[GUILD] Bloodstone Brethren

[Ulfer]

^{"Alone we are rocks, united we stand with the strength of a mountain." ~ Ulfer Knalgan.}

[This is the initial backstory, it is written so the lore of the clan can endure, and added upon as the clan progresses with age... much room for imagination, and roleplaying opportunities (within the PS settings/world.) We plan to have several tomes based on The Brethrens History.]

Tired. Weary. Hungry. Dragging of foot. Bent of back. Thus were the dwarfs who emerged from the doom of the darkness after the flight from the Stone Labyrinths.

I would know, fer I was one of them.

Baruden Etewack, Glaven Wellington, Bakin Fundison, Kuchare Lenang un’ myself Ulfer Knalgan hobbled into Hydlaa, a sorry lot of refugees we were. Bakin bled from the wound on his leg, his slashed limb no equal fer the leagues of miles we had traveled. Barudens back was stooped, his beard skirting along the floor. Glaven remained clutched in my hand, its hunken weight making numb the muscles in my arm. Kuchare... nay a hint of what thoughts collected in his mind. He had spoken n'ear at all since the Brethren had fallen against the terrors of the tunnels.

Entered the city we did, where many a guard directed us to the great plaza where other travellers were housed on cots un' blankets. Wi'h weary strides we stumbled down the steps to the fountain, looking fer a place to collapse upon our bedrolls un’ finally, blissfully, find the peace of sleep. But a fussy un' fraught Ylian stepped in our path un' demanded we gave our names, which he scribed into a leather-bound tome.

"Take what space there is, as you can see... accommodations are full, so you'll have to make do."

It was a hard task to find empty space in the plaza, fer many bodies were huddled together from all corners of Yliakum - many unfamiliar ones too! Nai fer the first time, I wondered if we had blundered by not following the others out that day, perhaps it would have been a far better ending than the sad un' somber image of a group of dwarfs yielding to injuries.

We lay down our gear next to a Klyros who went to Bakins side to lighten the suffering. Un’ while we longed to tumble to the stone floor un’ get our first rest in weeks, a duty remained still. I opened the iron-bound chest thet contained the Bloodstone relics, un’ from wi’hin I pulled out the Codex of Stone, insignia emblazoned upon it. I handed it to Baruden, whose back straightened un 'whose brow furrowed as he scanned the pages.

“Many will come. Nay worry, Sovereign.”

His final word froze my breath, un’ I managed a weak nod before turning away. “Sovereign,” Baruden said. A rock on my shoulders it was, a weight I was nai ready to carry un’ nai wanted to have. Spoken aloud, it staked certain truths ignored since the long journey. Such thoughts kept me awake long after the torches dimmed in the city. Yet as I gazed upon my companions un', one by one, watched them fall into slumber, comfort was found in the certainty of duty. Duty to my kin, my clan, myself. Duty to Bloodstone. I joined them in sleep.

How long we rested I know nai, but I was first to arise many hours later. I found a small grin, the first in weeks, as I looked at Kuchare, snoring, only matched by the noise of a thunderclacker, drowning out the murmuring from the other gathered people. I pulled on my boots un’ meandered throughout the plaza in search of provisions, fer I suspected my kin would soon awake wi’h a rumbling in their bellies to match my own.

It was then thet the main gates swung open, at thet very day it began. A slow trickle became a steady stream, became a river, until wave after wave of travelers came through Hydlaa. As each person came into sight, we would look wi’h hope of spotting some of our kin. In those moments I vowed to protect clan leadership, I had placed destruction un’ survival on the scales; survival proved the heavier.

“There be more who survived, or many who wish to join our cause. Many more. Bloodstone clan remains open to them!”

Un’ the words ring true. Fer those who survived the battle un’ escaped wi’h their beards, they have heard the call un’ rallied to our banner once more. Distant blood un’ kin have also found us in Hydlaa. Many are those who answered the call of our ancestors un’ arrived at the gates bearing the mark of a warrior, ready to take up arms in the name of our clan, our kin, our race.

Fallen to me it has to write this epoch of our clan’s lore, yet I leave empty space at the bottom of the parchment. This part of our history is nai complete, fer there are many deeds un’ tales yet to come. From this moment ferward, we rebuild, repair, resupply, un’ reload. When the Lore Master who follows me takes up the quill, this chapter shall nai be of defeat, or of woe, or of despair. It shall be ripe wi’h tales of victory, of valour, of decimation of the accursed that drove us from the tunnels.

We, my fellow Dwarfs of Bloodstone, shall write this chapter together.

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OOC:

The Bloodstone Brethren is a Dwarf clan with the primary objective to provide the members with a solid community of like-minded friends aimed at becoming a great Dwarf Clan for all types of players. Brethren's founded on role playing but needless to say, it offers something for everyone - equal emphasis on both roleplaying and the PvP aspects.

As a clan, it is about its kinsmen, given our previous experiences of community games, a Clan where the members are altruistic and thinks not what others can do for them but what they can do for others benefits everyone in the long-run. We will therefore expect all players to undertake their responsibilities towards each other and to the clan. Our main ambition is that the Bloodstone Clan will be a rewarding clan with a large number of friendly and active players who have a great time together. Our secondary ambition is that we the Bloodstone Clan will be a great Dwarf force, respected and known throughout Yliakum.

Becoming an Oath Taker will require the average player to dedicate about 2-4 days  to the entire tasking process (minus the week activity requirement). Some Dwarfs might roll their eyes at that prospect, and that’s okay, because if that seems like too much effort to put forth in the coming days, there’s a good chance that The Bloodstone Brethren isn't for you. Remember, the Oath Taker initiation phase exists in order for you to get to know us, and for us to get to know you.

For those who feel that the clan’s philosophies don’t quite match up with your own, there are no hard feelings if you wish to move on to another guild. We wish you all the best.

For those who are willing to put the effort into becoming a member of The Brethren, then your future with us will be fraught with danger, excitement, large kegs of beer, and more tefu-smashin' and clacker-crushin' fun than ought to be legal!

For more information, contact myself or one of our Elders in game.

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Oath Taker: All Bloodstones have a rigid sense of honour that is centered upon a bond or promise. Oath-takers must swear a solemn and sacred oath to abide by and respect the Codex of Stone. Oaths are of special importance for The Brethren and will therefore place great significance on the actual fulfillment of this Oath.

Blacksmith: Bloodstones have a great reverence for old things, valuing them for their memories and associations. A skilled Dwarf craftsman reveres great pride in their work and so lives on through it and forms a tangible connection to the past. The preservation and continuing use of such an item is a form of respect and veneration for its creator.

Lore Master: Hoarding wealth is the greatest passion among Bloodstones They are a steadfast race and work hard for their riches and possessions. Rare and valuable items are passed down through generation to generation and so a Clans treasury is held most dear, as it is both a source of wealth and a bond formed between kin. No Bloodstone feels secure unless their treasure hoard is heaped high enough for them to sit on!

Metallurgist: Dwarfs are the greatest miners and tunnelers in Yliakum, they delve deep beneath the surface for metals, precious gems, and whatever other mineral wealth buried in the depths. These raw materials are tended in furnaces to form perfect stocks, ready for use by craftsmen.

Warrior: The Dwarfs have always been famed for their sturdiness of build, and the Warriors are a testament to their kin. A Warrior is a master of combat and their duty is to hold a battle line, and to take a heavy toll on those who try to break it. As the line marches forward, they act to secure its hard-won advance, for Warriors can hold a patch of earth with the single-minded tenacity of an oak.

Guardian: Guardians are the elite of The Brethrens Warriors and are selected from the bravest and most aggressive Dwarfs to serve as the Bloodstone's most elite guards. The Guardian is an embodiment of endurance and is characterized by sheer stubbornness and refusal to go down even under the heaviest of blows. It is said that there are few warriors in Yliakum who can boast they are as tough as a Guardian, and none that can prove it.

Cleric: The Brethren are a very religious clan, giving praise to both their patron God, Laanx, as well as respect for their own departed dead. Though the time of Laanx walking among them is long over, the effect it had upon the Brethren is profound. The teachings of Laanx had given rise and influenced Bloodstone lifestyle. While every Bloodstone worships Laanx, like religions elsewhere in Yliakum there are priests who tend to the cares of the people and ensure the teachings of their religion are never forgotten.

Elder: Dwarfs live to a very grand age. The relative length and fullness of a Dwarf's beard indicate how old and wise he is - hence, Dwarfs are immensely proud of their beards and never cut or trim them. Whatever they are doing, if Brethren's are in any doubt as to how to proceed, they look to the Dwarf with the longest beard to tell them what to do. He provides what is invariably the wisest solution.

[Eliseth]

Excellent, I really like what you've done here. I've met a couple from this clan in game already, they're very nice to RP with.

Congratulations on a job well done. 

Eliseth

[Ulfer]

Thank you Eliseth, and I'd like to take the opportunity to say what a unique and great guild/club yours is! I don't use the forums as much as perhaps I should but I've read both here, in this forum section and interacted with members of The Waddling Yulbers in game and I'd like to say that the concept and whole idea is both fantastic and very adorable

[Zan]

I'll be looking forward to encounter this clan in-game. Very nice job!

[Mathy Stockington]

This is a great idea Ulfer. I applaud you.

I have seen many good guilds come and go. May yours have a long life and prosper through the years.

[Shaman]

Someone from this guild in the tavern said "anyone want a fight but not to kill each other?", followed by me being challenged to a duel, and him equipping his swords.

[Leandros]

Someone from this guild in the tavern said "anyone want a fight but not to kill each other?", followed by me being challenged to a duel, and him equipping his swords.

Clearly this bothered you enough to mention it, so I deeply apologize for the actions of my guildmate.  I hope to see you in game all the same.

[Shaman]

It didn't really bother me, but I imagine I wasn't the only one who got challenged. I'm just saying that roleplaying could be a little more strongly enforced.

[Bamko]

FIrst... Not a member of this guild, Or any... But... If you want a guild to "enforce" roleplay, you need to do 2 things..... IMHO

First... contact a guildmate and tell them what and WHO did it.  "someone from your guild" is not very helpful.... and this is not the proper thread for that... again.. IMHO

and second... A Hammerwielder(stonecrusher?) in a tavern (and probably drinking too... the horror..   ) challenges everyone to a fight.. but does not actually attack anyone who does not accept the challenge?  sounds like good roleplaying to me... In fact, an honorable warrior at that.  I would imagine many who can not hold their beverages as well might of sucker-punched you.  and that too would of been good RPing!  (if allowed).  I can see the tavern in Hydlaa being a safer spot though... though I bet the one in Oja gets a shaking on nights when the drinks run heavy... Just do not challenge Trasok when he has had a few... Never seen him start a fight... seen him finish a few though... heh he he.. (how is that for RP?)

It didn't really bother me, but I imagine I wasn't the only one who got challenged. I'm just saying that roleplaying could be a little more strongly enforced.

from:

Someone from this guild in the tavern said "anyone want a fight but not to kill each other?", followed by me being challenged to a duel, and him equipping his swords.

[Shaman]

People aren't allowed to equip their swords in a tavern as far as I know, and an honorable warrior wouldn't want to duel in a public place to begin with. In fights like that, a lot of people may get in the crossfire. I already informed someone from the guild about who it was.

[Ulfer]

This has been dealt with accordingly and the person in question has been warned for such actions, and not lightly either. I do not condone any such action in Hydlaa, or anywhere, however, in his defense he is new to the Guild, and is a Warrior among us and when the beer is flowing anything could happen though yes, the issue is a delicate one and more RP is needed to distinguish between sheer drunken behavior or malice. I have already set up duelling sessions to curb some of the aggression of  our fighters It is not the way of The Brethren to engage in combat and/or looking for trouble but having said that, do not be surprised if you find weapons drawn on you if one feels insulted or feel it necessary...

[Ulfer]

FAQ

Q: Tell us a little about Bloodstone Brethren. What prompted you to found the clan, and how has it grown since?

Ulfer [IC]: A little bit? Are ya in a rush to be gettin somewhere 'o what eh lad? A Dwarf ne'ar rush through any tale, especially one 'o Bloodstone Brethren. Now 'ave a seat 'n listen up, ye might learn somethin'...

Ulfer [OOC]: Bloodstone Brethren was formed in March 2008 in game, we are a Dwarf-only clan which focuses on the PvP and RP aspects of the game. The clan was originally founded for Dwarf players, but over the months has narrowed its focus to cater to Dwarf enthusiasts who enjoy PvP and/or RP. Some may wonder what the difference is between Dwarf players and Dwarf enthusiast. Well, a Dwarf player is by definition someone who plays a Dwarf "Got a beard and a pulse? Great, you're in!" That's not what we're about. Dwarf enthusiasts on the other hand are people who always pick Dwarfs as their main characters, rarely, if ever, play other races. Generally Dwarfs are stubborn, loyal, and mature. That's what we're about.

Q: What sort of role system do you have within your clan?

Ulfer [IC]: *Stares blankly at the tankard-less table in front of him and grudgingly answers*

Ulfer [OOC]: We have one Sovereign (Guild Leader - Me!) who sets the direction for the clan and ensures that the goals stated are met. Elders, depends on the size of the clan, are named to work closely with Oath Takers and provide counsel to the Sovereign. Other experienced members are promoted to the role of Guardian (Group Leader) which train with duelers in fighting, and move the Bloodstone fighting force around during large scale events. Those are leadership positions, special titles given to those deemed suitable by the Sovereign.

We also have other function-specific positions to help run the clan, these include, Blacksmiths, Clerics, Lore Masters, Warriors, and Metallurgists. Lastly, we have a points system based on the recognition of accomplishments such as becoming a full member, hitting maximum level, or achieving set tasks.

Q: Can you discuss your application process?

Ulfer [IC]: I suppose, but it be customary to buy a drink after every question. By my count yer about two drinks behind, three if ya be countn' this quesiton. Since ye obviously unaware of this long-standin Dwarf tavern tradition, I'll answer, but ye better have a frothy tankard ready 'fore ya ask yer next one!

Ulfer [OOC]: Our application is not too lengthy though prospective members are seriously considered.

Anyways, if the Dwarf is seen, in game, to be a good mature person, with some RP knowledge, then the person in question is invited into the clan to begin their trial period. Oath Taker is then given access to some of our membership forums.

The trial period concludes for all Oath Takers at the end of their week at which time our Guild holds a vote on prospective members. The Sovereign and the Elders can vote "AYE," "NAY" or "WHO?" vote is the same thing as saying "I never got to know this applicant." This vote is based on in-game activity and general attitude and behavior. Get more WHO votes then AYE votes and you're out with no chance to re-apply (basically less than 50% AYE votes means expulsion) So, it pays to be active during your trial period. Now, if you get one NAY vote, then you're out with no chance to re-apply... you'd probably also have your beard shaved... just kidding.

Q: No doubt the qualities you value in applicants also reflect the qualities of the clan as a whole. What are they?

Ulfer [IC]: *Takes a long series of gulps from the tankard presented before him and wipes the foam from his mustache"

Good, ye be rememberin the long-standing Dwarf tavern tradition. See? Yer learnin somethin' after all!

Ulfer [OOC]: We value Dwarf roleplaying, maturity, teamwork and  PvP. An applicant's values should be in line with our own as we're not likely to change them anytime soon. If you show characteristics that lend themselves to the above values then we probably want you as a member.

Q: What's your stance on training? Do you require members to conform to certain uniforms or skills?

Ulfer [IC]: Why, the same thing you'd expect from any proper Dwarf unit 'o course! Expect us to be tough, stubborn, fearless and grudge-filled.

Ulfer [OOC]: All Members wear the Mercenary Helm, only the leadership titles have earned the right to wear the horns of the Battle Helm or members who have accomplished every task asked of them. The horns signify strength within the clan, resembling true Dwarfs of Bloodstone, so must only be worn by those who can demonstrate its importance through skill and title. As for armor, it is not so much an issue - clad in whatever you wish, however, some titles require training in certain armors to ensure the most efficient and best course is reached in terms of combat.

As for training in general, the tasks deemed for certain titles is for guidance only, it's voluntary, as mentioned, to ensure you are getting the most out of your chosen role within the clan. Fortunately we don't have to force our members to pick certain skills or titles. Our members want to be successful in whatever we do and I've found that every single member of our clan always ends up picking the best combinations for what  our clan goals are without any pressure from the Sovereign.

Q: What's your stance on "Alternate Characters?"

Ulfer [IC]: Alternate Characters? What in the name of Laanx are you blabbering about!? If you hear voices in that head 'o yours that's your business! I'll stick to the company of others, thanks...

Ulfer [OOC]: Hmm... Alt Characters are a No. Playing Alt Characters along side your Dwarf character is a no, and definite, no, to multiple account mining - if you join Bloodstone Brethren it is as a committed Dwarf and training other characters, as far as I am concerned, it's not only cheating, but a waste of tria, time, and resources (and of course against PS rules.) However, alt characters are allowed for questing to obtain rewards you've previously lost, or perhaps a quest was bugged? Also, alt characters can be used as "mules" to carry certain equipment. I'd prefer if this was limited as much as possible.

[Sktn]

For those who feel that the clan’s philosophies don’t quite match up with your own, there are no hard feelings...

Are you sure of that, Ulfer? I don't think so.

[Ulfer]

For those who feel that the clan’s philosophies don’t quite match up with your own, there are no hard feelings...

Are you sure of that, Ulfer? I don't think so.

Sakatun, the goals and aims are clear to see and you were told prior to joining Bloodstone Brethren... you left the Guild on your own accord, which I now feel was the right thing to do. If you wish to discuss it further then by all means... I'm actually intrigued as to why you've made that 'comment.' I've done nothing to go against what I had typed and I expect every member to do the same... there are no hard feelings at all.

A Clan where the members are altruistic and thinks not what others can do for them but what they can do for others benefits everyone in the long-run. We will therefore expect all players to undertake their responsibilities towards each other and to the clan.

At the time, it was the method of which you responded that bothered me, and the events that lead up to the point of you leaving... the issue in question took place when I took some much needed time away from PS. I was actually quite disappointed more than anything, to discover what had happened from members upon logging on... it's a shame to lose you, but we're not for you, as you've implied and demonstrated.

I'm wondering as to why it took you nearly two months to discover this? You expressed no concerns or problems to myself or any other member to my knowledge... and accepted a true membership title with no complaint, having gone through your time as Oath Taker. You know as well as I do the real reason as to why you left...

In future, please, all issues are to be stated clearly and sent via a PM... this is supposed to be a promotional thread topic - I've put alot of effort into this thread and I'd prefer not to look at it and see nothing but negative comments of which I feel the Guild and/or I personally don't deserve. Thank you.

[Zan]

New guilds are usually greeted like this, with a lots of hints, tips and advice. As a guild leader you have to be able to withstand some criticism on this forum but just because everyone tells you how they'd do it in your place doesn't mean you have to listen to them all. Take that which you think would improve your guild and apply it, kindly ignore the rest.

I've seen plenty of positive comments here, not all negative. Of course we never like to hear what we can do different or better. Still, taking it to PMs kills the discussion and refrains you from getting multiple opinions on something. In my opinion, this is exactly what the guild threads are for ... advice on improvement and announcing changes within the guild structure on the first post.