Difference between revisions of "Clan Skelgard"

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Clan Skelgard

Description

"Better to fight and fall than to live without cause."

— Skelgard's saying

Clan Skelgard is an ancient Kiffar clan of Kiffex and ourvir of Clan Nah`utal. Skelgard's differs from others clans in that facial tattoo of the clan is applied to all existing members who wish to be part of the clan and willingly participate in ancient ritual where they procure a skin or a pelt of a hunted animal. They have been known to be fierce, independent and enthusiastic warriors and artisans, and many become renowned mercenaries and traders all over Kiffex. Because Skelgards have mostly been living on Kiffex and only rarely ventured outside the boundaries of the Azurbani system, they have been for most part unheard off in the galaxy at large and only have been known to Northern Kiffar communities. Skelgards can also trace an unbroken Kiffar lineage that extends almost eons back and as such the clan somewhat prides on being pure Kiffar's and have developed Kiffarcentric view that is being passed down to children through their parents. Most Skelgards who live on Kiffex prefer to wear armor that has been made from animal skins and furs that they have personally skinned and acquired or cotton clothing that has been made on a traditional loom. The traditional Skelgard outfit also includes merganrok, a cloak that has been given to an young adult and which has been sewn by his or hers parents. The cloak to outsiders is just a piece of clothing, but to the Skelgard's it symbolizes parents willingness to let their child go in the world while still maintaining their support and love.

Skelgard's traditionally wear armor that has been made from the pelts and hide.

Skelgard traditional merganrok (cloak) that is given by parents to their children when they reach adulthood.

Skelheim Greathall

Skelheim Greathall is the clan's main household and it is situated in the densely forested foothills near the northern parts of Kiffex. It was a dark, primal place, where the old forest had laid untouched for ten thousand years. The homestead itself looked like an old rustic great hall fashioned from the nearby great oaks, coupled with adjourning smaller buildings and an small mine shaft that led in the mountainside and to the Skelgard family fortunes that laid below the ground. Ancient crypt of Bleak Falls, where Skelgard dead were being buried was situated not far from the Skelheim Greathall itself.

Recent History

There are deep divide between Skelgard's and Brynald's even when there are strong blood relations.

During the late days of the Great War on Kiffex, the clan was split in two by Augamor Skelgard who established his own clan called Clan Brynald. The divide was over the deep political issues that revolved around the Galactic Civil war, but there are rumors that the issue was more of a personal nature as Vizimir, the brother of Augamor and the chief of the clan, married the love interest of his brother. Whatever the issue was, Augamor tried to kill his brother and after the failed attempt, he convinced many of the Vizimir’s retainers, including close family members, to follow and join in the rebellion against the Galactic Empire and against Vizimir's leadership. Augamor also took a new surname of Brynald and a new clan symbol of a bear. Ever since then there have been rivalry between the clans and even open skirmishes that set blood relatives at each other’s throats long after the Kiffar civil war.

Symbols

Clan symbol - The Raven

Clan Qukuuf (facial tattoo) pattern

Clan symbol is a raven that is usually painted over the war banners or hulls of the clan ships. It also serves as basis for the clan's Qukuuf (facial tattoo). In ancient clan tales it was said that Skelgard Raven was believed to forebode death and ill omen to anyone who dared to cross them on ill intentions. The qukuuf itself was separated into three parts; wings, tale and 4 circles of life.

• The Wings: applied below the eyes and symbolizes the protection from illness, and disease. In old clan tales it is said that any symbol that was worn besides the eyes induced fear in the enemies, and protected against the abuse of power.

• The Tale: applied above the lips and on the chin, it symbolized resolve in ones dedication to things and willpower to go on.

• The 4 circles of Life: applied on the forehead. Pattern represents the stepping of fulfilling life. The four circles symbolize four things: life, happiness, family and strength. The last one means that only with strength of mind and body, one will be able to protect and safeguard the other three things.

Clan Members

Ylvia Skelgard - Daughter of the Clan Head Vizimir Skelgard