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[h3][i]Raudaz Karolus[/i][/h3][/center]
[b]Biography:[/b] Unlike most of the other clan heads, Karolus is not a son of Muin, but a cousin. Having no brothers of his own, Karolus came to see him as a fraternal companion, and they spent a good deal of time together during their adolescent years. The older and wiser Muin would teach an eager, curious Karolus about boyish fascinations, tales that made Muin both envied and admired by his younger cousin. In many ways, Karolus sought to emulate him, as if he felt the need to prove his worth as an only son. Fortunately, Muin either realized this or was not content being alone in the spotlight, and happily indulged his cousin’s fancies. They shared bouts with training blades, turns with the pickaxe and afternoons galloping through the valley atop their hogs. 


By the time adulthood robbed them of their frivolous adventures, Muin was working his way up the totem pole. From a stonemason to a landholder, then to the lord of the valley - that was a progression that Karolus was forever proud of his cousin for, though a small part of him lamented the fact he had not been as eminent. To his fortune, Muin bid him join his circle as a close retainer, having not forgotten their bond as adolescents. This earned Karolus a measure of renown for himself, which he appreciated. It would be enough to start a clan of his own, and carve his path to distinction. 
 
[b]Recent history:[/b] The death of Muin was a heavy pill for Karolus to swallow. He’d fashioned Clan Karolus into proper retainers of the throne, always ready to stand at the Master’s side in times of good and bad. With the loss of his cousin, Karolus lost a close friend, brothers if only in spirit. He also lost his crutch - Muin’s successes were his own, that was true. Karolus owed his status thanks to his cousin’s deeds, and realising this, blamed himself for piggybacking off his triumphs. 


There would be little time to wallow in his sentiment, however, as Karolus knew another clan would try to fill the void left by his cousin’s death. His many first cousins once removed would surely be eyeing each other with suspicion and planning their moves. The least Karolus could do to honor Muin was to see the throne occupied by a worthy lord. Not himself, no, he hadn’t the stomach nor the ambition to reign over the entire valley. But as an elder to the many claimants, he would do right by his bloodline and support the best one for the task.


[b]Other relevant characters:[/b]
[list]
[*][url=http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Aristo88/RPGuild/Valley%20Dwarf%20Clans/adrian-smith-fw-dwarf-warrior_zpspxplmyf2.jpg]Alden[/url]: Karolus’s right-hand man and steward. A close friend since the two were boys.
[*][url=http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Aristo88/RPGuild/Valley%20Dwarf%20Clans/Dwarf_NPC_SLAYERKING_UNGRIM_zpsfkszkgbs.jpg]Uesli[/url]: Commander of Karolus’s retinue. A veteran warrior of many campaigns. 
[*]Hadlee: Karolus’s wife of forty years. Her brewery puts the rest of the valley to shame.  
[*][url=http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Aristo88/RPGuild/Valley%20Dwarf%20Clans/adrian-smith-fw-dwarf-warrior-sapper_zps0gp3zpu5.jpg]Otger[/url]: Karolus’s son, now a young adult. Obedient to a fault, yet lacks independence and the drive to strike out on his own.
[/list]


[b]Location:[/b] Clan Karolus enjoys a section of the most fertile land in the valley. It sits in the center, just west of Muin’s Keep. It is protected to the north by Kalerodom Lake and to the south by mountains. Its location makes it very much a bulwark of the main keep - anyone passing through to the keep by land must also pass through Karolus’s territory.


[b]Population:[/b] Approximately 3,000


[b]Main settlement(s)[/b] Karolus's base of power is an ancient hold known as Seaver Keep. It is a heavily-defended structure, jutting out from the side of a mountain and looming over the pass to Muin's Keep. Vast farmland and pastures stretch under its shadow. The hold is utilitarian in its architecture, designed to stop armies in their tracks, rather than inspire grandeur. Its cold, dour appearance beguiles the demeanor of its inhabitants, however, as Clan Karolus's denizens are generally merry and upbeat.    


[b]Economic status:[/b] Karolus’s prosperity comes not from minerals, stone or metals, but from foodstuffs. It boasts most of the valley’s best soil, making it a prime location for farmland and livestock pastures. A large quantity of its produce is sold to or traded with other clans. Its surplus output is likely responsible for keeping some minor clans from starving. Both geographically and symbolically, it is the heartland of the valley. 


[b]Military:[/b] Clan Karolus has near three hundred and fifty fighting men at its disposal. Two hundred of these dwarves carry long pikes, arranged into two blocks of one hundred soldiers each. They carry shields strapped to their forearms, leaving both hands free to control their pikes. Swords and axes hang at their belts, ready to be drawn should the pikes snap or the tide of battle forces them closer to the enemy. One hundred other soldiers wield heavy crossbows and carry pavise shields, from behind which they can shelter as they reload. The remaining fifty dwarves are members of Karolus’s personal retinue, and are armed with shields, battleaxes and arming swords. They ride trained boars into battle, though are just as formidable on foot as they are in the saddle.


[b]Religion and traditions:[/b] Karolus himself is reverent to the gods, and sees the beliefs and traditions of the dwarves as integral to their culture. He does not force dogmatic tenets on his clan, knowing that times have changed and old practices have become outdated. He strives to preserve as much of the original intent as possible, while keeping the faith relevant to the modern day. The clan itself is one of the most active in matters of religion, although this has more to do with acknowledging tradition and an admiration for its culture than true piety.


[b]Justification for claim:[/b] N/A - Karolus does not seek the throne for himself, but aims to elevate one of Hurin’s sons instead. In the meantime, he maintains Hurin’s Keep as a neutral territory. Karolus has neither the youthful energy or ambition to rule.  


[b]Unique feature(s):[/b] Karolus is among the largest of the clans, thanks to its wardenship of Hurin’s Keep and the fertile soil of its territory. It enjoys significant manpower and political influence for this reason. As a member of Hurin’s inner circle, Karolus has always had a grasp on the valley’s political climate and has been familiar with most of the other clan heads since they were born.