TEXT: The Vosser Clan                                                                                                                       Page 1 
   
   
   
   
  Clan VOSSER 
   
  Gandalin the Grey, 
  Seeker of Information – Fireseek, 593CY 
   
   
  1. Pre-history 
   
   
  In the area of the Flanaess around the Yatil 
  Mountains, the Oeridians ran into the Flan of 
  historical Perrenland. In most parts of the 
  continent the Oeridians had conquered quickly 
  and fully; around the Yatils the results were 
  very different. Despite being driven from some 
  lowland territories, the Flan continued to 
  dominate the bulk of the Yatil and Clatspur 
  Mountains, absorbing the few Oeridian tribes 
  than penetrated that far and successfully 
  resisting the invaders who had overran the 
  lowlands. The result was an essentially pure 
  Flan people in the mountains of Perrenland, and 
  Oeridian tribes in the Feronwold and the lands 
  around Schwarzenbruin, Traft, and in Krestible. 
   
  2. The Clan 
   
  The Vosser are of Flan descent. They have 
  guarded the Velverdyva river pass since before 
  written history. Their fortified clan capital of 
  Koetheim has been a place of traditional 
  resistance in Perrenland, holding out against 
  both the Aerdi invasion and subsequent 
  occupation from 97 CY as well as the armies of 
  Iggwilv in the 480s. 
   
  Predominantly found within the Yatils in 
  southern Perrenland and dominant within 
  Quagfludt canton, this Hooglander clan is less 
  abrasive than their Roodberg neighbours. A 
  Vosser clansman is more likely to live and let 
  live, preferring to ignore the foibles of other. 
  However, 
  if 
  thoroughly 
  annoyed, 
  these 
  clansfolk are known for their swift and 
  determined retribution. One way to annoy a 
  Vosser clansman is to call him a Laaglander. 
  The Vossers are a mountain clan and proud of 
  it! Folk of the Vosser clan are more family 
  oriented than the Roodbergs and have a strong 
  family identity. Likewise they form firm and 
  lasting friendships – Vosser clansfolk who join 
  mercenary bands usually join for life and the 
  band becomes their family. 
   
   
  3. Non-human involvement in 
  Clan Life 
   
   
  Before the concatenation, many nomads and 
  refugees travelled through many parts of 
  Perrenland. Large numbers of them wandered 
  into the mountains – some found death and 
  destruction – others found homes and began to 
  maintain meagre subsistence lifestyles. Those 
  who found villages and became part of the 
  scattered settlements soon proved their worth 
  with their industry and efforts – no mean task 
  with the stern and proud Vosser clans. 
  Acceptance meant that non-humans and others 
  became part of the clan, especially when 
  fighting began and major villains were about to 
  be 
  defeated! 
  At 
  this 
  time 
  the 
  Vosser 
  Vorstammann declared that ANY non-human 
  who wanted to live within Vosser clan laws 
  could become a clansman. 
   
  By the time of Perren, many non-humans were 
  already Vosser clansmen. Their new skills, 
  foods and outlooks added to the Vossers, whilst 
  life with the Vossers was predictable and firm. 
  
  The Vosser Clan                                                                                                                       Page 2 
   
  At the time of the concatenation, Vosser clans 
  were already multi-racial - dwarves, elves, half-
  elves, halflings, half-orcs, gnomes and humans 
  made up the clan – faced clan enemies together 
  – and voted together to decide their futures. 
   
  Today a Vosser clansman may be of any race or 
  half race that is imaginable. Whilst a stern group 
  of clansmen, Vossers will accept all that accept 
  their standards (generally Lawful Good) and 
  who work to assist their clansmen. Whilst they 
  are never honorary humans (a demeaning title) 
  they are Vosser clansmen and that is far more 
  important! 
   
  Vosser clan membership allows all members 
  equal status and acceptance – woe betide the 
  outsider who demeans a Vosser – after all the 
  Vosser motto “Touch not the cat bot a glove” 
  reveals the intensity that protects and nurtures 
  Vosser clansmen. 
   
  Clan numbers are not easy to determine. Many 
  claim the Vosser clan is the largest clan in 
  Perrenland (Patenji, 593CY). Others are not so 
  sure and point to the continuous Roodberg 
  conflict as a reason for lower numbers 
  (Bucktoof, 593CY). We do know that the clan 
  probably has far more non-human members than 
  any other, possibly in the order of 9 000 to 10 
  000! 
   
  4. The Sub-Clans 
   
  Within the Vosser held (western) half of the 
  canton, each sub-clan has major responsibility 
  for the lands, growth and 
  development of their own 
  sub-cantonal area. 
   
  The Höndvoet occupy 
  the central area, basically 
  the central third of the 
  western side of the canton 
  – This sub-clan has a 
  magnificent Dwarven built cavern that they use 
  as a castle. It is beautifully designed, many 
  hundreds of years old and is ideal as a defensive 
  position. It backs on to extensive Dwarven 
  mining areas that go into the hills behind it and 
  most of the metals, coal etc come through this 
  fort. This family, therefore, has a close affinity 
  with dwarves, and has learnt a lot of their 
  rockwork and mining skills. This cavern has 
  NEVER been seen by anyone outside the 
  Vosser clan, and its associated dwarves. 
  According to legend, if you go far enough 
  through the caverns, you'll eventually reach the 
  canton of Krestible. Fortunately, only the 
  Hondvoet's know this and none of them really 
  remember the way! This is also the location of 
  the Vosser School of Defence - outsiders have 
  access through another passage, and have never 
  seen the main cavern. 
   
  The sept numbers around 9 000 humans, and 
  roughly 650 – 700 of each of the non-human 
  races for a total of around 13 000 souls. 
   
  The Körtbénen occupy the 
  southern area, especially the 
  narrow passes between the 
  mountains 
  and 
  the 
  Velverdyva 
  River. 
  Their 
  fortress is well built, and can 
  actually close the entire river 
  to access from the south if required. This family 
  has an affinity with the forest elves from the 
  Vesve Forest who use it as a trading outlet for 
  Elven goods. This family operates some fast 
  river craft, and a couple of transport barges, so 
  they also maintain a small port. They can also 
  run you down to Highfolk if you would like! 
   
  The sept numbers around 6 500 humans, and 
  roughly 500 of each of the non-human races for 
  a total of around 9 500 clansmen. 
   
  The Roodhand occupy the 
  northern area, up near the base 
  of the lake. This family is a 
  major water power - they have 
  transport ships, a large port, 
  warehouses etc, run fast lake 
  vessels, a large fishing fleet 
  and have three warships (these 
  “warships” are about the size of the Zee-
  Auszugen Ice Skimmers) to protect their 
  
  The Vosser Clan                                                                                                                       Page 3 
   
  interests. As the traditional controllers of one 
  end of the lake they are in a powerful position. 
  They have an affinity with the aquatic elves 
  which are the custodians of Lake Quag, 
  although they keep this information pretty much 
  to themselves. It is usually their vessels that 
  allow fast access to the three lake towns, 
  Schwarzenbruin, Traft and Ungra Balan. 
   
  This sept numbers around 6 000 humans, and 
  roughly 300 – 350 of each of the non-human 
  races for a total of around 8 000. 
   
  One informant told me that another Vosser sept 
  exists. According to her, the Fellkatz occupy 
  the more unapproachable areas of Claspurgen 
  Canton. Their largest settlement of Katzberg 
  numbers abut 1 600 very hardy souls. The sept 
  numbers total about 8 000, mainly humans, but 
  with small numbers of Grey Elves. Only time 
  will tell whether this report rings true. 
   
  5. Cultural Oddity 
   
  What appears to others as unusual is a small 
  animal called the Vosserkatz. Other clans look 
  upon this animal with some degree of 
  incredulousness, whilst the Vossers, in their turn 
  view clans without such affinities as more than a 
  little strange! 
   
  Vosserkatz 
  (approved by RPGA in the scenario Pfaltzgrafs 
  Fury – 2003) 
   
  Small Magical Beast 
   
  Hit Dice: 
  1d8+1 (5 hp) 
  Initiative:  
  +8 (+4 Dex, +4 Improved 
   
  Initiative) 
  Speed:  
  30 ft. 
  AC:  
  15 (+1 size, +4 Dex) [Touch 
   
  15, Flat footed 11] 
  Base Attack/Grapple:  +0/-4 
  Attack:  
   
  Claw +1 melee (1d3)  
  Full Attack:   
  2 Claws +1 melee (1d3) and 
   
   
   
   
  Bite -4 melee (1d4)  
  Space/Reach:  
  5 ft./5 ft 
  Special Attacks:   Pounce, improved grab, rake 
   
  (1d3) 
  Special Qualities: Bond (sp), Low Light Vision 
   
  (ex), Scent (ex). 
  Saves:  
  Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +1 
  Abilities:  
  Str 10, Dex 19, Con 13, Int 
   
  2, Wis 12, Cha 6. 
  Skills:  
  Balance +10, Climb +9, Hide 
   
  +14*, Jump +10, Listen +5, 
   
  Move Silently +10*, Spot 
   
  +5. 
  Feats: 
  Improved Initiative 
  _______________________ 
  Climate/Terrain: Temperate forest, Hills and 
  Mountains. 
  Organisation: Solitary or Family Group (2-8). 
  Challenge Rating:  
  1 
  Treasure: 
  None 
  Alignment:  
  Always Neutral  
  Advancement:  
  2-3 HD  
   
  Combat 
  Pounce (Ex): If a Vosserkatz leaps upon 
  a foe during the first round of combat, it can 
  make a full attack even if it has already taken a 
  move action. 
  Improved Grab (Ex): To use this 
  ability, the Vosserkatz must hit with its bite 
  attack.  If it gets a hold, it can rake. 
  Rake (Ex): A Vosserkatz that gets a 
  hold can make two raking attacks (+1 melee) 
  with its hind legs for 1d3 damage each.  If the 
  Vosserkatz pounces on an opponent, it can also 
  rake. 
  Bond (Sp):  A Vosserkatz is not subject 
  to any form of animal friendship, nor can it be 
  taken for a familiar.  The exception to this rule 
  is that it will bond as an animal companion to 
  any good aligned non-human with Vosser 
  heritage, who has the class ability to gain an 
  animal companion or familiar. 
  Skills: *Vosserkatz gain a +6 racial 
  bonus to Hide and Move Silently checks in 
  rocky or lightly wooded terrain. 
   
  The Vosserkatz is a legendary animal of the 
  hills and mountain ranges of the Quaglands 
  (Perrenland). It has, since ancient days, been 
  associated in totemic form with the Flan peoples 
  of this region. The legends and myths of the 
  Vosser clan in particular have given it its 
  
  The Vosser Clan                                                                                                                       Page 4 
   
  modern namesake, yet depictions of it found in 
  ancient Ur-Flannae ruins in the region predate 
  this clan's establishment in the mountain valleys 
  of the Quaglands. Some scholars seem to feel 
  that this indicates that the modern Vosser clan 
  may, in fact, be simply a modern remnant of the 
  once thriving indigenous Ur-Flannae peoples 
  that inhabited the Quagland in prehistoric times. 
   
  Regardless, the legend attributed to the 
  Vosserkatz is one that hints at a dualism. The 
  Vosserkatz is seen as being both a protector and 
  harbinger of trouble. The Vosser clan seems to 
  attribute some magical nature to the animal, yet 
  no evidence of this has ever been found. It is, 
  however, peculiar that the animal will resist all 
  calls to friendship with humans, unless called by 
  one with a Vosser heritage. The Vosser clan 
  hold the Vosserkatz as sacred, and some with 
  the talent amongst them take them as animal 
  companions or familiars and have a higher level 
  of prestige in the clan for doing so (+2 reaction 
  modifier to Diplomacy and Gather Information 
  skill checks). If the Vosserkatz is gained as a 
  familiar the master gains a +2 bonus to Hide 
  skill checks. 
   
  Legend, that may be based in fact, suggests 
  that, at times, a litter of Vosserkatz is born with 
  magical abilities, an aberration from the 
  otherwise 
  mundane 
  nature 
  that 
  captured 
  specimen’s display. Vosser legends portray the 
  birth of such a litter as a warning that trouble for 
  the clan is manifesting. To harm a Vosserkatz is 
  to earn the ire of the any Vossers who gain 
  knowledge of such a travesty. The hunting and 
  killing of Vosserkatz is said to be the main 
  cause of continued tensions between the Vosser 
  clan and the Roodberg clan, who prize the pelt 
  for its camouflage ability. (A Vosserkatz cloak 
  gives a +6 to the wearer's Hide skill checks in 
  mountainous or wooded terrain. Possession of 
  such a cloak shifts all Vosser reactions to 
  unfriendly and gives a –4 ability check modifier 
  on all Diplomacy and Gather Information 
  checks with Vosser clansman.) 
   
   
  6. Government 
   
  The Vosser Clan, in all matters EXCEPT the 
  leadership of the CLAN, are very democratic. 
  Each city, town and village elects a local 
  Hetmann 
  to 
  manage 
  affairs 
  within 
  the 
  settlement. Some towns add “council” type 
  groups that reflect town needs and management 
  requirements. It is interesting to understand that 
  not all of the Hetmann are human! 
   
  The Clan capital, and also the Quagfludt canton 
  capital, is Koetheim, a small city of about 5 000 
  residents. Its location on the western side of the 
  mountains would appear to make it less 
  accessible than other towns, but this is not the 
  case. Travelling the river brings you close to 
  Schwarzenbruin, the capital city of Perrenland 
  and provides trade routes through secure means. 
  It is also the closest Quagfludt city to Krestible, 
  which allows access to the produce from that 
  canton. This is also an administrative centre 
  peopled by such groups as lawyers and judges, 
  tax collectors and merchants, politicians and law 
  enforcement. It is also well known for its classy 
  housing, its libraries and its temples. 
   
  This city is often called “Lesser Greyhawk” as it 
  has apparently tried to reproduce many of the 
  features of the fine city of Greyhawk. 
   
  Where Koetheim is called the capital, Fort 
  Vosserkatz is the heart of the VOSSER clan. 
  This is the home of the Vorstammann, the clan 
  chief. This is the centre where the Vosserkatz is 
  most revered. This is where the city leaders 
  meet to determine what happens in Quagfludt 
  canton – because this is home! 
   
  The Vosser clan Vorstammann Heinrich 
  Vosser VII is the leading political figure. As 
  clan chief Heinrich wields a lot of power, but he 
  is very much a man of the people – one of the 
  very few who has never been opposed by 
  anyone on personal grounds. 
   
   
  7. Clan Enmities 
   
  
  The Vosser Clan                                                                                                                       Page 5 
   
  Most Vossers live and let live. They maintain 
  some sort of “aloofness” where other Perrenders 
  are concerned – so much so that some call them 
  a snobbish clan. This is not really untrue, but 
  this opinion of clansmen arises because the 
  Vossers don’t really care how others see them. 
  Their status within the clan is more important to 
  them than anything else. 
   
  Unfortunately, history has given rise to the 
  clan’s greatest elements of distaste. During the 
  migrations period, the Aerdi (Oeridians,) swept 
  across the Flanaess to form a great kingdom. 
  The conflict of races was a major disruption to 
  Flan life, but typical Vosser tenacity won out 
  and the new race made little impact on the high 
  lands that nurtured the clan. Those invaders 
  turned out to be the ancestors of the Roodberg 
  clan. 
   
  Roodberg is usually not a nice word in the 
  Vosser language. It stands for perceived racial 
  supremacy, religious bigotry, centuries of 
  conflict and dominance by parentage, rather 
  than personal worth. The other concern about 
  the Roodbergs is their inability to let others live 
  in peace. Put a Roodberg anywhere, it seems, 
  and conflict will soon result! 
   
  Vossers are not blameless in this rivalry. In 
  defending their lands and their race, many 
  Vossers did serious damage to Roodberg family 
  and lands. The taking of Roodberg heads, even 
  today, is seen as a worthy way to blood oneself, 
  providing the head is of an able warrior, not a 
  child or an old person. Where a Roodberg is 
  likely to huff and puff, a Vosser will simply do! 
   
  Another nail in the coffin of the Roodbergs is 
  their claim to be highlanders. Nothing affronts a 
  Vosser more than the suggestions that the 
  Roodbergs are a highland clan. Vossers 
  frequently mention the hundreds of heads they 
  collected after driving the Roodbergs from the 
  Quaglands in the battle of DerRoodOosting in 
  98 CY. Every Vosser knows that the Roodbergs 
  hid in their lowland hovels during the invasion 
  by the armies of Iggwilv in the 480s, and the 
  lies told by the clan about this period nearly 
  prevented the clan from being part of the 
  concatenation of Perrenland. 
   
  The Vossers are sure that some other crime of 
  the Roodbergs will reveal their status to the 
  nation of Perrenland… they wait with bated 
  breath. 
   
  The other Perrenese clans are of little threat, or 
  concern, to the clan. The Vossers know that the 
  Meerrijders suffered along with them when the 
  Roodberg invaders stole their lands. Other clans 
  have also felt the lash of the Roodberg’s 
  concepts of life. Today, Vossers trade calmly 
  with every other clan in Perrenland. 
   
  Clansmen are generally proud of the role the 
  clan has played in the development of 
  Perrenland. They are strong supporters of 
  Karenin and the Auszug. The clan’s support for 
  the Voorman was strengthened when he married 
  Greta Vosser. This lady not only took on the 
  public role of Voormann’s wife, but also 
  maintained her original clan affiliation and 
  strengthened her new one by adopting the title 
  of Vosser-Weisspeer. It is highly probable that 
  this could set a fashion for a number of clans in 
  the future. 
   
  “Touch not the cat bot a 
  glove!” 
   
  Footnote: This is a “collection” of information 
  from many sources. I have read, researched, 
  asked questions, investigated, dug under and 
  into and tried to present what I have found in a 
  clear manner. More than any other Perrenese 
  clan the Vossers are their canton and the Canton 
  is their clan. In my opinion this belief arises 
  from the number of times they have had to fight 
  for their lands. 
   
  The Vosser/Roodberg conflict certainly had its 
  beginnings in the very early history of this land. 
  My belief is now that it just a bit of fun to a 
  Vosser, but a real concern to a Roodberg! 
   
  Gandalin the Grey. 
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Living Greyhawk/Metaorg Material/Perrenland/PER background clan_vosser.pdf