Worlde Arcane: The Great Hall Of Guilds:
Skyld Clan Clurlok

Clurlok Clan The Clurlok clan is currently the head clan of Skylding Hall. Their leader is the charismatic Syuta, Empress of Skylding Hall. She is advised exclusively by three men: her future husband, the enigmatic Loku; her dark lover, Damion; and Kjallkar, the clan's spiritual leader. As the new leaders of Skylding Hall, they have begun plans of extending Skylding Hall's trade farther in the Worlde, and establishing the growing village as a dominant power. The clan is very closed-mouthed about any other plans that it might have concerning Skylding Hall. Only members who have proven themselves trustworthy know those plans, and only four people know them all. Contacting the Clan: There are two methods in which someone seeking to offer his or her services to the Clurlok may contact them. First, there is a trading post within the Dark Forest. This post is run by an older man (He is simply called Old Hunter, even by himself), not of Skyld birth, who accepts applicants and issues the orders of the clan to the recruits. The second method is by approaching a war-band leader, or Wyborn, and requesting to join his band. The war-bands are by nature more difficult to find entrance into, and anyone seeking a place in the clan is urged to speak with Old Hunter. Of course, the daring may try appealing to Clan Clurlok directly, at their Great Hall. Individuals may also be invited into the clan. However, invitations are rare and not to be expected. They are the result of services rendered that have attracted the Empress', or her advisors’ attention. One should also note that invitations do not change the order of progression in rank, especially for those that are not clan born. The Clurlok clan does not prevent anyone from joining their ranks, though they do not always appear welcoming. Everyone, even those who are clan born, must progress through the ranks in a similar manner. Individual progression, however, can become more difficult for those not clan born (Gjest). With women progression in rank is more difficult. Requirements for Application: -All applicants are to swear a blood oath of fidelity and loyalty to the Empress and Clurlok. Applicants are warned that breaking this oath will result in painful suffering, and therefore encouraged to not enter into the bond without complete willingness. -All individuals are expected to tend to duties and missions with utmost haste and precision. Failure, and extensive time frames are looked down upon greatly. -The individual must be willing to follow the mandates of the Empress and her advisors without question. -The individual should be silent in dealing with strangers in clan matters. The goings-on of the Clurlok clan are considered private matters, and not to be discussed with outsiders. Individuals are expected to give no outward sign of belonging to the clan. Though clan born cannot hide their appearances, the clan name is often not spoken. -Though it is not necessary, experience with weaponry is advised. -Though it is not necessary, ability and experience in sustaining oneself while traveling is advised. -All Clan members must identify themselves with this badge: Ranks: First Rank- Kort Gilby is the lowest of ranks that can be held by clan-born and Gjest. Kort Gilbies are not servants in the sense of daily duties devoted to household chores. Instead a Kort Gilby is expected to act as a manservant or maidservant to one clan member. They are treated with respect and given the basic needs and more comforts than a regular servant. At this rank, a clan-born youth or a Gjest learn what it is to be loyal to the clan. They also will learns about the idiosyncrasies of the clan. To enter into this rank, one must be of 16 seasons or older. To progress to the next rank one more demonstrate true loyalty to the clan and their master, recite the history of the Clurlok, enter into a spiritual journey, and pledge their services to the clan. Upon entering these rites, the individual will be tattooed with a stylized flame, and from hence forth be attached to the clan- after this rite is taken, leaving the Clurlok clan is difficult at best.. Second Rank- Svend Gilby, the second rank in progression, allows for the Gjest and Clan-born to establish relationships among the other clan members. They are provided a mat in a communal lodge as well as with all basic needs. A Svend Gilby can at anytime, however, be called upon to act as a messenger for the Empress. The duties of a Svend Gilby are not limited to acting as messengers, but they are also given simple tasks or missions that allow them to prove their readiness for progression. In order to reach the next rank, Svend Gilby must prove three things: cunning, bravery, and wisdom. Third Rank- Ottar is the third rank within the Clurlok clan. This is the highest rank a Gjest may achieve without becoming a 'blood brother'. A Gjest must find some way to become a 'blood brother'. This can be accomplished by marriage, or the voucher of a higher ranked clansman. As an Ottar, individuals are allowed to find their own home and are given a pig as well as provided with basic needs. However, since a salary is now earned, so the amount of free goods available is decreased. An Ottar becomes a member of a war-band. War-bands, contrary to their name, do not raid or pillage. A war-band is responsible for patrolling the streets, outlying countryside, and escorting the Empress. The skill of a war-band is reflected in their post, guarding the Empress being the highest of honors. Each band is made up of 10 to 12 individuals and lead by a Wyborn. Fourth Rank- Wyborn is the fourth rank of progression. The post is achieved through dedication and long service. Knowledge of tactics and learning has been known to help individuals achieve this rank. A hierarchy of power has been separately established by the Wyborn in order to determine command. Upon reaching this rank, Wyborn are presented with a horse, two pigs and two chickens. Fifth Rank- Alvis Booth, meaning wise herald, is the rank held by the clan chief's advisors. This rank is achieved only through the appointment of the clan chief. Sixth Rank- OsBodic, meaning Holy Leader, is the rank held by the clan chief and spouse This rank is only achieved by marriage into the chieftain's family, named as successor, or hostile force. It is considered, from the past, to be bad luck if one tries to 'take' the rank with force. The OsBodic is believed to be in powered by the grace of clan's god, and defiance of the deity is considered taboo. Loss of Rank and Punishments: Loss of rank in the Clurlok Clan is the result of repeated failure in tasks, insubordination, and stealing are all punishable by demotion. Cowardice and the breaking of the blood oaths are punishable by death. Leaving the clan, even will the good graces of it’s leaders, requires that the Clan Symbol, a stylized tattoo of a flame, is marred. There is no retuning if an individual leaves, is removed, or exiled from the Clurlok. Notable Figures in the Clan Clurlok- Syuta, Empress of Skylding Hall- Clan Clurlok (OsBordic) The Empress is a beautiful woman, whose grace goes far beyond any other Skyld's. Though she seems to be 7 feet tall when she holds court, she is actually only 5 feet, 5 inches in height. Her hair is long and the color of fire. Her clothes are rich, silken, and imported from a mysterious contact. Syuta is unlike any Emperor before her. Damion, Advisor to the Empress (Alvis Booth) A silent man that few know anything about. The Clurlok Clan is rather hush mouthed (more so than usual) about him, and he can only be seen in the dead of night. Since his arrival, several unexplained events have occurred. It is recommended that one does not cross his path alone at night, or ever. Loku, The Clurlok Trickster (Alvis Booth, OsBordic) A man with long, bright red hair and an odd brownish streak covered in a few small braids, and a few hawk feathers. His bright green eyes almost always look amused about something, but there's a look of the warrior who'll do anything for those he's loyal to, as well. Three silver hoop earrings are in his right ear and two are in his left. He wears a simple tunic, leggings, and boots as well as a fur cloak. There is a red, stylized tattoo of fire on the back of his right hand. Kjallakr, Loyal Shaman of the Clurlok Clan (Alvis Booth) The Shaman is covered with tattooed runes, bone necklaces, and charms and his dull red blonde hair is braided in small locks all about. He dresses in a woolen kilt, and his chest is bare even in the harsh north land. His eyes hold a mystical light in them. He spends much of his time debating with Loku, and aims to please the Empress any way he can. =====

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