La Blue Clan

http://i.imgur.com/7UdTLer.png

La Blue Clan is a Faction that resides in the Blue Mountains of New Templhelm

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 travelers 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 among 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)

The Pack Settles: The La Blue Clan Settles in a new land once more, Templehelm, building a home, Ulvene Hiet, anew for the 7th time. (Thirteenth Era, Chasing Moons, Ulver-Samle )

Rise of the Lich: Lesh, a lich of incomprehensible magnitude, descended upon Templehelm, ravaging the lands. The La Blue fought many battles, having an equal share of victories and losses. (Fourteenth Era, Hardened Ice, Son-Stiger)

The Deiotakas: The gods released their terrible power, destroying and remaking Templehelm in a cataclysmic shift, destroying Ulvene Hiet, displacing the clansmen again. (Fifteenth Era, Hardened Ice, Delvis-Skyet)

Now
The La Blue Clan seeks to rebuild after the Deiotakas, who knows what this new Templehelm will bring.

Government
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.

The Council of Four
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 factions which force tribute from within the faction for either tax purposes, purchasing of items within the faction, or ownership of titles, La Blue Clan 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
The La Blue Clan 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 adoption of Netharna by some of it’s members.

Construction Methods
The wood used in construction is primarily spruce, treated with a limewater bleaching solution as to strip away the outside oils and allow for the lighter staining and waterproofing using those stripped oils in a hot pine pitch. After the boards are waterproofed and assembled, the wood on the building is then caulked with a fast growing hemp and pitched again to ensure a watertight seal. This lacquering finish leaves the wood with a slightly glossy appearance and resistant to mold, corrosives, and direct flame. The color result of this method leaves the typically dark wood in a tan-brown state, many incorrectly claim it to wood from the jungle trees.

Stone is cut using traditional mason stroke chiseling to make smooth uniform bricks to bind with Cement made from lime, water, and the stone chips from the masons. Chips that are not used in the cement are typically used as backfill for walls or crushed and spread as gravel for roads and paths.

Half timber building foundations are typically made of whole spruce logs that that have been pressure treated with ground salts to preserve the wood, then pile driven into the ground to create a framework. A stone floor is then laid and cemented into place, allowing more stone to be built up adjacent to the logs. These seems are caulked with hemp and pitched to seal.

Language
The clan is familiar with the common tongue of Templehelm though nomenclature and older records stem from the language of the clan's original homeland. The common script is currently used in most writings, but the original system of runes remains in occasional use. The original text of the Brotherhood Oath is recorded in runes but there exist versions translated both into the common tongue and the old tongue in common script:

Common Tongue:
 * Strenghtened by fury, We feel no fear,
 * The fire inside us keeps us awake,
 * For no peril we ever shall bend, This is our law, This is our way,
 * Strong in the storms, Pure in the waste,
 * We are a kind that never give in, We are but flames born in the wind.

Old Tongue:
 * Styrket av raseri, Føler vi ingen frykt,
 * Ilden inni oss holder oss våkne,
 * For ingen fare noen gang vi skal bøye, Dette er vår lov, Er dette vår måte,
 * Sterk i stormene, Pure i avfallet,
 * Vi er en type som aldri gi etter, Vi er, men flammer født i vinden.

Old Runic:

http://i.imgur.com/EssLtlG.png

Art
La Blue Clan art consists mainly of objects that retain some form of function whether the function is physical; like a bowl or sword, or symbolic; like a memorial statue. Clan art is embodied in craftsmanship and quality of materials used rather than extensive decoration or flamboyancy. Two dimensional art consists of Rune murals on stones or vellum scrolls.

Literature
La Blue Clan writings tend to be guides, manuals, reviews, or historical records and accounts. Very little fictional or non-practical literature exists, the ones that due are symbolic ballads or poems about past events or eras. Here are some example writings:

Making Friends
A La Blue Clan Advanced Interrogation Guide When you are Integrating an enemy agent it is important to keep in mind that brutality is not the goal. With every cut or blow the quality of information decreases. First start the interview process like you would any other; name,age,sex,race,creed and political affiliation. Perception is key in any interrogation. Even the most simple twitch can be a a huge tell. The fear of pain can be just as good a motivator as pain itself. However, some can be resilient to peaceful integration methods. That is when you have to move in to what we refer to as torture lite. One method is known as stress positions. It places the human body in such a way that a great amount of weight is placed on just one or two muscles. For example, a subject may be forced to stand on the balls of his or her feet, then squat so that his thighs are parallel to the ground. This creates an intense amount of pressure on the legs, leading first to pain and then muscle failure. Another method is Water boarding (Note, this method might not be effective on Akwal followers). Water is poured over a cloth covering the face and breathing passages of an immobilized captive, causing the individual to experience the sensation of drowning. Waterboarding can cause extreme pain, dry drowning, damage to lungs, other physical injuries including broken bones due to struggling against restraints,and lasting mental damage. This is a last resort after all other avenues of information extraction have been exhausted.

Battlefield Communication
The one thing you can always count on in battle is chaos; you can drill your troops all you want but when they meet the enemy out on the field the one thing that will fail time and time again is the break down of communication. Communication is the key to victory. Most conventional army's use flags or drums but these require specialized units and gear and can often slow the army down as the sound of drums can be drowned out by the sounds of steal clashing and men dying and the use of flags requires certain troops with keen eyes to spot the change in flags this presents a huge problem. So our top military minds devised a strategy that can relay battle info in a fast and efficient manner with the use of a unique flare system. All La Blue Clan soldiers carry a standard issue red, blue, yellow, green, and black flares. With our unique battle formations, if a flank is collapsing and needs reinforcement they can put up a red flare and as they go high in to the sky they are visible for any company on the battlefield to see. If a ranged backup is need a yellow flare is put up; a green flare is used to signal a routing enemy company and clear flank route; a blue flare is used when the company's given target is destroyed; and a unique set of flares will be put up by command issuing the company new orders. A black flare is only put up by command to signal a full retreat. While the complicated use of a flare based relay system is a lot to take in at first but simplicity and adaptability was a large part of the design of our system. Formations not only can you use it with large regiments it works just as effective with smaller squads or fire teams although it takes a 3 week long course to learn to use them properly and takes more resources to fully equip our troops it is nothing compared to the amount of solders we would lose if we continued to use traditional battlefield communications methods.

Music
La Blue Clan music roots from the old music of their homeland. Instruments like the shawm, bodhrán drum, and simple horns are used commonly along with vocals consisting of humming, or throat singing. Songs are commonly instrumentals for certain ceremonies such as a cremation. Here are some original piece examples:

Brann Begravelse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u1JrEYk_Qk

Ulvene Hyle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h57RWbvIvjw

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.

Ideology
The La Blue Clan expresses the idea of dichotomous balance as the way of nature and concepts; that each force, act, or idea has an equivalent counter that must exist and be present for a natural balance to be maintained. Examples of this are found in many aspects of the outward La Blue culture; such as Heat/Cold, there would be no concept of warmth if we did not understand cold, and vice versa, just as Light/Darkness, both are important for the Clan's survival and the balance is revered through Netharna and Wintival worship (detailed below). Other more transcendental concepts are handled in this manner also; such as Diversity/Uniformity, the Clan accepts any type of being that shows itself worthy of the Council's acceptance, but in their idiosyncrasy they must also conform to a group uniform and traditions; and Freedom/Order, The Clan maintains the freedom of the north and its Northmen though its ordered structure and actions.

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.

Equality
All clansmen are treated as equals regardless of gender, species, sexuality, religion, or lack there of. Unity is a strong value on La Blue culture and discrimination is counterproductive to that end. The only discrimination present is that of the exemplification of the ethics and values themselves. Children reared in the Clan are treated to the same toys, training, and work regardless of gender and other idiosyncrasies. Gender differences in strength, agility and other aspects are noted however and put to practical more specialized use; Women typically are more agile and mature faster than men, making them more suitable for Infiltration or assassination than their male counterparts. Nepotism and nepotistic tendencies are heavily frowned upon as the Clan holds the position that family is defined more truly by choice than by blood. Once they are of age La Blue Clan children are judged for suitability to become a clansman; children that are not suitable are exiled to live out their lives elsewhere.

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 was a massive statue constructed off the shores of old Ulvene Hiet, adjacent to it’s castle. With his hand outstretched toward the sea and a sword held at his side, he was a warning to all that may trespass that they do not enter unseen. He stood 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 was; 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.” He was Unfortunately destroyed or buried forever during the second Dieotakas or Templehelm.

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.

Uniforms
The La Blue Clan uniform serves as light armor for clansmen as well as an outstanding mark of their brother bond with the clan. It consists of a fur lined studded leather coat with light plate pauldrons, padded leather pants, and a mail vest covered by the La Blue Tunic. The purpose of the uniform is to solidify the bond between clansman. All clansman wear the same uniform no matter the role or position.

Law
La Blue Clan has no formal laws. As long as the actions can be reasonably justified to the council 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.

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.

Ballista
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.

Bardiches
These are multipurpose two handed battle ax weapons for front line soldiers on the field. They have a glaived blade with a pointed tip for repelling cavalry. These more versatile weapons are preferred to specialized spears or hand axes for weight conservation and troop flexibility.

Claymores
Deployed in fewer number because of their expense, These greatswordsmen are used to counter pike formations and light cavalry.

Short Swords
Standard arms for clan soldiers, complimentary weapons for the tight spaces on the walls or as a back up for main arms on the field.

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)

Frisian Blockades (chival de frise)
These are horse traps made of spiked wooden staves lashed or nailed onto a horizontal support log, deployed both when attacking or defending to deny area to cavalry charges and otherwise inhibit cavalry movement on the field.

Arcane Works
Having few mages, arcane technology and 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. The only existing arcane techniques are primitive runic magics and pyromancy from the homeland of the clan.

Scrying
There currently is only one oracle among the clan that can utilize flame scrying pyromancy in attempts to gather information or commune with the gods or other spirits. Normally this old magic is rarely useful, yielding only unusable flickers of events. The pervasive magic in Templehelm yields better results but typically the fire visions do not come at the will of the scryer, on the occasion the come, they tend to depict flickers of significant violent events of the realm, such as sieges or battles, leaving it useful only for helping others in need of aid. It is suspected this may be Netharna's doing but it is unconfirmed.

Rune Ward
Rarely used, these are primitive runic Imbuements to protect objects and surfaces from magical harm. Typically they are used on chests to prevent tampering. They are primitive old magic, fairly weak allowing experienced magicians to overpower or bypass them; however they suffice to keep out petty thieves and lesser mages. The clan currently has no experienced runecrafter, Imbuement defaulting to the local Scryer instead.

Rune Glyphing
Glyphs are distinct from enchantments or wards in that they require the rune word to be spoken in the old tongue to activate them; They are typically inscribed on or in a circle, allowing more parameters to be stated in concentric rune rings, usually in this order, inside to outside; activation word, acceptable users(optional), object designation (if applicable), output action(s). Sub-parameters can be defined by interconnecting circles or using multiple separate circles that have target designations in each others parameters. These have not been used since ages past, they are presently beyond the arcane skill of anyone presently in the clan to effectively create.

Units
La Blue Clan soldiers are typically deployed defensively nearby Ulvene Hiet and so do not carry bulky equipment packs and rations as most other soldiers do, this makes their deployment and movement speed quick at the expense of operating range.

Øksmenn

 * Axmen

These are the hard front line infantrymen of the clan. They utilize the bardiche ax and carry a short sword as a secondary weapon. The ax troops are the most economical to produce balancing quality, production speed and expense in both equipment and training. Utilizing the thrusting tip of the bardiche these units also serve as anti cavalry units albeit with less effectiveness when compared to pikemen.

Sverdmenn

 * Swordsmen

These are the elite infantry of the clan. They are deployed with claymore greatswords and carry a short sword. These are more expensive troops to field due to the material cost of the swords and time involved in training, fielded swordsmen tend to be noticeably older in general compared to other troops. They are utilized in support of the axmen, breaking pike lines and acting as charging units after the axmen break enemy phalanx.

Bueskyttere

 * Archers

These are the main counter offense units for the clan. Archers are armed either with a standard bow or a crossbow as well as carry a short sword with a buckler. Standard bowmen and crossbowmen are garrisoned in the hoardings of the walls utilizing the height advantage to overreach enemy ranged units. Standard bowmen have a longer range than the crossbowmen, and are trained to focus on far targets. Crossbowmen have considerably more power at a reduced range and are so trained to focus on nearby armored targets. Crossbowmen and standard bowmen are comparable in expense; Standard bowmen taking a large time to train, crossbowmen having expensive equipment with a shorter training time. Archers are trained more heavily in hand to hand combat than infantrymen, utilizing throws and light shieldwork with the buckler to knock opponents off the wall should the wall become compromised.

Dragoons
Rarely used offensive units consisting of a troop of mounted bowmen, crossbowmen and axmen. Rather than fight from horseback like a cavalry unit, these mounted infantrymen are used for quick deployment usually in support of an allied army elsewhere in the world. The axmen dismount and fight from the ground, leaving one or two men to guide the horses either away from combat or into it at a flank as a faux cavalry charge to wither the morale of opponents. The crossbowmen dismount as foot archers and the standard bowmen act cavalry archers to support the axmen on flanks. The operating cost of the horses and supply packs for the dragoons make them the most expensive units field.

Formations
The La Blue Clan utilizes a variety of formations playing to the strength of its units. The line formation is rarely used by La Blue infantry as they are not suited to phalanx. Trebuches are used to break enemy phalanx and allow axmen and swordsmen to divide enemy lines into columns for archers and trebuche operators to exploit. The swiftness of La Blue infantry allow them to charge phalanxes at the corners utilizing an echelon, forcing a flank and elongating them opening them to arrow fire; the rough terrain around Ulvene Hiet makes maintaining a solid phalanx very difficult, allowing its form to be bent and broken much more easily by lighter troops.

Spyd av Akser
The 'Spear of Axes', this formation is used to counter a significant cavalry advance, just before the enemy cavalry make contact the axmen charge their wedge into the oncoming forces, splitting them and forcing them into the Frisian blockades and more axmen. This tactic also forces the cavalry to muddle close the walls, allowing for crossbow bombardment.

http://i.imgur.com/odDtxPN.png

Infanteri Kvadrat
The standard infantry square, this is another anti cavalry formation, used more by dismounted dragoon forces. It intersperses Crossbowmen and axmen in a box, surrounding more crossbowmen and/or swordsmen if available.

http://i.imgur.com/a3AYNbE.png