The Stonebound
In the wake of mounting tensions between the Seven Clans, a remarkable moment of unity emerged when a coalition of dwarves from rival disciplines collaborated to restore the failing flame-heart of the Deepforge—an ancient power source said to be gifted by the earth itself. This unprecedented act of interclan cooperation was hailed as a sign of a new age, and to commemorate it, the monarch created a new title: Stonebound.
The Stonebound is not a noble rank, but an honour bestowed upon individuals who forge deep bonds across clan lines and demonstrate exceptional service to the whole of dwarven society, not just their kin. Whether a rune-inscriber working with engineers to design a new smelting system, or a gemcutter volunteering in mining rescues, the title celebrates those who elevate unity above tradition. Recipients are granted a ceremonial hammer—Gavrok—engraved with symbols of all seven clans, and are afforded the right to speak freely in clan councils regardless of lineage. The title also grants access to all Great Libraries, Deepforges, and the Underhalls—an honour once limited only to monarchs and elders. While some traditionalists see it as a dilution of the old ways, the younger generation reveres the Stonebound as heroes of the new dwarven age. The monarchs now keep a special ledger, the Tome of Stone, recording each recipient’s deeds and legacy. It is whispered that should a full council of Stonebound ever be called, they would wield the authority to override even the Rûn'Galdar. The emergence of the Stonebound has also begun to shift cultural attitudes deep within the mountain halls. For centuries, clan loyalty dictated career paths, marriages, and even burial rites, but the Stonebound represent something refreshingly different: merit over birthright, collaboration over isolation. Statues of the first recipients now line the Gallery of Accord, and tales of their deeds are sung by skalds in both high feasts and ale-stained taverns. In time, it’s rumoured the monarch may even propose the Stonebound as a formal eighth faction—a radical shift that could reshape the future of dwarven governance forever.
The Stonebound is not a noble rank, but an honour bestowed upon individuals who forge deep bonds across clan lines and demonstrate exceptional service to the whole of dwarven society, not just their kin. Whether a rune-inscriber working with engineers to design a new smelting system, or a gemcutter volunteering in mining rescues, the title celebrates those who elevate unity above tradition. Recipients are granted a ceremonial hammer—Gavrok—engraved with symbols of all seven clans, and are afforded the right to speak freely in clan councils regardless of lineage. The title also grants access to all Great Libraries, Deepforges, and the Underhalls—an honour once limited only to monarchs and elders. While some traditionalists see it as a dilution of the old ways, the younger generation reveres the Stonebound as heroes of the new dwarven age. The monarchs now keep a special ledger, the Tome of Stone, recording each recipient’s deeds and legacy. It is whispered that should a full council of Stonebound ever be called, they would wield the authority to override even the Rûn'Galdar. The emergence of the Stonebound has also begun to shift cultural attitudes deep within the mountain halls. For centuries, clan loyalty dictated career paths, marriages, and even burial rites, but the Stonebound represent something refreshingly different: merit over birthright, collaboration over isolation. Statues of the first recipients now line the Gallery of Accord, and tales of their deeds are sung by skalds in both high feasts and ale-stained taverns. In time, it’s rumoured the monarch may even propose the Stonebound as a formal eighth faction—a radical shift that could reshape the future of dwarven governance forever.
Comments