Chapter 12 the Stormlander | 1 Sample File STORMLANDS FOREWORD

Sample file

chapter 12 the stormlander | 1 Sample file STORMLANDS FOREWORD

Writing about a completely new fantasy country in an imaginary world is a relatively simple task. On the other hand, writing about a people and its traditions, religion, celebrations and important events while keeping it together as a coherent culture is far from easy. “Stormlands” is the first pure background module for Trudvang Chronicles and describes the part of the world which is perhaps most similar to our own history, that is, the Old Norse. It is difficult to maintain the mysticism and the storytelling while, at the same time, telling how people actually live and how they behave. We hope that we have found the balance between facts and imagination, and have deliberately attempted to stay away from going too deeply into how each city looks, exact population numbers, prices in merchandise and so on, because too much detail may remove the aura of mystery and leaves a little open to the imagination. We believe in creating inspirational sources and hooks to keep up your campaigns and adventures, rather than trying to uncover in detail everything there is to know about a country and its people. The Stormlands are wild countries and they require wild imagination to play in them. We hope that the module will give many memorable gaming sessions to come.

Enjoy the Stormlands! RiotMinds

“A third I know: if sore need should come of a spell to stay my foes; when I sing that song, which shall blunt their swords, nor their weapons nor staves can wound.” SampleHávamál file CREDITS

Concept and Design Theodore Bergqvist and Magnus Malmberg

Authors Theodore Bergqvist and Magnus Malmberg

Additional Writers and Helpers Luca Cherstich, Dan Slottner and Mattias Berglin

Translation Andovar and Love Almquist

Editing John Maron

Art Direction Theodore Bergqvist and Alvaro Tapia

Layout and Typesetting Magnus Malmberg

Cover Art Paul Bonner

Interior Art Alvaro Tapia, Thomas Wievegg, Justin Gerard, Per Sjögren, Larry MacDougal and Jim Nelson

Maps and Borders Niklas Brandt

Additional Kudos Thanks to all the Kickstarter pledgers and to all ­ the backers who made this project come to life

Our style is to use “they” as a singular gender-neutral pronoun when possible. This usage continues to gain mainstream­ acceptance, including among major style guides such as The Associated Press Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style. We believe it is appropriate and practical, not just to reflect common usage but to accommodate a more inclusive view of gender identity. The Trudvang Chronicles books also use “he” or “she” when helpful for added clarity.

Sampleisbn: 978-91-984759-6-8 file STORMLANDS 7 DAALHEIM 43 DAIN 47 DJUNGHART 53 About the Stormlanders...... 7 Rauk Gloostone’ Saga...... 43 Family Rods, Mopor and the Religious Power in Djunghart...... 53 Other Influential groups...... 15 Wildale and Fyrdrincsmanns...... 43 Practices...... 47 The Djunghartians...... 54 Religion, Gerbanis...... 16 The Djutt Mountain Range...... 44 Social Structure and Resources...... 48 The Ancient Troll Culture...... 54 Tales and stories...... 21 The Duuplya Forest...... 44 A Wild People...... 49 Clawcastle...... 54 Sacrifices to the gods...... 24 Fyrdrincs Ridge...... 45 Joaring Warfare...... 49 The Eben’s Trail...... 55 Superstition and Witchcraft ...... 31 The Hellack Mountain Range...... 45 A Wild Land...... 49 The Hart Caves...... 55 Warfare practices...... 31 Hvergil...... 45 The Blackcleaf Mine in Vallerspoint...... 49 The Hartpikes Islands...... 55 Feasts and rituals...... 32 Jornastrandr...... 45 The Firstborn Trees of the Plains of The Hrimfors River, the Hrimsbridge Living and housing...... 35 The Vislatt River...... 45 Torod...... 50 and the Ebensbridge...... 56 Climate and weather...... 38 The Great Shadow Woods...... 50 The Kalderhum...... 56 Measuring time ...... 38 Hillinge Woods and the Dwarves.... 51 Kaldershem...... 57 Landscape and Nature...... 38 The Hillingen River...... 51 The Klarsvelp Lake...... 57 The Julga Trail...... 51 The Ormika Lands...... 57 Julgavaad...... 51 Redborg...... 58 The Rydlands Plains...... 58 The Ryd Hill...... 59 The Sisterskimmer forest...... 59 Tuvoldcastle ...... 61 Vidarslodge...... 61

THE TROLLRIDGE 97 VORTLAND 105 WILDLAND 115 THE STORMLANDER 123 The Trolls of the Mountains...... 97 The power in Vortland...... 107 The Power in Wildland...... 117 Stormlander Archetypes...... 123 Signs of Long-Lost Civilization ...... 98 Bjarpoint...... 107 The Wildlanders...... 117 Power Archetypes...... 126 The Ancient Dwarven Kingdom of Brownhill’s Moor...... 108 Ailburg and Ailgaard...... 117 Special Stormlander Traits and Graydeep, Grunkovorda...... 99 Driik...... 108 The Copper Mines...... 117 Abilities...... 130 Dustwall, Ivonda...... 99 The Grenwall Grifts...... 108 The Copper Trail...... 117 Stormlander Regional Traits...... 133 Graystone, Yugglovorka...... 100 The Gruuw Mine...... 108 Hallwind...... 118 Update on old skills...... 139 Grimgnistur, Olgisiljev...... 100 Hawen...... 108 Hrefing...... 118 New Material for Weapons: Bronze.....139 Morkdali, Novgalod...... 100 The Jockla River...... 109 Jordek...... 119 New items: Wildhorns and Wondraskjalf, Rorstrai...... 100 Jornhelm...... 109 Oungair: the Lair of the Sea Wolves.119 Dragonhorns...... 139 The Dead Trail...... 101 Jornwind...... 109 Storhavn...... 119 New Combat Maneuvers...... 139 The Klipperlake...... 102 Jotuncratir...... 109 The Wolfwoods...... 121 Trollridge Mountain Trolls...... 141 The Mines...... 103 King’s Call...... 110 The Wulfr Villages...... 121 Trollborg...... 103 Klapperland...... 111 Vretgaard...... 121 The Mywater lake...... 111 Oakhall...... 111 Sharprund’s Eskers...... 111 Stormrock...... 111 SampleThe Storm Coast...... 112 file The Troll Rocks...... 112 Windiborn...... 112 The Wind’s Nest plains...... 112 The Windock Spring...... 112 EJDLAND 63 FYNNHEIM 71 ICEPEAK MOUNTAINS 79 NOJD 83 Clan Lords, Shieldjarls and the Elven heritage and Brothic The Bjarnwoods...... 79 The Legend of Broin...... 83 Council of Ejd...... 64 colonization...... 71 The Icefijell...... 81 The Nojdans: a Divided People...... 84 The Copperwoods...... 64 The Power in Fynnheim...... 72 Ignadahl...... 81 Chieftains, Councils and Tribes...... 84 Eastmarki...... 65 A Prosperous Land Threatened by Trolls...72 The Illimarik Mountain...... 81 Religion and Markets...... 85 The Grimhills...... 65 Arind...... 72 The Breedripper River...... 86 Grim Village...... 66 The Draugmoors...... 72 The Darken River...... 86 The Jotunheid Plains...... 66 Elin...... 72 Fengsale...... 86 Iron Moors...... 66 Eiglast...... 73 The Frostholt forest...... 87 Klipp...... 66 Eimar’ Sword Hall...... 73 Gormi’ Stones...... 88 Kraav...... 66 Gelm...... 74 The Icelake...... 88 The North Plains...... 66 The Gelmridge Mountain...... 74 The Klappfalls...... 88 Paatr...... 66 The Gulgavade Forest...... 74 The Ravenswood...... 90 Rimcoast...... 68 Hoglamark...... 74 Regen...... 90 Saaga...... 68 Magnerym...... 76 The Ruggi Stones...... 91 The Silvra River...... 68 Sasrum...... 76 The Still River...... 91 Stigor...... 68 The Saukaford River...... 76 Stillwaterfalls and Stillwater Lake...92 The Blacktear River...... 68 Saukamark...... 76 Vaneheim...... 92 The Tinderswamp...... 68 The Styckfors River...... 77 Vaskheim...... 92 The Tinder River...... 69 Styckmark...... 77 Virtne Spring...... 93 Tjute...... 69 Trungarm’s Ale Hall...... 77 The Wargriver...... 93 Trollmark Castle...... 69 Vestmamark...... 77 The Wargwoods...... 93 The Wildheart Forest...... 69 The Westwater River...... 77 The Wolftongue...... 94 Yksa...... 69 The Wolfpeaks...... 94 Wildis’ Face...... 94 The Vitterstream River...... 95 Vurdviik...... 95 Ylfingstone...... 95

Sample file r o n T h e G r e a t I M o u n t a i n s

W THE STORMLANDS E a s t e r n I L D L A N D S Daalheim k w o o d s Dain D a r Djunghart Ejdland Fynnheim Icepeak Mountains Nojd Trollridge Mountains I C E P E A K M O U N T A I N S V O Vortland R Wildlands T L d s A a r n w o o N B j D F Y N N H E I M E G S N D I I A R W T L i N N l L O U d O h J R O M e D T a

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D E J D A D N L A A I N E S D J U N G H A R T I M G R

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D A A L H E I M t D j u t H e lSamplel a k file 0 400 800 km

6 | chapter 1. stormlands Chapter 1 ✦ STORMLANDS ✦ W I L D L A N D S Throughout the Stormlands, from the Great Iron Mountains’ to Ejdland’s dark forests, the Stormlanders are the people who rule. They are thought to have originated from the Wildfolk of the Northwest. Kremors, Broths, and Wildbrons arrived in the Stormlands thousands of seasons ago. They M O U N T A I N S settled wherever there were good hunting and fishing grounds. After thousands of years, these three races became one: the Stormlanders.

Stormlandic culture dominates vast The Gerbanis’ faith is often mixed with Wilfolk with the strength of their mighty regions, but one of the old tribal the bloodline myths, fertility beliefs, and horsemen. On the other hand, the Broths identities is still strong. A few rare, sacrificial cults, as well as the veneration of were unlike any other people: they came still untouched tribes of Wildbrons are an array of natural forces and other deities. from the Grim Sea, leaving mysterious present in the wilderness, although often The Stormlanders consider these practices islands which sunk into the ocean, bringing regarded with suspicion or even scorn to reflect their strong ties to their own with them esoteric cults where death and by the other tribes. However, many jarls clans, and the ultimate expressionsof these pregnant women were equally revered. and chieftains gladly employ the combat- ties are practices such as the blood revenge Admittedly, there are also other races or

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E efficient Wildbrons in their hordes. and the sacrifices to the ancestors’ honor. tribes from both the western and southern S Many Stormlanders place great emphasis parts of Trudvang to be found in the I M on personal reputation, which is not ancestry of Stormlanders. In spite of this, G R About the Stormlanders primarily gained by gaining status through few have managed to maintain their own What gives the Stormlanders strength high position, but by the courageous tribal culture, and have quickly mixed with and unity is not the fact that they are not actions and everyday bravery in the face other Stormlanders. However, there is only subordinated to a jarl or a chieftain, nor of the grand wilderness and dangerous one ethnicity that has managed to retain the prospect of pursuing raids against wastelands that surround the Stormlands. its own individuality, culture, and way of other countries or collective rampages. Even if nature and wilderness seem to living, even in recent times: the Wildbrons. Most important is the common ideology rule over most of the Stormlands, this is an They are great fighters and warmongers, and the religion that are shared by most ancient land, where civilization flourished living only for war and battle. Their Stormlanders. Stormlanders have long long before the coming of the Wildfolk skills are appreciated throughout the had different ideas about their origins tribes who evolved into the Stormlanders. Stormlands, since quite often the Jarls and their history, especially regarding Elves, Dwarves and Trolls all have lived hire whole hirds of Wildbrones to be used their mysterious ancestors. in these regions in long-gone ages, but in the tribal feuds and wars which often It was therefore only after Gerbanis’ most of their history is nowadays gone and plaugue the Stormlands. They have odd faith and beliefs were accepted that forgotten, while their ruins are covered by customs (like drowning victims into lakes, the Stormlanders became one people, vegetation or buried under the soil. instead of using blot poles) and too often under one faith and religion. While Most Stormlanders stem from a mix nowadays their faith in Gerbanis is mixed the worshipping of ancestors is still of primarily two different wild peoples: with nature cults. alive in many tribes and regions in the the Kremors and the Broths. The first Another important Wildfolk were the Stormlands, Stormi is the great father were fierce nomads, coming from the Agroths, who arrived later than others and rulerSample of the Stormlanders’ lives. west, imposing their primacy over other in the Stormlands,file and their descendants

chapter 1. stormlands | 7 are mainly the Wildlanders. They were the Skulljood, others keep their head bald Being rich and powerful is rarely somehow kin to the Wildbrons, loving both apart from a neck tail, and this hairstyle shown by wearing refined clothing, but wilderness and warfare. Many scholars is called ”jod-tail”, which is distinctive of rather by wearing beautiful furs from believe that the tradition of the Bersekers Stormlanders. Common male fashions dangerous animals, precious jewelry, such raised from the meeting of Wildbron and include the ”rod braids” (what can best as thick bracelets of twisted silver or gold, Agroth cultures. be explained as dreadlocks), ”wildbronx” and heavy necklaces in precious metals. The Stormlands consist of the following (overgrown hair with bits of bone and large Trophies from opponents and beasts also countries: Ejdland, Fynnheim, Vortland, bronze rings attached), ”troll-back” (mixed inspire respect. Djunghart, Dain, Nojd, Daalheim and braids and jod-tails), rash, and troll-matted The most common protective garment Wildland. Unlike Westmark, where hair. Women can also have neck knots and among the Stormlanders is the fur armor, borders are often more or less defined with neck braids. because it protects against both weapons markers or watch towers, fences or border Stormlanders’ eyes tend to be dark, and and cold weather. Many also use metal- rocks, the borders in the Stormlands the most common colors are steel gray, reinforced leather, and the richer warriors take on new shapes as often as new jarls raven black, or earth brown. Unlike other wear chain mail. or chieftains are born. In short, one can peoples, yellow eyes are relatively common The most common type of weapon say that the Stormlands consists more of among certain Stormlander clans. Wise among Stormlanders is the bearded axe, different peoples and groups who share the men explain this phenomenon claiming and consequently, the god Stormi is often same regions, rather than well-established that many Stormlanders have troll blood portrayed as a mighty warrior armed countries with clearly-defined boundaries. in their veins. with an axe. Other arms are the bear-paw While rulers certainly care about borders Stormlanders’ skin is usually light and (long dagger with a curved blade) and the in the Stormlands, there’s an unspoken pale, but many male Stormlanders are hairy ”Glaaf ”, the one-edged short swordwhich law across the region saying that a ruler’s and this paleness is masked under dark was the ethnic weapon of the Broths, but country is never greater than what his clan body hair. Many others also have a more which is today usually ignored in favor can defend. leathery skin, which is said to withstand of the broadsword, or of the heavier the cold climate better, and is also seen as a battle sword. Stormlanders prefer the legacy of the trolls. In winter, it is common straight swords since they are easier to The Stormlander’s to lubricate the skin and hair with fat from manufacture, provide more power, and are Appearance narwhale, bear, and snowboar. easier to handle during battle than blades The Stormlanders tend to be stockier with odd shapes. and slightly taller than both Mittlanders Among Stormlanders it’s rare to wear and Viranns. It is said that Stormlanders Attire and ornaments scabbards. Rather, weapons are mounted are dark in all but skin when they have Among all peoples and races, the on the belt by hooks or simply hand-held, been freed of dirt, sweat, and blood. ”Dark Stormlanders use to ritually scar their which comes down to the importance of hair, dark eyes, and dark in mind”, say the bodies the most. It is not so much about the being ready for fighting when it counts, Westmarkian priests. Darker hair than the heathens’ tattoo traditions, but It is rather and not risking a weapon getting stuck in people of the Stormlands can only be found about the Stormlanders’ relationship to the the scabbard, as often can happen in the in the Wildfolk. Among Stormlanders, it divine. A scarred Stormlander is a good cold. is not uncommon to have raven black or fighter, and the gods are closer to his heart. troll-brown hair that can be either straight, Therefore, it is not uncommon for wounds wavy, or curly. Men have as much hair as to be widely stitched with heavy thread Shaved heads their health and age allow them, which so that the scars will then become more Stormlanders’ shaved heads have not can vary from baldness to shoulder-length prominent. always been a part of the Stormlandic hair. Women have, in most cases, long hair, The Stormlanders’ garments are not culture and adornment. In the past, it at least shoulder length, and some even very varied among different tribes but was common for warriors to wear long, grow a real ”back armor.” consist almost entirely of wool and fur bushy hair and beards, but today there According to the venerable tradition or hide. The wool comes from goats and are maybe more varieties of the shaved of ”Skulljood” (see below) warriors cut a sheep, sometimes from long-haired oxen, head style, than Stormlander clans to portion of their hair once they slay their and in rare cases, the Hrim trolls. The fur use them. Only exceptional warriors, first enemy. The origin of this warrior or hide usually comes from goat, cow, or like the Berserkers and Battleborns, keep tradition is in an ancient battle against the rabbit. Women dress in a dress with low- their hairs wild and long, while most followers of the Tenet of Nid, when the slung belt, or a shirt with an apron, and Stormlanders proudly shave at least part Stormlanders cut off their hair to be able the men wear a tunic and wool or leather of their heads, often leaving single tails or to identify friend from foe. While some pants. They don’t wear anything on their particular dreadlocks, as distinguishing StormlanderSample let their hair grow back after heads, except maybe a helmet. ethnic signs offile their clan, society or tribe.

8 | chapter 1. stormlands swore that they would rather fight and die, than be enslaved and live by the One Faith. All night the warriors prayed to Stormi and sacrificed greatly in return for recovering the strength and courage to face their enemy at dawn. Many felt that they were too few, and that their small strength would not even be distinguished from the heathens once the battle had begun. With a broken knife, Grejvur then cut off his hair, and shared the famous poem:

Brave men in the name of Stormi, Axe will bite the weakling’s skull. Rattle our armor in the light of dawn, Shining heads will separate friend from foe.

The fact that Paater Grejvur and the remaining army, all with shaved heads - to distinguish friend from foe - won a bloody victory over the Tenet of Nids’ collective strength was naturally interpreted as a great sign that Stormi was stronger than the Tenet of Nid’s One God. Since that day the “Skulljood” became a common practice. It is customary for the Stormlander who has killed his first enemy, to have his head shaved as a sign of gratitude toward The myths about why the warriors between Dranvelt and Vortland and Stormi for having survived his first from the Stormlands shave their heads began the trek toward Graankul’s hills, battle, and to receive the god’s continued are numerous and varied, but one story in a final attempt to break the Nidhist protection. dominates. shackles in Dranvelt. They were led Many seasons ago, a great enemy from by the Grejgvus’ bear-like commander, the West had appeared, and gathered vast Njord Grimgrift. Society: Hirdmen, Jarls, Free numbers of warriors on the highlands in The first and last battle of Dranvelt Men and Slaves Dranvelt. Some people said that it was the was as bloody as everyone had predicted, The Hirdmen is the basic unit of most Tenet of Nid’s first and only real attempt and it took place on the highlands of Stormlander armies. Participation to the to convert the ferocious Stormlanders Dranvelt. First, the weak Carlonnians ”hird” is the most important feature of to “the One Faith”. The previously and Bysentians offered little resistance every farm, alongside the management of divided Stormlanders gathered their to the ferocious Stormlanders, but it was slaves. The hird may consist of anywhere warriors under the dimwalker Grejvur when the mercenary Arks, with their from a few men up to twenty or thirty Bloodneck’s black flags, and in the name dreaded thorn beasts, and other savages fully-armed warriors, depending on how of Stormi, they swore to defend their joined the fray that the hope for a grand rich the farm is, and how big a family rights and their country. victory turned into an escape from death they have. Dranvelt is no part of the Stormlands, and dismemberment. Being part of the hird means that one but due to its proximity, the inhabitants But the Stormlanders were not should protect their villages from dangers, of that land had many ties to the defeated: they were just shattered. Many and to gather during the family’s great hird Vortlanders. Seeing their enslaved brothers and sisters lay dead on the meeting when feuds flare up. Many men of brothers in Dranvelt had become too battlefield. They temporarily fled into the hird also serve as farmers and help out much for the Stormlanders, who gathered the shadows of the wilderness to lick with the farm, but they always make sure to in significantSample numbers on the border their wounds and gather strength. They keep themselves file ready for battle. On larger

chapter 1. stormlands | 9 Sample file Sample file farms, the hirdmen do not participate in often the presents are guarantees of fealty major source of power, and although the the farming, but all their time is spent from those who receive them. An avid ruler custom says that the eldest child inherits training, hunting, and protecting the farm who does not give gifts to his warriors, will the estate, the earth belongs to the whole from invaders, trolls, or other beasts. sooner ot later loose them. ”Ringbreaker” is family rather than to the smaller house of Hirds sometimes do not last, and an old title used for generous kings or jarls, the individual farmer. therefore many lone warriors often look for recalling the ancient habit of awarding ”A free man or woman has a free will and employment. Most of these mercenaries golden and silver rings to worthy subjects. a clear voice”. This proverb is often said in aim to become permanent hirdmen under With a treasure chest filled with copper or the Stormlands, and it is also one of the the banner of powerful warlords. But there precious gifts, a jarl can keep his circle of Stormlandic laws. Warriors and hirdmen are also those whose battlefields are the allies around him. The art is to continually have a special position in Stormlandic fighting pits and rings of mead halls. They renew the stock, in order to maintain his culture, as well as the female warriors are called ”Sormmen” and they earn a reputation for generosity. An art that has known as the ”Shieldmaidens”. A warrior living fighting and dying for other peoples’ caused Stormlandic rulers to often raid always gets two votes, one for being free, enjoyment. and declare smaller wars against their and one for his weapon. But to argue that Chieftains, elders, jarls, and Stormkelts neighbors. you should have two votes also implies base their status on the other residents’ The generic term ”Jarl” or earl is the a certain responsibility. The warrior needs for security and protection. Across basic title of power in the Stormlands, who cannot exercise his duty, or who is the Stormlands, the strength of a country but it is mostly used only for those whose considered a coward, but still has exercised Is reliant on how well the ruling lord authority is limited to a single village, a clan the right to cast two votes, is often slain or maintains his influence through personal or a small number of farms. “Gårdsjarl” is driven out to become an outcast. friendships and participation to societies. another word used for a jarl, since it means A woman has as much power as a man, The concept of power is based on lesser somebody who rules over a “Gård” or and the only thing that matters is how well men, women, and their families accepting courtyard at the center of a village. Many a person can take care of himself or herself the leadership of those who can offer jarls are independent, while others are and of their underlings. protection against all the hazards of the ”Lydjarls”, which mean vassals of a much A slave has no voice and must be wilderness. But the capacity of giving stronger jarl who bear more elaborate helped to understand their wishes. Slaves protection may vary through time, or titles like ”Swordjarls” or ”Shieldjarls” are owned by both free men and women. maybe from a generation to the other. (which are roughly equivalent). There are They stand outside the clan and are at the This means that the areas of power of other titles (likethe Fylkjarls of Wildland) mercy of their masters’ wishes. Slaves are such leaders are, therefore, fluid. Countries but all these relations of power, and the born into slavery or taken as prisoners are constantly shifting in size, and have linked titles, are fluid and bound to change, during raids. The trade in slaves is great overlapping, unclear boundaries. due to the continous state of conflict and and profitable all over the Stormlands. On Across the Stormlands, with the warfare in which the Stormlands linger. some farms, especially in Fynnheim and exception of Vortland, the power is of a Virtually all the Stormlands are Vortland, a slave may get paid for their fragile nature, and good connections and controlled by jarls or chieftains, with work. The lucky ones who have saved a network of oaths and favors are more varying powers, with topmost rulers all their money, can, in old age, buy their important than anything else. In the bearing special titles and ruling over freedom. However, this is very rare, since Stormlans material wealth is not valued larger tracts of land. The only exceptions the payment they receive is so small that it as highly as in Mittland or Westmark. are Vortland, which is controlled by the is barely possible to save. Friendships and alliances are more Paater (Gerbanis’ highest religious leader), important and stand as warranties of and Fynnheim, which is controlled by a prosperity, happiness and, most of all, group of Stormi Kings called the ”Storm Shape-Shifters, Berserkers, protection. Jarls”. In Ejdland the topmost rulers Storm Maidens, and Battleborns How long these bonds and friendships are known as ”Shieldjarls”, in Wildland It is said that some men and women are last are often manifested in ”things” and ”Fylkjarls” while ”Swordjarls” rule smaller touched by the god Enken, and that they ”folk moots”, or ”Stormifeasts”, where lords, estates, in Djunghart ”Drotts”, and in Nojd are what the Stormlanders call ”Eigi jarls and other free men govern their affairs. ”Chieftains”. Dain lacks any real form of Einhamr” – roughly translated as “not of These meetings are a kind of council that is power structure, but the country consists one shape”. Legend claims that some can more similar to negotiations than anything of farm villages and small towns, each with transform their physical body into that of else. The things or folk moots are the main its own ruler. a beast, such as a wolf, a raven, or a great channel of dialogue between the ones who Most Stormlandic countries are based black bear. Witnesses mumble in their govern, and the ones who are governed. on free men and women, most of whom sickbed that they saw a great black bear The practice of awarding gifts to are farm owners, merchants, hunters, charge across the battlefield – cutting worthySample subjects is a well-diffused one, and craftsmen, or hirdmen. The farm is a through the filetide of foes as if were they

12 | chapter 1. stormlands melting butter on a hot summer’s day. forests as mighty beasts in search of prey. combat, can have their mark removed. On Others say that they have seen ravens Those who are Eigi Einhamr live solitary the plains of eternal twilight, no weapons come down from the mountains and lives as they may – unwillingly – harm are allowed, and a combatant may only use transform into battle-hardened warriors anyone who lives by their side when the fist, claw, and paw to do battle. on their doorstep. No one knows for sure if mark of the beast comes upon them. They This is what the legends say, but the the legends about shape shifting warriors lead lonely lives, and live by the sword, mythical shapeshifters are not so frequent are true, but there are many across the often serving as dreaded soldiers in armies today as they once were. Nowadays the Stormlands who believe it. Enken is, after where they can live out their bestial desires. majority the warriors who believe to have all, the god of nature and the protector of But it is written in ancient legends and been touched by Enken are not able to animals, who herself takes on the shape of dusty tomes that the mark of the beast can shapeshift, although the frenzy that they a great bear. be removed, and that those who are Eigi display in the battlefiled, makes them more However – as always – for such a great Einhamr can become “Einhamr” – of one similar to wild predators than to human power there is a price to pay. Those who shape. Through the brewing of potions and fighters. They are the ”bersekers”, warriors are Eigi Einhamr are cursed by the mark the ritual of blood gifting, a shape-shifter who lack the discipline for fightining in of the beast. They have this extraordinary who is cursed by the mark of the beast can a well-organized shield wall, but whose ability, but inside they are tortured. It is enter the Great Chaos Storm, and there fury allows them to face and fight even said that those warriors who are touched he must search for the hunting grounds the strongest enemies. Songs, sagas, and by Enken and gifted with magical power of the great god Enken. As a huge black poems often tell about Berserkers who suffer from an insatiable bloodlust. They bear, Enken prowls the plains of eternal courageously take on a large number are not their own masters, and during the twilight deep within the Chaos Storm. of foes or dangerous beasts while night they crave the smell of rendered flesh Those shape-shifters who meet the god of fighting all alone. In Wildland, they’re and theSample scent of fear. They prowl the dark nature and beasts and defeat him in single called ”Bearshirts”,file although the true

chapter 1. stormlands | 13 Bearshirts that can shapechange are rare. The Berserker’s relationship with The fury or ”berserkergang” is what In Fynnheim, they go under the name of religion and the gods is complicated. defineds the berserkers, and such a ”Ulfheidrs”, which in Vrok means “wolves There are a few odd Gerbanian maddened mental state takes possession in shaggy fur”. In the other Stormlands, berserkers, but most berserkers believe of these fighters during the battlefield. they are simply called ”Berserkers”. that their souls have been touched by the When fight is about to start, berserkers These warriors are often compared to wild god Enken, like the shapeshifters of bite their shields or growl in beastly bears and wolves, due to their exceptional ancient sagas. On the other hand, other mood, before leaving any caution, courage and strength, which make them to bersekers seem to recall prehistoric throwing themselves against the enemies occupy special positions on the battlefield. religious practices of the Agroths and as furious animals. They often form leagues of warriors that the Wildbrons, when wolves and bears On some farms around the Stormlands, are sought after in times of war, but in were worshipped as gods, long before the they imprison berserkers in anticipation times of peace often cause concern. coming of Gerbanis. There are also many of fighting, because they are considered Some are berserkers by nature; others berserkers who have taken a more radical wicked and too violent to let loose. In join secret cults and learn the art under approach, completely refusing religion. other parts, they are treated like kings. veiled initiation rites. In any case berserkers In fact, in the Stormlands, berserkers are Usually beserkers do not change shape follow customs which set them apart from sometimes called “men of their own”, as like the shape-shifters, but they fight with most Stormlanders. For example, even if they rely only on their own power, and a ferocity and rage that often puts them a shaven head defines a skillfull warrior, many of them have chosen not to believe out of control. The fury can be so wild that the Berserkers never shave their heads; in the words andteachings of Stormi. This berserkers are reputed to keep on fighting instead their hair grows wild and long, has naturally created certain distance even when they mangled bodies are as does the beard. Berserkers are in fact between the berserkers and other folk, technically dead. More than one berserker sometimes nearer to the animal world than because most Stormlanders have difficulty has fallen on the ground only after having to civilization.Sampleconceiving life without Stormi. killed the enemyfile who has dealt them a

14 | chapter 1. stormlands