By: Grorrrey C. GRABOWSKI, JASON LANGLOIS AND RomaN A. RANIERI, WITH Jess HEINIGCREDITS Writers: Geoffrey C. Grabowski, Jason Langlois and Roman A Renn Advonal Material: Jess Henig ‘Developers: Richard E. Dansky and Jess Heinig Editor: Aileen E. Miles Bes Dieesors Law Sal ‘Ants Richard Kane Ferguson, Fed Harper, Cline Langley, Bian LeBlanc, Alex Shellman, Ron Spencer Layout and Typesetting: Allen E. Miles Cover Art: Richard Kane Ferguson Front and Back Cover Design: Aileen E. Miles Playtsting: Jason Cros, lan Dunteman, Chis White 735 PARK NORTH BLYD, SUITE 128 CuunasTON, CA 30021 USA Game STUDIO © 1999 White Wolf Publishing, Inc. Al rights reserved Reproduction without the written permission ofthe publisher \sexpressly forbidden, except for the purposes of reviews, and for blank character sheets, which may be reproduced for personal use only. White Wolf, Vampire the Masquerade, ‘Vampire the Dark Ages, Mage the Ascension and World of Darknessare registered trademarks of White Wolf Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Werewolf the Apocalypse, Wraith the Oblivion, Changeling the Dreaming, Werewolf the Wild West, Trinity, Wolves ofthe Sea and World of Darkness the Bygone Bestiary are trademarks of White Wolf Publishing, Inc. Allrights reserved. All characters, names, places and text herein are copyrighted by White Wolf Publishing, Inc The mention of or reference to any company or product in these pages is nota challenge tothe trademark or copyright concerned. ‘This book uses the supernatural for settings, characters and themes, All myscical and supernatural elements ate fic- tion and intended for entertainment purposes only. Reader discretion is advised. Check out White Wolf online at hetp:ifwow.white-wolfcom alt-games.whitewolf and rec.games fp.storyteller PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WOLVES OF THE SEA SPECIAL THANKS TO: Ed “Big Game Hunting” Hall, because he's still Ragin’ Justin “Cardiovascular” Achilli— beware the dread disease! Phil “Magickally Fucked” Brucato, for geting exactly that when all the Orphans came home at the wrong time. Andrew “Derails” Bates, ‘cause that’s where it’s at in the Battleground. Aileen “Editor-in-Waiting” Miles, who getsagreatbig THANK YOU for not biting my head off (yet) Ken “Uh... where are the vampires?” Cliffe — it’ like being oma quiz show. Rich "Backin Myday” Dansky, for reminding us how bloody long he's been at this job. Mark "Something Boring is Happening” Cenceyk, for point. ing out the inevitable problems of leelandic litigation. Zzzgh! Aah! Ethan “Aquaman” Skemp, who landed the very sogey book. Tan"SI" Lemke, the sweet supplierofthacbrand-new monthly addiction. Aarnor’s THANK: Geoffrey Grabowski woud like to thank Rob Barset, Dr Kathryn Grabouski, and Dr. D.L. Ashliman for their dvect and indirect coneibsions to this text.ENTS “A Trait OF FrozEN Bioop”: HAUTALA’s SAGA INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE? VIKING CuLTURE Cuapter Two: CusToMs AND THE DARK AGES CyapTer THREE: CHARACTER CREATION Cuaprer Four: SYSTEMS CHAPTER Five: TEMPLATES Appenpix: Noras.& SCANDINAVIAN EINHERJARBY RomaN A, RANIERI ‘The wind howled with the voice of death. Bautala pulled his cloak tighter to his chest as the lorig ship neared the ice-choked shore. The aie vwoas cold, freesing: but not as frigid as the ir Ferwe ofzaces fre fat nfong fire brek of tho neck As a Sivm, he voas constantly avoare of the need to provchis worth to this band of fierce Vlorsernen. Cxikk the VOolf moved easily across the icy deck to stand beside his secondirreormmand. The chill deeperted.“Are you sure that this is the right island?” Erk growled, Hautala flinched. “Yes, Captain. This is the only island they could have reached before this morning's sunrise.” Erik pulled open his own cloak and tossed it aside, showing his disdain for the cold as well as his second-in command, and ignored the ice that instantly began toform on his leather vest. He was not known as the Wolf simply fr his bloodlust in battle, but also for his temper in all other matters as well “But are we in time?” Hautala hesitated, unsure of the response his truthful answer would provoke. Buchis honor demanded that he speak the harsh truth at any cost. “Coptain, | fear that even now itis too late. The eangr surely have killed your daughter or made her one oftheir own, T pray that she is dead.” Erik’s massive hand crushed the ice from the front of Hiautala’s cloak as he pulled the smaller man toward him. “Guard your tongue, Hautala els I remove itand feed it to my dogs. My daughter is alive and well. They took her for ransom. [am sure of it. Ifthey have harmed her in any way, not even Odin will find enough of their bodies to feed his “Calm yourself, Captain. I spoke only to prepare you for what we might find. Do you not remember what happened to King Hrothgarsson's daughter? Erik's fingers tightened dangerously neat to Hautala’s windpipe. “It will not be the same now. Hrothgarsson was sweak fool. He waited too long to give chase. We Norsemen have always been the hunters, never the hunted.. Hrothgarsson forgo thar and his daughter paid with her life for his cowardice.” Hautala pulled back to lessen the presture on is throat. “Captain, [fought beside you in many battles, and came with you now prepared to die to save your daughter. Why do you dishonor me in this fashion?” Erik's features softened in the waning light ofthe winter's day. "Yes, Hautala," be said, barely abovea whisper, “youhave served me well a a warrior and as friend. But your constant whining for caution enrages me. Warriors cate not for caution, ‘We win our bateles in blood. “As do the vag, Captain.” Erik stared at the smaller man for a moment before shoving him ase. Hautala opened his mouth, then thought better of it. Now was not the time to confront Erik There was too little daylight left, and the night, Hautala feared, would prove to be much too long ‘The western sky was all but consumed in fie when the bow of the ship scraped against the island's rocky shore. Hautala signaled, and two men leaped into the icy water and began pulling the hull away from the seductive grip ofthe tide WOLVES OF THE SEA on. NS“Ready yourselves, men,” Erikyelled ashe drew his sword from ts sheath, “abouny of gold tothe man whose blade kills the most vargr!” ‘The warriors roared in one voice. “To Odin and to Sime Evksdtter!” “Thatshemay tillbe the lvingdaughter of Erk,” Hautala whispered to himself “Then let us make quick work ofour vengeance while the sunlighe sil gleams upon our blades.” ‘The ferocity ofthe men’s war cry filled the approaching darkness and scattered the few living creatures that called the island home. But even as he drew his own sword and fell into seep behind his captain, Hautala knew they were rushing to a hartle they had litele chance of winning, unless Freyja could somehow temper The Wolf's own blind, vengeful hunger for blood. Themen crested the low ill ofcoarsesand that separated the shore from the island’ rocky terain when Erik stopped them. “Where!” he asked, tuning to his second-in-command. “Look fora cave," Hautala answered, they could escape the sun.” “We search foracave,” Erik bellowed. "Look sharp... but lee no man enter the cave before me. The fist kill shall be ‘The men surged into the silent heart ofthe island as ifa trconuresladen vault was in their sights, Bellows and shouts isthe only place filled the deepening twilight. The hunt had begun. Soon, ‘ood, rom the living or from the walking dead, would flow as water. Hautala could only hope that if his own blood was spilled his night, it would mean his death, and not the far ‘worse fate of an eternal vagy “Here!” Ac fitst the eal echoed from the rocks, giving no direc- tion. Then Olaf raised his sword above his head and shouted ‘gun, "Here! Captain. Pve found the cave... and this.” Haaucala felt his heart shudder within his chest when the young warrior lifted a woman's shavil into the ai. Te was torn snd bloodied, bur there was no mistaking the white wool, nor theblue threads woven along the border of the cloth. All the men had been there when Erik had taken this shawl from the sacked holdings of an Irish nobleman, proclaiming that it would make a fine gift for his daughter, Signe, Erik screamed in rage and ran toward Olaf.“Show me the cave!” he bellowed. “No, Captain!” Hautala yelled, “we must have a plan. If we rush into the darkness, the ware will slaughter us!” “Enough of your cowardice, Hautala,” Erik raged, the heat ofhis anger blazing within hiscold, steel gray eyes. "Stay Iuhind if you must, and may your worthless soul go to Hel’ hall for your fear!” Erik turned roward the caveand screamed a war ery ofhis family. The crew echoed his shout, then leaped down the rocky slope behind him. Hautala hesitated. Hisheart and mind fought terrible battle. Hisheart tried toforce hisbody forward, stung by the insultohis bravery His ‘mind held is body back, certain that a berserk attack would fail Suddenly, just as Erk and his men reached the edge of the shadows cast by the larger rocks, a figure appeared inside the mouth of the cave, ‘The Norsemen stopped: It was Signe Eriksdotter “Father,” she called, hervoice quaverin, "do youcome to strike me down?” Eriktook single step forward, loweringhisswordslightly. igne, have they harmed you? Are you well!” "Yes, father. | am well. Please, put your weapon away. ‘Come to me. Hold me.” Erik's jaw deopped in disbelief as he hesitantly came forward, “But we found your shaw,” he stammered, “the blood.” “L stand here before your own eyes, unharmed, Please, father. I long to be safe within your strong arms. Please embrace me.” ‘Tears formed in Erik's eyes as his love for his daughter overcame his warriors instinet. He pointed his sword away from Signe, but did not return i to its sheath Signe smiled as her father’s massive ams encircled her in the teasured hug she remembered from her childhood. His harsh beard scratched against her soft cheek asshe reached up to remove his helmet. Almost too fast to see, two sargr rushed out from behind Signe, grabbing Brik’sarms. Erkbellowed in age and began to struggle. Signe clenched his beard inher fistsand wrenchedhis head to the side. Long fangs glistened in the dim light as she lunged at her father’s unprotected neck, “Nol” screamed Hautala. “Get back into the sunlight!” ‘The Norsemen glanced around, realising suddenly that the settingsun had moved, thrusting them into the shadow of the rocks. Before they could regain the light, several wogr charged at them like a pack of starving wolves. Many brave warriors were pulled to the groundasthey swungtheir weapons vainly. Theie screams of fusteation and agony echoed in the small canyon of tumbled rocks. Hautala howled mightily, rushing down the rocks toward the carnage. He came to a skidding stop atthe edge of the shadows. The scenes of horror froze him where he sto. Vangr feasted atthe throats of struggling Norse warriors. Gleaming blood spurted from severed jugular veins asthe vampires fed with languorous motions, sucking up the precious liquid.A lone vargr rose from the dead bodies of defeated: ‘Norsemen and slunk toward Hautala. He stumbled back- wards, flailing wildly as he fell. The vargr leaped, its fully-extended fangsglincing ike sharp daggers. Hautalaswung, his sword with all his might, slicing through the neck of the svarer that was about to land on top of him. The headless body landed a few feet to Hautala's left. The carcass smoked as the waning, yer still potent sunlighe seared the rotting flesh, Hautala scrambled back further away from the deadly shadows, then got to his feet. He shuddered at the ghastly ‘carnage as the remaining vargr moved away from the drained, lifeless bodies of the Norsemen. They parted as Signe moved forward “Hauala, my father's trusted friend and comrade, comet me, [have known your face since Lwas but an infant. Kiss my cheeks again as you did when I was a small child, “You vile demon!” spat Hautala, "you are not the Si who played at my feet as a young girl. She is dead!” "No. Not dead. I am gloriously alive! More alive than 1 have ever been before. As a wallurie!” Haueala eumed, and began to run along the rocks, keep- ing well clear of the shadows. An image had leaped from his ‘memory, and with it, aplan. He had seen a stunted scrub forest not far from thespot where he and the Norsemen had beached their long ship. Ifhe hurried, he could gather dry wood, stand ‘ inthe sunlight sil shining weakly high on the rocks, set the Bie wood aflame and hurl it down upon the vampires OY The slippery, rock-strewn terrain challenged every stepas Ww Ge ty rae Hautala raced against the setting sun. He had tobe careful. A i broken ankle or dislocated knee would leave him neatly hhelpless as nighe fell. And he knew that with the darkness the argr would swarm upon him like a flock of ravenous vultures He gathered huge a armful of branches and parched shrubs, desperation allowing him to carey more than he could have under normal circumstances. Moving as quickly as he dared Hautala dashed from the dying forest to the rocks above the cave, then back again, gaining speed with each trip eye messured the descend of the sun. The vampires called up to him, enticing him to come Jown among the shadows and receive the Embrace into their clan, but none dared leave the protection of the shadows. Hautala ignored them with the intensity of a man resolved upon a single goal. Soon, their entreaties turned to curses as they guessed his plan, Finally, Haucala stopped, hoping that he had amassed enough fuel to turn the vampires hellish eave into acleansing infemo. The frosty air wheezed into his shivering lungs as he fumbled in his fur ves for the pouch that held his flint. His hands trembled ashe struck the flint into‘ small pile of dried moss. On the fifth strike, the moss caught fire. Hautala careflly brought the burning moss to his mound of branches and shruts. s the wood and leaves ignited, he heaved them down into che mouth of the cave.The vampites screeched with rage, and with terror as rmany of the blasing projectiles found their marks, setcing aflame the ded flesh of che vargr. Vampires in buming agony ‘need into che depths of the cave, unintentionally igniting even more of cheirunlving tanks. Hautala collapsed in exhaustion ater heaving down his Instbranch. The eave bumed brightly ftom withinas wood and dead bodies fueled the pyre. Inthe flickering light, he could derect no movement down below. When he had regained enough strength, Hautala rose to his feer and headed back to the waiting long ship. Only a faint glow remained on the vwester horizon when he eventually xeached the shore. The darkness ofnight was nearly complete. Hautalatookafew deep ‘breaths, then set his shoulder against the bow of the ship and soved with all his remaining strength, The heavy wooden bull moved not an inch. Hautala gasped, chen shoved again. He had to get off this accused island. How deep was that cave? How many atergangers had survived his fire? He shoved nd shoved until head nothingleft-His only hope now was to wait for high tide to lift che hull enough for him to push i back into the sea Sudenly, a voice echoed across the baren rocks from a distance not very far away. “Hautala!” icalled Te was the voice of Ek “L was wrong to think you a coward, You are the bravest, cleverest warrior have ever known. Come, Join with me once again, old friend.”Greetings to the host, CDhe quest has arrived, an vohich seat shall he sit? Rash is he voho at urknioven d00rs Relies ort his good luck - The Bee oarreelThere was a land north of old Europe, a land of frozen winters and endless howling nights. A land where once men ofiron, free men, strongand proud, would take to the seawhen the ice had leftche fords. They sailed south, totake riches from the churches ofthe weak Christ-god and the coffers offat, dull lords. Those who faltered went down to Hels hall, but those ‘who found success won both richesand fame everlasting, as all cof Europe leared to speak the word “Northman” with feat: trembling lips Now the golden days are gone. The Christ-god has swept away the worship of real men’s gods and made the people fat and lazy. The old songs have been forgotten, and the blood of heroes is wasted on these piss-ant dwarves who brag them: selves Nordmanni. But in the shadows and che wilderness, theireyes gleaming red fire from che ice-choked Scandinavian night, the teal heroes are waiting. And the heroes of old have not forgotten. ‘WHAT IS THIS BOOK? Wolves of the Sea details Scandinavian culture during the golden age of Viking, berween 850 and 1050 AD. This book also details the eargr, the Einherjar holdouts from the days of legend. From their sea-tossed ships and from halls hhidden deep in the wildemess, the slain warriors who rise through the grace of Odin's blood carry on the Old Ways in and the Church of the Cheist-god. Wichin these pages, the Storyteller and player alike will find aguide tothe life and culture of the Scandinavian people from the fall of the Western Roman Empire until the era of Dark Ages: A culture of wolves whose lust for pride, for freedom, and forrapaciousindependence wouldnot be equaled in the West until the American pioneers. ‘The Vikings came out ofthe frozen landsof the North, in Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Scandinavia, seeking wealth and conflict. Theirs was asociety of rugged and enduring men and women who revered bloody-handed gods and valued courage and action above all other virtues. For to hundred years, they traded and pillaged across the coasts of England, Spainand other Buropean countries, demanded tribute, sacked ‘owns and monasteries, and yet also engaged in setclementand ‘commerce. Like giants they strode across history, thei ax- wielding berserks and canny explorers performing feats bravery and prowess. By the time of Dark Ages, the Scandinavians have settled down or been beaten back from the landssouth oftheir hhomes, and the spread of Christianity is slowly assimil theirculture. The old days of terrible gods and ailing are gone; now, merchants, farmers and even priests make up the bulk ofthe populace. A few still remember the old ways, buttheyareadying breed, pushed out by the inexorable spread of Christ's word. WOLVES OF THE SEH‘Ofcourse, amonyga people so fierce and proud, there are bound to bea few who refuse co lay down thei arms, whose prisons burn. so brightly that their fires eanmot be extin- fuithed. Among these hearty few are the erue wolves ofthe North, and they draw the actention of those who would preserve heir talents and gifts forererity. Embraced for their outage, their kil at survival and their uneelenting ferocey, the inheriarof Scandinavia preserve the old ways, suround- ing themselves with warrior who refuse to bow before the advance of Christendom. In fest-covered woods and isolated isles they make theirhomes, some even continue totravel the sealanesas unholy above the glacial North, the brood of in ridesthe waves in dhakaess, hunting for glory, gold and blood. ‘Chapter L: Viking Culture cakes look at pre-Christian Scandinavian culture, and Scandinavian culture in general ‘Whatdid the Norse feel and chink, how didtheirsociety work, sou how did they live when they weren't engaged in pillage snd apne abroad? ‘Chapter 2: Customs and the Modern Era details the customs and practices ofthe vargrof the modern high Novth, with their strange democracy and thei irce loyalty to theit antigu religion. ‘Chapter 3: Character Creation covers making dinavian character, be i¢a raider fom the goldenage of Viking t9 an anachonisticvarg to a modern Scandinavian gentle rman, trading his wares in che mavkerplaces of a reviving western Europe ‘Chapter 4 Systems helps Storytellers with che mechant- cal sens for modeling the feats ofthe Norse and the vargr of faer-day Scandinavia. rors, When the sun sets forall of winter ‘Chapter 5: Templates showvcases some beginning-level vwogr characters for contemporary Dark Ages games which can help evoke a feel for the Norse setting. They can be used as new player characters in a Dark Ages game, or as allies or antagonists in an existing chronik Appendix: Notable Scandinavian Binherjar details che exploits of famous einherjar of the North throughout the ages. The most modem of scourges and the most ancient of heroes are detailed, Gutpe TO PRONUNCIATION (Old Norse and Old Icelandic use some characters which, are likely to be unfamiliar to speakers of the modern English language. Dorp — Thor, Pronounced like the TH in ‘thorn. Dor d—Edh, Pronounced like the TH in ‘breathe’, A or 8 — Ash, Pronounced like the ‘A’ in ‘ash’. Lexicon Afterganger — A common Scandinavian term for a vampire Althing — ‘The leclandie national assembly, which met each year tomake important decisions eoneeming the lelan- dic people, since they had no kings of ars Drakkar—A longshipsmaller than knorr, usually used for Viking and piracy. Einherjar — In Norse myth, the spirits of dhe slain warriors in Valhal, who will fight at Ragnarok. Amon, dinavian vampires, some warriors style themselves ether. Einvig — Unlimited personal combat. A duel to the death with no restrictions Godi — The closest Icelandic equivalent to ajar God hha certain rights and responsibilities in the Icelandic demo- cratic process, and acted as patrons to smallholders, bur were ‘not nobles as we would understand them. Hird — The boon-companions of lord. They eat this table, sleep in his bal, take his gifts of weapons, armor and ‘wealth, and derive their postions from him. So ong she can feast them and gift them, they must stand beside him ro the death, both on and off the field of bate. Holmgang — A highly stylized ritual chat can be scribed as eitheraduel ora trial by combat, ependingon your point of view. Combatants exchange sword or ax blows until one is unable to continue. Huskarl — A member of the hird, a warrior who makes the bargain of mead and glory for loyal service to lon. Jarl — A noble of unspecified holdings, usually herween those of landed knight and a baron or eal. Unlike a huskarl, «ajar does not derive his position from his lord, but from his hreditary holdings. While there were formal differences, the smuark ofa jart was the ability o keep a ball and men, and the line between jor! and frecholder was often blurry. Knore—A longship largerthan adralar, usually used for trade, Outlaw — Beyond the law. A punishment for certain serious crimes. An outlaw has no right to wergild if slain, and his killer need not announce the deed. Soul-Bite — To drain another's spit essence, the term for Diablerie among the vampires of Scandinavia, ‘Thegn — The lesser partner in the Norse equivalent ofa feudal contract. A king's jars are his thegns. Among vampires, a che is one who labors under the Blood Oath. Thing — The local assembly ofa district. Democratic or semi-democrati, the ding manages affairs of justice and vari ‘ous other issues of local interest, ‘Vange — Norse for “wolf.” Used to refer to outlaws, bandits and members of Clan Gangeel, as well as more mun dane wolves to Vike — To vike, orto go Viking, isa verb describing the activity of traveling abroad, usualy by ship, to grow rich and gain glory by sack and pillage INTRODUCTION‘Viking —One who vikes, A generic denizen of the High North who does not engage in acts of henditry and rapine is "Norse or Scandinavian. Everyone outside of academia ignores this, however, and so the book uses Viking in both its techni cal sense and in the generic sense of being an alternative to Norse of Scandinavian, RECOMMENDED READING? A great deal has been written about the Viking age, ranging from contemporary accounts of their depredations to modern guides purporting toreveal to thecredulousreaderthe secrets of Scandinavian sex magic. Because this book cannot hope to cover its topic in 2 more than glossary fashion, the following list of books is suggested for those Storytellers who ‘want to gain.a more complete understanding of Norse culture Fiction Hrolf Kraki’s Saga. Poul Anderson. Baen Books, 1988. ISBN 0-671-65426-8, A transliteration ofthe saga ofthe Danish national hero King Hrolf. Anderson makes the saga accessible for a reader who has only passing familiarity with Norse culture of the period Rheingold. Stephen Grundy. Bantam Spectra, 1995. ISBN 0.553-56945-7 ‘A transliteration and combination of the Voluungasaga and the Nibehungenticd, combining the better parts of both narratives, Lengthy, but easier fora modem reader compre- hhend when compared to the originals. Northworld, David Drake. Ace, 1990. ISBN 0-441-84830.3 Northworld 2: Vengeance. David Drake. Ace, 1991 ISBN 0-441-58615-5 Northworld 3: Justice. David Drake. Ace, 1992. ‘An SF adaptation of various Norse myths and sagas. Don't laugh — the books are extremely accessible compared to the traditional versions of the stories, and worth some attention simply for the adaptation into the Sci-Fi genre. LITERATURE ‘The Prose Edda. Snort Sturluson. trans. Jean I. Young. University of California Press, 1954. ISBN 0-520.01232-1 Written by Snorei Sturluson for reasons which are the subject of intense academic debate, the Snorri Edda isa guide to Norse myth and the composition of saga literature in written form. Snorr's text succeeded far beyond his expecta- tions. Snorti single-handedly founded (and nearly single-handedly wrote) a genre of Icelandic literature that preserved for posterity many of the stories and legends that were dying out with Christian influence and the passing of time. The text of the Prose Edda can be challenging, but the degree to which it is central to our understanding of Scandi- navian mythology cannot be overstated. In many cases, the Snort Edda isthe sole source of information about Norse cosmology and religious myth, WOLVES OF THE SEA Beowulf Penguin Classics, 1973. ISBN 0-14-044268-5 Heavily Christianized, and not strietly a Norse sag, Beowulf isrelatively accesible and widely available, Ifyou are reluctant to read saga literature, Beowul’s popularity s an academic text means a great number of highly readable ei tions are available Volsungasaga. trans. Jesse L. Byock. University of C fornia Pres, 1990. ISBN 0-540-06904-8 The classic Norse saga ofthe Rheingold and the doom it broughtto those who ownedit- Anexcellentteadand a perfect introduction to the Norse tradition of heroic narrative. Volsungasaga and the later Nibelungenlied formed the core of Wagner’s Ring Cycle operas Nibelungenlied trans. Margaret Armour. Heritage Press, 1991. A later, German version ofthe Volsungasaga. Composed in the Medieval heroic tradition ather than the Nore style, the Nibelungentied is closer to the Song of Roland or the Arthurian narratives than tothe sagas from which i springs. ‘The body count would make Chow Yun-Fat blink and the storys less coherent than that of Volangasaga. On the othet hhand, it has the strength of well-developed characters like Hagen and Fokker the Gleeman. Brenmu Njalssaga Often translated into English as The Sag of Burnt Njal or Njal's Saga. Usually considered the most literary ofthe sagas. itis defintely a fine look at the complex legal system of the Icelandic anarchy. The complex narrative essentially culm nates in Nial’svoluneary mareycom to stop a feud. This is roughly like saying that dhe King Arthur cycle sabout aman ‘whose wife has an affair with his bestfriend, Well worth reading, especialy o give a feel fr lelandic litigation, LaxdBlasaga. Exilssaga ther well-recommended sagas Laxdlasaya is available online, and in translation by Penguin and no doubt from several other academic publishers. Egilsaga, also available from Penguin, is available online only in Old Icelandic. REFERENCE, There isa great deal of reference material written on the Vikings, detailing everything from their ability to sail across the North Atlantic to their daily lie, Unfortunately, the Scandinavians began to record thir history vey lat, and so while we havea great deal of cultural material, we have very lteehiseorial fact. ‘AHlstory of the Vikings. Gwyn Jones. Oxford University Press, 1968. ISBN 0-19-285139-X Jones’ work provides fine, relatively accesible overview of dhe topic. This text was the basic reference in common between the writers on this project.Everyday Life in the Viking Age. Jaqueline Simpson, GT, Putnam's Sons, 1967 ‘Aimed towards a youth audience, this book has plenty of information on everything from the games Vikings played to the daily routine of theie lives. A great resource for anyone tying to get a sense of the Vikings. Norse Gods and Giants. Inge and Edgar Darin d’Aulaive Doubleday, 1967. ISBN 0-385-04908-0 “Assnoptie work intended fora young audience, with lots cof beautiful and colorful illustrations, ¢’Aulaire’s work is a summary of the Norse myths for a casual reader. ‘Medieval Iceland: Society, Sagas and Power. Jesse L. Byock. University of California Press, 1988. ISBN 0-520- 054202 Abhighly academic work detailing che intricate structure of obligation and advocacy that was the Icelandic Free State Almost cettainly not available without special order, this book makes a superlative reference for Storytellers with a firm ‘grounding in the sagas and Scandinavian culture, who want to seta game in Iceland. This book focuses a great deal on detail and Icelandic legal structure ‘The Penguin Atlas of Medieval History. Colin McEvedy Penguin Books, 1961. The text is centered on Western Europe (so there is little writing about Vikings), but the maps are an invaluable guide to the ebb and flow of kingdoms and culture across the Medieval world. A must for any Dark Ages Storyteller. INTERNET RESOURC Forevery specialized hobby, there fsatleastone homepage {and quite possibly more). Norse studies is no exception. Below are a few pages worthy of note, mest of which have extensive Links sections, ‘The Heevamal. bheep:fasatruorgfhavanmal.hem! hhttp:/members.aol.com/nkpage/nikweb. hem) highone.fitml hntpiffhome.c2i.net/espenjofhomejeddafha al e-htm The Sayings of the High One.” The Haevamcel is a collection of sayings credited to Odin, and a part of the larger Elder Edda Profoundly reflective of Norse culture and atti- tudes, as wellascontaininga greatdealofcommonsense worth reading in the present day. This one text is « must-read players ot Storytellers who wish to play characters in ot influenced by Viking-era Scandinavia. While the three ver sions ate not identical, they are similar — the multiple pointers were included to allow for web rot ‘The Norse Classics Page. hhtp:fmembers.ao}.com/ nkpage/nikweb-hemn/norse-hem A large collection. Contains the Elder and Snorti Eddas, Nibelingenled, Volsungasaga, and several Beowulf, Also links to Saxo Grammaticus’ History of Denmark and Tacitus’ Germania INTRODUCTIONDL. Ashliman’s Folktales. hp:)jrww pittedu/~dash) folktexts html ‘A collection of academic translations of folktales fom around the world, with a very strong emphasis on Germany and Scandinavia. This sie contains muliple translations, including some hard-to-find material University of Kansas translations FTP site. fips/ ukanaix.ce.ukans.edu/pubjhistory/Europe/Medieval/transla- tions! ‘Most of the major tales of the European hetoie corpus are presenton thisFTPsite, from the LaxdBlasaga and Erybygiasage to El Cid. A must for any Dark Ages player or Storyteller interested in European heroic legend, Fween England and Scotland, on June 8. BF place and kill the monks, beginning the raiders sack the monastery atfona fora third Hitering 68 monks; the survivors finally lee the -omes an all-too-farmiliar pattern. settlement is established in Dubliogs '# 850: Norsemen setele in England, atcempting toc: and colonize London, Rochester, Canterbury and. chester. + 852: Vikings sack St-Wandrille de Fontenelle a # 853: The brothers Olaf and Ivar establish Dublin bank of the Liffey in Ireland, # 858: Vikings sack St.- Wandrille de Fontenelle y This time, the monks flee with their relics, und suffer the constant attacks. ‘* 859: Hasteinn and Bjom lead 62 ships from France through Spain, the Iberian coast, along North Africa, and, into Italy. After sacking half a dozen cities, the ships make their way home to France in 862. Two-thirds ofthe fleet is lost, but Hasteinn and Bjorn return home fabulously wealthy and famous. 870: King Edmund of East Anglia iscaprured by Vikings. Refusing to renounce his faith, hei tied toatree and shot to death with arrows. *# 874: The brothers Ingolfand Leif, based on reports from other sailors blown off course, setout for Iceland and begin colonization. AA Vixine Era Timex #876: Members of the Lasombra clan sein motion a pla to (Chrisianize the Vikings in order to mitigate their threat ro Europe, TThis later leads to the formation of the Varangian Guard, asthe Vikings become mercenaries forthe Christian + 885: Danes offer to leave Paris unharmed in exchange for passage up the Seine, The French refuse, and the Danes attack Paris. ‘= 890: Concerned bythe spread of Viking savagery the Ventrue of England apply cher nfluence wo strengthen the local military for defense * 892: King Alfred the Great, of Wessex, builds series of lefenses throughout Europe. Fortsand organizedmilitiaare sed to ward off the Vikings. 396, King Altfed designs a new flet of ships and, for the regularly defeats the Norse in sea combat. ast convocation of Ventruedecdesto undermine the Vikings by assimilating them. Vikings are offered the epporeu- tity to take postions of power and responsibly, contingent ‘upon their defense ofthe established order 910: King Edward, son of Alfred the Great, kills the Danish ing Helfand brings a halo Viking powerin England central government #937: Vikings in B invade England, jon in Vertrue court assuresidisien- gg. and Etheed, ir wo thd Bglsh assumes kingship of tc later ended by the Vikings. |= 991: Olaf Tryggvason strikes England, and eagracts @ ddanegeld (ransom) from Ethelred, totaling 16{800pounds of silver. ‘© 994: Olaf Trygavason and Svein Forkbeard danegeld of 12,000 pounds af silver from Ethelreds + 996: Olaf Trygevaioniselected Kingof Norland See about converting the populace to Christianity + 1002: The Danes gather 18,000 pounds of sleRin danegeld from England. +1005: Saling west with directions from thchan Bjami, Leif Eriksson (a Christianized Vikingjgaidl son of rik the Red) arrives in Vinland — the ‘Aerie over fourhundred years before Columbus : + 1007: Danegeld in England reaches 27,000 ZS of silver. 10135 in Forkbeard attacks England; Ethelred flees = ‘Swein and his son Knut capture England, Svein falls rse and dies shortly thereafter, but his son » 1014: Sigtyrez Silkbeard attacks Ireland at Clontarf, Dublin, but loses badly. 3, son of Svein Forkbear,isacknovwledged as an ute the Great sends his Vikings home. By this ¢ to kingship spells the end of much of the old dei sways of the Vikings, and their culture is sub- a. Christianized military structure of Europe ‘Thang era endsSrom the east came ships all eager for battle, » With gcirn gaping beads careed in gold, NP Dhe bat tle began, the berserkers hovoling, 9 "YWot-coats! and voildty casting theic spears. - Accounted by Snorer SturtusonLiving in an almost perpetually fozen land with limited food and! metal, the Norse mustely on thei own resourceful- ness and unflinching courage to survive. Naturally, with theit longships and fierce independence, they quickly took to raiding ouside culturesforsustenance and wealth. Yereven in their hoary homes, they survive by farming and herding, spreading to colonize other lands as opportunities present themselves. Where their wandedlust inteesects with other cultures, they engage in trade; when the encroachment of Europe spreads inco their eriories, they extract tribute, For over two hundred years they dominate the sa lanes and most of the lands of the far north, ‘The Viking warrior is engraved in the minds of men. everywhere asa fierce sailor with ax, shield and mail amor Quick to anger and prising action over contemplation, they epitomize the terrifying fighters and raiders that sweep across Europe and the oceans. Yet, even with ther brtal ways and bloody wars, chey evolve a powerully independent and ritu- alistic culture. The towns of Scandinavia develop a system of obligation and responsibility that hints at the democratic process. The legal sytem of [celand flourishes and the blood feud turns intoa means of setling disputes instead of a simple tool or revenge. Skalds compose stores that sound through- our the ages with the myths and legends ofa stalwart, proud people. This dichotomy of honor and bloody handed warfare meets to define che Vikings as a complex and compelling people. Naturally, he vampires among them are just as vi cious, deadly and imposing SCANDINAVIAN CIVILIZATION The root of any culture lies in the way that its people gather their daily bread. Scandinavia isno exception. A harsh land with short, mild summers and long, dark and beutal winters, the climate and geography of the High North ‘away of life that made the Norse a grim people, land. In the Age of Migrations, it drove the Ger south, to push against the Roman empire in an attempt (often successful) to gain new lands. In the Viking age, conditions once again sent young men against the shores of Europe in search of wealth from pillage and trade, newlands tosettle, and above all the undying fame of glorious deeds. By the time of Dark Ages, such incursions have trickled off, bucthe vampires whostill rememberand practice theold wayscontinue torevel in the glory of past deeds.AGRICULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY ‘The main source of food for Scandinavia is agriculture, and a poor subsistence it is in the medieval era. The crop rotation system and wet climate make grain difficult to cul vate, and winters are in many cases so severe that in the spring the farmer must carry his livestock in hisarms from his cottage out to the pasturage. ‘Notonly are the weatherconditions harsh in Scandinavia, but arable land is scarce as well. In Norway and Iceland ‘especialy, arable and is a precious commodity, passed down through a familyand protected by law and tradition against tax and confiscation. With so little surplus wealth to be had at home, the Norse are driven to trade or raid abroad ifthey wish, ry necessities sflife Likewise, the rugged character of the land prevents easy conquest by aspiring local empire builders, and makes the seurdy individualism and the community-oriented democracy an justice that characterizes Viking-era Scandinavia requi- site for survival rather than a freedom to be aspired to. The Norse do, however, recognize what a priceless asset thei libery is and are extremely contemptuous, like most nomads tosecute personal wealth, orin some cases the: from marginal regions, of what they see as the soft and slavish life of the more organized civilizations to the south. Finally, while the geography and politics of Scandinavia make quiverfull of offspring (especially sons) desirable, they also encourage sending second, third, fifth and further sons out into the world to seck their fortune elsewhere after reaching adulthood. Thus are born a great mass of men who seek forcune and glory undying under the banner of some great or famous lord or hero. It is these second offspring, as well as outlaws, politcal refugees and other outcasts who crew vessels and ‘expeditions headed south and east, bound for plunder and trade or seeking new lands to settle. For einherar, the settlements of the north are dangerous ‘but thrilling places. A vampire must be clever and strong to survive, just like the people upon whom she feeds. Hunting is difficult because of the lengthy summer days, the stubborn independence ofthe people and the small size of communities. Conversely, the Scandinavians highly respect strength and power; in a small agrarian community, 2 vampire has the ‘opportunity to use her powers to establish a small fiefdom, demanding blood-sacrifce from the farmers in exchange for protection,and hallowed trad cases, the child is ately after birth and hed should be left out on som the spot if the child for the dogs or not. pin mind just how petiod, There iff dlsabled in a soci the congenitally rgin of survival is Church. censure ag notional conver be for us From the rai in Lindisfarne in 793 until the end of the Viking age in 1070, all of Europe ftom Spain to Paris lives in fearofthe Vikingfleers Alone andinfleersmumberingaslittle astwo to as many as 50, the ships ofthese reavers wreak to centuries of terror and bloodshed on the European landscape. Those places char are strongly held, they aid; those placesthat ae divided, like Ireland and Britain, are invaded an sere Viking raids are noc a matter of national policy, rather they are private ventures. Individuals attach themselves to a prestigious leader in search of riches and fame. The leaders then head south when the weather permits, going as farsouth as they dare and plundering hundreds of miles up the great rivers of Europe These raids for swag and glory ean be epic, in their own squalid way, [n 844, fleet of 150 ships plundetsas far up the Garonnesiveras Toulouse, posibly as part ofa civil war taking place at that time in France. The fleet then sails south and, after much skirmishing and pillage, sails up the Guadalquivie tosack Seville, though the Vikings end up besieged and are Icky to slip the noose of Abs al-Rhaman II's troops. Bion Ironside, who seems to have operated from the isle of Oscellus, plunders the Seine in 856-7 and is besieged by Charles the Bald, though the siege is lifted by the treachery of Carles! nobles. Besieged again by another Viking named ‘Weland operating at Charles’ request, Bim and his men are forced to fle, leaving Weland 11,000 pounds of silver richer both from Charles’ danegeld and Bjden's ransom. Bjorn then «embarks ona four-year odyssey ofrapine that takes his 62 ship flotilla to Spain, North Aftica and lealy. The Vikings fail 0 WOLVES OF THE SEA take Seville, butdo manage tosack Algeciras, Narbonne, Pisa, Luna, Pamplona and most of the coastline between Norway and the hatbor of Egyptian Alexandria Thelife ofthe Vikingisn'tall plunder and glory, however. Vikings who arrive in numbers 100 small to panic the local rnltia run the risk of simply being rounded up like criminals and hung out of hand. For every man who goes 2-Viking and comes home rich, there is another (oF two, o five) who dies without glory ona farmers spear or the gallows, or who drowns ina capsized ship. OF Bjdm Ironsides’ 62 ships of raiders, only 20 return, their crews thinned considerably, Of course, those who come back live ae so unfathomably rch they often have problems conceiving of how to spend it. The risk must seem worth it to many the third son ofa fisherman-farmer whose onlyalternativeisalifeof workingasahired man, ifheislucky ora bondsman if his luck runs sour. FYRDENT CAPITALISM Sooner or late, the Scandinavians go everywhere. Some- times they go there to steal everything small enough to carry and burn the ruins and other times they go to sell goods to anyone who stands stil lang enough for them to make their pitch, Nor only are they the most rapacious riders in Europe, the Norse are its mest ardent capitalists. Equaled only by the Arabs (who are some of their most regular trading partners) the Scandinavian peoples are merchants extraordinare. Whether they are selling the wool and cheese o or previously owned valuables from the city afew days sil up the coast, the Scandinavian merchants are eager and willing to travel to make deals happen. In the Viking age, the tade routes of the Norse stretch by sea from North America to Spain. To the east, they stretch across the Baltic and down the sreatrivers of Rusia tothe Black Sea. And those are only the regular routes; the daring trade farther abrond than. that: Vinland, Greenland, leeland, Byzantium, Persia, the Maghreb, France, Iberia, Ireland, England, The lstincludesevery nation in Europe and the Middle East witha coastline or navigable ‘The Vikings travel and trade and sack across a great deal of the known world, to the point of discovering a few new places in their search for wealth, During the period of theit ascendancy, the Scandinavians are substantially closer «0 having an actual cash economy than anyone else north of Constantinople or Spain. Cash is a regular medium of e change in the High North, and even a cotter i likely to use coinage as well as kind in is purchases. The degree to which cash economies are ingrained into Norse culture is demon strated by the leelanders, who maintain an economy based on legal ounces of silver on an iskand practically bereft of actual coinaye (though other goodsand jewels are sometimes used for trade), The importance of capitalism to the Norse is hard to overstate Perhaps because of their individualistic outlook or the highly marginal nacure the Scandinavian region under indinaviawsharlis ound to his table and sword tha AND THE QuEST FOR GLORY Mead is sweet, but biter when paid for —Norse aphorism. Hand in hand with Norse individualism and capitalism gothe cule of personal magnetism and the quest for immortal ity through fame and glory Powerful influence is held by those who promise riches and renown to their followers. Indeed, Norse culture centers on deeds and actions, and those who act with surety draw the tdmitation of their fellows through tales and sagas. Most Viking raids are led by one or ewo very charismatic men who attract followers to themselves through force of personality and the promise of celebrity and swag, The men who follow these leaders and form the coteries of petty kings and heroes throughout history are of two types The frst ate the simple followers, who work with a leader of their own free will in exchange for a share of the proceeds. These follow 3s the fortunes ofa leaderrise and fall, no one man any more or less loyal than another. closest followers, however, are different, and, they have thrown their lot in In return for heir loyalty throughout their lives, the hird receive special consideration. Ifthe leader isa Viking or otherreaver the leader isa petty king, then the! well as ale, and their loed gifts oats of fine mail, weapons; food Jer can fulfil his side of the elory and riches, the hirdate pledged his men in all things, and die with himBecause postion inthe hird sso rewarding ifthe leader is successful, there are always plenty of young men eager for slory and riches willing to cas chee lot in with a would-be hero, Thisis the origin ofthe armies that second and third sons ‘competing for a succession seem to be able to conjure from nowhere. Each such warband is full of men eager to win the property and privilege of a huskarl. This bargain, mead and riches forloyalty and service, leads many young men to lonely deaths under foreign skies. Bue the rewards for those who succeed are more than enough of a lure to keep youths dreaming of fame and riches despite all odds. Binherjar who keep halls no doube find the bargain of the shoul, of boundless strength and ageless youth, easy to incor- porate into the rituals of the hird. Whether the vampires inform theirmortal minionsoftheirconditionsornot,the cult of personal loyalty is tailor-made for the brood of Odin. Manipulative Ventrue and Lasombra are likely to indulge in bands of followers conditioned withthe Blood Oath, buteven Gangrel warriors who take up the postion offardean be found with ghoulish warbands. Primarily, the fact that the exchange of service and loyalty for generous gifts is a central part of Norse culture helps the whole process of creating ghouls seem much more natural, Hird members may be openly promised the Blood as part of the contract between the lord and his vwarband. Altemately, ic maybe putin their mead under some false pretense during the ceremonies celebrating theit joining thewarhand, aspartofsome three-nightritualofloyaley. Thus do the ritual’ effects on the warrior add to and reinforce the Blood Oath. The quest for the immortality of fame is as important to the Vikingsasthe questforwealthand power. Like theancient Greeks, the Norse know well the temporality of life. Their ‘marginal existence leaves them no illusions about their own mortality. andthe Norse view ofthe underworldgivesthem no hope for a better life after death. Thus they like the ancient Greeks, seek the immorality of legend. The Heevanal, the wisdom-sayings of Odin, says “Cattle die, kindred die, every man is mortal: But know one thing that never dies, he glory of the great deed.” To die, even as a rich man, is to become nothing more than clay, o& to go to Hel's hall and drink only dlust from empty cups. To die in a great endeavor isto gain itamortality through the memory of one's deed. The brave hope to live forever in saga, and to fare to Valhal to join the einkerja after death, tofightbeside the ABsiragainst the runs ind the fire-demons on the day of Ragnarck. ‘The almost atheistic approach towards death makes the Nore much more accepting of the einherjar condition than the Christians of Earope, While the afergangersare often seen as unnatural and more than mildly repulsive, those who choose their state asa way to survive through the course of centuries are not considered unholy. They may be thought of as dangerous, bestial, vain and cowardly in the face of death and old age, but einhera lords are still abe to live openly and WOLV FEMALE LEADERS IN SCANDINAVIA While the lot of Scandinavian women is often painted as a grim one, there are precious few, male ot female, whose lot in the High North during the Viking period is not grim. Norse culture certainly offers far more opportunity to highborn women than any Euro- pean or Mediterranean culture. Not just limited to merely being the power behind the throne, women openly hold power all over Scandinavia during the Viking age, primaily because of the cult of personal ‘magnetism. While women rarely fare onto the battle- field or go a-Viking, wisdom is considered at least a8 and subjugating the Daneg im England, it for the Anglo-Saxon peoples. Ar the gah in June of 918, Ethel! and her prepared to strike at the hare of the ‘These two notables are only a few of the docens of ‘women who hold thrones in the Scandinavian region. during the Viking Age. Despite Norse lawsprohibising ‘women from speaking outatshngs orholding lands, the practicality of the Norse supports strong women, Any woman able to gather a group of freemen or wealthy ‘enough to control several dozen farms is certainly too powerful to be challenged by the fine points ofthe law Only with the coming of Christianity and the feudalization of the petty kingdoms of Scendinavia does a woman's ability to hold power decline. Even s0, the region is more accepting of strong females than Continental Europe. to send someone to the marketplace without the servant getting stoned. Respecting strength and charisma, the Norse are far more likely to consider the vampiric condition a blessing — eternal vigor, incredible powers and the ability to heal rapidly — rather than a curse.Norsk Po.itics AND SOCIETY Unill che end of the Viking Bra, when the Scandinavian region becomes feudalized, che politics of Scandinavia are the polities of petty kingdoms and apiculeural communities From Denmark to northem Norway, history progresses for over a thousand years as pety king succeeding petty king, Each lod fights hiswars, onquersoris conquered by hisneighbors. Wher kingdom is weak, i solves in civil war, succession crises, oF from the predation of its neighbors. Large scale unification sated somewhat before Claristianization, first in Denmark, then in Norway under Harald Hardradi. Arguably, the unfica- tion of Norway (which disintegrated again after Harald’ het, Bink Bloodaxe, proved unable to hold the kingslom together) wasjustapasingphenomenan,similartoKing Hrol?s legendary workat unifying Denmark. However, oncedone,itwouldacract imitatorsandhopefls and the unification of Norway asasingle kingdom eventually became a reality Tue “District” 1e basis of Scandinavian politics is the district, similar to a European county or set of several small holdings While the name applied to this region varies from location to location, its size and general purpose remain constant. At the center ofeach isa gathering place that servesasa marketplace, ‘ameeting place forthe loca thing and no doubt asa muster for ‘whatever passes asthe militia during times of strife The foundation of Scandinavian society sits smallholders, fiercely independent householders who are usually farmets, fishermen of a combination of both. Because the smallholders are fe and unbeholden men, a rough democracy isthe general rule. Disputes and crimes ae put before a local assembly, usualy under the watchful ee of one ofthe king’s husks to assure fir play andanoutcomeacceptableto the powersthatbeInlce wich ts extremely chaotic colonial settlements, there areno} and cases are instead appealed to the local thing or (if they are thought very important) broughthefore the four" QuarterCourts” ‘of the Alling. Fairplay in Iceland is a matter of wealth and reputation —aman must have the help ofa respected local who can make sure that the thing or Athi’ verdicts are upheld Social einkerar no doubt have some difficulty unles they live as fll Aledged petry kings. Householders are expected to show up at the thing, not osend one of theirhired men, While 1 vampire may be able to convince the local thing to meet at night (Presence ishelpfullon such occasions), he isquite likely to operate ata major disadvantage in the tangle of under and over the table deals and rapidly-shifting alliances chat com- priseScandinavian local polities, simply because fis inabilityto involve himself in the deals taking place during che day outside of the hing. THRALLS Like all pre-modern agriculture, Scandinavian agricul- ture is based in parton forced labor. While Scandinavia uses Jess enforced labor than continental Europe, slavery is still commonly practiced in the Norse world. Slavery dies out