Chapter i: INDUCTION

[Antman9]

Summary: A Journey Begins

You board a knörr named the Elliði out of Stavanger, Norway bound for Þorlákshöfn, Snæland. Her boards are packed to the gills with various sorts of goods and supplies. She is also carryng various animals, most tied to the deck rail: (2) Sheep, (1) Goat, (3) Chickens in a crate, and (1) Norwegian Buhund. Some of you board her to travel abroad, some seeking adventure, and some running from one thing or another. Your sea legs are well established when you enter Port Þorlákshöfn 14 days and 8 hours later, stopping only briefly at Torshavn in the Færøerne islands.

The knörr begins to disembark and her captain, Ásmundr Ingolfsson, moves to the bow and begins to shout at his crew pointing here and there with a serious air of intent, “Stow seglið og losa farm ! Ég hef grot af öli til pund mér piltar. Göngunni til nú. The crew quickly get to business apparently not willing to incur whatever wrath the good captain might set upon them.

Several rough looking sea dogs shuttle you off the Elliði without delay and set to their given tasks. Your legs refuse to accept the rigid unmoving nature of terra firma and threaten to topple you like a wee child. You soon find your footing though and manage to move along the dock.

A rough and thoroughly worn sign rests on a rickety wooden pole in the center of the dock.

Notice: (in common tongue)

Avery an’ all, be you a man, be you godt’fearin’, press yer firmness agin yond hut and announce yer trade.

Further up along the dock and set off to the right side on dry higher ground is a small Turf hut with a wide wood-framed entryway. A double-wide wooden door stands ajar giving view of a dimly lit interior.


Actions!


PC’s
Johann Konig Albrecht: Human (Euro German) Thief
Olórin 'Lord of the Breath of Arda': Human (Norse) Magic-User
Hákon Eldfjall: Human (Geat) Fighter
Agmundr Halfhand: Human (Geat) Fighter
Harold Stenson: Human (Euro-Dutch) Fighter

NPC’s
Ásmundr Ingolfsson: Captain of the Elliði

The Bad Guys
n/a

Calendar:
1:00 pm
April 1st, 1100
Sun Rise/Set: 6:50 am/7:43 pm
Temp: 28.4°F
Visibility: 6.2 Miles
Wind: 3.5 mph Variable
Cloud: Scattered Clouds
Humidity: 59%
Moon Rise/Set: 4:55 pm/6:10 am
Moonlight: 92%
(2015-BIRK-Þorlákshöfn-Eyrarbakki)

[badams30]

Johann Konig Albrecht - Human Euro German - Thief 1 HP 6/6 AC: 5
Action: Leave boat in style!

Johann pauses for a few moments to gather his balance. Once he's stopped wobbling around, he adjusts his cape, runs a quick comb through his hair, checks his weapon belt and pack, and then gives a thumbs up to his companions. With a smile he says in a cheerful tone "Well now, I don't know about you men, but I'm glad to be on solid ground again, eh? What's this sign about? Mmm hmmm. Suppose we should be going there (pointing to hut) and announcing ourselves." He extends his arm toward the hut and says "Shall we?"

Assuming the others wish to proceed, Johann flicks his cloak behind him with a flourish and starts walking toward the hut with the best air of self-importance he can muster.

[GreyWolfVT]

Olórin 'Lord of the Breath of Arda' - MU straightens his clothing finger combs his hair "Perhaps though the ship movements trouble me not. Introduce ourselves in a hut how quaint yet it reminds me of home. Surely lets enter and pass introductions." striding proudly into the hut knocking and announcing as he enters "Olórin some call me 'Lord of the Breath of Arda' but you can just call me Olórin. Magic casting is my forte."

[FlightlessScotsman]

Agmundr Halfhand, Geat Fighter (Lvl 1, HP:10, AC: 3[16])
Action: Disembark

Agmundr slings his shield over his shoulder and snatches up his spear from the aft of the longboat before he ambles to midships and leans over the port gunwales while the ship slides into the harbor. He gathers the neck of his heavy woolen cloak tight with his maimed left hand and braces himself against the stiff north wind. "What a miserable rock" he thinks to himself.

The scarred and hard-bitten man lets most of the rest of the ship's passengers disembark before he spares a long glance over the the eastern horizon with his one good eye. He turns back to the dock and follows behind some of the men he met on the long journey. "Nothing wrong with a good stout ship under your feet." He calls out to the sly man called Johann. "But, a bit of mead couldn't hurt." and he follows after the man into the hut.

[MonkeyWrench]

[Harold Stenson – Human, Euro-Dutch - Lvl 1 Fighter] (HP: 9/9) (AC: 4)
Action: Beautiful Introduction!

Harold steps off of the boat, the clear afternoon's sun gleaming off of the large and muscled mans head. His hefts his two-handed hammer over his shoulder with out arm while his other hand strokes his thick and full mustache. He as the sun warms him he strikes a pose with an audible gasp of excitement, "Yahhh!!! That is what I like! Such is life! To be in a new land, with such beautiful friends!"

He gives his companions a wide smile, his white teeth visible as the slight breeze moves his mustache, "I agree! Let us arrive to this hut and announce our wonderful and splendid introductions! Ho ho!" and with that the large, muscled, and gleaming bald headed man walks with the others to the hut.

[Nordbo]

Hákon Eldfjall, Geat Fighter (Lvl 1, HP:8, AC: 3])
Action: Ponder

Hákon stands for a moment, viewing the port scene, remembering other times when the sight of men from Svithjod arriving on longships had people running for the hills. He grasps the travel talisman in his pocket inscribed "Grekland, Jerusalem, Särkland, Island", and thinks to himself: "So finally I get to see the brave people of Iceland. They smell of fish. Look like wimps. Hmmpf" then adjusts his pleats and beard, lifts his axe up on his shoulder and follows his fellow passengers on-shore. It will be interesting to hear their impressions. Except for maybe that one who blabs too much.

[FlightlessScotsman]

Agmundr Halfhand, Geat Fighter (Lvl 1, HP: 10, AC:3)
Action: Orders a drink and plies the bartender for information

Agmundr steps through the hide flap that serves for a door and lets his eyes adjust to the dimly lit hall. He quickly surveys the patrons warily, taking note of their reactions to his entrance. Moments later he doffs his gloves, shrugs his cloak back over his shoulders and walks up to wherever they serve drinks in this flea-bitten hole and holds up his thumb, index and middle finger. "Mead." and digs into his pouch and tosses a full gold mark on the counter "A word or two as well."

[Antman9]

Summary: A Journey Begins

Cold crystal-blue water to one side, a lush green carpet of colorful Arctic Tundra on the other. The landscape is flat and nearly featureless. The village of Þorlákshöfn stands in stark contrast to a sea of Lichens, liverworts, mosses, sedges, cottongrasses, perennial forbs, and shrubs, broken only by the occasional outcropping of dark basaltic rock. A series of low hills, looking more like nubs than mountains, rise up along the distant horizon from the NW to NE. Birds overhead flap their wings and screech.

The turf huts that dot the immediate landscape seem odd and out of place, looking like doorways into the earth rather than homes. To the left of the dock hut is a series of six turf huts all smashed together and facing the wharf. A sign hanging on the dock hut reads, “Bryggju Framkvæmdastjóri,” with the word “Mangier” written hastily in sloppy paint below.

The smell of wood smoke and fish greets the party as they enter the dim light of the inner hut. Once adjusted to the firelit interior, a cursory scan reveals one room with a firepit in the center, low fur covered benches along the left and right walls, a door at the rear, and a small wooden table, where sits a grungy old man in greasy clothes. His ears are invisible due to his profuse beard hair. One eye might be looking off in another direction, it’s hard to tell in the firelight, and his stomach length beard is three or four colors, some of which may be food, drink, or some combination thereof, though it looks as if it should be whitish. He smells a bit ripe as well, which may account for the fish smell.

The man starts at Olórin’s announcement, nearly knocking everything from his rickety table: a wooden goblet, quill & ink, and dirty papers. “Ah, what? Who? Come closer will ye.” He eyeballs the lot and says, “Magic what’s-it?” he asks. “I’ve heard of nothing of it. What does it look like, will you need the vagninn bílstjóri? Where is yer farmskrá, err, I mean manifest? Hand it quick! I’v not the time ner the inklin’ to dilly lads. This is a shipyard.”

Agmundr tosses his coin and asks for mead and the old man scoffs and stands up. “This is no yer drekka stofnun lad. Now where is yer farmskrá?”

He stares hard at the lot and waits for a response, while quickly tapping his finger in pace with his left knee. He waits only a moment before stretching an open hand in a gesture aimed at taking something from them. He shakes his hand and looks impatiently at Olórin.

Actions!
Location: Þorlákshöfn

PC’s
Johann Konig Albrecht: Human (Euro German) Thief
Olórin 'Lord of the Breath of Arda': Human (Norse) Magic-User
Hákon Eldfjall: Human (Geat) Fighter
Agmundr Halfhand: Human (Geat) Fighter
Harold Stenson: Human (Euro-Dutch) Fighter

NPC’s
Ásmundr Ingolfsson: Captain of the Elliði
Lár Sjöberg: Dock manager

The Bad Guys
n/a

Calendar:
1:05 pm
April 1st, 1100
Sun Rise/Set: 6:50 am/7:43 pm
Temp: 28.4°F
Visibility: 6.2 Miles
Wind: 3.5 mph Variable
Cloud: Scattered Clouds
Humidity: 59%
Moon Rise/Set: 4:55 pm/6:10 am
Moonlight: 92%
(2015-BIRK-Þorlákshöfn-Eyrarbakki)

[FlightlessScotsman]

Agmundr Halfhand
Actions: Talking with the bearded man

"Farmskrá? What are you on about elder? We've just disembarked the Elliði naught but minutes ago as passengers. We're no shippers or longshoremen. Tell me grandfather who do you think I am?"

[Nordbo]

Hákon Eldfjall, Geat Fighter (Lvl 1, HP:8, AC: 3])
Action: Scan the room for wenches

Can Hákon spot any buxom maidens in this cod-stinking crowd ? Or do they all look like Björk.

[MonkeyWrench]

[Harold Stenson – Human, Euro-Dutch - Lvl 1 Fighter] (HP: 9/9) (AC: 4)
Action: Talks are underway!

Harold looks on as his companions converse with the old man. He does not join in the conversation himself, content that the others have the old man well taken care of. Harold instead finds his time better used by searching the crowd and giving a wide smile and joyous hand wave too as way of introduction, forming a few poses as the sunlight catches his gleaming bald head and northern air bristles his full mustache.

[GreyWolfVT]

Olórin
Actions:Irritated

"Oh come now I've no time for this either just put down Olórin Traveller." the mage saunters off to look for a seat that is up to his standards.

[badams30]

Johann Konig Albrecht - Human Euro German - Thief 1 HP 6/6 AC: 5
Action: introductions, look really important

Pleased with Harold's command of the situation and his very imposing presence, Johann smiles and flicks his cloak back and says with a wave "I am Johann KONIG Albrecht. Adventurer by trade and educated gentleman by reputation. Pleased to meet you all in this, uh, humble establishment!"

Johann smiles, flashing his pearly whites and sweeping his gaze across the occupants, hoping to see a pretty face (and not Bjork, either.) He chuckles and awaits the sea of admirers he is sure will materialize.

[Nordbo]

Hákon Eldfjall, Geat Fighter (Lvl 1, HP:8, AC: 3])
Action: Imbibe

Rubbing the smoke out of his eyes, Hákon realises there was only that old smelly git in here. Ah well, there's bound to be some ladies in town somewhere. But for now, Hákon is thirsty. "A pitcher of your frothiest mead, old man! And meat. Finless, please."

[Antman9]

Summary: A Journey Begins

The befuddled man looks the party up and down, unsure of how to respond to their strange manner. He opens and closes his mouth several times before saying, “Farmskrá, papiers, ship manifest…” He trails off and eyeballs everyone closely as they continue to talk. Hearing the words “adventurer” and “passengers” his confusion departs and is replaced with a smile.

“Aya, ævintýramenn, Það er vit í….err, Velcome to Þorlákshöfn, Snæland. Port city, home of Hrafn Haengsson.” He puts a hand to his chest and says, “Lár Sjöberg.”

He scribbles a few figures on a sheet of paper and says, “One copper apiece, you take Kofinn torf number three.” He yells “Drengur,” and a boy comes running in from the rear door. Lár points at the boy, “Yon drengur will shew you to hut. You will find fill of drink, gerjuð hákarl kjöt, err shark meat, and smoked lamb at the market. The drengur will shew you…”

A voice at the front door interrupts the conversation. The captain of the Elliði stomps in and Lár goes to greet him shouting, “Ásmundr Ingolfsson! það er gott að heilsa þér aftur. Ha!” leaving the party to themselves and the drengur.

As they depart the dock shack (Building 1) and head toward the Kofinn torf, a host of dock hands, longshoremen, scurry to and fro unloading the Elliði and taking her goods to Buildings 2 & 3 and a staging area behind Building 2.

The drengur, looking downcast and never making eye contact leads the party to their Kofinn torf (Area 4, third hut from the right, bottom row), waits patiently while everyone stows their gear, and then escorts them to the market. The market is active with various people moving about buying and selling goods, even despite the frigid temperature; It doesn’t seem to faze their demeanor at all though. Everyone seems chipper and offers a “Velkominn” or “Gott kvöld.” The boy stops in front of building 5a, points to it, and says “Matur markaði” and leaves them standing in the open air market. The buildings in Area 5, made entirely of reddish-brown stone and greyish-black basalt, are of a considerably more modern design compared to the grass covered turf huts surrounding them. All five structures (Buildings 5a – 5d) have a distinctly Christian feel (for those of you from or having been to one of the European countries. Building 5c looks, in every way, like a Christian temple but there doesn’t seem to be any religious or priestly presence anywhere.

Þorlákshöfn map

Porlakshofn40.jpg (282.46 KiB) Viewed 961 times

Actions!
Location: Þorlákshöfn

PC’s
Johann Konig Albrecht: Human (Euro German) Thief
Olórin 'Lord of the Breath of Arda': Human (Norse) Magic-User
Hákon Eldfjall: Human (Geat) Fighter
Agmundr Halfhand: Human (Geat) Fighter
Harold Stenson: Human (Euro-Dutch) Fighter

NPC’s
Ásmundr Ingolfsson: Captain of the Elliði
Lár Sjöberg: Dock manager
Drengur: Boy

The Bad Guys
n/a

Calendar:
1:30 pm
April 1st, 1100
Sun Rise/Set: 6:50 am/7:43 pm
Temp: 28.4°F
Visibility: 6.2 Miles
Wind: 3.5 mph Variable
Cloud: Scattered Clouds
Humidity: 59%
Moon Rise/Set: 4:55 pm/6:10 am
Moonlight: 92%
(2015-BIRK-Þorlákshöfn-Eyrarbakki)

Translations
ævintýramenn: Adventurers
Það er vit í: That makes sense
það er gott að heilsa þér aftur: it is good to greet you again
gerjuð hákarl kjöt: Fermented shark meat
drengur: Boy
matur markaði: Food market
Velkominn: Welcome!
Gott kvöld: Good evening!

[FlightlessScotsman]

Agmundr Halfhand, Human (Geat) fighter (lvl: 1, AC: 3, HP:10)
Actions: Inquiring at the market

Agmundr looks around the square keeping his eyes open for anything interesting, whether a bauble in a hawker's stall, or any sort of bill postings that might be scattered around. Failing that he'll find a decent watering hole and attempt to slake his thirst. He regards the temple buildings coolly with his good eye and gives wide berth to the abode of the Southron god.

[badams30]

Johann Konig Albrecht - Human Euro German - Thief 1 HP 6/6 AC: 5
Action: Walk about town, try to look important

Johann walks about, smiling and bidding the friendly populace a cheerful "Good morning!" He strides alongside Harold speaking quietly to him "A bit rustic for my taste, but obviously very friendly people, yes? I'd bet they haven't seen two gentlemen quite so distinguished as ourselves in some time, if ever." His brow furrows momentarily as he looks about and says "Say, I haven't seen any pretty ladies yet, have you? This is an unexpected development. Ah, well. We are looking for adventure, are we not?"

Johann walks along, saying hello to those he meets and following our guide.

[Nordbo]

Hákon Eldfjall, Geat Fighter (Lvl 1, HP:8, AC: 3])
Action: Hearing a familiar name

While munching on whatever vile brjósk the barman handed him, Hákon glances at the man who just spoke. "Sjöberg, huh. Ertu sænsku ?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Olórin despite the spelling of his name the mage barely understands the conversation in a huff he says "Yes fin very well adventurer for the simple of mind." muttering to himself about the ignorance and incompetence of the man writing names down. Olórin finds a decent seat and tries to calm down.

[MonkeyWrench]

[Harold Stenson – Human, Euro-Dutch - Lvl 1 Fighter] (HP: 9/9) (AC: 4)
Action: Walking the streets and greeting the folk!

Harold walks beside Johann, a friendly smile and hearty wave to all the villagers and passer-by's they see. He looks down to his companion and offers a wide smile and a very boisterous laugh, rumbling from his chest, "Yahh! I am happy to see such people!" He strikes several poses as the sunlight makes his bald head a gleaming beacon of might and love, "I am overwhelmed by these beautiful and cheerful people!"

As Johann finishes his comment though Harold stops and looks around, his eyes open and his smile wide as he looks to his companion, "Do you not see? All of dese people be beautiful! Yahh!!" He puts a massive arm around Johann's shoulders as they walk, his free hand gesturing to the many young townsfolk, "Just see these people enjoy life! Is it not grand fun? Such beauty!"

Harold steers Johann to the nearest vendor of meats and mead, nodding his head in seriousness even as his face betrays his hidden child-like glee, "We are to find adventure, yahh! Let us sit and talk to the people of things they hear yes?" He finds the nearest table or bench, striking a few poses to catch the sunlight on his skin before sitting down to listen and speak to the nearby townsfolk.