Reckoner

The Reckoners are a small clan, probably one of the most respected, and their members can be classified as nobles, with all of them being powerful individuals. They live in the Weathertop Temple in Horntal, the capital of the Minotaurs. The wild culture of the Minotaurs is sometimes difficult to reconcile with that of other circles, the balancing act between beast and man. The Reckoners represent civilization; barbaric behavior is viewed rather critically, although they have not forgotten how to use their animalistic powers. They prefer intelligence and logic over instinct. They are therefore much more sociable for other cultures, more respectful and more curious. Their magic is learned through study, like magicians, although other Minotaurs do not keep book records, whereas the Reckoners do.

The Reckoners primarily represent development, which requires change. Therefore, their magic focuses on thunder and lightning.

They are the only clans of the culture who have mastered the art of forging steel. All metal armor of the Minotaurs therefore comes from the Reckoners. A Reckoner blacksmith has no problem recognizing the forging work of his own people.

They are largely respected by other clans, which is why they are often called upon as mediators, judges and executioners. This puts them into a relative position of neutrality. In the past, only kings or queens have ever commanded them. In times of power struggles, they have mostly stayed out of it or determined the new line of succession through their directed intervention. However, they have also been responsible for overthrowing supposed tyrants. After the crown and faith, they are the most influential authority of the Minotaurs.

NPC's

Redmane, Archreckoner - Leader of the Reckoner with a dark secret.

Education

Young candidates are screened out in the dark chambers of Weathertop over several years being schooled reading, writing, basic magic, basic combat, basic understanding of cultural systems. They never see the outside world. Suitable candidates go into the actual training phase, the rest are given away as gifts for other clans.

Those who successfully are chosen to continue are given as "wards" to nobles from other countries and cities to be raised there. If their new master is satisfied with their training and performance, they are eventually sent back with the newly gained experience, which in turn broadens the clan's perspective. They are often used as advisors, bodyguards, scribes, assistants to magical arts or soldiers, but manual tasks are also possible. The training can only be completed when the trainee has developed ability's in physical combat, civil knowledge and magical skills. The spell "Lightning Rebuke" is mandatory.

When the training is complete, it is tradition for the instructor to give the trainee a parting gift for Weathertop. The gift is meant to reflect how well the individual performed. From the moment the trainee receives this gift for Weathertop, he or she is referred to as a Reckoner. If the trainee does not receive a gift, it is considered a dishonorable discharge and the Minotaur is considered banished from the Stormlands.

History

The Reckoner formed years after the forces of Aravaile left the country but they formed after image of old elves. They needed time to devolope the ability to read anwrite but they knew that knowladge got their creators to where they were. Sadly it took them too much time to learn the art of writing so their motivation of origin became lost in time. Nontheless they strive for magic via knowladge and study, as the elves of Aravaie did, without knowing that they follow a path walked before.

They are a small but powerful clan. In the past they have been responsible to tip the scale towards the one or the other future monarch. The reckoners always thought carefully about battles they were involved in for one misstep could be their end and the end of all their advancement.

Redmane. Archreckoner was the Bodyguard of Lebos, togehter with his 4 swordbrothers. He fallowed every command of Lebos, no matter how cruel. When it came to the fate of the young ones born in Woodmans Call he was the one bringing up the idea to cut out the tongues of the young ones instead of killing them. Clan Woodfoot still hates him and the Reckoners for this reason, for they believe it is his fault that young Minotaurs were mutilated that way.

Redmane, Archreckoner entered the Sisterend Hill right after Lebos when Mina was killed. He saw a a very old, elven woman with burning hair disappear after Lebos has battered her with many deadly strikes. The ground was littred with the bodys of beatifull women who turned older and older the longer Redmane stared at them to the point they turned to dust.