A clan warband as a heroband

From: Jeff Richard <richaje_at_...>
Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 23:33:36 -0000

Here's the Orlmarthing clan warband written up as a heroband. Again, I am indebt to Ian Cooper for the idea, the format and many of the words. His vision of the Red Cow warband is quite close to my vision of the Orlmarthing warband (both have strong Thunderous influences):

The Woodpeckers
"No one can make you do anything"
Common Names: The Woodpecker Gang, The Bully Boys. Form: Orlanth Adventurous Warband
Cultural Context: Warband for the Orlmarthing Ideology: "No one can make us do anything!"; "Violence is always an option".
Look and Feel: Like an Orlanthi warband, but with some Thunderer influences: naked woad wearing warriors, flyers, accompanied by stormy magic.
Purpose: The warband protects the Orlmarthing clan from strangers and foreigners and conquers its enemies. Headquarters: Thunder Barracks in Old Man. Reactions:
Leader: Ovartien Stoneheart
Renowned Members: Eranina Copper-Axe, Hedgar Sharpsword, Kocho Flintfist, Torvall the Axe.
Membership: The core of the warband is 8 weaponsthanes (with their 4 storms) or 40 strong. The Woodpeckers can call on 190 fyrdsmen. Other contacts: The Orlmarthing Clan, the Ridgeleapers, the Alynx Brotherhood
Organization: The Woodpeckers are the warband of the Orlmarth clan. All adult members of the fyrd are members of the warband, but most form a reserve to the weaponsthanes called up only in time of need. For the Woodpeckers, membership in any of the Thunder Brothers qualifies for membership within the warband. Their banner depicts a stylized woodpecker intertwined with a motion rune. Unfurling the Woodpecker banner is not undertaken lightly. It is a sign that the chieftain will must the fyrd and the Woodpeckers march to war. Membership Requirements: Members are drawn from the Orlmarthing clan. An existing warband member must sponsor someone who wishes to join. Members must "obey chosen leaders" and hand all plunder taken on raides to the leader who redistributes it. Mundane Abilities Taught: Brew Woad, Dodge Attack, Mythology of Thunder Brothers, Fyrd Combat (Shield Wall Fighting). Typical Personality Traits: Proud, Fearless, Responsible. Magic: Members worship one of the Thunder Brothers - Orlanth's warband cults.
Guardian: Woodpecker Banner.

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