[Information] Viking and Game Information

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Historical Facts The Ulfberht Sword was an actual weapon used by select Vikings between 800 and 1100 AD. Link to the PBS Show Secrets of the Viking Sword The technology for making the sword was about 800 years before it’s time. Besides veracious fighters, Vikings were also skilled as water navigators and traders. Most were Pagans, many worshiped their weapons as gods. To die in battle was a good thing. The afterlife was Valhalla (Paradise). Many of their swords were named, and often connected to their ancestors, Bears or wolves. Having such a name on the sword added power to it.

The Process of making a Sword with Crucible steel Collect Iron Ore and a source of Carbon (typically the burned bones of an animal or person) >>Vikings would sometimes use the bones of their ancestors to add ‘power’ to the sword. Place in a clay crucible and melt in a clay/brick oven ( 1/2 day) Take the produced ingot and hammer into a bar (1 day) Continue to hammer the bar into a blade (1 day) Add a Fuller (an indentation) down the center of the blade (1/2 Day) Add the Swords Name, inlayed into the blade (1 Day) Quench the Blade to harden: Heating then rapid cooling in Dragons Blood (2 Hours) Polish the Blade (2-3 Days) Add the Pommel, Grip, Cross Guard and Chappe (1 Day) Make the Scabbard (1 Day) Sharpen the Blade (1/2 Day) Total time (not including getting the materials): 10 Days >>At each step, the blade can be damaged, making it useless. Should this happen, the entire process must start over.

How will Fantasy be integrated into the Game There will not be an actual period of time. Races of Dwarves, Elves, etc are typical, but Humans tend to dominate the world as the others are slowly dying out. Vikings (Norsemen) are but one of many factions or cultures around the world. All players are Norsemen, but not necessarily a Viking fighter (two will be). Vikings are Human, but very rarely a Dwarf with exceptional skill may be also. Magic is present and used by many cultures, including the Norsemen. However a Viking Fighter shuns magic in all forms. His/her belief is in strength and power. They accept the magical healing from others, but are against any magic that would strengthen them in some way. >>Note that an AoE spell that happens to include them is tolerated, but no directed spells. The Vikings do believe in power granted by their ancestors. This is seen in an imbuement to their armor or weapons when they are crafted. Crafted Armor/Weapons for a Viking may have the +1 Masterwork quality, and any bonus for special materials (mitral, etc.) as well as an ‘Ancestral Blessing’ of +1/+2. Vikings have no other Magic Items or abilities. Other Races and cultures (including non-Viking Norsemen) may use Magic if they choose.

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Some general but important game information...

Not all areas are in Viking control. Elves are the other predominant Race, others are minorities, thus:

Human > Elf > Others

Fights, skirmishes, Viking Raids, attacks, even War can happen at any time. The climate of the continent can change politically, economically and socially. What happens if the Elf's take over? The Vikings?

Vikings (and perhaps others) can have hirelings and cohorts.Can you get enough to form your own faction, to raid a village or start a war? Yes, you can.

People have personality, including Vikings. Will a Viking NEVER use Magic? I don't know. Could they be persuaded to do so? Maybe. Could they be given a sword or armor that is magical (or buy one, steal one, etc.) without their knowledge? Yes.

Besides the normal game treasure and XP, I will try and have opportunities for other rewards, such as Skill Points, Bonus Feats and the like (Thank you Darkling for the idea-you rock).

I will also give out both RpXp and Game XP for good Role Play.

I am sure there is more, but I am off to the dentist for a broken tooth. Le Sigh.

DiG