Grizzled Jarl

In the Dwarven realm of Gloomdeep Hold, the Mountain King reigns supreme, but his will is overseen and his governance enacted by the Jarls. This body represents the leaders of Dwarf nobility in Gloomdeep and its surroundings. The Jarls rule over outposts, mines and districts of the Hold itself in the Mountain King’s name, fulfilling the roles of administrators, local figureheads and, in times of conflict, the generals of the Dwarven war hosts. Most Jarls are born into their high status, hailing from a long lineage of wealthy and successful Dwarven ancestors. But it is not entirely uncommon for the Mountain King to ennoble those he thinks worthy, and those few Dwarfs who prove themselves adept prospectors, shrewd traders, fair judges and noteworthy leaders in times of strife may find themselves honored with land and title. Unless a grievous misdemeanor is committed, Jarls retain their position for life, and often grow to be considered stalwart pillars of wisdom and experience. The oldest Jarls often serve as councilors for the Mountain King, and their advice is regularly heeded. Dwarven cultures traditionally respect their elders and the Jarls embody that system of veneration, second only to the king in hierarchies of honor. Skorran Sken is one such noble, a veteran in matters of both administration and battle, who has overseen the Highslope district of Gloomdeep Hold for decades. While Skorran was born into the role, raised and tutored in what would be expected of him by his father, it was his grandfather, Snovrum who first earned the title of Jarl and control over Highslope. Snovrum served for years with the Deepling Guard, responsible for protecting Gloomdeep’s most far-flung mining outposts from raiders and bandits. His greatest test came when an alliance of Orc and Ogryn mercenaries launched a surprise attack on the mineworks. Snovrum was barely able to get news of the assault out before being cut off. The Mountain King feared that the mine was lost, but his Jarls convinced him to send reinforcements in the hope that it could be salvaged. They were surprised to discover a tiny group of workers and the remnants of the garrison – led by Snovrum – still resisting the attackers. They had used corpses to shore up the narrowest points in the tunnels and were holding out until their food ran out. In the end the reinforcements drove out the invaders and the mine was liberated. In the aftermath, Snovrum was made Jarl. Skorran Sken has thus continued his family’s proud traditions of leadership. Control of the Highslope district means Skorran’s duties most often involve ensuring trade is properly regulated and stopping competition between the various guilds from growing out of hand. At the same time, all Jarls must be ready to raise forces and join the Mountain King when war calls, and it is in this capacity that Skorran has proven his particular worth. Over a number of campaigns, Skorran has shown himself to be skillful in these areas and like all Dwarven nobility, he is no weak link when it comes to combat. Equipped with the Sken family’s heirloom halberd and heavy tower shield etched with the family’s honors, he has withstood blade, arrow bolt and sorcerous blast for many decades. With the likes of Skorran and the other Jarls at his command, the Mountain King’s rule over Gloomdeep Hold looks to be secure for many centuries to come.