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Clan Draconavich

1 posts · started by Draconavich on Dec 21, 2015 · 1181 views · in Active Journals & Diaries
DraconavichDec 21, 2015
Dec 21, 2015 at 01:06 PM #1
Zdravstvujte!
Greetings!

Clan Draconavich is among the oldest Nord clans in Tamriel, tracing its lineage back to the tribal chieftan Ivan the First, the Clan's forefather. A capable warrior and respected military leader, Ivan traveled among the Five Hundred Companions of Ysgramor, to exact vengeance for the attrocities that would be remembered forevermore as the infamous 'Night of Tears', the brutal sacking of the Nord capital of Saarthal, in the event known simply as 'The Return'. After vanquishing the Elves who had indiscriminately slaughtered their kinsmen, women and children, Ysgramor decreed that the Circle of Captains, finest among the Five Hundred, would each go his separate way, exploring the vast continent upon which they found themselves, and laying waste to any Elves that they would encounter in their paths. Traveling completely across Skyrim, Ivan and his tribe eventually came upon extremely rugged terrain and virtually impassable mountains, far to the west. Possessing a keen tactical intellect, Ivan Draconavich predicted that this mountain range would eventually be of extreme significance, a prediction that would prove almost prescient, as the history of Skyrim unfolded.

The group finally stopped when it came upon a lush and spacious valley, in the shadow of a treacherous, yet critical mountain pass that was the only viable route for an entire company of soldiers to traverse the border that currently seperates 'The Reach' from the 'Western Reach'. The valley contained verdant woodlands, as well as a large lake, brimming with trout. Fed by a large, pristine stream, the melted glacial flows supplied the settlers with fish, as well as plentiful water for drinking, irrigation, and even frequent bathing. Dying of natural causes, at a venerable age, Ivan was succeded by his sons and grandsons, and their settlement thrived peacefully, following the complete elimination of all Elves from Skyrim, accomplished by Ysgramor's descendant, King Harald. Subsequent generations of Patriarchs oversaw prosperous times, as the fledgling Clan Draconavich thrived, growing in size, strength, and wealth. By the dawn of the First Nord Empire, including the agressive territorial expansion known as the Skyrim Conquests, the Draconavich Patriarchs had ordered wholesale exploitation of the rich ore and mineral deposits for which that locale remains reknowned, to the current day.

Draconavich craftsmen churned out arms and armor to fuel the raging fires of war, in the distinctive style of their Atmoran ancestors. Virtually isolated for some time, their culture stayed true to its traditions, its cuisine, libations, music and even remnants of its' ancient language remained deeply rooted in the unique culture of Clan Draconavich. Under the control of the Draconavich Militia, the pass belonged to the Nords and unimpeded access played a crucial role in Nord expansions deep into the territory of High Rock, home to the Direnni Elves, as well, as the arguably oppressed proto-Bretons known as Nedes. Known for the ferocity of its warriors, and the keen tactical insight of its commanders, Clan Draconavich expertly leveraged its superiority in arms and armor, territory and tactics, to crush any incursions by the Direnni on one flank, and the wild 'Reachmen', who constantly bombarded them with guerilla tactics and dark magicks, on the other. This hard won success would grind to an unfortunate halt, when the death of King Borgas brought about the end of the Ysgramor Dynasty, when the convening Moot failed to select a new High King. Thus began the 'War of Succession', in which the Elves allied to bring unthinkable horrors upon the Nord colonists in the Western Reach. Savage raids, rape and pillage were a constant threat. Eventually, the Nord colonists were completely eradicated by the Elven forces. The only exception, however was, Clan Draconavich.

Some scholars attribute it to their martial prowess, their technological superiority, their highly-defensible position, their skilled leaders, or a combination of these factors. The deeply superstitious among the Clan, particularly among some of the elders, who are said to be senile by those who claim to know of these things, claim that Lord Vladimir Draconavich struck a cursed bargain with the most powerful and revered among the Reachmages, saving his kinsmen from annihilation, while paying a horrid price for their continued existence. As interactions among the factions began to stabilize, the leadership of Lord Draconavich began to forge a bold and energetic new path. One towards reclaimed, and even expanded prosperity. Just as the Clan's trading concerns bore almost unbelievable success, Vladimir became a complete recluse. While the shield-brothers of the militia were completely unaware, confidants of Lord Vladimir claimed that he directed 'traders' to engage in illicit activities, for the first time in the Clan's history. It was even rumoured that the Patriarch himself sanctioned assassinations for the purpose of profit alone, as well as alleging the trafficking of dangerously addictive and destructive substances. Perhaps the only form of criminal endeavour not engaged in, at the insistance of the Patriarch was the slave trade. While these tales were, and often still are, dismissed outright by the miners, bakers, brewers and craftsmen who inhabit the hamlet, the crazy old men insisted that Lord Draconavich had been corrupted by his dark bargain. They claimed that the sickness has eaten away his soul, yet he remains undead.

Although news had spread through the town that Lord Vladimir was, in fact, dead of consumption, and a funeral, complete with a traditional funeral pyre, was witnessed by the entire community, rumors persist that he continues to ruthlessly control the operations of the Clan, with an uncommon combination of civility and guile, to this very day. Parents often use such unimaginable tales to threaten unruly children, while spottings of the 'horrible creature', are as common as they are commonly disregarded as foolishness. Shortly after the death of Lord Vladimir, the Reachmen ceased their attacks on the valley, for no apparent reason. As time progressed, the law prohibiting intermarriage within the immediate family have created a veritable potpourri of cultural influences. While remnants of the ancient Atmoran culture remain, so also are there Breton and Imperial kinsmen and women. Despite its role in the history of Skyrim, the lands of Clan Draconavich were annexed... incorporated into High Rock, and the Patriarch retains all rights and privileges agreed upon in the favorable treaty, including the title , Lord Draconavich. Today, the culture of Clan Draconavich is uniquely Neapolitan. Embracing trade, rather than combat, former raiders from the Alik'r and frequent Baandari caravans visit the Valley. Trade thrives, and coin is plentiful.

Spacebo!
Thanks!