Ravemark

Government

Ravemark is ruled by a Council of Three. Two seats belong to the most powerful shifter warlords of the Underdark, while the third is kept symbolically for Valhir himself.   Because only two mortals hold power at a time, rivalries are constant. Each warlord fights to prove that they alone deserve Valhir’s favour, and the struggle trickles down into endless feuds between their followers.   Beneath the council stand the Echassiers. These overseers enforce the will of the warlords, manage the clan’s daily survival, and punish disobedience with brutal efficiency.  

Military

The clan has no standing army; the entire population is expected to fight for survival. Warlords muster bands of hunters and raiders as needed. Strength, ferocity, and numbers decide victory.  

Hierarchy

Council of Three. two warlords and the symbolic seat of Valhir.

Echassiers. overseers who enforce the warlords’ commands.

War-bands. shifting groups of hunters, scavengers, and killers bound to a warlord’s call.

Clansfolk. all others, expected to serve, fight, and die for the survival of the whole.

Culture

Survival is the highest law of the clan. Mercy is weakness, and power is proof of worth. Children are raised to fight, gnaw, and scavenge from the moment they can walk.  

Justice

Justice is simple and brutal. The strong take what they can, the weak endure or die. Disputes are settled through violence or by the ruling of an Echassier.  

Valour

The clan values only what ensures survival.

• Ferocity in battle. To strike first, strike hard, and never relent.
• Cunning in the hunt. To stalk prey, be it beast or rival, with patience.
• Endurance in hardship. To endure hunger, wounds, and betrayal without faltering.

Belief

The clan worships Valhir, god of savagery. They believe that every act of ferocity pleases him, and every kill honours his endless hunt. The council’s empty third seat is a daily reminder that all authority flows from Valhir.  

Names

Names are short, sharp, and guttural, often mimicking squeaks or hisses. Many add titles tied to deeds, scars, or trophies.   Examples: Skreek One-Eye, Gnarr Fang-Gnawer, Vretch the Pale, Rikkit Blood-snout.  

Economy

Survival drives all trade. The clan scavenge, raid, and devour more than they craft. Food, weapons, and slaves are the true currency.  

Commerce and Fiscality

Echassiers oversee all distribution. Tribute is collected from hunters and scavengers, then hoarded by the warlords. Those who do not pay are beaten, enslaved, or exiled.  

Wealth

Wealth is measured in meat, weapons, and captives. Few live long enough to hoard much else.  

History

The clan has endured for centuries in the deepest tunnels of the Underdark. Their survival through famine, predator swarms, and endless infighting is seen by them as proof of Valhir’s blessing. Legends say that one day, a warlord will rise strong enough to claim the god’s seat on the council.  

Notable members