apart from standard troops the clan can field Karrg Beetle mounted 
cavalry, a large number of trained Assault Beetles and the clan’s two Giant Centipedes under the control of the 
Gorakiki initiates. In times of real danger the clan’s priestesses will support the warriors with powerful magic 
and many Darkness Spirits and Dehori, some of which are immensely powerful.

* Combat level does not include magic or weapons and armour
** Includes all, but mothers & priestesses 

Clan Patrols

The warband is charged with the defence of clan lands and bands of warriors will patrol every night, sometimes staying away for a number of nights if checking the more distant border areas. Unlike human warriors, these groups are self sufficient when on patrol, eating whatever they might find from rodents and beetles to wood and vegetation depending on the terrain. A normal patrol will consist of a leader and his personal retinue of perhaps four good or elite warriors, plus six to ten average warriors and ten or so Enlo warriors. The patrol will always be preceded by the Enlo whose job it is to screen the Uzko warriors and distract any enemy encountered while their masters get into position to attack (or flee!).

The examples below are for an average Uzko warrior, Enlo Skirmisher and Patrol Leader. Adjust skills up for good or elite warriors:

Uzko Warrior 

A typical Uzko warrior skilled at stealthy attack or frontal assault as required.

Keywords: Uz Warrior 3w, Initiate of Karrg 19 Significant Abilities: Brave 1w, Mace & Shield 3w, Strong 1w, Large 15, Stealthy 19 Equipment: Leather & Lead armour or Leather & Insect Chitin +2, Shield +1, Lead Mace +4, Sling +3 Personal Augments: +6 (Darkness, Defender & Warrior affinities) Brave +2, Strong +2, Large +2

Enlo Warrior 

Enlo warriors are seen as valuable, but expendable if it means protecting the lives of their masters. They are of little use in daylight, but at night can be very effective at harrying an enemy from a distance with slung rocks. In close combat they fight best if lead by one of the Uzko as they fear their masters more than they do most enemies.

Keywords: Enlo Warrior 17, Follower of Karrg 15 Significant Abilities: Stoic 17, Fear Daylight 17, Mace & Shield 15, Sling 20, Nimble 12, Dodge Blow 17, Stealthy 20 Equipment: Leather armour +1, Shield +1, Mace +3, Sling +3 Personal Augments: +2 True Eye Shot spirit or similar Stoic +2, Nimble +1, Dodge Blow +2

Patrol Leader 

The Patrol leader will be an elite warrior (initiate of Karrg) or Karrgs Son (Devotee). The example given here is a junior Karrgs Son (Also called Karrgs Nephews), who as well having magical affinities owns a number of fetishes gifted by one of the clan priestesses.

Keywords: Uz Warrior 10w, Uz Warleader 4w, Devotee of Karrg 10w Significant Abilities: Brave 1w, Mace & Shield 14w, Strong 1w, Large 15, Stealthy 2w, Tough 19, Fetishes 19+ (could include spirits such as Jumping Spider legs, Beatle Carapace, Chilling Fear and Sniff out Foe) Equipment: Lead armour +3, Shield +1, Enchanted Lead Mace +5, Sling +3 Personal Augments: +9 (Darkness, Defender & Warrior affinities) Brave +2, Strong +2, Large +2, Tough +2

If the Zorak Zorani band are patrolling most sensible folk would choose to stay out of their way. Generally they are more likely to attack outsiders without checking their credentials first, unless the group looks particularly powerful. They will be lead by an Angry One (Devotee) and may be accompanied by a number of zombies and a handful of Enlo warriors. An example warrior is given below:

Zorak Zorani 

Warrior These berserker warrior's whole existence is based around destruction and combat. They do not fear death and will fight without asking for or giving quarter.

Keywords: Uz Warrior 3w, Initiate of Zorak Zoran 19 Significant Abilities: Fearless 1w, Mace & Shield or Maul 6w, Strong 1w, Large 15, Stealthy 19, Flaming Mace 19, Terrifying 1w, Ignore Pain 19 Equipment: Leather & Lead armour or Leather & Insect Chitin +2, Shield +1, Lead Mace +4, Sling +3 Personal Augments: +15 (Berserker, Darkness, Hatred - all berserker affinities) Fearless +2, Strong +2, Large +2, Terrifying +2, Ignore Pain +2

Warband Wyter – Shadow Stalker (Guardian Being):

Kagak Family Caves

Click here for a map

The caves were here well before the Uz moved to the valley and nobody is sure how they were made, although some areas have been enlarged over the generations by the Uz themselves. Once the Oauz family owned both this and their current caves, but some generations ago ownership was passed to the Kagak family in forfeit for a now long forgotten debt owed. The caves are situated in moderately hard granite like rock, which in places shows veins of a softer blue rock.

Enlo Section
The family's worker and food Enlo live in this section. The warrior Enlo run this area bullying the others to enforce the will of their Uzko superiors.

Zobkags Wall
This wall is 1.5m high and made of large boulders. It is the dividing line between the Enlo area and the Providers section. Only those passing the guards scrutiny and recognised as friendly are allowed to cross using a large and moveable bone ramp.

Providers Section
Home to the family's Providers:

• 2 Skinshapers
• 1 Bonesmith
• 1 Rockshaper
• 1 Nurse
• 12 Warriors
• 13 Hunters
• Various Value Enlo

Uzdo Section
Home to the Family's 8 Uzdo Warriors. They will be aggressive towards anybody not accompanies by a Karrg's Son or Priestess.

Storage Chamber
Over the generations many items found or captured, but with no obvious or immediate use are thrown into this cave. It is rumoured that a malevolent ghost resides deep amongst the piles of debris and nobody likes to venture to far into the cave. The odd intrepid explorer has come back with an item of value, but there are also rumours of other who have never returned!

Elders Hall
This is the chamber used by the Clan Elders to discuss matters of importance when summoned by the Queen. It is also used as an audience chamber in which outsiders will be met and sometimes invited to stay (under guard unless well trusted).

Mothers Section
Home to the family's 11 active mothers and pre-pubescent children. Males and Enlo are not allowed in this section. Smaller families within the clan will also often seek permission for mothers and children to live in safety here.

Whistling Passage
Named after the sound of wind whistling down this passage between the Temple and Mothers section.

Temple to Kyger Litor
The Clans Karrg's Sons are all eligible to live within the temple and all have rubble built accommodation, however usually only the War Leader, Clan Champion and Queens bodyguard live here permanently, the others usually residing with their own families except during sacred times.

Priestesses Quarters
The Family's 3 Shaman and their assistants live here. No male may enter unless summoned. This cave is home to many friendly spirits or darkness who can be seen swirling around the high ceiling. Shaman from other families in the clan often also reside here and will have their own designated living area.

Queens Quarters
Queen Kalamara lives here with her daughter Belgot. Few in the family have ever been granted entry to this section of the caves. The Queen has many spirits as personal servants and this area would be deadly to anybody not under her protection.

Doom Passage
Only the Queen knows where this passage goes, although there is a chill and scary breeze wafting from its entrance.

Guard Posts
Guard Post A - 2 Uzko & 4 Enlo Warriors
Guard Post B - 1 Uzko, 1 Uzdo & 2 Enlo Warriors
Guard Post C - 1 Uzko & 2 Enlo Warriors
Guard Post D - 1 Uzdo Warrior