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Lore:Boneshaper Clan

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Kevinne Blightheart, leader of the Boneshapers ca. 2E 582
Bloodthorn Vines

The Boneshaper Clan was one of the clans of Reachfolk that lived in border the Reach, a region in western Skyrim during the Interregnum in Second Era. While most of the larger clans maintained a tenuous peace, the Boneshapers were known for their hostile ways. They were among the uncommon clans that warred against their neighbors. Their raids typically provoked neighboring realms to retaliate indiscriminately against all Reachfolk.[1]

Shamans of the Boneshaper Clan have developed an unusual number of rituals involving thorny plants known as the Bloodthorn Vines. The clan's name stems from their tradition of lacing or growing these vines through the skeletons of their ritual sacrifices. This plant does not appear to be native to the Reach, but they cultivate it expertly. When going on a raid or into battle they use these vines to create effigies, shaping the plants into rough mockeries of life. Although the Boneshaper Clan forbids the necromancy, certain rituals involve the dead. They were feared by the travelers and their clan symbols were well known.[2] Nords considered them the worst kind of shamans, and seen them with more contempt than they seen necromancers.[3]

Under the leadership of Kevinne Blightheart,[4][5] they allied with two other Reachfolk clans: the Rageclaws and the Stonetalons and signed the treaty on 3rd of the Frost Fall in 2E 582.[6] The clans aligned themselves with the Cult of the Black Worm, which promised power and blessings of Molag Bal.[7][8][9] and invaded the Rift in 2E 582. Their forces surrounded the Shor's Stone, choked off passage between Stony Basin and the Riften valley,[4] kidnapped local miners, and used tunnels as a site for their rituals.[10][11] Ambre Gnarltree and Mael Rotvine of the Boneshapers guarded two Nordic relics, Darkhammer's Amulet and Fireheart's Medallion, which were used to seal the chambers where the ritual was performed. Although they were killed by the agent of the Ebonheart Pact the ritual was successful. Together with other Reachfolk and the Worm Cult, they managed to resurrect Sinmur's spirit.[12] Soon afterward their allies of the Rageclaw Clan stormed the Fallowstone Hall and stole Wuuthrad.[13][3][14]

They also contacted the agents of the Daggerfall Covenant. A clan matron Linele Skullcarver kept contact with a Redguard member of the Covenant Lolann, though ultimately both were discovered by Aera Earth-Turner of the Ebonheart Pact and later slain by the King's Arrow per her request.[15][16]

Ultimately the Reachmen alliance was defeated, however. Their allied forces led by Stral Blackthroat were vanquished in the Vernim Woods,[17] and their attack on the Boulderfall Pass was stopped.[18] Their chieftain Kevinne, together with other clan leaders was defeated by the King's Arrow at the encampment west of Boulderfall Pass, as per request of dying Ebonheart Pact soldier Melril.[19][20] The future of the clan is unknown, but their invasion of the Rift was thwarted.[17][21] Worm Cult persisted after the defeat of the Reachfolk, but they also were defeated eventually.[22]

Known LeadersEdit

 
Boneshaper Clan Camp at the Three Tribes Camp

See AlsoEdit

BooksEdit

ReferencesEdit

  1. ^ Politics of the ReachConsul Cardea, the Ard's Administrator, 2E 578
  2. ^ Clans of the Reach: A GuideEhcelmo
  3. ^ a b Vigrod Wraithbane's dialogue in ESO
  4. ^ a b Warning to JardirrMelril
  5. ^ Kevinne Blightheart in ESO
  6. ^ Treaty of the Three Clans
  7. ^ Bermund's dialogue in ESO
  8. ^ Events of Dangerous Union in ESO
  9. ^ Worm Nightfrenzy's dialogue in ESO
  10. ^ Events of Beneath the Stone in ESO
  11. ^ Events of Move out Miners in ESO
  12. ^ Events of Unearthed in ESO
  13. ^ Events of Storming the Hall in ESO
  14. ^ Events of Through the Shroud in ESO
  15. ^ Events of The Troubleshooter in ESO
  16. ^ Aera Earth-Turner's dialogue in ESO
  17. ^ a b Events of Through the Shroud in ESO
  18. ^ Events of Smoke on the Horizon in ESO
  19. ^ Events of Raise the Colors in ESO
  20. ^ Melril's dialogue in ESO
  21. ^ Events of To Nimalten in ESO
  22. ^ Events of Stomping Sinmur in ESO