Clan Wulnir

We, the rage of winter.

— Clan proverb

Clan Wulnir is perhaps the most well-understood Arakai clan, given its long history of openness towards outsiders. In fact, the common understanding of the Arakai as a primarily mountain-dwelling race of beastmen likely originates from this contact with the clan, as much of their territory lays nestled in the westernmost parts of the Arakai Mountains. One of the five Great Clans to have arisen among their people, the Wulnir have always stood as a prominent proponent for clan freedom and self-governance, treating their vassals more as protectorates rather than clans who have sworn themselves into their service.

Geography

Making up the western edge of the lands held by the Arakai, Clan Wulnir's territory is primarily made up of mountainous terrain dominated by arctic plateaus and winding mountain passes. Breathtaking in their natural beauty, Wulnir lands are home to some of most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of Arakai Mountains, with the greatest of them being Kemelomceri, a mountain that stands at over 4,526 metres in height and is considered by the Arakai to be their most important religious site. The river Nadrisal is also noted to begin from within the borders of the Wulnir and, in particular, from the very same valley that the capital of Rzhnolom is built across; notably acting as something of a centrepiece for the ancient city's infrastructure.

Government

An absolute monarchy for all intents and purposes, the clan's approach to its policies, traditions, and relations is handled in its entirety by the warlord; a hereditary position limited to those of the current warlord's family. However, the warlords of Clan Wulnir - in accordance with agreements made with their vassals nearly three thousand years ago - don't lord over their vassals like other stronger clans might, and instead simply provide them protection in exchange for food, resources, and, in the most drastic cases, military aid. These tributary clans are largely left to govern themselves, and any visits by their Wulnir overlord are seen as equally auspicious to similar visits by a warlord from another Great Clan. Nevertheless, and, in large part, due to their autonomy, the vassals of Clan Wulnir are considered some of the most loyal across the cultural divide, with the oldest among them having stood by their overlord for the entirety of the clan's existence.

Religion

As with nearly all modern Arakai clans, the Wulnir worship Gajaildim. However, their practices are noticeably more secularized than those of many other clans and a general sense of religious freedom can be ascertained to exist amongst their populace. The worship of Harstag is also noted to exist within Wulnir lands on a personal level, with steady growth able to have been seen since the fall of Clan Silaris - and especially so in the modern day due to the warlord's personal ties to Clan Kerene. Additionally, with Rzhnolom acting as the centre of trade between the Arakai and outsiders, the city is known to hold within its walls a small Arakai population who worship some of the outsiders' gods, with Nalashtannylor being chief among them.

Relations

• Positive relations
  • Clan Hejarus - Diplomatic allies

• Ambivalent relations
  • Clan Kerene - Cordial relations, no official alliance
  • Ezaren - Trading partners

• Negative relations
  • Clan Lamind - War declared

Notable people

• Modern figures
  • Tyrin Wulnir - Current warlord of Clan Wulnir
  • Soren Markhees - The court mage of Clan Wulnir, cousin to the warlord of Clan Markhees
  • Vorvis Wulnir - Tyrin's son and heir
• Historical figures
  • Rikur of the Rose - Warlord of Clan Wulnir during Vortigern's reign, led the final assault on Nthcnzel
  • Tyrin the Lawgiver - The clan's founder, attributed as the writer of the Arakai warrior code