Clan Origins

A sister clan to Clan Goldmane, Kainelon split from her brother Arell and founded Silvermane for some reason unknown to many, though some believe that Arell refused to sell illegal goods, and angered, Kainelon disappeared with those who followed her into the depths of Galgvidr; developing a hub of trade similar to her brother’s but which ran below, along the shady narrow pathways of those who did not wish to stand in the light.

Clan Culture & Values

While Clan Silvermane may not shy away from engaging in morally ambiguous activities, they are masters of discretion when it comes to their alliances and rivalries, choosing to present a facade of unwavering neutrality to the outside world – or so it seems. This enigmatic clan caters to the shrewd and unscrupulous, where wargs have no qualms about bartering or eliminating anything if the price is right. Joining the ranks of Clan Silvermane is no simple feat. Aspiring members are faced with a daunting task: they must successfully steal a highly prized item from a member of another clan, proving their cunning and resourcefulness in the process.

Bloodstones

Bloodstones are carved from opal with subtle white lettering. Most stones are difficult to read without close inspection, which most of the clan members prefer. 

Death Rites

Within the clan, a noticeable division exists regarding their practices for handling the deceased. One segment adheres to the traditions of their Goldmane ancestors, interring their departed loved ones with their personal belongings. Yet, in a prudent effort to protect these valuable items, they frequently set up intricate traps around or within the burial sites, deterring any opportunistic individuals. In contrast, another substantial segment of the clan leans toward an alternative custom, advocating for the cremation of the deceased. These members believe that by immolating their deceased, the individuals carry their secrets with them into the next life, ensuring that no precious knowledge falls into the wrong hands.

Clan Politics

Clan Festivals & Events

Jarl Naming

The naming of a Silvermane's Jarl is shrouded in secrecy, an enigmatic event known to only a select few within the clan. The main event is a large party, the location of which changes with every Jarl, and is only shared with a select few. That information is then sold and traded among the members until the event itself. Anyone who doesn’t show is considered inferior to their peers for failing to garner the information. At the start of the event, the Jarl appears donned in runes painted in bulls' blood and leads a chant. 

The surface festivities seem like a typical feast, featuring food, games, and gambling. However, the truth of the Jarl's naming remains hidden. Prior to the clan's assembly, the Jarl, along with a handful of top clan members, convene in a secluded chamber. These members, the clan's secret keepers, are extremely selective in their choice and guard the ritual with utmost discretion. Only about a half dozen clan members know of this ritual's existence, and they do not welcome newcomers lightly. To speak of it to unapproved ears is to earn a one-way trip to a “sudden fatal illness” for the offender and everyone who they might have told. 

Much like a Stonewarg's birth ritual, the Jarl's naming starts with a bull's sacrifice. Its blood fills a large bowl as the elders chant in Henje, the tongue of the oracles, submerging the Jarl-to-be's head until they "see the summit of the Helgafjell." The meaning of these words remains a mystery to the Silvermane, but they understand the power they hold—a gift received centuries ago, and they believe it initiates what follows. After resuscitation, the Jarl is adorned with runes, and the elders impart the entirety of the clan's secrets.

Although the vast majority of the clan remains oblivious to the existence of this ritual, they often sense a transformation in their Jarls, describing them as "changed" leaders, significantly different from their initial expectations. This secrecy and transformation contribute to the enigmatic nature of Silvermane leadership.

Thane Naming

The Thane's naming in Clan Silvermane is an exclusive and private affair. Only those personally invited by the Jarl are granted access, resulting in relatively small gatherings. In contrast to the grandeur of the Jarl's naming ceremony, the Thane's naming is a more subdued event. It primarily revolves around a meal and the sharing of wine, interwoven with the exchange of closely guarded secrets. During this gathering, attendees are expected to reveal their knowledge to the new Thane. At first glance, this might appear as a valuable opportunity for the Thane to gather information and wisdom. However, it's essential to note that the Jarl plays a pivotal role in handpicking the information that the Thane is permitted to access. While Silvermane Jarls and Thanes often share a close bond, this isn't always the case.

Famously, Jarl Kare apparently hated her new thane, Hallr with such a burning passion they didn’t invite anyone to their naming. Instead, the two shared a glass of wine in silence before retiring for the evening, where, in the morning, the thane was discovered dead. Rumor has it the jarl poisoned the wine, but of course, no one was around to confirm the story.