You nod to Goti and drop ten coins on the counter. You pull the empty shield boss from your pack and set it next to them.

“Pleasure doing business,” Goti says as he scoops up the goods. “Shield should be ready in a three or four days, I’m working on a big order that needs to get done first. I’ll get in touch with Olaf and your old man about your equipment, work all that out. See you around, Haskell,” he finishes as he turns back and heads back to the forges.

You leave the smithy, and step out into a light rain that’s beginning to turn the dirt roads to mud. A brisk jog later, you’re at the door of the mead hall, shaking off the light rain from your clothes in the smoky air. It’s loud and chaotic, and you’re handed most of a mug of ale the moment you look up. You aren’t entirely sure who it’s from, but it smells fine, so you take a swig of it.

You spend a few moments wandering the crowded tables, looking for who’s around. You see Anders, Knut and Erik at a table in a corner, the impressively scarred Ivarr sitting with a few of the older raiders, and group of young men about your age that you don’t recognize loudly speaking at a table near the center of the room.

>Who would you like to sit with?
>Your friends
>Ivarr and the other raiders
>The boys you don’t recognize
>A random table with an empty seat
>Just leave

>>1002986
>The boys you don’t recognize
Say hello to your friends and tell them you are going to talk with the other guys first though.

>>1002973
>>The boys you don’t recognize

>>1002986
>The boys you don’t recognize
It'll either be a bar fight or some new friendly fellows. Both are fine by me.

Talking to strangers, Gramma Svenson would be so worried about you.

Writing. While I do that, how do you want to start the conversation? Write ins are neato.

>>1003111

Let's start off with asking them where they hail from and then offer to trade stories with them while waving over our friends, let's get a youthful boasting table going

Not sure how to phrase all that in Haskell tone though

>>1003111
FLEXING AND GRUNTING

Naw, just go over and see how they did on their raids, what souvenirs they got, shit like that.

You dodge several elbows and standing patrons on your way across the room to sit with the out-of-towners, pulling up an empty seat with the four of them. Their chatter dies down nearly immediately as the look to you in unison.

“Haven’t seen you guys around,” you begin as you set your mug down on the table. “I take it you’re not from Norvegr, eh?”

“No,” says a big one, just a little smaller than yourself, flatly. “Next village down the coast. Hals. A little bigger. I’m Leif,” he says, putting a thumb to his chest. “This is Magnus, Saxi, and Atli,” he goes pointing down the line to a lanky kid with unreasonably large ears, a rather handsome young man with a scar crossing his left cheek at an angle, and a slightly younger boy with a stark-white right eye.

“What brings you guys to town,” you ask, taking a swig. “Spending some raid money?”

“Looking for some folks,” Magnus responds, setting his mug down on the table a little harder than he probably needed to.

“And who might they be,” you inquire, sitting up a little straighter in response to the slight act of aggression.

Saxi is quick to answer, a fire burning in his eyes. “Erik Ragnarson, Anders Englison, and Haskell Svenson. Know where to find them?”

You do your best to hide your shock, and it seems they bought it fairly well. Your eyes shoot instinctively to the corner table your friends are at. None of them seem to be looking over your way. You may be on your own for a few moments. Under the table, your hand finds itself resting lightly on the sheathe of your seax. For the first time since sitting down, you realize that Leif is the only one of the four whose hands are both visible.

>"You found one. Can I fucking help you?"
>"Why do you want to find them?"
>"Two of them are at that table in the corner"
>"They left just as I came in. I can help you find them, if you want."
>Just hit the closest one, which happens to be half-blind Atli
>Write-in

>>1003248
>"They left just as I came in. I can help you find them, if you want."
This will get us into an adventagous position if a fight breaks out.

>>1003248
>>"Why do you want to find them?"

>>1003248
>"You found one. Can I fucking help you?"

Make sure to say it loud enough to be heard over the hubub of the hall, they'll jump in should they see us getting ganged up on and will have the advantage of an unexpected angle of attack

>>1003248

Also would someone more knowledgeable in Norse Mythos care to tell me if their exaggerated features relate to the gods, because I know Odin was blind in one eye (albeit was missing completely) and I feel like the scar is one for Baldur as well

>>1003248
>>"Why do you want to find them?"

Calling the vote in 10 minutes. Asking them why is currently ahead 2-1-1

>>1003248
>"Why do you want to find them?"
Order some drinks for the table to loosen their lips. See if anyone brought something new or unusual for the tavern.

>>1003333
>"Why do you want to find them?"
Also signal for some drinks to be brought around.

Called for askin' queshuns. Writing.

“Haven’t seem them around today, but why do you want to find them,” you ask as you flag down Half-Handed Haki for a round of five.

“They’re chasing the wrong women,” Saxi answers as he looks around the hall, suspiciously. “That Erik fuck,” he spits venomously out at you, “he thinks he can just woo Ingrid away from me, like we haven’t lived next door our whole lives.”

“Brynhild won’t shut up about the Anders asshole,” Magnus answers, his face and over-sized ears turning red. “I’ve been after her for years, but she spends one night in this back-woods, dog piss village and suddenly found the man of her dreams. Ridiculous.”

“And what did Haskell do,” you inquire, a little curious about how word’s spreading about your exploits.

“Talked my little sister into sleeping with him,” Leif answers as Haki arrives with the mugs. You pass him ten coins as your drinking companion continues. “I can’t even imagine what sort of vile lies that scum must have told my sweet little Sada to steal her innocence.”

You frown at the hatred being flung your way without Lief knowing, but keep a straight face as best you can. Bandaged Anders and Knut are still talking between themselves, but Erik has noticed you sitting with these four, and is motioning you to go over and sit with them, completely oblivious to what’s going on.

>“Well, good luck finding them. If I see them, I’ll send them your way.”
>“I think I can round up a search party to look for them, if you want”
>“We can settle this here or outside, wherever you’d like. Haskell Svenson, at your service.”
>Try to motion Erik over. The other two are too beat up to be of a whole lot of help.
>Just hit one. Who?
>Write-in

Punch saxi in the teeth

>>1003548
>Maybe we can find you some other girls to make up for your loss
>See if Svala is in the tavern, go up to her and tell her those guys were talking about her ass
>watch the fireworks

>>1003548
>“We can settle this here or outside, wherever you’d like. Haskell Svenson, at your service.”
Be honorable, be forth right.

>>1003548
>>“We can settle this here or outside, wherever you’d like. Haskell Svenson, at your service.”
Wait for the drinks to finish first. No need to waste good booze.

Calling the vote in 10 minutes. Currently we're coming clean and seeing where they want to throw down.

File: drink up.jpg (50 KB, 600x320)

50 KB JPG

>>1003702
Don't forget that we are drinking first.

Writing

You silently finish your drink as your four new ‘friends’ drink their own and talk amongst themselves for a while. The whole time, one eyed Atli continues glancing in your direction.

“Can’t help but notice you haven’t introduced yourself, kind stranger,” he says calmly as he places his mug on the table.

“I haven’t,” you say, musting your best shit-eating grin. “Haskell Svenson,” you announce yourself as your hand slips back to it’s place on your seax handle. “I assume you aren’t here to give me a stern talking to, though.”

“You’re fucking right we’re not,” Leif starts as he rises from his seat before Saxi stops him with an arm across his chest.

“This is not the place for that, Leif,” he says to his friend as he gently pushes him back to his chair. “Though, I think Haskell here should be following us outside unless he wants it to become the place for this.”

His hand slips under the table, similarly to yours as he motions from you to the door with his head. Seems like he wants the five of you to step outside.

>“It’s a date. Try not to get blood on my clothes.”
>“I should get to bring friends, too.”
>“I happen to think this is the perfect place for this” (striking)
>Run
>Write in

>>1003832
>Write in
>"I told you this because I thought it right. I gave you drinks and offered you a fair fight rather than act with the advantage of surprise when I found you were after me with malice.

>I will fight only Leif, and only Leif will fight me. You have grievances with others to settle. Let us settle this like men."

>>1003832
Hit them with the table.

>>1003832
>“It’s a date. Try not to get blood on my clothes.”
I kind of just want to own the shit out of them by ourselves to prove the point. Might be too dangerous but whatever, if our buddies want to come they can come.

>>1003844
Actually scrap my previous vote, this is really good.

>>1003844
Going with this.

>>1003832
I like >>1003844

Being an adult during a bar fight. Writing. This will be the last update of the night before I turn in

“I told you this out of respect,” you say, slowly measuring each word. “I could have easily attacked with the advantage of surprise when I found out you were after hurting me. But instead, I offered you the honor of a fair fight. In return, I expect to fight Leif, and only Leif. The rest of you have issues with other people, and you can resolve those issues with them.”

“Now, you just hold on a-” is as far as Saxi gets before he is interrupted by a huge fist slamming on the table.

“That’s a fucking deal,” Leif says through gritted teeth as he stands. He points roughly at the door, his eyes locked on your own.

You stand and move to leave, weaving your way through the crowd, working a game plan out in your head. This guy’s certainly out for blood, but you think his friends will respect his wishes and stay out of the brawl. Erik watches you leave with the four, his calculating eyes picking up on the situation. He stands as you exit the mead hall.

The light drizzle has turned into an absolute downpour, and any patch of ground not covered by grass or a building is a mess of mud and water. This should be interesting. The five of you head to an empty alley way between to buildings. Erik is standing in the street, leaning against a building. He raises an eyebrow to you, asking if you need help. You shake your head at him, declining the offer.

“Knives,” Saxi says bluntly, barely audible over the torrential rain. Leif takes his seax off his belt and tosses it a few yards away, and you follow suit. “Both of them, Leif,” Saxi repeats, and the brute grumbles as he drops to a knee and pulls a knife from his boot and tosses it away as well.

Someone has joined Erik in the street, but you can’t quite make out who in the rain. You shake your head to rid yourself of the distraction, and turn your attention to the task at hand.

“Well, are you going to fight me or what, you fucking rat,” Leif growls as he drops into a ready stance, his hands raised in front of him.

>Plan of action?

Okay folks, that's it for tonight. We'll pick up here in the morning. Thanks for playing, and I always appreciate feedback and suggestions.

Also, since I'm trying to do more guided combat, vote from this post, please.

>Charge him, try to catch him off guard (Athletics, Power)
>Goad him into attacking, then counter and take him to the ground (Grapple, power)
>Try to end the fight with a single knock out blow (Striking)
>Write-in

>>1003974
>"I didn't lie to your sister, Leif. I treated her with respect, but that's not gonna stop me from beating the tar out of her brother. I'll even buy the next round."
Play defensively, let him overextend

>>1003984
Come on man, you can't leave us hanging like that.

And I will go with XRTP on this with:
>"I didn't lie to your sister, Leif. I treated her with respect, but that's not gonna stop me from beating the tar out of her brother. I'll even buy the next round."
>Goad him into attacking, then counter and take him to the ground (Grapple, power)

>>1004002
>>1003986
Pretty much what these guys say. Tire him, then beat him into a bloody pulp. That might even tell his friends that fighting ours is a bad idea.

Dont kill him. No need ot start a blood fued.

>>1003984
>>1003548
>“Talked my little sister into sleeping with him,” ... “I can’t even imagine what sort of vile lies that scum must have told my sweet little Sada to steal her innocence.”
I don't remember, did we tell any lies? And was she a virgin? Depending on the answer, we still can talk to him about it while fighting.

>>1004589
Okay, I looked it up, seems we didn't talk much, she just hopped on our dick after the spar, she's not so innocent apparently.
>>1003984
Seconding:
>>1003986

>>1003984
"Your sister sure werent as innocent as you think she is. Had her moaning up against a tree. wet as october"

>>1004592
Perhaps add something about how she's old enough to do what she wants.
Similar for Ingrid and Brynhild, if the guys weren't able to get with them "our whole lives"/"for years" perhaps they should look elsewhere for interested women.They're betas, but don't call them that.

>>1003984
>"I didn't lie to your sister, Leif. I treated her with respect, but that's not gonna stop me from beating the tar out of her brother. I'll even buy the next round."

Seconding this and I think it matches up best with

>Goad him into attacking, then counter and take him to the ground (Grapple, power)

Did we really treat her with respect ? We pretty much planted her on our lap then took her out to the woods and fucked her up against a tree.

Hardly what i would call respect.

>>1005206
In a Viking/raider society? We didn't force her into anything, she could easily have said no, and she was into it. What else did you want us to do, get her ass a ring?

>>1005218
Nah i am fine with how we did just not the whole tell him we totally treated her like a fair maiden that he thinks his sister is. We made her moan like a whore.

>>1005220
Because she was a whore, for us at least. Just don't tell him that, that's for his sister to break the news.

>>1005220
>>1005228
I'd like us to be able to patch things up with his group, we've been a bro so far and there's no reason why we can't get these guys to come around after we whoop some ass.

>>1005235
>>1005228
>>1005220

I wouldn't even say that she was being a whore, Viking society was fairly liberal as far as sex goes and that's just us having sex. Him coming after us is still well within the bounds of reason but I support throwing down on the challenge and being firm but not making enemies

>>1005235
>>1005243
>I already know what we say after all of them get beat.
"In this run down, piece of shite village, we usually learn to get whatever the hell we need as part of life. Raiding is one of the tools we use to get whatever the hell we want. If you want to start growing some testicles and getting whatever the fekk you want, join our next raid. We'll give you the easy job. Promise."

Thread will be picking up in 1.5 or 2 hours

>>1005683

Thanks for the heads up

Okay, so I'm gearing up to get ready for the thread.

Looks like you guys want to taunt him into attacking until he over extends, then capitalizing on that. That's gonna be 6d10, the first set an athletics roll to dodge his attack, the second a grappling or striking roll to counter strike. Let me know which you want to do with your roll, please.

Also, do you want to shit-talk Leif while you fight?

>Y
>N

>>1005933
>Also, do you want to shit-talk Leif while you fight?

Only enough at the start for him to get mad. No need to be Viking Spider-Man for the whole fight. Basically what >>1003986 wrote.

Rolled 3, 10, 8, 10, 6, 3 = 40 (6d10)

>>1005933
I don't think it should be shit-talk, necessarily, more reasonable, like >>1005953
says
also, i say strike rather than grapple

>>1005953
Pretty much this. We shouldn't get him to hate us, we just need him to get careless.

Rolled 3, 10, 4, 7, 5, 10 = 39 (6d10)

>>1005933
>>1005953
Fuck, forgot to roll.

Rolled 1, 9, 6, 7, 5, 6 = 34 (6d10)

>>1005933

>Y

But reasonable shit talking

Rolled 6, 5, 3, 6, 2, 3 = 25 (6d10)

>>1005933
>>N

Rolled 3, 8, 2, 1, 1, 7 = 22 (6d10)

>>1005977
Oh, and I should possibly roll.
>>1005933

File: Sweet Baby Jesus.gif (4.23 MB, 300x200)

4.23 MB GIF

>>1005933
SEEMS LIKE WE HAVE OUR ROLLS IN ORDER BABY.

21 high on the first 3, 22 high on the second.

21 and 22. Writing

Internet cut out. Might be a few more minutes. Sorry, guys

>>1006256

No worries

You shake the nervousness out of your hands, and bring them up to bear. You have a plan, hoping to make him expose himself for a quick shot.

“I didn’t lie to your sister, Leif,” you start. You do your best to sound as non-threatening as possible, hoping it will send him over the edge sooner. “She wanted to be with me, and she’s old enough to make that decision on her own.”

“Fuck you,” he growls, coming a few steps closer, looking angrier than ever.

“I treated her with all the respect she wanted me to, man,” you say, raising your hands palms forward. “However much that was.”

This enrages him further. Enough. He lunges forward, trying to tackle you into the mud. You side step him, slipping a tiny bit on the slick ground, causing him to overextend, bent over across from you. Seizing the opportunity, you raise your right arm up, and bring your fist down in a heavy hammer blow, dazing him a little bit as he continues on past you. He turns to face you, a hand on the back of his head.

>Round 1, over
>Leif: Lightly wounded (Head)
>Haskell: Unwounded

>>1006374
Try the same thing again, but say "She isn't a girl anymore, trust me when I say I know that in a primal nature."

>>1006374
The same thing again. If he's angry, he's making mistakes. This way, we should be able to take him down without much trouble.

>>1006374

"Now isn't this going to make any reunions awkward."

I think we should close the distance and try to grapple, we're a big guy

>>1006374
along the lines of >>1006439
she's a woman now man, she doesn't need you to protect her. what would she say if she saw you out here getting ur ass kicked?
>>1006508
>for leif

Rinse, repeat. 6d10, please

Rolled 7, 8, 7, 8, 4, 2 = 36 (6d10)

>>1006662

I mean if he's stupid enough to keep falling for it

Rolled 2, 1, 10, 10, 6, 10 = 39 (6d10)

>>1006662

Rolled 6, 6, 6, 9, 5, 5 = 37 (6d10)

>>1006662
rollin

High rolls are 22 and 26. Writing.

“Wanna know how I know she can make her own decisions,” you ask, loudly enough for every around to hear.

“Don’t let him get into your head, Leif,” you hear one of his friends yell from the loose triangle they’ve formed around the two of you. “He’s trying to bait you.”

“Because that wasn’t no fuckin’ girl pressed up against a tree that night, believe me,” you continue, feeling the heat of his rage even over the storm. “That was a woman!”

He rushes forward with a brutal yell in his throat, lunging at you with both hands. You take a quick step back, causing him to fall to his knees under his own momentum. You step forward, and deliver a wicked uppercut to his jaw, sending him sprawling onto his back. He scrambles back a few yards, but is unable to get up in the mud. He remains in the mud, blood leaking from his panting mouth, one leg raised to kick you in case you come near.

>Round 2, over
>Leif: Lightly wounded (head, face) (prone)
>Haskell: Unwounded

>Lunge at him, put all your weight into a punch before grappling (striking, grappling) (Very high risk, high reward)
>Try to catch his kick, and twist his leg until he submits (Grappling, power) (A good roll from Leif may still wound you, or even counter)
>Let him up (Pass)
>Pretend to let him up, then kick him in the head (Striking) (dirty)
>Write in

>>1006781
Just so we're clear, that first option is a falling superman punch, then a grapple exchange

>>1006781
>Let him get up
A insult to his ego

>>1006781
>Let him up (Pass)

´Sup Handler

>>1006781
>Let him up (Pass)

While he's getting up talk to the other guys
"You want me to go grab the other guys you've got a fight with? Looks like this one shouldn't take much longer."

>>1006781
>Let him up (Pass)
What would she say if she saw you out here getting ur ass kicked? It doesn't have to go down this way

>>1006821
is what we would say to him

>>1006807
Don't make it sound like we're friends with them just yet. That'll just drag them in a fight, and with Anders being an untrained berserker, someone might end up dead.

>>1006781
>>Let him up (Pass)

“Get the fuck up,” you order the downed man. “You’re losing this fight on your feet.” He begins to stand, slowly staggering to his feet.

“Do you want me to fetch one of the other guys you have a problem with,” you say, turning to the collection of other boys. “I doubt this will be going on much longer.”

“Don’t count the big guy out yet,” Saxi answers, but his eyes betray the fear beneath his smug demeanor.

You simply roll your eyes as you turn back to the brute. “What do you think Sada would say if she saw you, out here, getting your ass beat in the rain? Do you think this is what she wants?”

“Don’t you say her name, you swine,” is all he responds with. He’s swaying a little as he stands, and his eyes seem glossed over a bit, but he’s still coherent enough to be dangerous.

>You have the advantage. Charge him and try to overpower him with blows (Power, striking)
>He thinks you’ll be fighting defensively, and he isn’t ready for aggression. Try to tackle him into the ground (Athletics, grappling)
>Play it safe, wait for him to make a move first (???)
>Why fix what isn’t broken? Mock him until he charges, then put him down. Hard. (Striking)
>Write-in

>>1006895
>>You have the advantage. Charge him and try to overpower him with blows (Power, striking)

>>1006895
>>You have the advantage. Charge him and try to overpower him with blows (Power, striking)
Stop the moment he gives up. Then buy the poor sot an ale. Might as well try to patch things up as we can.

>>1006929
We need to eat him into submission at the very least, to show dominance

>>1006932
>Eat
Fuck I meant beat

>>1006895
>>You have the advantage. Charge him and try to overpower him with blows (Power, striking)

>>1006895
>You have the advantage. Charge him and try to overpower him with blows (Power, striking)

Okay guys, that's gonna be 6d10, please

>>1006932
+1 for Mike Tyson-ing this guy.

Rolled 10, 4, 1, 5, 1, 3 = 24 (6d10)

>>1006959
Here goes.

Rolled 6, 10, 8, 9, 2, 8 = 43 (6d10)

>>1006959
Let's wrap this up clean, we don't want any blood feuds or whatnot

Rolled 9, 7, 8, 9, 7, 10 = 50 (6d10)

>>1006959

>>1007007
>these rolls
Shit man, RIP Leif's jaw

>>1007007
I rolled too good . RIP

High rolls are 24 and 26. Fuck. Writing

>>1007031
Is he still standing?

>>1007065
more like "is he still breathing"

>>1007065
>>1007073
Depends on his rolls

Leif has learned his lesson. He’s playing much more cautiously now, putting his hands in front of his face in a guarded stance, waiting for you to make a move. You pull up your own fists, and close the distance.

As soon as you’re in range, a balled fist shoots out at you. You knock it to the side with your off hand, and deliver a brutal right cross as a counter. As your target reels from the blow, you swing your left hand into his stomach, forcing him to spit the blood that’s pooled up in his mouth out in a spray.

He isn’t done, yet, though. Just as you’re pulling back for a knock-out punch, he thrusts his head forward, catching you straight in the mouth. You stagger back in the mud. You already feel your upper lip swelling, and the hot blood is a stark contrast to the cold rain.

You certainly won the exchange, but you got tagged in the process. Leif is looking much worse for wear, however. He’s dazed, and openly drooling blood. You hope he’s more drunken bar patron than cornered, wounded animal. Only time and pain will tell.

>Round 3, over
>Leif: Moderately wounded (Head, face, stomach)
>Haskell: Lightly wounded (face)

>Try to end the fight with a throw (Grapple, power) (Spectacular)
>Keep throwing light jabs - You don’t want to make this guy an idgit (Striking x2)
>Ask him to concede (Write-in)
>One more huge punch should put him out. He isn’t even defending himself (Striking, power)
>Tackle him, then wrestle him to submission (Grappling, Choice of power or athletics)
>Write-in

>>1007137
Try to end the fight with a throw (Grapple, power) (Spectacular)

>>1007137
>Ask him to concede (Write-in)
"It's over, Leif. I don't want to end it hard, but I damn well will if you make me."
>Try to end the fight with a throw (Grapple, power) (Spectacular)

>>1007137
>>Try to end the fight with a throw (Grapple, power) (Spectacular)

>>1007137
>Keep throwing light jabs - You don’t want to make this guy an idgit (Striking x2)

"Come on man"

Hey, still catching up but what ever happened to that turncoat slav archer?

>>1007230
Ran off

>>1007137
>>Keep throwing light jabs - You don’t want to make this guy an idgit (Striking x2)
>>Ask him to concede (Write-in)
Give him the opportunity to bow out or else grind him into dust. This is getting to be thirsty business.

>>1007137
>Ask him to concede (Write-in)
"That's enough. Sada's still going to need her brother after this, and I don't want Odin's ire killing a fellow."

Three to throw, two for jabs, one to concede. I'm gonna call the vote in 10 minutes

>>1007137
>Try to end the fight with a throw (Grapple, power) (Spectacular)

Throw him on something that will HURT him and not keep kill him

>>1007316
>not kill him
We'll roll double 30's and throw him into the ocean by accident

>>1007330
What are we Thor?

The throw wins it. 6d10, please. Also, when you roll, vote whether you want to ask for a concession or not

Rolled 3, 7, 3, 5, 9, 6 = 33 (6d10)

>>1007360
Concession

Rolled 3, 5, 3, 9, 7, 3 = 30 (6d10)

>>1007360
Ask for concession
>>1007347
Odin's chosen, kinda close?

Rolled 8, 5, 1, 8, 5, 1 = 28 (6d10)

>>1007360
No concession make him regret this

Rolled 8, 7, 4, 1, 10, 3 = 33 (6d10)

>>1007360
Concession

>>1007347
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orm_Storolfsson

soon

Rolled 10, 8, 9, 3, 3, 2 = 35 (6d10)

>>1007360
Concession

>>1007372
Yes YES!

High rolls are 14 and 20. Writing

So why do we want that concession?

“You should stop, Leif,” you plead with the enraged combatant. “I don’t want to end this the hard way.”

He swings at you through his haze, clumsily and slowly. You don’t even have to dodge - you’re well out of range.

“Fine, then. You asked for this,” you say as you shrug. You step just within his range, and he strikes out at you once more. This time, though, you catch the arm at the elbow and pull him in tight to you, shifting your grip to grab him just above his waist. The hold is far from perfect, but it will serve it's purpose. You drop to an athletic stance, and pop your legs back up as you twist around. With a guttural cry you pick him up bodily, carrying him for a few steps before leaning forward into a controlled fall, driving him deep into the muddied road.

In one moment, all the breath leaves his lungs, and his body goes limp. You fear, for a second, you’ve killed the man before you feel his unconscious form gasping for breath beneath you.

You rise, the fight clearly finished, Leif lying in the muck, beaten. You walk to where you threw your knife, and turn to the three remaining rivals as you wipe the blade off on your shirt.

>“Go home. You have no reason to stay here.”
>“I am, by far, the least skilled fighter of the men you are looking for.”
>“Tell Sada I say hello.”
>“He chose to have it ended like that. I have him every chance to admit defeat.”
>Just leave (To where?)
>Write in

>>1007468
>>“I am, by far, the least skilled fighter of the men you are looking for.”

>>“He chose to have it ended like that. I have him every chance to admit defeat.”

>>1007468
>"It was a good fight, and fair. If you'd all like the same, my friends will give you that chance. But I'd rather we spilled the blood of our enemies, then men who could be our friends."

Almost forgot.

>Combat, over
>Leif: Moderately wounded (Head, face, stomach, chest)
>Haskell: Lightly wounded (Face)

He did throw two seaxes to the ground that you could take as trophies if you wish, but he does have friends around.

>>1007407
Haskell's a classy guy, anon

>>1007477
Support this

>>1007477
Second

>>1007468
>"Gentlemen, our tavern has accommodations for travelers like yourselves. If I were you, I'd buy a bed for him so he can heal up."
>“He chose to have it ended like that. I have him every chance to admit defeat.”
>"Now, come. Drinks on me."

>>1007468
>“He chose to have it ended like that. I have him every chance to admit defeat.”

>go get some more drinks

>>1007477

Supporting this

>>1007476
This and offer a round of drinks to talk things over. And pick the poor goon out of the muck.

So I just remembered I have a shit ton of paperwork due all the way across town at 9 am that I literally haven't even started on. I'm gonna call the thread here, and we'll pick up tomorrow evening.

Thanks for playing everyone! I appreciate it.

>>1007468
>>Write in

Buy them a round and lodgings

>>1007557
Good luck, friend.

We should fuck Sada again next time she is in town.

Could we get a roll call, please?

Today's session sponsored by Mountain Dew and a spite for sleeping

>>1009196
Hello!

>>1009196
Yar, Captain.

>>1009235
wrong era

>>1009196
I'm up for good fun.

>>1009196

Gold Leader. Standing by

Okay, looks like we want to help up Leif, then offer a round of drinks to the group. That correct?

I thought I posted this like 15 minutes ago and thought all you guys ran off

>>1009361
Sounds good, Captain.

>>1009361
Yeah. Sounds good. We're going to need whatever friends we can get.

>>1009361
Mabye offer them a chance to go raiding to grow some balls and stop being cucked.

>>1009196
woo

>>1009361

Yup sounds good

You walk over to the just-now stirring Leif. Magnus and Atli step forward to defend their fallen friend, but Saxi stop them both with a bark. You nod to the young man, and extend a hand to help the man up, and he accepts it. You doubt he’s realized just who offered it yet.

He stops at a knee, taking deep, irregular breaths to try to refill his lungs, the grime dripping off him slowly. He shakes the fogginess from his head, and winces at the pain, but his eyes clear up considerably, and he stands to his full height. He still glares at you, but it is now more a cautious respect and healthy dislike, rather than outright hatred and bloodlust.

“I don’t know about you lads,” you say, needing to shout over the ever-increasing rain, “but I intend on going in where it’s warm and dry. If you care to follow, the first round is on me.”

You turn on a heel without waiting for an answer and head out for the main road. On the way, you approach Erik, and discover the identity of the shadowy figure; it’s Svala, of all people. She quits speaking abruptly as you draw near, and peels away from your friend, headed towards the mead hall.

“What was that all about,” you ask Erik, an eyebrow raised at the retreating figure of the braided shield maiden. You use the term ‘maiden’ somewhat lightly.

“You think Svala would miss a chance to watch a fight,” he answers your question with a question. Normally, you’d press on, but between the fight with Leif and the cold rain, you aren’t in the mood until you’re a little warmer, and a little dryer.

The mead hall is just as cozy as you hoped it would be, and it seems you were out there longer than you thought. It’s started to clear out, and there are even a few empty tables spotted around. Anders and Knut are at their same table, with a rather impressive collection of empty mugs around them. You aren’t sure what Geira would think of Anders being so drunk in his current condition, but he doesn’t seem any worse for wear. You can’t find Svala, but you suppose you didn’t actually see her come in.

>Please choose one of each. Option two is very write-in heavy, and dependant on the first choice, and multiple options may be taken for it

>Sit alone with Erik - Anders is a bit too hurt, and a bit to drunk for his mouth if your new ‘friends’ come in
>Sit with Anders and Knut - Hopefully some civil introductions will ease tensions a little
>Sit with some of the older raiders - You’re pretty sure you saw Hakon at one of the tables
>Write-in

>Weasel what Svala was talking about out of Erik
>Find out how long Anders is going to be laid up
>See how the other raiders made out with their hauls.
>Write-in

>>1009648
>Sit alone with Erik - Anders is a bit too hurt, and a bit to drunk for his mouth if your new ‘friends’ come in
>Weasel what Svala was talking about out of Erik

>>1009648
>Sit alone with Erik - Anders is a bit too hurt, and a bit to drunk for his mouth if your new ‘friends’ come in
>Weasel what Svala was talking about out of Erik

>>1009667
This. It would suck having to fight the rest of them on our buddies behalf.

>>1009667

Seconding this

Sitting with Erik and digging. Writing

You discreetly steer Erik away from Anders and Knut, who are bit too hosed to even notice you. The two of you take seats at an empty table, and you catch Haki’s attention and throw two fingers up.

“So, tell me why Svala really came out in the rain,” you say, staring your friend down while you wait for the drinks. “Don’t give me any shit about her wanting to see a fight - she could see one in here any time she wanted.”

“Tell me why you were in a back-alley fight with a total stranger first, and I’ll think about it,” he replies as he leans back in his seat, his arms crossed defiantly on his chest.

“Two of them are after Ingrid and Brynhild,” you say softly, leaning closer to keep the conversation private. “Leif, the one I fought, is Sada’s older brother. They feel they have a bone to pick with you, me, and Anders.”

“I can see why,” Erik responds, giving his trademark shrug. “They can fuck themselves if they think I’m gonna stop trying to get her, though.”

“If you don’t stop, they might have to,” you chuckle as you sit back upright. “Saxi has been after Ingrid about his whole life, and he’s unimpressed at the progress you’ve made in a few short months. Now, spill,” you demand, handing Haki four coins as he deposits two mugs on the table. You move to thank him, but the bitter old man’s already turned to walk away by the time you get your mouth open.

“She was asking about you,” Erik explains as he brings his drink to his lips. “How well you did in the baltic, how many men you killed, if you took any wounds. That type of shit. You know how she gets when it comes to battles, needs to know everything. Not sure why she didn’t just ask you, though.”

“Probably didn’t think she could get through a conversation without questioning my manhood,” you say harshly after a drink of your ale. It’s getting late in the night, and Half-Hand has switched to the cheap stuff, thinking no one was sober enough notice. The old codger.

“I wouldn’t be so sure, man,” Erik returns as he shakes his head. “She seemed pretty interested in your little tussle. Enamored, even,” he says, faking a swoon. “She could hardly take her eyes off of it.”

You’re about to reply when the other four walk in, drenched in rain and mud. They slowly and cautiously make their way through the hall to your table, and you shout Haki to bring four more. You also make a point of telling him to bring the good stuff, to which he responds with the only middle finger he has.

As the four sit, you look to Erik, and wonder how to handle the situation.

>Introduce him as Erik
>Introduce him as Thorald
>Don’t introduce him at all
>Also, right in what you’d like to talk about with the table

>>1009920
>Don’t introduce him at all
He'll introduce himself how he wants and if he wants.

>"So, you guys cool off a bit? Because another drink or two sounds good, so long as no-one tries to use mugs as throwing weapons."

>"Anyway, besides the fight and plots for revenge, you come up for any other reason? Business, family, shit like that?"

>>1009997
This

also holy hell Sbala's coming across as mighty stalkerish

>>1009920
>>Don’t introduce him at all
small talk to

>>1009997

Second ingredients this

I'm down for having the Shield Maiden, gonna need a bit more interacting with her to know though but color me intrigued

Gonna finish this one up in the morning guys, sorry about the lack of updates tonight. I've been crashing since about an hour before I asked for roll.

Thanks for playing, and I always appreciate it

>>1009920
>>Introduce him as Erik

>svala
meh

>>1010230

Thanks for running Handler

We got enough around to run? I'll start writing here in a minute

>>1012417
Im here boss

>>1012417
My cock is ready

>>1012417
Hello my baby, hello my honey, hello my ragtime gaaaaaall.

>>1012417
Oh cool it's running.

>>1012417
What up!

>>1012417

HI HO SILVER

“Can I trust this evening will remain civil,” you ask, your voice low, as you turn to the new arrivals. You intentionally avoid bringing up Erik. You’ll cross that bridge as far in the future as possible.

“That remains to be seen,” Saxi answers slowly, bringing his mug to his mouth. “But we have every intention of finishing the night in a peaceful manner.” He shifts his eyes to your friend. “I’ll assume this is either Anders or Erik?”

Looks like that’s not as far as you’d been hoping.

“Erik,” your companion says simply, locking eye contact with Saxi, daring him to make a move.

You hold your breath for a moment, waiting for the explosion of violence you’re sure is coming.

Saxi chews on his lower lip for a moment, and Magnus and Atli look to him for a moment watching for his reaction.

“That’s a problem to be dealt with another day,” he says in between drinks, and you inwardly sigh in relief. “There has been enough violence tonight, and I have no wish to be out in this storm again.” As if to punctuate his distaste, a clap of thunder cracks across the slight rattling of the rain outside.

Erik nods silently, and holds out his cup, his eyes still met with his newfound rival. Saxi returns the gesture, knocking their vessels together lightly.

“Will Anders be joining us as well,” Magnus asks with a small amount of apprehension.

“Anders is in no state to be in a situation where he can talk himself into a fight,” you reply to the lanky outsider, thinking of the wounds Anders took across the Baltic. Magnus only grunts in response. Seems a grumpy sort of fellow.

>Choose a topic of conversation (Write-in only)
>Leave (To where?)

>>1012673
>Choose a topic of conversation (Write-in only)

Have you guys participated in any raids?

>>1012673
>Choose a topic of conversation (Write-in only)
>"So, what about you, Atli? Did you come along to keep an eye out for your friends?"
>"In fact, do any of you have any family here? Or perhaps business ventures?"

>>1012709
Hell yeah. Let's have them join along. Fresh blood.
>>1012716
This is also good

>>1012673
>>"So, what about you, Atli? Did you come along to keep an eye out for your friends?"
>>"In fact, do any of you have any family here? Or perhaps business ventures?"
>"So, what about you, Atli? Did you come along to keep an eye out for your friends?"
>"In fact, do any of you have any family here? Or perhaps business ventures?"

“Atli,” you say, turning to face the slightish young man. “What brings you along? You don’t seem to have any quarrel here.”

“They were coming to fight,” he says, motioning towards them. “So someone was clearly going to get hurt. I’m a skill healer. That’s what took us so long outside,” he continues. “I was checking on Leif. He’ll be fine, by the way. Just a nasty headache in the morning.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” you reply, nodding to Leif. He doesn’t seem to notice. “Speaking of morning, will you be spending the night here? Any family to stay with, or here in the mead hall?”

“No, most of our families are in or around Hals,” Magnus says as he takes a drink. “We’d planned on renting rooms here tonight.”

“Done any raiding lately,” Saxi asks, clearly trying to work over his latent anger towards Erik. “We got back from England about a week ago. Having a werewolf problem down there, but the churches had more gold than we could carry back to the ship.”

“We actually got back from the Baltic this morning,” you answer, showing the now muddied bandage on your forearm. “Killed a few vampires, stole a barrel of spice, and I got myself a thrall.”

“That’s a good take from those dirt farmers,” Leif says slowly, and it looks like it pained him a bit to be moving his mouth. “When we went, I ended up nearly losing a foot. You made off better than I did.”

The raid stories swap back and forth for a while as the tavern slowly begins to empty out, and eventually you look around to realize your table is one of about three with people still at it. Seems like the night is dying down somewhat.

>Continue the conversation
>Leave (Where?)

>>1013137
>Continue the conversation

>>1013137
>Continue the conversation
Shoot the shit about places you'd like to see on your next raid, things you hope to bring back, stuff in town that would interest them, and what's been going on in Hals.

>>1013137
>Continue the conversation

>>1013137
>>Continue the conversation

>>1013137
>>Continue the conversation
Might see if we can get a better read on these folks. Seem of a decent sort, though they are going to need stronger friends to keep that pride.

>>1013137
When does thread start up again?

>>1015085
Monday... sometime if it's still up. If it gets to page 9ish before that, I'll archive and start up with thread 8 on Tuesday afternoonish.

Working weekends is hard on questing. Trying to find a job that I have them free, but it's hard finding a job that isn't just as shitty as the one I have now.

>>1018800
Boost

Gonna be running in 2-3 hours, so 630-730 central time. Hope to see you! In the mean time, write in some conversationals for your drinking buddies

>>1027133

See you then, I would say keep it on the raiding side of things and ask where they would want to go for a raid, none of us are yet in charge of anything but maybe bring up the possibility of having a multi-village raid, be able to tackle larger targets and get more loot

Who's around? I'll start writing when we get 3

>>1027634

I am Spartacus

>>1027634
am lurking around.

>>1027634
Heard you were looking for one more?

I was indeed. Writing.

>>1027634
me

>>1027634
here

“So,” you say, setting down your now-empty mug. “Anywhere particular you four hope to go raiding? It’s a topic of discussion among us.”

“Somewhere warm,” Leif says grumpily, four drinks and a concussion in. “I’ve had well enough of all the snow and ice here.”

“He’s always bitching about it,” Magnus says, his goofy ears turning red from the alcohol. “I’m just in it for money. Send me where there’s gold, and I’ll kill until it’s mine.” You’re surprised at the level of callousness in his voice. Normally there’s at least some sort of viscous undertone, not complete indifference.

“I want to be somewhere new,” Atli says, swirling the last gulp of his drink around in the bottom of his cup. “I’d like to be the first off the ship to somewhere no one like us has ever been. See new things, new places.”

“You’d like our friend Knut, I think,” Erik says. “He’s much the same way. I doubt he’d like anything better than just sailing the world and writing down all that he sees.” Atli and Erik continue to chat quietly about it while Saxi speaks after patiently waiting his turn.

“I’m going to be the best swordsman the world has ever seen,” he says queitly, almost to himself. “History will know damn well the name of Saxi, Son of Rolf. I don’t care how long it takes, how many styles I have to learn, or how many masters I must train under. No one on this planet will best me with a blade when I’m done.”

That got heavy in a hurry, but you did ask, and it’s what he wants. The mead hall is empty but for the six of you and Haki, and he’s busy wiping down tables and collecting abandoned mugs. He doesn’t seem to be paying any attention to you. You’re not sure what time it is, but you’re sure it’s well after dark.

>Continue the conversation (Write-in)
>Leave (Where?)
>Write-in

>>1027744
>>Leave (Where?)
home. I want to drunkingly that advantage of our thrall

>>1027744
>Continue the conversation (Write-in)
Really? You might actually find a kindred spirit in Anders then.

>>1027799
supporting this.

>>1027799

Supporting this and then I think that should wrap up everything, say something about everyone from the groups meeting up to get to know each other, if all goes well I'll expect we'd go on a raid together sometime

“A noble goal,” you reply earnestly. “You may find friendship in Anders, then. He has a similar mission in life, even if he doesn’t know it yet.”

“Oh really, now,” Saxi responds, his eyes narrowing. “Seems I may have a challenger, some day.”

“Not quite like that,” you say back. “He uses an axe, too. He’s more interested in showing the world that shields are for people that can’t kill their enemies fast enough.”

“Judging from the amount of bandages he’s wearing, there’s at least one good argument against that,” Erik interjects while he shakes his head in exasperation. “Maybe some day, though.”

“A brave man, if a foolish one,” Magnus says as he considers the fighting style. “I take it he’s a rather aggressive sort?”

“That’s a good word for Anders,” you answer the lanky young man. “Anders goes all in or not at all.” You think back to the raid he almost died in before losing his mind. You think better of mentioning his berserking tendencies, though. That may be an advantage you could need some day, and some people think of berserkers as a sort of social outcast, ready to draw blades at the spill of a drink. That’s not true, you’ve seen Anders spill plenty of drinks.

You shake your head clear of your little bird walk, and find Half-Hand leaning against a table, watching your group.

“If you’re going to keep me here late,” he says upon you noticing him, “the least you could do is buy another round.” He drums his two-fingered hand absently on the table beside him, doing his best to look irritated.

>Continue the conversation (and pay for a drink) (Write-in)
>Leave (Where?)
>Write-in

>>1027883
>Leave (Where?)
It's late, we should be off to bed.

>>1027883
>Leave (Where?)

Back home to sleep

>>1027883
>Leave (Where?)
Back home, but offer them a room, either at you house or buying one for them.

As you catch Atli yawning, you realize how tired you are yourself. You make your goodbyes to your new acquaintances, Erik, and Haki and leave the meadhall. You offer the outsiders a place to sleep in your stables, since it’s empty and your smallish house is rather full, but they politely decline and pay Haki for separate rooms.

It’s a few miles to your farm, but luckily the worst of the rain has let up. You reach your door as you reflect on how strange, and long, a day it was. Got home from your first raid, got a huge head start on getting the farm going, beat some poor bastard up, then made a half-decent friend with him, apart from the fact that you fucked his sister in some woods. That may put a damper on your relationship for a while.

As you go through the house, Danica, your new thrall, seems to have adjusted well to her new surroundings. You’re not sure the type of life she had back home, but it couldn’t have been too great if she’s already sleeping like a kitten on a large pile of hay and several furs you assume she either scrounged on her own, or were given to her by your father.

You make it to your small bedroom, and undress for bed. You’re asleep nearly as soon as you hit the soft, cool surface.

1/2

“Haskell!”

“Haskell!”

“Haskell!”

You’re back in the dream village. A nearly-headless officer lays at your feet, the screams of the wounded and dying fill the air, and your men stand around you cheering, weapons and shields alike in the air. The cheering dies down, and the men wait for your orders.

“Take it all,” you shout at the top of your lungs, opening your arms wide, forcing one of your men to duck the blade of your massive axe. They scatter in all directions, shouting amongst themselves as they take everything that isn’t nailed down.

You spend some time watching your men collect the spoils of victory when your eyes drift to the forest beyond the village. Standing there is the mysterious stranger, a spear in one hand and a raven on each shoulder. The moment you notice him, he turns to walk deeper into the forest, vanishing into the darkness as a raven squawks. It’s the first time you’ve seen him do anything but disappear into thin air.

>Follow him
>Loot with your men
>Stand guard on the road into town
>Write-in

>>1028149
>Follow him

>>1028149
>Follow him
The All-father beckons, let us not disappoint.

>>1028149
>>Follow him

>>1028149
>Follow him
If he doesn't immediately disappear and we don't wake up, run full tilt to catch up. Do we know this is Odin? Can't remember if the priest identified him as Odin.

Well, he obviously wants you for something. Otherwise, he would have just dissipated like the other times. Sighing, you rest your axe on your shoulder, and head off towards the forest.

You doubt your men will notice your absence. They’re busy pillaging. You aren’t worried about reinforcements coming. Surely, anyone skilled enough to make their exit while behind a shield for a fraction of a second can keep that hindrance at bay. Hell, you’re pretty sure magic doesn’t even work like that. This guy must be playing by different rules.

The moment you cross the threshold into the forest, the chaos of your shipmen vanishes. You turn, only to be met with a seemingly endless expanse of trees. All around you is silent, except for birdsongs and branches in the wind. This is powerful magic. You should tread lightly.

You continue the way you saw the stranger walk, and before long, you’re in a small clearing, looking at three different… Doors isn’t a good word for them. You would be leaving the forest the moment you passed through them, and entering somewhere completely different.

From left to right, you see a freshly ended battle, blood still wet on the yellow sand. A burnt temple, still sound enough to stand, but the charred wood is not subtle about the damage done to the structure. Finally, a longship on a rocky shore, no longer seaworthy from age and damage, sitting desolately in knee deep water.

It’s fairly obvious that whoever you followed wants you to enter one of these places. You’re not yet sure if you’re going to. You have half a mind to plop your ass down and get some answers.

>The desert battle
>The charred temple
>The old ship
>Sit and demand an explanation
>Write-in

>>1028627
I guess this is our future, perhaps as a warrior/priest?/raider.
Is the stranger still nearby? Then ask (not demand!) some additional information.

>>1028788
He's nowhere to be seen

>>1028627
>>The old ship

>>1028929
>The old ship.
Is this our brother's boat? Might we yet find him?

>>1028627
>The old ship

>>1028627
>The old ship.
Probably not our brother's if it's aged enough to no longer be sea worthy but it sounds interesting.

You grumble something about ‘magic bullshit,’ and take a step towards the aged ship. As you pass through the window, the soft sounds of the forest are replaced by the roar of an angry ocean and the gulls circling above it.

Walking over the rocky shore, you approach the ancient hulk. You’re most of the way there when you notice a man, sitting on the deck with his head in his hands. Scraggled hair hands down past his shoulders, and a thick, unkempt beard frames his weather-beaten face.

You look down over the side and the man looks up to you. It takes you a moment before you realize you’re looking into the aged, wind burnt face of your childhood friend, Knut.

“It’s been so long, Haskell,” he says, quietly. “I haven’t seen Norvegr in years. When do we get to go home?”

You find it difficult to answer him as you look into his defeated face, but you know you owe him an answer.

>Reply to Knut

>>1029422
>Reply to Knut
"Soon, brother, soon. But first we need a ship."

Probably need a new thread, this one is in autosage.

>>1029466
Yeah, I was planning on archiving. I'll start up the new one in a few hours

>>1029422

>We'll get there when we get there!

But seriously

"I wish I could give you a date Knut, and you know that I would if I could. But I promise we will get there, either Norvegr or Valhalla we'll see our families again."

>>1029422
"Let's fill our holds and return. It has been too long."

Rolled 11 (1d20)