"I call you out, Magnus, son of Megnin, son of Murbad! Gather your armies if you can, for your head is mine to hew from its neck, just as your grandsire took my father's hand a century hence today!"
- —Thane Thrundil Barrelbeard, in the process of settling an old clan grudge.[2a]
A powerful Dwarf thane armed with a warhammer marches to meet the enemy.
A thane is a Dwarf noble who serves as the patriarch of a Dwarf clan and are often powerful warriors and military leaders within a Dwarf army.[1a]
Role
A Dwarf thane as rendered for Total War: Warhammer.
The leaders of a Dwarf throng are its lord and thanes. These are the most powerful combatants in the army, fell-handed warriors equipped with the finest arms and armour of their clan's weapon hoard. Each Dwarf thane has within him vast experience in combating the enemies of their race, often built up over several centuries of constant warfare and strict studies. Dwarf leaders are well-tutored in the art of war, learning both from the elders of their own clans and the venerable Runesmiths.[1a][4]
When the time comes for them to lead the clan, they will have learnt more than most commanders of Men ever know and will have been tried and tested on the battlefield many times over. This experience and wisdom is reflected upon their beards, a clear indication that the other Dwarfs in the throng would do well to follow their example.[1a]
When battle is joined, it is the thanes, with their finely-crafted plate armour and rune-inscribed weapons like warhammers and greataxes, who seek out the enemy's most powerful combatants, matching bestial fury or Dark Magic with courage, honour and honest steel. On several occasions, Dwarf thanes have been known to take command of smaller units of Dwarfs as their own and lead them personally into combat. Most thanes are readily identified by the large wings that protrude from their helmets.[1a]
As a rule, Dwarf Lords and Thanes are a grim sort, for they are leaders of a dour people. Upon their broad shoulders is carried the weight of untold debt, the inherited grudges of a long-suffering and unforgiving race. It is their lot to avenge all wrongdoing to their Clan, Hold or race, not just in the present, but also for all time. Failure to redress an injury from antiquity is particularly galling, an act of disrespect to the much-revered ancestors.[4]
Titles and Hierarchy
Dwarfs are not fond of titles and like to keep such things simple. With the exception of the king and his direct heirs, the princes of a hold's royal clan and notable members of the noble clans are referred to as "thanes", even if related to royalty. Thanes may hold offices, but these are not hereditary. Each swears an oath of allegiance to the king and holds their office at the king's whim.[3a]
If a king dies, a thane of the royal clan may be promoted in the line of succession, or a new kingship may be claimed if a clan retakes an old hold, or establishes a new one. All leaders of a hold swear oaths of loyalty to a king, who, in turn, swears such an oath to the High King of Karaz Ankor.[3a]
Miniatures
Sources
- 1:Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (8th Edition)
- 1a: pg. 34
- 2:Warhammer Rulebook (8th Edition)
- 2a: pg. 199
- 3: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Lords of Stone and Steel (RPG)
- 3a: pg. 5
- 4: Total War: Warhammer (PC Game)
Gallery
