Clans are primarily organized into large family groups, complex social units where members share a common name, and thus, siblings are referred to by name. For example, Holderhek, Balderk, or Loderr. Most clans consist of multiple family groups, ranging from 10 to as many as 100 families. For instance, the Battlehammer clan comprises 31 family groups and is a sub-clan of the overarching dwarf clan Ravenbeards.
Members of a clan share a special bond, obligating them to mutual assistance in times of need, especially in legal or economic matters. Failing to fulfill one's obligations to the clan is considered a serious moral offense in dwarf customs, carrying shame and severe consequences for the dwarf's civic and clan life.
The clan is led by the eldest man, known as the clanmaster, who serves as the guardian of traditions and the clan's collective treasury. He not only leads or represents the clan but also legally embodies it. The clanmaster is responsible for ensuring that dwarves in his clan fulfill their duties, including meeting the needs of clan members, contributing to the clan's funds, honoring ancestors, and respecting the clan's ways. The clanmaster can enforce his authority by employing clan members to serve him in a specific undertaking, as long as it is in the clan's interest (such as a clan-wide traditional feast or seeking revenge for the death of a clan member). He possesses significant legal powers to punish or reward the behavior of his fellow clan members. The immediate family of the clanmaster (siblings, spouse, and children), his heir, and the heir's family are considered of higher rank than other clan members.
The clanmaster of a clan swears allegiance to a High Clanmaster, making his own clan a sub-clan within the hierarchy of the High Clanmaster's clan. Examples include Bannerfists, Ravenbeards, and Heavyminers.
A clanmaster without a superior is referred to as a High Clanmaster. Various restrictions and mutual obligations bind the clanmasters. A High Clanmaster must avoid conflicts among his subjects, ensure they honor the clan's traditions, assist them in times of need, and lead them in battle. The involved clanmasters are obligated to serve and honor their liege lord in all possible capacities, especially in military, legal, and financial matters. A subject may never hold a higher military or ecclesiastical rank than his liege lord.
The illustration shows how this system functions, with 'F' representing Family Groups, 'C' representing Clans, and 'H' representing High Clans.
