Clan Origins

Clan Ulfang emerged from a legion of Stonewarg in the western reaches of Jotunheim, led by a formidable warg named Belderon. In an age marked by precarious alliances and self-serving motives, Belderon's name resonates throughout history as the indomitable leader who dared to challenge the conventional. It is said that Belderon embarked on a perilous ascent of Drakrall, the shrouded peak that dominates the landscape above Ulfang Keep, in search of the forgotten relic known as Drakarblås. This legendary horn was rumored to grant its possessor the extraordinary ability to command dragons. Atop the mountain, he found not just the coveted artifact, but the ancient leader of dragons known as Valtharn, the Voice of the Peaks. It was evident that Valtharn had suffered a grievous injury, and as Belderon explored further, he uncovered the harrowing remnants of a recent tragedy. Valtharn's nest, once cradling precious eggs that held the promise of future generations, had been ruthlessly raided, and the eggs of her young lay shattered and lifeless. Moved by the devastation he witnessed, and rather than exploiting the dragon's vulnerability for personal gain, he chose compassion and empathy over seizing the relic.

Belderon tended to Valtharn's wounds and offered to pledge the strength and unwavering loyalty of Clan Ulfang to safeguard Drakrall and the dragons from future raids for all time, ensuring that the mighty creatures would never again suffer the injustices that had befallen them. Valtharn, moved by Belderon's selflessness, discerned that this warg stood apart from any others she had ever met, and together they forged a pact. This unprecedented alliance bestowed Clan Ulfang unparalleled strength and a formidable authority in an era when Jotunheim's rugged expanse was untamed and fraught with peril. The clan, nurtured by their founder's audacious spirit, embraced their core values with unyielding resolve. Strength coursed through their veins, justice guided their actions, fortitude shielded them from adversity, dominance asserted their authority, and ambition fueled their relentless pursuit of greatness. In time, Clan Ulfang's dragon-forged might not only secured their dominance but also played a pivotal role in upholding order and stability in Jotunheim during Valbrand's reign.

Clan Culture & Values

The warriors of Ulfang are renowned for their fearlessness in the face of death and their ferocity in combat. To become a true member of Clan Ulfang, a warg once had to undergo the Rite of the Drekirani, a tradition that served as a rigorous test of courage, resourcefulness, and their connection to the legacy of Belderon's Pact and his ascent of Drakrall. Traditionally, amid the towering spires of the now-lost Ulfang Keep, clan hopefuls embarked on a grueling journey to summit the mountain above the fortress, armed with nothing but their courage, aiming to select a dragon egg from the treacherous peaks. The steep cliffs, icy slopes, and unpredictable weather of Drakrall tested the warg's physical and mental endurance, but the true challenge lay in eluding the wild dragons guarding their nests. Getting caught during the ascent marked failure, signifying that the warg was not yet prepared to safeguard one of the dragons' precious eggs. Conversely, those who reached the pinnacle of Drakrall undetected earned the privilege of selecting a dragon egg. This trophy wasn't a result of theft or subterfuge, but rather a testament to their skills and their worthiness to be entrusted with the future generation of dragons.

With the dragon egg in their possession, a precious and symbolic testament to their accomplishment, the warg commenced the treacherous descent to deliver their reward to the Jarl. Each egg successfully retrieved from the summit of Drakrall was safeguarded with great care, meticulously incubated, facilitating the development of a unique bond between the warg who retrieved it and the dragon contained within. The dragon that hatched from the egg became a companion and protector of the warg, fostering a lifelong partnership that contributed to the strength and authority of Clan Ulfang. With the unfortunate loss of Ulfang Keep, the tradition has evolved. Now, aspiring wargs must enter into a sacred blood pact with the clan Jarl, pledging their unyielding loyalty and vowing to contribute to the recovery of their ancestral home.

Bloodstones

Bloodstones are crafted from fire agate obtained from a secret location known exclusively to the most esteemed members of the clan. Legend has it that these stones were forged under the searing heat of dragon fire, imbuing them with a unique, iridescent quality. The runes etched into the stones radiate a mesmerizing, flickering golden glow, and they are said to hold within them the memory of the very dragon fire used in their creation.

Death Rites

A trial of the clan's value of fortitude, those closest to the deceased transport the body to Vánagandr on their shields- those with no warband or close kin are provided shield bearers and are attended to personally by the Jarl, Thane or a high standing clan member of their choosing. Once arriving at Vánagandr, the body is prepared and blessed by the High Priest of Fenrir. Foregoing food and rest over the course of three nights, those in attendance assist the temple priests with the construction of a funerary pyre and participate in the Kulning. At the end of the third night, before the sun rises, the shield bearers carry the body to its final resting place and offer libations to Fenrir before cutting and dedicating a lock of their own fur to the fallen. As the last of the offerings are made, the High Priest sounds the relic Drakarblås, summoning the deceased's dragon to light the pyre. Due to the current state of the world and the absence of Ulfang's dragons, the final step of the Ulfang rites cannot be performed.

Clan Politics

Clan Festivals & Events

Jarl Naming

A trial of the clan’s values of strength and fortitude, the new Jarl must ascend the summit of Drakrall above Ulfang Keep alone, carrying only the relic Drakarblås, without weapons or armor, and enter the nest of Valtharn - the home of the formidable dragon bound to Clan Ulfang through the ancient pact forged by Belderon. For a period of nine days, the Jarl must endure this solitary vigil atop the mountain, isolated within the heart of the dragon's lair. Upon the ninth day, as the sun dips below the horizon, the new Jarl emerges from the heart of the dragon's lair, accompanied by Valtharn herself. Together, they descend the treacherous slopes of Drakrall and make their way back to Ulfang Keep, where the entire clan eagerly awaits their return. The renewal of Belderon's Pact is a solemn and revered ceremony, conducted in the presence of the clan, in which the Jarl and Valtharn reaffirm the unbreakable bond between Clan Ulfang and the dragon-kind. As for the details of what transpires during this journey and the intimate exchange between the Jarl and the great dragon, these secrets remain guarded, passed down only through the hallowed line of Jarls who have had the honor of experiencing it firsthand.

Due to the unknown status of Ulfang Keep in the wake of the Cataclysm, the ascension of Skovald to the official position of Jarl remains in limbo. The traditional process of recognizing a new Jarl has been upended by the clan's displacement, leading to uncertainty and a sense of incompleteness within the clan. The absence of a formal recognition ceremony, in which Skovald would typically ascend Drakrall and participate in the pact renewal with Valtharn, has left both the Jarl and the clan in a unique and challenging position. Clan members, deeply rooted in tradition, are faced with the complex task of adapting their age-old customs to the new reality while preserving the core values that define them. Amidst the uncertainty, Clan Ulfang remains resolute in their determination to overcome adversity and to find a way to restore their traditions and sense of unity, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Thane Naming

Prospective thanes of Clan Ulfang must demonstrate their worth through a combat trial known as the 'Thane's Challenge.' This challenge ensures that only the most skilled and capable warriors ascend to the esteemed position of Thane. Wargs who aspire to take on this elevated role step forward and nominate themselves as candidates. If no warg steps up to claim the position, the Jarl will personally select the most qualified candidate to fill the role.

The combat trial is a grand spectacle, traditionally held in the vast Drakralli arena in Ulfang Keep, the city's largest public gathering space. It typically takes place during a major festival or clan-wide event, ensuring that the entirety of Clan Ulfang is present to witness the proceedings. The rules of the match are strict yet straightforward: combatants must engage in a series of one-on-one duels, showcasing their proficiency with a variety of weapons and strategies. The contenders are expected to display their fearlessness in the face of adversity and their ability to lead others by example. While the Thane is expected to be a formidable combatant, the focus is on the display of skill and strategy rather than causing injury.

The conditions for winning the combat trial are multifaceted, with each candidate being required to secure three consecutive duels without defeat to be eligible for consideration. Victory is not solely determined by defeating opponents in combat but also by displaying qualities such as honor, courage, and an ability to strategize. Judges appointed by the Jarl carefully observe the candidates throughout the trial, paying attention to their martial prowess, sportsmanship, and adherence to the clan's code of conduct. The trial concludes when the Jarl, often serving as the head judge, chooses the most suitable candidate for the role of Thane. The selection is not only based on the combat trial's outcome but also considers the individual's leadership qualities and their ability to represent Clan Ulfang with honor and integrity.

Once the new Thane is selected, they embark on a traditional hunt with the Jarl. The duration of these hunts can vary, with some pairs returning after a few days, while others may spend weeks in the wilderness. During this expedition, the Jarl and the new Thane discuss clan matters, exchange stories, and solidify their trust in each other. This age-old tradition reinforces the strong bond between the Jarl and the Thane, ensuring that the leaders are in sync, aligned in their visions, and prepared to guide Clan Ulfang through any challenges that lie ahead. The duo's success during this hunt is believed to hold prophetic significance. The better the trophy they bring back, be it a rare beast or a powerful foe, the more auspicious the omen for the clan's future, symbolizing their ability to conquer adversity and overcome challenges.

Yule Goat

Darykmor and Ulfang share a tradition of the Yule Goat. On odd numbered years, Ulfang builds a goat of logs and decorates it with cloth and bells at Drekar Hold on the border of the two clan territories. There is a small feast to its building in which Darykmor is invited to its crowning. However, at sunrise, the games begin! Darykmor has 10 days and 10 nights to burn the goat down. While actually fireproofing the goat is against the rules, just about everything else is fair game, leading to exceptionally elaborate war games. There is generally not one group set to burn or protect the goat, but several individual groups of friends generally choose to team up to execute their plans. If the goat remains unburnt at the end of the tenth night, Ulfang is named the winner and a joint feast is held.