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Ivar sailed his ship up close to the elf's growling in a low tone. "Elf my men and I come not to harm you if we were intent on raiding you it already would have happened instead we intend to sail to the lands of your enemies the orcs and conduct our business there. If you wish you can escort our fleet, from a distance of course. But today I promise you we do not come to raid your lands."
 
Ivar sailed his ship up close to the elf's growling in a low tone. "Elf my men and I come not to harm you if we were intent on raiding you it already would have happened instead we intend to sail to the lands of your enemies the orcs and conduct our business there. If you wish you can escort our fleet, from a distance of course. But today I promise you we do not come to raid your lands."

After some time passes, the white raven returns...

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Lord of the Nord Fleet,

After some consideration we have decided to allow you safe passage. Take this as a show of our faith that friendship can return. However, further incursions into Elven waters must be heeded upon permission of any Therayn or Thera, until such a time as friendship can be rightly proclaimed. Otherwise, trespasses will be assumed as aggression.

~Thera Linnima el Ru'Galad, Thera of Lightreach, Lady of Aranuth, Keeper of the Light
 
The servant merely nodded at the news.

"I shall inform my master, Your Majesty."

He smiled, bowed and left the room.
 
A single boat awaits the approach of Ivar's fleet beyond the Cursed Coast, what appears to be a lone Nord fishermen hands the crew of Ivar a scroll sealed by a silver coin, interlaced with sea serpents...


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Hail and well met, Marshal Ivar of Norsegard

Long have I been away from home, but even in the far corners of Nirn, news has come of the crowning of the new king and your ascension to Marshal. Songs are sung of your duel with Skall of Skalia and the pirates that plague the kingdom. Know that even here, in Brazehome, news comes before you of your approach, and the streets are in a panic of a Nord and Elven alliance to finally burn Brazehome to the ground. Of course I know that an Elven and Nord alliance defies all sense and truth.

Know that I owe a life debt to one of the self proclaimed Counts of Brazehome, and as such, it is my duty to meet you in glorious battle in service to the debt. I look forward to meeting you and your warriors in the time ahead. May the Valkyrie find us well.

Glory in battle awaits us.

~Yngar Seaborn
 
Ivar frowned reading the letter he crumpled it up and threw it off the side of his ship the Höðr named for the god of winter. He would regret being forced to spill the blood of his fellow Nords but as it was the will of the gods there was little he could do. Standing at the prow of his ship on on which the Dragons head sat Ivar howled. Taking off his silver arm ring he spat. "Men we sail for the city of Brazehome a place known for it's lawlessness and it's wealth. We sail to this place to destroy the threat posed to us by the pirates. We face an enemy unworthy of mercy or of respect." Throwing the silver band into the air Ivar shouted. "Men! I will give each of you one of these in exchange for each head collected from the so called Counts of Brazehome. In addition I will give the man who kills Yngar Seaborn his own weight in gold. This man is a traitor a person who betrays his own people who spits on his culture and heritage. Tyr bring me the sacrifice." Tyr an older more experienced warrior who doubled as the priest for the crew brought a trembling elf forward. Ivar grabbing the elf hoists him upward and onto the prow holding the elf by the ear."Are you ready for oblivion elf?" Before the frightened creature could answer Ivar slid his ax along the elves throat drenching the front of the deck in blood. The elf struggled stunned and gasping for air Ivar held him as the life left him then threw the lifeless body overboard. Taking his blood covered hands he wiped them across his face and prayed that the gods would hear him and grant him a great victory over this scum.
 
((noted Bishop, i'll change my origin. However i'm confused, so the big purple part of the continent of Nirn is Norsegard? Yfirferd though would be the heart of Norsegard and the origin of the Norse? If thats the case my village of Skulr shall be located along the shore somewhere in that province. As its a very minor and small village I hope it wouldnt be a roleplay problem. I don't expect it to be added to the map or anything.))
 
((noted Bishop, i'll change my origin. However i'm confused, so the big purple part of the continent of Nirn is Norsegard? Yfirferd though would be the heart of Norsegard and the origin of the Norse? If thats the case my village of Skulr shall be located along the shore somewhere in that province. As its a very minor and small village I hope it wouldnt be a roleplay problem. I don't expect it to be added to the map or anything.))

((Yfirferd is the current Crownland of the kingdom, with its Jarl, Baldr (played by Noco) being the current king. As for origins of the Norse, they have always lived in Norsegard and Everwinter (Everwinter a separate continent currently in an unknown locale). Yfirferd is an excellent choice, however, for those landless players wanting to live in the heart of Norsegard. Landless players should note, if they choose live within a province rather then a nomadic existance, you live at the pleasure of the ruling Jarl and should expect to swear fealty.))
 
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Name: Skalf

Trait: Warrior

Position: Landless

Personal Bio: The first thing that many notice about Skalf are his eyes. They roll in his head, unable to stay still. Wide and bloodshot, these eyes absorb everything they see. Some say he is blessed by Loki, others say he is cursed by Thor. Whichever it is, he has a habit of both bad luck and extreme violence. It is known that he has spent some time among the Saxons, but was driven by their shores after killing a minor strongman chieftain by ripping his esophagus out of his throat using his teeth. With canines sharpened to a point, Skald's near 7 feet tall profile is terrifying to peasants everywhere. Another known legend is that he spent a year among the elves, to which he subsided solely on their flesh. There are still recorded legends to this day of a halfman, halfbear demon that came to the shores to kill and ruin everything in his path until driven out by a small army.

There are rumours that Skalf is half-orc, whom was born of a violent rape in the name of the Orcish gods. While this would account for Skalf's size, aggressiveness, and slight green tinge in his skin, no one dare say anything to him. The teeth of the last man to say something about it hung on a necklace around Skalf's neck. All in all, his return to his home in the North can be seen as a good thing or a bad thing, depending on one's point of view.

Household: Ratson ~ A thin and cowardly thing made of snot, bones and sinew, Ratson is the primary object of Skalf's (wooden) axe practice. Besides an almost unbelievably high pain tolerance, Ratson is a kniving scoundrel who is as cruel as he is cowardly. One of only two followers that Skalf has, he is used like a sniveling dagger, killing opponents in their sleep and poisoning guards as they relax.

Erik Eriksson ~ Gifted by Odin himself with the intelligence of a shield, Erik's only redeeming feature is his ability to memorise anything he reads, and recall it at will (or more often Skalf's will). He is one of only two followers Skalf has, and is used as a walking library in which he stores all of the knowledge he needs but doesn't want himself.

The Mind of Skalf and other important IC: The Killing of a Manbeast

A Question of War

A View of Moot and Men

A Wolf among Pigs

Black Wings Unfurled

The Ritual




((I understand the rules BB, no need to inform me :D.))
 
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Razing of Brazehome

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The Fleet of Marshal Ivar the Strong sails for Brazehome

"Have you heard of the city built upon innocent's bone?
Come fetcher, come killer, come traitor scorned,
To the city most vile, the city called Brazehome."
~Ode to Brazehome​

Following the report of the disgraced former Spy-Master of Nair Isles, Marshal Ivar now leads an effort to bring justice to the pirates that were believed to be based out of Brazehome of Vorduun. Sailing a large fleet from Norsegard, Ivar is halted by a lesser fleet of Elven Corsairs, making up the border fleets of the Galadriel realms. The Elves agree to let the fleet pass, though they make it clear that further passages unannounced into Western Shivering will be viewed as hostile. The cool Shivering Sea gives way swiftly under Ivar's fleet and spirits are high as the promise of battle nears. Meanwhile, back in Norsegard, a warm summer brings anything but peace...

Events of the Summer, 999 D.F.

Blue Hills
Fearing reprisal from the King, Gerdo Herodson, stepping into the Jarl's seat after the execution of his father, orders the fleet of the Hills to embark for Fuma Land, hoping to establish an additional base of power should the Blue Hills come under threat. Summer storms, however, rack the fleet of the Hills and send half to the bottom of the sea. As summer waned, only 5 ships and 500 men returned. Fearing the need for a greater fleet upon the success or failure of the Journey to Fuma, Gerdo orders a massive construction effort of 70 ships, bankrupting the Jarldom. However, the new Jarl also sent a trade expediton to Elven lands, helping to fund the project. Whether through shrewd negotiations on Gerod's part, or by the foresight of the Elves in needing allies on Norsegard, a fine price is fetched for the Nord goods. The future of the Blue Hills is uncertain as the loyalty of Gerdo is in doubt and his dishonoured father now dead by the hand of King Baldr.
70 Ships Built (-70 Gold)
30 Gold Earned from Elven Trade
- 5 ships, - 500 Troops

Lazuli
In the holy land of Lazuli, Jarl Skugrad orders the army to take part in the building of roads across the fiefdom to speed trade out from Ishtar City. Donations are taken and preliminary builds are begun, and no hand is left idle as help is also given to aid in the fields and assist elders across the province. Meanwhile, small groups leave Yogth Citadel bound for the south, purposes unknown. As summer drew to a close, the scouts returned, revealing that the land of Wallachia and the surrounds of the Dyrefort in northern Gothra have been heavily fortified in recent seasons. The port of Wallachia is also revealed to be the main port of the Gothra fleet, with 50 Goth Galleons anchored around the city.
15 Gold Earned
Dyrefort 3/3 Fort Level
Wallachia 3/3 Fort Level
50 known ships

Raven Beak
Unwilling to let the Springs defeat to the pirates deter his resolve, Jarl Ivar the Strong rallies his fleet of 15 ships and 1500 troops to set sail for Brazehome. Wit h the Jarl's departure, his vassals are left to oversee the construction of another 10 ships as well as a raid on the Saxon Clanships. The raids are a moderate success enriching the treasury and aiding in the funding of the shipwright's labours.
10 ships built (-10 gold)
15 ships, 1500 troops set sail for Brazehome
15 Gold earned from raids

Ravens of Svalbard
The Lost of Svalbard conducted scouting missions along the Gothra border over the summer, finding the Gothra holdfast of Keup has remained vulnerable to attack despite the long peace.
Keup Fort Level 0/3

Black Amber Isles
Within the Isles of Black Amber, builders were kept busy over the course of the summer as fortifications were added to the realm's fortresses and holdfasts. A mass raid was rumoured to be under way as a great fleet of forty ships and 4000 men embarked into the Shivering Sea, their destination unknown. Lesser raids were also conducted by the order of Jarl Arne, preying upon merchant vessels across the Shivering Sea.
10 Gold Earned from raids
Fortifications built 1/3 (-50 Gold)
40 ships, 4000 troops set sail

Yngar Seaborn
The prevalent trader Yngar Seaborn is known to be aiding in the defense of Brazehome against Marshall Ivar the Strong in hopes of clearing a debt owed to a lord of that city.
10 ships, 1000 troops defend Brazehome

Nair Isles
Jarl Farbauti, recently fired from his position on the Royal Council, ordered the construction 50 ships to add to his fleet. 10 ships and 1000 troops were ordered to set sail, but as the summer piqued, their destination was unknown.
50 ships built (-50 Gold)
15 gold collected in taxes
10 ships, 1000 troops set sail

Eyrar
Jarless Frita, weary of the deteriorating situation with the Elves increases farming projects over the course of the summer. The summer yields gained the treasury a rich boost in gold, helping to fund increased fortifications build over the summer months.
30 gold earned
Fort Level increased 1/3 (-50 Gold)

Drovogard
In the realm of Jarl Hjalti, elite inquisitors were sent out across Nirn to gather wealth and relics and return them to the Jarl. The effort was a mild success and aided in funding the labours of shipwrights who worked to expand the fleet of Drovogard. Nine ships set sail as well to bolster the fleet of Ivar the Strong, with Jarl Hjalti himself aboard to command in the coming attack on Brazehome.
10 Gold Earned
5 ships built (-5 gold)
9 ships set sail

Yager Bloodfire
The clansmen of Bloodfire set out on unknown purposes...
1000 Troops, 10 ships set sail

Vela of Skulr
Given a cold welcome in Aranuth, the capital of Lightreach in the realm of Galadriel, after it is determined that Vela is landless and not affiliated with the Crown of Norsegard. Vela is awarded mercenary contracts protecting Elven nobles throughout the city, apparently keen on the novelty of being protected by foreigners of increased hostile relations. Having a Nord bodyguard becomes something of a status symbol with the Elven aristocracy over the course of the summer, and a fine price is earned for the Nord's work.
5 gold earned

The Fair Downs
Jarl Deawulf opens a border market along the border of the Tooth Underkingdom, promoting trade between the two kingdoms. The new market is a booming success as relations between Dwarfs and Nords grows closer after the Summer Moot.
50 gold earned
4 ships built (-4 chests)
25 gold invested in infrastructure

Cuthrum
Storms wrack against the realm of Cuthrum, instilling fear in the populace and a firm belief that Jarl Tosvig lacks the grace of the Gods. After initial violence in Cuthrum Hold, Tosvig steps down from the Jarl's seat and falls into obscurity. The Arls debate and agreement upon the next Jarl cannot be reached. As summer fades to fall, no Jarl has claimed the seat of Cuthrum.
Cuthrum's seat of power is empty!

Jolbi
The quiet Jarl Imar commissions the best shipwrights of Jobli to construct ships to add to his fleet. Meanwhile, 10 ships and 1000 troops set out to join Ivar's forces and assist in the attack upon Brazehome, with Jarl Imar himself leading the fleet. As the assault force launches in early summer, traders set out for Raven Beack, earning a tidy sum in trade with the Marshal's Jarldom.
10 ships built (-10 gold)
10 ships, 1000 troops set sail for Brazehome
10 gold in trade earned

Crownland of Yfirferd
a project of irrigation orchestrated by King Baldr along the rivers of the Crownland has yielded greater bounties on summer crops and increased commerce in the Jarldom. Shipwrights were kept busy over the summer as 20 new ships were built to add to the King's Fleet, and a stipend of gold was sent to Raven Beak to alleviate the damage done over spring raids. A pair of ships from the King's Fleet patrolled the Shivering on a keen lookout for pirates, but as the summer days were at their longest, no sign of the pirates could be seen. The new Spymaster, the Earl of Pite, was tasked with investigating the source of the pirates that had plagued the Shivering since the spring. Despite a broad spanning effort, the base of the pirates eluded the new spymaster. The King worked personally to foster tighter bonds with the High Kingdom of Highathar and secured a trade deal that brought Dwarven riches that promised to fund further projects for the Crown.
35 Gold Earned
15 gold sent to Marshal Ivar
20 ships built (-20 gold)
45 Gold earned from Dwarven Trade for treasury

Skalf
The warrior Skalf lends his talents to Nords of influence across Norsegard, finding steady mercenary work across the realm. The summer proves very prosperous for Skalf as his talents are utilized to crush bandits and beasts across the realm.
25 Gold Earned

Scalia
An effort to squeeze out more gold in taxes is heralded a success by the stewards of Scalia, giving the coffers of Jarl Skall a wealthy influx of gold. Reports suggest that the treasury is full to bursting as prosperity in the northern Jarldom reaches in all time high.
30 gold Earned

Torin's Landing
Funding of the city now dubbed Norvikgard along the Torin/Yfirferd border continues throughout the summer. Taxes, donations and trade all coalesced to boost the treasury and allow construction to continue unimpeded. Patrons of the realm predict initial construction of the settlement may be finished by winter. Meanwhile, the foreign call to relent tariffs had the opposite of the desired effect as Steward Edvard continued his drive to tax incoming foreign goods into the realm. The result was a boost in the royal treasury, though some have noted that traffic in the Shivering is beginning to slow.
25 Gold Earned
25 Gold Earned for Treasury

Sjor Isles
A harrowing trade expedition was ordered by Jarl Gunnar, logistically difficult for it was over land and bound for Highathar. Despite the difficult journey, the traders arrived in the border realms of Highathar with their goods in tact. Hauling the heavy riches from under the mountains was no easy task, but the Islanders of Sjor got it done.
45 Gold earned
20 ships built (-20 gold)
 
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Razing of Brazehome
Part II

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The Elven fleets of Galdriel halted their escort at just beyond the city of Luthivira, leaving the fleets of Ivar, Hjalti and Imar to continue to the Cursed Coast of Vorduun alone. Great care was needed to navigate the jagged rocks of that vexed coastline, and time and time again odd occurrences, including slashed sails and split oars. Fearing a saboteur, Ivar halted the fleet and scoured the ships, his investigation finding an agent recognized to be in the employ of Jarl Faurbauti of the Nair Isles. Suffering only a slight delay, Ivar ordered the fleet forward once again, through the Cursed Coast.

Pushing forward, the fleet rounded the horn of Vile Land and soon came upon a waiting fleet, flying the Lords' banners of Brazehome and Seaborn. There was no parley, for Ivar was intent on one thing, taking the city and learning the origin of the pirates that plagued Shivering waters. Horns bellowed over the warm waters of the Sunset Sea, and hollers of men rang out, hungry for battle. Ships were ripped asunder as the Norsegard longboats charged into the chaotic formation of the Brazehome navy. To make matters worse for the defenders, an apparent coupe took place on the waters, as a present noble murdered Brazehome lord in cold blood for all to see. As the ranks of the Brazehome fleet began to fight each other as well as the Norsegard, the ships of the Seaborn remained steadfast and took over the defense. Recognizing the threat from Seaborn, Jarl Hjalti ordered his ships forward and confronted the Seaborn, as Ivar and Iman slipped past the gap and decimated the feuding Brazehome fleet. Turning back to engage the Seaborn, Imar and Ivar quickly joined with Hjalti, and after a brief assault upon the remaining defenders, what was left of the Seaborn fleet surrendered.

With the waters clear before the fortified city, Ivar's fleet was now clear to make landfall and press inside the gates of Brazehome. Much like the prior sea battle, the land defenders were just as disorganized, aside from the Seaborn company that retained discipline though they kept to the rear of the defending formation, seeming to be unkeen on fighting their brethren. The Brazehome defenders greatly outnumbered the Marshal's forces, but the Nords were highly organized and struck with precision as the two armies clashed before the gates of the city.

Though the forces of Ivar and Imar were able to defeat the flanks of the Brazehomes with ease, Imar was stalled by the ferocity of the Seaborns, that charged up the right flank. Penetrating deep into the ranks of the Jolbi troops, Yngar and his soldiers were able to route the attacking flank, sending Imar into retreat. Turning his company to engage Ivar's forces, however, were met with stout resistance, as the Brazehomes crumbled and Yngar found himself fighting both the forces of Jolbi and Raven Beak. Sounding a quick retreat, Yngar and what was left of the Brazehome forces quickly retreated behind the walls of Brazehome. The gate only held several more days as chaos reigned within the city, with ambitious lords of the city siezing upon the siege in order to kill rivals. As the summer faded but one tower remained, and within was Yngar and Count Harold of Kilnwater, self professed lord of Brazehome.

Norsegard Victory!
15 ships, 1500 troops - Ivar - 3 ships lost, -300 Troops, -600 Troops
9 ships - Hjalti - 2 ships lost
10 ships, 1000 - Imar - 3 ships lost -300 troops, -350 Troops

10 ships, 1000 troops - Yngar - 5 ships lost, -500 Troops
10 ships, 5000 troops - Brazehome

Attackers lack the troops to hold Brazehome!


Raid on Gothra
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As the fleet of Ivar the Strong sailed for the far coast of Vorduun, various Jarls dispatched their fleets for a realm closer to home, the Kingdom of Gothra. Warned by King Vlad that raids constitute an act of war, the fleets of Bloodfire, Nair, Black Amber and Sjor Isles embarked for the coasts of Gothra in what can only be described as a call for war and to force the king and council to action.

The Bloodfire Clan, acting independently from the Islander fleet, set sail for Wallachia, a heavily fortified city and recently revealed to be a stronghold for the Gothra fleet. The Gothra fleet routed the encroaching Bloodfires with ease, scuttling 4 of their ships in the process.

A seperate raiding party caused havoc in the Black Forest in the Gothra north-west. All signs seemed obvious and pointed to the work of the Jarl of the Nair Isles.

A coordinated effort, led by Jarl Arne, Faurbati and the sons of Gunnar Kettling was far more successful. The large fleet was able to elude Gothra patrols and set upon the Isen Coast. Robbing the wealth and taking thralls around the Isen Holdfast proved lucrative for the raiders, though as they made their return to Norsegard, their way was hampered by the Wallachia fleet, 50 ships in all.

The resulting clash was bloody on both sides, but the Islander fleet did manage to break through the Gothra fleet and speed back to home.

There was no doubt that the raids would spark another war between Gothra and Norsegard.

Bloodfire - 10 ships, 1000 troops. -4 ships, -400 troops.
Nair Isles - 10 ships, 1000 troops. - 4 ships, - 400 troops. 3o gold earned
Black Amber - 40 ships, 4000 troops. - 12 ships, - 1200 troops 30 gold earned
Sjor Isles - 10 ships, 1000 Troops. - 1 ship, - 100 troops. 15 gold earned
Apparant Nair raiding party - 5 gold earned

Wallachia Fleet 50 ships. -20 ships


Black Flags upon the Shivering
The black flags of the pirates did not relent over the course of the summer, attacking merchant vessels at will, causing a strain to the royal treasury. The brazen pirates even conducted assaults upon the Jarldoms of Lazuli and Raven Beak. At Kevtar Watch, the major port of Lazuli, the pirates encroached on the surrounding waters and bellowed horns to signal a raid. The entire fleet of Jarl Skulgard answered the raiding call. After the failure of the spring the pirates were now strengthened and confident. The black fleet broke through the defending fleet and sent them into route, opening the shores for their raiding parties. Taking their fill of gold, the raiders escaped before an effective defence could be marshalled.

In Raven Beak, The fleet of Strathclyde was understrengthed as their lord and most of their ships were away fighting in Brazehome, making the Jarldom an ample target for pirates. Aided by the King's Fleet, the defensive fleet formed and sailed north to meet the pirates head on, who were spotted near Stepstone Glacier. The ships clashed in the cool summer waters of the Shivering, ramming to the lament of the call of boarding parties. The battle lasted hours and as the regent awaited word in Strathclyde, it soon became apparent that the defending fleet was routed. Surveys of the damage along Odin's Folly to Stepstone revealed damage assessed at 15 chests.

Lazuli loses 3 ships and 25 gold!
Raven Beak loses 6 ships, and 15 Gold!
Yfirferd loses 2 ships
Treasury loses 20 gold to pirate attacks over the summer
 
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There was much commotion in the the Blue Hills. A massive construction project had been completed, and loads of goods where being loaded onto the new ships. The provisions were mostly goods and food, but it was not certain where they were headed. With the old Jarl dead, it was unsure what Gerdo was going to do. There was even some rumors that he was going to abandon the Blue Hills, and set sail, never to return. Needless to say, there was great uncertainty.
 
OOC: So how will claiming Cuthrum work?
 
Skalf tasted the blood on his axe

"The taste of manflesh but smells of a wolf. You folk have a manbeast loose in these parts. That'll cost extra."

Skalf then turned to peasants and minor noble whom owned the village. The rather fat and hairy noble looked uncomfortable, whether from his gaze or his demand for more money he didn't know. Seeing the fat man begin to stiffen in his resolve, often a sign of a lost sale, Skalf spoke again.

"This is no mere wolfpack on your lands, this manbeast will eat your cattle, burn your farms and steal your children to convert into manbeasts as well. Believe me, more money is the lesser cost here. I've killed them before and will kill them again, not ever man who's services are offered give the same guarentee."

Skalf licked the last of the blood from his blade, savouring the coppery taste on his tongue and feeling the power of the manbeast being absorbed into his body. He looked back at the now fairly terrified audience he had and smiled. His smile is what did it, it always did. The sight of him, eyes rolling with a large grin, showing his blood stained sharpened canines, was enough to put the idea he wanted into their heads. That they hired a monster worse then the ones they are getting rid of.

He didn't need Erik for this. After collecting the medium sized pot of gold coins, he slipped the sheathe of silver onto his axe. A fairly standard piece of equipment for monsterslayers, the silver sheathe is simply a blade on his blade, cushioned by something soft. His own was unique, a relic of his time in the Elven woods. The silver, though melted, still showed some of the writing that were from the pieces he had melted down to make it. Necklaces, rings, clasps, trinkets. He traced his favourite passage. The Darkness of Evil may come, but it will never Darken the Light of Our Love. - Ferimer. He still remembered the screams of terror from the Elven woman that had it around her neck. He took it like he took many things, like he took her heart and ate it raw. But none of the love she had was absorbed. That was a shame.

Strapping the sheathe on tight, he walked to the cave that the manbeast must be sleeping in. Ratson and Erik followed behind, and Skalf told them to allow no one inside. Skalf then drank one of the many brews he had, for the witch he had known had given him the recipe, took off all his clothing except his Bearskin headdress and entered. The townsfolk that gathered around peered into the darkness, searching for any sign of life. Soon they began to hear screams, unholy screams like the whine of the dog mixed with the cry of a man. They continued for a timeless length, causing much distress to the thralls gathered.

Finally the devil's own weeping stopped. The townsfolk readied their arms to whatever would appear. But only Skalf exited that fateful cave, carrying the head of the manbeast. Stuck in half formation, the face was a testament to pain. The face, half grown into that of a man, was stuck forever in the rigor mortis of fear. It was as if Hel herself came to steal it's soul. Skalf threw the head at the noble, sat down and slept.

When he awoke, an extra tribute awaited him, much like the villages before they had seen a glimpse of the berserker within Skalf and quailed. This was but a bribe for him to leave and never come back. One he accepted, never wanting to come back to this noname pisshole again.
 
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Name: Kveldulf Broddson, The Lonely
Trait: Warrior
Age: 56

Bio: Born long ago in Scalia, he soon gained quite a reputation as a warrior on the long years before the province was finally united. It was during Dulaf's campaign when his clan was just eradicated, as it has been of his fiercest opponents, and some example had to be made. Having lost his wife and a boy, he chose to leave the land and never return. Many labelled him a traitor. Many more followed him to exile along the next few years, before Dulaf was finally killed.

He crossed alone the continent to the extreme south, working when and how he could fin a job, usually as one form or another of hired muscle, from the elven woods of Galadriel to the dwarven caves of Higathar, and eventually took a ship further south, in hopes of starting a new live in the civilized south. His faith couldn't have been more misplaced. Soon enough he was once again falling into the same kind of activities. It was either that or starving, and he was no suicide.

When a mercenary company passed through the city he was daunting at the time, he didn't hesitate and joined its ranks. That was twenty years ago, and he has been fighting ever since. Now the war there is coming to an end, and a mercenary can only survive where some disturbance is taking place.
 
A new Contract

I left the command tent just behind the bulky figure of Aquil. The gigantic southerner moved with surprising haste towards their men. I kept wandering about while the rest of the Captains passed by my side; Strong Alric, One-Eye, that moron of De Bois... There was much work to do, and no time to waste. And yet I needed to think.

From the top of the hill where the tent was installed, I could see the straight lines our forces had set up almost four months ago over the fields of some unlucky bastard. In the background, behind the row of trebuchets and the trenches we had manned just some days ago, the city of Cormere still smoked. It had been a hell of a siege, and when the walls where finally breached, no one was in the mood for a nice talk with the defenders.

From where I stood it was easy, judging by the encampment, to confuse us with some noble army, perhaps that of a knightly lord, or maybe one of those citizens militias they favoured in Velonia. Nothing could have been more mistaken. The Company of the Twelve Banners, that we were. Some said we called ourselves that due to the number of banners under which we could fight in a single year. Of course they were exaggerating. During the 20 years I had spent with them, we'd rarely switched sides more than twice a year, always without breach a single clause on our contracts, with was deed on our lawyer's part, and none after we took the contract with Julian Blanchand, count of Luton. It was clear whose side was winning by then, and a good mercenary is one who knows how to stay alive.

No, the name came from the original twelve Captains who decided to start a business out of war. We were 7 these days, our numbers barely over the 6000, yet the name had stuck. I passed the tents of the First Banner, where De Bois was once again making a speech about the riches and glory we were to achieve, should their men choose to continue with us. Truth is, after a siege so successful (from a mercenary's point of view) as this one had proved, we would be lucky if three quarters of the men enlisted to the new campaign, specially considering where we were going.

“So, what's the news?” Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't realized I was once again among my brothers, all 650 men of the Ninth Banner. I had always wondered how the Company could have a 9th or a 11th Banner, while simultaneously lacking a 3rd, 4th and 6th, but it seemed those had been slaughtered before my time, and nobody ever thought on reforming them.

It was Hjalmar Hrothgarson, my second in command, who was talking to me. Like me, and not unlike many of our brethren, he was a Norse. Why had he left Norsegard I never asked, and he hadn't chosen to tell me. Most of our men were outcasted like us. Some were even worse; murderers, rapers, psychopaths, one needs a very special mindset to join a mercenary company, there's no romanticism on it. Not after the first couple of days, in any case.

“We received word from His Highness Blanchand” I answered. “It seems our soon to be High King of Velonia sent the Old Man words of His gratitude and eternal friendship for our efforts on securing the land and putting this civil war to an end. He also wished him a safe and quick passage out of his lands”.

“You can tell about gratitude...”

“Well, that's no surprise, I guess. No one needs a couple thousand mercenaries carousing around once the war is over. We always were a risk for our patrons as much as we were for their enemies. Anyway, the Old Man saw it coming, and it seems we have another Contract just signed. The ink is not even dry yet. We'll be living within the week”.

“Where we go, Kveldulf?”

“Northwest, we are coming home.” I said, and in that moment I could see how he could do the maths. He was no idiot, or he would have died some years ago, and I had seemed troubled since I left the tent. If there was no war here, we would be moving towards a less stable region, somewhere where our services where needed. There wasn't so many places like that these days.

“How...? Who're we fighting for?”

“It seems Vlad of Basaraab's once again thinking on settle the score with the Norsegard. That son of a bitch of Beron hit him hard last time he tried, and now he thinks some foreign expertise could help him to success where his men failed for so long. He's paying a King's bounty, and he's even organised a convoy be waiting for us on Emelle. The Captain-General said he had already commandeered 50 naus just for that.”

“That's a 3 weeks march from here, and then no less than a month and a half at sea, if we are lucky... After that trip he can't expect us to be fighting just after we disembark... What d'you think? Next spring?”

“I'd say so, if he's been able to keep his nobles in line. They always've been a jealous bunch, more worried to keep their neighbors from overshadowing them than actually doing something. No wonder they're still looking at Fallond from the other side of the Mountains.”

“So this is it, isn't it? We're coming home. We're coming back to Norsegard, and we'll be invading it.”

“Yeah, sometimes this world is far too small.”
 
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Otrygg raises his hands ceremoniously over his head...

...The life of Herod of the Blue Hills is hereby forfeit for his crimes....

As he was lead to the gallows, Herodon was asked if he had any last words. He raised his voice and spoke:

"I will die without struggle, for those who defy the agent of death always face Grim Reaper-cussions."

He was then hanged.
 
Grb_Lazarevic.png


To the righteous Marshal Ivar the Strong,

Congratulations on your victory. Brazehome has been culled and now on her knees before your might. I wonder now what your plan may be? You have defeated our fleet and army, yes, but what now do you intend to do? You lack the forces to occupy these walls and our citizens are untrusting of foreign powers. Try and rule here and you will be driven out by the fall, you must know this.

I propose you advise your king to name myself the unrivalled Count of Brazehome, to rule in the name of Norsegard and King Baldr. It is no secret that Norsegard ails under recent stresses, and a loyal port in greater Nirn could do much to bolster the funds of the treasury, and a loyal and local governor can ensure fealty of the city's lords and inhabitants. Give me your blessing dear Marshal, and that of your King's and make Brazehome the first colony of an Imperial Norsegard!

~ Harold of Kilnwater, Lord of Brazehome
 
OOC: So how will claiming Cuthrum work?

((Next turn, state in your orders your desire to make a move for the Jarl's seat. Use your trait to gain the support of the Arls, through bribery(hire mercs, -25 gold, 1000 troops, 10 ships, bonus roll), brute force, negotiations(diplo order to persuade support of an Arl, bonus roll, patrons have increased chance of success) or a plot if you are a crow.

More then one claimant and a battle will ensue. Use your trait to the best of your ability to gain bonus rolls and the winner will earn the seat.))