La Blue Clan

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La Blue Clan is a Faction that resides on the Howling Isle, east of the Frozen North glacier of Templehelm.

Origins
In a distant land, inhabited by Eight Castles whose origin was unknown and power was absolute, two travelers stopped to rest their heads. Weary from their travels, they hoped to finally find some peace from their long journey. But the lands they had stopped in were harsh; covered in ice, and wolves stalking relentless, shelter would be needed. Forging axes, shovels, and picks, they set to their task, shelter in mind and exhaustion at their backs. Through the night the travelers worked and when dawn finally broke, a stone fort before them laid. Solid as the mountain which it rested upon, and sturdy as the trees which surrounded it, the travellers felt they could finally rest.

For three passings they slept, for their travels had been long and their journey even longer. On the dawn of the third day they woke, and taking their tools in hand, looked at each other and decided their travels were over and this would be home. But the mountains they had stopped in were not the only danger, for the lands themselves were turbulent and war was constantly raging. So without speaking, the two did agree, that resources must be gathered and power must be forged. Taking shovel, axe, and pick in hand again, they began their work. Cycle after cycle they silently worked, never stopping once in their vision of home. As time passed on, more travels appeared. Drawn to them by the magnificence of their work and by the glory of their goal, the two travelers soon became three, four, five, and on.

Finally, after the passing of countless cycles, on a dawn just like that which they had first awoken to, the two travelers and now hundreds of others which followed them, all set down their tools and admired the “home” which laid before them. It was amazing, massive hall, built upon a flat of stone which had been carved from the very mountains themselves and cemented in the forest’s own moss. A staircase countless in it’s steps led to it. One-hundred blocks high it stood, and eighty wide. It’s halls glowed with the light of a thousand candles, it’s ceiling vaulted above like the heavens themselves, it’s walls stood as tall and as firm as the god’s own legs, and it’s heart burned with the fire of the sun itself.

Finally, at the back of the hall there sat a lone throne. Carved from the deeps pines of the forest surrounding them and swathed in the silver blue and snow white pelts of the great mountain wolves, it was the toast of the hall. Sitting in it was the first traveler and standing at his side was the second. Silently they watched, as the people sang songs throughout the hall, toasted beer, and ate from the slow roast of the fire.

“It seems our travels truly have ended.” The second traveler whispered.

“Yes,” the first one spoke, “it seems they have.”

“What will we call it?” The second asked.

“Ulvene Hiet.” He rasped.

The second traveler laughed, “The Wolves Den, is it? And what shall we call these wolves who inhabit it?”

The first traveler was silent for some time then, as he gazed out into the crowd which now lingered before him. Then softly, like speaking words of great reverence he uttered, “La Blue.”

The hall went silent then, quiet as the dawn, as if everyone knew that what was about to be spoken would forever change history. Staring out into the silent faces, the first traveler stood and raising his face to the heavens bellowed, “We are La Blue!”

As the hall erupted with cheers, all across the lands people stopped and lifted their heads to the morning sky and trembled. For they too could feel it in the air… great change was on the horizon.

Historical Events
Ulvene Hiet Construction Begins: Herren and Frelsari begin construction on Ulvene Hiet in hopes of having a "home" to call their own. (First Era, Starving Wolves, Skyer-Formen)

Savas Tanrisi Joins: Stumbling upon the constructing duo, Savas is inspired by their silent labors and offers to join their clan. (First Era, Starving Wolves, Vinter-Former)

Ren Ridder Joins: Bringing gadgets and creations which marveled even the two builders, the "Silent Knight" joins the clan. (First Era, Starving Wolves, Delvis-Skyet)

Ulvene Hiet is Finished: Construction of Ulvene Hiet ends, all come to marvel. (Second Era, Wolf's Pack, Ulver-Samle)

Treverk Tispen Joins: Uncertain as to where he came from, Treverk came at a time of great growth, and was allowed entrance after his home which resides in the surrounding forest was destroyed in expansion. (Second Era, Wolf's Pack, Vinter-Former)

War of Kakken Begins (War of Ill Fortune): After a misunderstanding from the mis-taking of melons from the Kakken fields, Tyler, Lord of Kakken, declares war on La Blue. (Third Era, Red Snow, Manen-Blikk)

Battle of Blood Fields: La Blue strikes at Kakken first, invading from the forest along the farmlands. They are smashed upon the wall and retreat in despair. (Third Era, Red Snow, Son-Stiger)

Siege of the Climbing Wolves: Re-grouping, the La Blue Clan craft a massive tower from within the shelter of the trees next to Kakken's walls. Soldier flood the fortress, and while retreat is sounded at days end, victory is within sight. (Third Era, Red Snow, Vannet-Gar)

Wrath of the Kakken: Jubin, the hand of Lord Tyler, descends upon Ulvene Hiet and burns the fortress with frightening magic. The clan takes shelter in the woods until the attack has halted. (Third Era, Red Snow, Vinter-Former)

Redoubt of the Wolves Den: The La Blue Clan takes to scorched-earth tactics, and burn the fields of Kakken whilst pillaging their houses. Economic structure of the Kakken clan begins to faultier and the will to battle fades as the people within the keep begin to starve. (Third Era, Red Snow, Ulver-Samle)

White Snow Peace-Pact: Both clans meet to sign a peace-pact upon the first day of Med Kald-Tid. The pact is signed and sealed just as the first white snowflake touches the red earth. (Fourth Era, Long Winter, Vinter-Former)

The Thinning Pack: Ulvene Hiet still burned and many of the clan members battered and weary, the clan begins to dwindle in numbers. (Fourth Era, Long Winter, Regnet-Oser)

The Den is Formed: Ulvene Hiet is rebuilt, and in an attempt to reform the clan and strengthen it for future generations to come, the Council of Four is formed. (Fifth Era, Howling Wolves, Delvis-Skyet)

Roaring Wolf Pack: Word spreads of the newly consolidated La Blue Clan and members flock from across the lands. The Clan gains renown across the lands, and establishes itself as one of the eight super-powers. (Fifth Era, Howling Wolves, Son-Stiger)

Redwood Crisis: A faction by the name of Redwood is reported to be terrorizing new arrivals to Eight Castles. A La Blue Clan representative is sent but returns badly injured. War is declared. (Fifth Era, Howling Wolves, Manen-Blikk)

Burning Redwoods: Redwood's capital is savaged by the La Blue Clan. The city is razed to the ground with the inhabitants burned in their homes. (Fifth Era, Howling Wolves, Ulver-Samle)

God's Bane: Having heard of La Blue's achievements, the gods of Eight Castles sought to balance the power of the lands and sent two demons upon the earth to scourge the clan. (Sixth Era, Black Snow, Skyer-Formen)

The Ravaged Wolves: The two demons sent by the gods arrive at Ulvene Hiet's gates. Blowing the doors in, they lay waste to the castle and slaughter the inhabitants. (Sixth Era, Black Snow, Regnet-Oser)

Broken Den: Ignorant to the rampant destruction which the demons caused, the gods summon them back as what remains of the La Blue fortress smolders in the Varme-Tid rains. (Sixth Era, Black Snow, Vinter-Former)

The Silent Night: Their home burned and destroyed by unjust gods, the Council of Four departs from the lands, promising to return in the future and build to glory their now fallen clan. (Seventh Era, Barren Tundra, Manen-Blikk)

Wolves Shadow: Without home, the Council roamed for many cycles, settling in many different lands. (Eight Era, Circling Pack, Son-Stiger)

The Jueglar: Attacked by the army of a local power in one of the lands which the Council settled, an unknown man by the name of "Jueglar" appears and crushes the army, leaving in a whirl of crimson glory. (Eight Era, Circling Pack, Vannet-Gar)

Strange Lands: Settling on a land with foreign technologies, grand structures, and machines, the Clan receives word on the wind that change is occurring in Eight Castles. The Council sets off, hoping that the time of their return might be at hand. (Eight Era, Circling Pack, Delvis-Skyet)

Return to Eight Castle: The Council of Four returns to the lands of Eight Castles and begin construction of the "World's End," a fortress built on the very edge of the Eight Castles land mass. (Ninth Era, Wolf Pup, Ulver-Samle)

Desecration of the Blue: A black magic user by the name of Deard begins to scourge the land and attacks La Blue in the midst of an exploration party, a savage war between Clan United and La Blue would ensue. (Tenth Era, Savage Mother, Manen-Blikk)

“Villman Krig” (The Savage War): La Blue is forced into a “battle of savages” as they are beaten time and time again by Clan United’s underhanded tricks and vile tactics. (Tenth Era, Savage Mother, Vinter-Former)

Stained Fangs: Disgusted with their ways and in a state of moral and physical decay, La Blue begins an annihilation campaign in which they systematically destroy all things related to Clan United; even the children are not spared the scorn. (Tenth Era, Savage Mother, Regnet-Oser)

The Husk Devoured: Clan United breaks into three afflicted clans as La Blue divides into the “World’s End” North fort and the “Wolves Claw” tower forward hold; the separation being forced by the now in-warring factions. (Tenth Era, Savage Mother, Vannet-Gar)

Falling Mountains: The lands of Eight Castles scarred beyond recognition from the wrath of war, and the ill content of the God warping it’s terrain, the land of Eight Castles is swallowed by a black pit as the La Blue Clan and all others flee from from it’s destruction. (Tenth Era, Savage Mother, Son-Stiger)

The Wolves Ascent: Having barely escaped the destruction of Eight Castles, Herren and Frelsari are called before the land gods and asked to found a new city in the lands they have forged; born anew so that they may remain free of corruption and cleansed of hate. (Eleventh Era, Alpha Wolf, Delvis-Skyet)

The Wolves Summit: The two construct the city of Muir; granted power by the gods, the city is massive, with walls hundreds of blocks high and a city which sweeps further than the eyes can see. (Eleventh Era, Alpha Wolf, Son-Stiger)

The Wolves Reign: Amazed by the city of Muir and in awe of the power which La Blue now posses, the inhabitants (both old and new) of Eight Castles elect La Blue as the lands ruler and flock to shelter behind their walls. (Eleventh Era, Alpha Wolf, Ulver-Samle)

The Flocking Sheep: In a feeble attempt to spread discontent amongst the lands, Deard once again raises Clan United up and strikes out against La Blue. (Eleventh Era, Alpha Wolf, Manen-Blikk)

Lambs to the Slaughter: United is crushed viciously under La Blues might; two champions,Pyroin and Lostel, lead the onslaught and deal the final blow to Deard, annihilating once and for all the United scum. (Eleventh Era, Alpha Wolf, Son-Stiger)

The Pack Travels: The Gods of Eight Castles did see fit to destroy the land, displeased with the mistakes they made. La Blue Clan traveled in search of a new land to call home once again.(Twelfth Era, Chasing Moons, Regnet-Oser)

Now
The La Blue Clan now resides within Templehelm, a powerful land of many gods and many, many people. While their power is still small, they are growing. Already their city of Ulvene Hiet has be constructed, and there are whispers traveling throughout the North that there are more cities to come. They seek to establish themselves as the guardians of the northern lands, and have already made progress in doing so in their defense against Lesh. One can only believe that given their past, they will continue to grow.

The Council of Four
La Blue clan works on a “Council-Based Fascist Totalitarian Democracy”; this is to say that a council (which is predetermined by powers not invested within the people) meets to decide all matters of the clan. Clan members may voice their say and their opinions may be considered, but ultimately they hold no say over the final decisions of the council or the clan. As for the council it is composed of four members; Ren Ridder (The Silent Knight), Savas Tanrisi, Frelsari Okkar, and Herren. These four (part of the original founders of La Blue) meet to discuss various issues which the clan is faced with and any/all outside proposals which come to them. Once discussion are held, a vote is made in order to decide on one action or another. Decisions are made only on a unanimous vote, that meaning that if even one member of the council descents, then the motion to carry out any action which might be considered will not be followed through with. The say of the council is absolute in all matters of the clan, and any opposition to this, both internal or external, will be met with immediate denial.

Economy
Unlike many other clans which force tribute from within the clan for either tax purposes, purchasing of items within the clan, or ownership of titles, La Blue works under “Planned Market Communism”. This is to say that all assets of both the market and its products are owned and freely distributed between members of the clan, within the whole of the clans resources and within the realm of a guided resource plan dictated by the overarching government. Trade to visitors outside of the clan works on a “Clan Currency Exchange” or Barter; this meaning that all assets (either physical or non) shall be paid for by a material of measurable theoretical value or by Crimin to Clan Currency exchanges.

Timekeeping
Not born to the standard of days, months, and years, the clan instead follows of system of passings, cycles, seasons, and eras. “Passings,” are akin to the days of a normal calendar system. They are marked by the rising a falling of the sun and moon. There are eight passings which create a “Cycle”: Son-Stiger (Suns Rising), Skyer-Formen (Clouds Form), Vinter-Former (Winter Forms), Delvis-Skyet (Rain Pours), Regnet-Oser (Water Flows), Vannet-Gar (Clouds Part), Manen-Blikk (Moon Watches), Ulver-Samle (Wolves Gather). Each cycle fits within a season; Kjole-Tid (Time of Cooling), Med Kald-Tid (Time of Cold), Varme-Tid (Time of Warming), Med Varmt-Tid (Time of Hot). Seasons are often times noted by citizens, but are rarely used in reference to time as they can come at different times and play little to no role in counting the cycles. Eras are last and encompass all measurements of time. There are no set number of cycles or passing which create an era, rather they are marked by the passing of or starting of a major event which altered the clan in some way or another.

Architecture
La Blue uses a very sturdy stone base architecture, with wood roofs supported by a single large support beam. The stone is necessary to not only insulate heat in the harsh cold temperatures, but also to support the buildings during times of deep snow and severe weather. The wood roofs are used for their ability to withstand water and hold out against leaks. They can also be more easily shaped than their stone supporting parts, making them ideal for the triangular shape needed in order to prevent snow build up in times of deep snow and formation of ice during the melting seasons. The design of each structure also represents the values of the La Blue members; endurance, ingenuity, and integrity. Torches also play a primary role in the building style of the La Blue Clan. This is in part due to the old times in which the fire was needed in order to keep the brutal cold at bay, but also due to the majority adoption of Netharna by it’s members.

Morals, Values, Ethics, and Beliefs
La Blue clan has as history of strong willed men and women. Founded in the harsh North where most fear to settle, they are a people of both tolerance and resilience. They strongly believe that those things they desire most must be taken with their own hands, and that any who bend the knee for reasons other than honor or good sense are not worthy of any power they might have gained by doing so. They are avid believers of the idea that excellence is not an act, but a habit, and that character is defined by actions, both physical and verbal. Those who are accepted into the clan are as close as blood, and any offense against a member will result in retaliation. Betrayal is unforgivable, and to commit it will result in vengeance as long and as harsh as the winter storms La Blue’s people endure. The clan values honesty and perseverance above all else. People who show these characteristics will always be sought out by it’s members.

Religion
All of the gods are respected by the Clan; two in particular, Netharna and Wintival, are revered due to the more direct influence on the lives of the clansmen. Ulvene Hiet has a chapel to Netharna, worshiped for the gift of fire to survive in the cold climate. The La Blue Clan also tries to strongly stick to the only two tenants of Netharna which is to; do justice and be good. Wintival is revered as the mother of the night, and is considered by them to be the dichotomous partner to Netharna. Some clansmen may say "Every flame casts a shadow" in reference to this relationship.

The Warden of the North
A symbol, a belief, and a physical manifestation of the North and it’s people, the Warden of the North is a massive statue constructed off the shores of Ulvene Hiet, adjacent to it’s castle. With his hand outstretched toward the sea and a sword held at his side, he is a warning to all that may trespass that they do not enter unseen. He stands day and night, an ever vigilant guardian, and in times of crisis the North folk look to him with prayers of strength and protection, so that they might be as he is; unmoved and unbent. As opposed to a traditional god, The Warden serves a more pedagogic role in La Blue culture as an exemplar, the “Spirit of the North.”

The Broken Cross
The Broken Cross (the symbol which flies on all La Blue Clan flags, banners, and is embroidered on all uniforms) is composed of a normal white cross, with it’s right arm and center piece missing. The empty space for the missing pieces of the cross are filled by the blue background of the flags, banners, and uniforms which it occupies. The cross is representative of the “White-Trinity” an idea constructed by the founders of La Blue. The White Trinity is broken into three parts:

Endurance: The topmost part of the cross. Like the clan which built itself in solitude upon the cold plains of the North, the top part of the cross stands alone facing North.

Resilience: The leftmost side of the cross. Lying sideways going against the flow of the two upright portions of the cross, it represents resilience in the face of conformity, and the ability to deny change in the face of an overwhelming majority.

Integrity: The bottommost side of the cross. While confusing at first (as you might imagine integrity being at the top of the cross) it is placed at the bottom of the cross; this is to represent the idea that without integrity (which is the supporting element of the cross), there is no base upon which to hold any of the other values. This, and it being the largest piece of the cross, emphasizes its importance to the La Blue Clan.

La Blue: The blue area which surrounds the entire broken cross. The blue color which surrounds the broken cross represents the clan itself. Not only does it fill the void in which the final part of the cross would be, it also displays the cross, emphasizing the idea that without the clan, there is no broken cross to bare.

Wolves
Steel grey and ever roaming, they are the original lords of the North, and the La Blue clan houses them not only as their allies in war, but their equal partners in guardianship of the North, as they were the first to weather the harsh lands and thrive in it.

Fire
Fire is perceived as the primary source of life and energy by La Blue Clan, allowing them to survive the cold harsh environment of the northern lands. This perception of fire gave rise to Netharnian religious influences and worship as well as cremation for ritual disposal of the dead.

Law
La Blue Clan has no formal laws. As long as the actions can be reasonably justified they are acceptable.

Stealing is not an applicable concept for Clansmen as all Clansmen are free to utilize any and all clan resources as justifiable by reason. Murder is not an applicable concept for Clansmen as killing is acceptable so long as it is justifiable by reason. The exception to this is the killing of a fellow Clansman which would require Council approval. Punishment is dealt at the discretion of the council for unreasonable/antisocial actions; this can range between time in the Shame Cage to Exile in Investigation Bureau's Holdings.

Notable Figures
These are people That are relevant to La Blue Clan's history. A memorial is built for ones that have passed in the Hall of the Honored Dead in Ulvene Hiet.

Jueglar
Jueglar or The Jueglar, is a hero figure for the La Blue Clan. He arrived mysteriously and instantly and left the way he came. He singlehandedly defeated oppressing forces in a time of La Blue Clan's weakness, He was a prime example of the values La Blue Clan holds. He took no reward but joy in the defense of his realm and its inhabitants. La Blue Clan honors him with a statue as well a memorial; The highest title honor that the council can bestow is Jueglar.

Tyler of Kakken
Tyler 'Twinkles' of Kakken was the first major adversary of the La Blue Clan as well its first friend. Tyler was the ruler of the local faction Kakken during the War of Ill Fortune. After stalemating during the conflict, La Blue Clan and Kakken decided that their opponents were worthy combatants and formed an alliance. Tyler was a notable archer, particularly in extreme range accuracy, capable of plucking moving targets at 60 to 70 meters.

Jubin of Kakken
Jubin was an accomplice of Tyler, and a renowned wizard of the land of Eight Castles.

Technological Development
The La Blue Clan puts great emphasis and energy into the engineering of military technology to counterbalance their small size. Having few mages, arcane technology an development is very slow, virtually nonexistent. Arcane works are typically avoided as the clansmen are mostly not familiar with how to utilize them, though if needed magicians of Templehelm my be sought out.

Siege and Counter-Siege Equipment
The La Blue Clan holds a defensive stance and developed these as measure to repel invaders and remove unwanted occupiers of the Frozen North.

Trebuchets
Trebuchets are a primary defensive weapon for the La Blue Clan, used to destroy invading ships and siege equipment, the smaller ones can engage small groups of troops. Trebuchets are used in the La Blue Clan's defensive system, integrated into the walls. They are a stone slinging mechanism, using a large weight to pull down on a lever to flick a projectile from a sling, They vary in size, largest being The Sentinel, the most notable trebuchet, it sits outside Ulvene Hiet defending the harbor.

Ballistea
The ballista was set into full development after the La Blue Clan learned about airships. They are used to puncture balloons, ballast, and hulls of airships; though they are equally as good at rending the sails of boats and puncturing their hull, causing them to slowly sink. Ballistea operate on a torsion spring, usually created by tight rope bundles that levers protrude into, storing energy for a large bolt or other projectile to be fired.

Lava Pots
The simplest counter-siege weapon, a pot of hot stuff to poor on invading soldiers. Fighting the Legion, which has a primary composition of undead, their soldiers feel no pain, so the boiling water or heated oil was replaced by lava, handled by local Netharnians.

Crossbows
The La Blue Clan took crossbows as the next logical development from the ballista. With the aid of some Dwarven manuscripts, a few prototype La Blue Clan crossbows have made their appearance. They are intended to replace the standard bow for archers defending from walls; the reduced size and increased power are preferable for fighting armored invaders from a tight space.

Walls
The primary defense against invaders, La Blue Clan walls are generally built tall, tapering from base to top. They are hoarded and machicolated to protect archers and to greatly increase to difficulty of scaling the wall. Asymmetric molding is built around the outside of the walls to deflect battering ram heads and distribute the energy across the molding. The walls are often build atop earthen works such as mounds, mesas, mountains and hills. Water is often incorporated into location choice for building walls, the rivers route troops and prevent the crossing of siege equipment.

Gates
The La Blue Clan employed a 'never open' gate design. It operates the same as a channel lock; there are two gates, one is always shut while the other is open. This was done in case invaders were able to take control of the gate, they are forced to let in only a small number of troops at a time, severely bottle necking the invaders as they enter the city.

Flares
The flares are simple fireworks, the invention is the system of battlefield communication that utilizes them. It is a color coded system for separate detachments of troops to communicate on their objectives; green: objective complete, Red: front collapsing, Yellow: ranged support needed, Blue: victory, Black: retreat. (this can be learned in character at the Eastwatch Center for Martial Education and the Military Sciences in Ulvene Hiet)