Khorne

Argh! Should've thought of that. Too late now, I already deleted them. And my precious rum, too . Not that there was any really left of .

As Eric wandered through the streets of Eubric he noticed a bottle lying in the gutter. Much to his surprise, it was still half-full! He quickly cleaned it and put container to his lips. He took a big swig of the liquor. Hah, rum! What idiot would leave such a fine drinking lying along the streets like that? The Nord continued his trot. He was heading for the Training Room. Apparently, there as legendary master there who could help Heroes advance their skills and become better. Eric liked the sound of that, become even better than he was already! The warrior got a lot of curious looks from bystanders. Especially the female ones couldn't let the opportunity to stare at the Nord go by. Eric paid no heed to any of them. "It must've got something to do with these new clothes" he thought and pulled a strange face looking at his latest investments. He walked kind of funny as he wasn't quite used to these strange clothes. Eubrican fashion sure was different than the Norse one he was so used to. His outfit was a peculiar ensemble. Due to the unavailability of Norse tailors, Eric had to visit a local one. Hugo's Tailoring. An annoyed look resurfaced on Eric's face as he thought back of the experience that had passed about an hour ago. Luckily for Eric, the tailor, Hugo, also happened to be a barber. On a less positive note though, he was unable to save Eric's long hairs from the blood and filth that had caked in and had to cut most of it. It had been ages since Eric had last cut his hair. The most annoying part the entire adventure had most definitely the choosing of clothing. The seller had shown the uninterested Nord every single part of his collection. Apparently, red was Eric's color since it nicely accompanied his blonde hair, yet still provided a contrasting tone to his blue eyes. Eric detested how Hugo ended each of his question with "darling?" and a childish giggle. Eric had settled on a simple white undershirt (as was fashionable here), covered with a black leather doublet (another item of the latest fashion of course). Against the will of the salesman, however, Eric decided to leave his doublet open. Eubric was for too hot for his liking and closing that doublet would only make the feeling worse. Eric's doublet had a high rising collar, which Hugo had assured was of the latest fashion and gave its wearer a naughty and rebellious look. As he wanted to leave as soon as possible, Eric had chosen the first pants available, but Hugo insisted he'd buy the dark red sash as well. After all, red was Eric's color. Heavily annoyed but eager to leave, Eric had agreed. Eric smirked as the tailor was furious about how the Nord refused to buy new shoes and put on his old, heavy, -1188-p.jpg"]Norse boots. No self-respecting man would wear a combination of Southern and Northern clothing, would they!? Outrageous! Hugo completely lost it when Eric asked if he could get a bag for his old Norse rags. The Nord pushed open the doors to the training room, bag of old clothing across his shoulder and Godricsleif on his back. He drank the last of the rum and placed the empty bottle on the floor. "Anybody here? I wish to reclaim my occupation of Raider!" he bellowed in the seemingly empty hall. His voice echoed through the building. Eric, Level 16½ Raider Power: 26 Health: 31/31

Not that different, they're both really stubborn and arrogant. That'll probably make future contact more than a bit difficult . None will want to bow down to the other .

I didn't even read your comment as a bash on my stuff. It's not really mine, since it's an RPG we can all shape its people . I'm glad I could enlighten you on this forgotten aspect of Norse culture .

Okay . I already have a picture, but I still need to work on the description. I'll post the entire thing tommorow morning .

But Heroica Norse are only based on the real Norse, not everything needs to be an exact copy . All joking aside, though, yes it is true that Vikings were cleaner than their European medieval counterparts. It is a common misconception that a Viking was a long-haired smelling savage. Many warriors even had a personal comb that was part of their equipment in battle. They were cleaner than the Western-Europeans, but compared to the Muslim standards of that time they were still kind of dirty. Muslims washed more times a day (for prayer and stuff) while Vikings washed only once a day and all shared the same bowl of water. Medieval Europeans only washed once a week .

Whoops, already sold them . I agree with my quest mates: it was a fun quest and great working together, even though our characters probably think otherwise . Too bad it ended that way, Eric really respected Maurice up until that last stretch. He was (and still is) really jealous of Maurice's blessed stance with his god. EDIT: Sandy, what do I do with all those keys from the Quest? Can I just delete them from my inventory? I don't think I can sell them, can I?

Exiting the Bonaparte mansion, Eric bade farewell to his former companions and parted. He wandered through the many dark alleyways and roads of Eubric and sought his way towards the market. The city was crowded as always. At first, Eric enjoyed being alone once more, but quickly dark thoughts invaded his tranquil mind. He wanted to grab another of those rum bottles he had taken off the pirates, but then remembered he had smashed the last one. "I've got to buy me some mead" he thought and quickened his pace. The people in the bustling streets were in shock as Eric pushed his way to the crowd. Most often, they'd mind their own business, but it is kind of hard not to notice a towering Norse fellow, especially one whose clothes were as ragged and whose face and hands were as bloodied as Eric's were. It took a while before the Barbarian noticed the inquisitive looks, though. The fact he looked kind of off in a rather peaceful trading port city didn't really cross his mind untill he noticed his reflection in a window. His face was badly bloodied, his arms covered in scars not yet fully healed. His hair was lanky and greasy due to the heavy battles fought. It too was covered in dirty cake of blood, soot and other filth. The Nord has lost his heavy fur cloak during the assault. His fur vest was ripped and torn, as was his mail hauberk. He had been dealt heavy blows by those scummy pirates. Eric continued his path. He was one sorry Viking. Back at home his friends would have mocked him already for looking like the dog he was. It was a well-known fact that Vikings were vain people, combing their hair and washing themselves often. These practices were often the butt of jokes made by other peoples, but the Northerners didn't really mind. Eric decided he would do something about his filthy and ragged appearance as soon as he completed his other tasks. He patted his goldpurse, filled to the brim with coin. The Nord smirked. As he stepped onto the marketplace, he headed towards Portia's shack right away. "I'd like to sell you these exquisite perfumes, I have no need for them" Eric said. He had no idea he did have a use for them as he reeked of death and filth from miles far. "Okay, then. If you're really, really sure, I'll take these off your hands" Portia doubtfully replied. "Anything else you'd like?" "Yes, I'd like buy three bottles of mead and one dose of Smelling salts." Eric handed the seller 50 gold and left. Eric received 50 gold (100-30-20). He continued to Anwyl and sold his bedroll for 2 gold. The Nord looked at the Dwarf's wares to see if he sold any armor he liked. Unfortunately, the Dwarven blacksmith did not specialize in armor and had none for sale. "Very well, then. Could you have a look at my weapons? I'd like them upgraded." "No problem, whatever you say. It'll a take a while though" the blacksmith replied. He was visibly intimidated by Eric's appearance. "I ain't got nothing but time" Eric replied as he put his weapons in Anwyl's care. Eric upgrades Godricsleif to level 10 (-190) and Drengazuli Grom'Az to level 6 (-60). He then left to look for a tailor and a bathing house. He wanted to replace his outfit with another of Northern origin, but unfortunately for him, there were no Northern tailors in Eubric. In fact, there were almost no Northern traders in all Eubric. Somewhat disappointed Eric continued to stroll through the big city, ocassionally drinking some of his mead. Starting budget: 558 Income: +52 Expenditures: -250 Total: 360

Thanks for the great quest Sandy ! My pockets have never been filled with this much gold before . I also love that, even though we didn't kill Jolly Roger, the quest is still succesful. Looks like Quest #6 remains the only failed one .

A small note to Sandy: if it's okay with you, I think you can forward our Quest. I emboldened my answer . Unless you want to hear the others' opinions/reactions, of course. Both is fine with me, I just wanted to let you know we (I ) made our decision. Apparently a few days back, there was a discussion about what actor would be good to play your character in a hypothetical movie. I wasn't really able to post back then, since I was too busy with the whole Mitgardian elections shennanigans (which I won, WOOT! ). I did read that some would suggest Gerard Butler to play Eric. A lovely choice, but with his (legendary) portrayal of King Leonidas still burned into my eyelense, I would have to say he lacks a certain finesse, "coldness" and brains to play Eric. Therefore my suggestion would be the actor I based Eric on in the first place: Alexander Skarsgård. Oh, and I really loved the suggestion for Boomingham. Brian Blessed looks perfect .

Thanks guys. I wasn't really aware that people would find that text so great, but I'm glad you do like it . I don't think Eric will be in another Wren quest anytime soon, because their self-healing bonus makes them nearly impervious to Wren's magic! (or at least that's the reason Zepher gave a while ago as to why Barbarians weren't allowed in his latest quest ) I had never planned any of this to happen though. My bad dice rolls made me decide otherwhise however. It's only logical that such a continuing streak of bad luck would leave its marks upon someone's who used to winning and being the best. Ssshh, don't tell...

"I answer only to my own kin and own only allegiance to them! I couldn't care less about these Bonapartes. These Quests are nothing but a means to an end for me. The pirate is right, the Bonapartes have no right in taxing the Sea so heavily. The Sea means freedom and belongs to us all, but I'm sure a landwalker such as you has no attachment to that whatsoever!" Eric replied the Cleric in his usual calm demeanor, but a heavy hint of aggression could be felt from his cold snarling voice. The tall Nord then turned to Reno. "We accept your coin, pirate." he spat and then continued "get out of here and don't bother us again. Do what you must, but take down those Bonaparte bastards" Eric drank the last of his rum and threw the empty bottle at the rocks below. It smashed in a thousand pieces. Pensively he stared at the blue waters surrounding them. "If I have to pay for my past wrongs and grievances, so will this world. Turmoil and chaos will rule, as they rule me. This world will burn and be torn apart as I have been." Never before had Eric felt so alone and desperate. He had lost his last tie home on this Quest. If the gods no longer had a purpose for him, he was nothing but a loose cannon on the stage, without goals or directions. He was split. He wanted to go home, he still wanted to honor the gods someway and see his kinsmen once more. Those thoughts were quickly surpressed and made way for more enterprising thoughts. The world lay open for him, he had none to answer to. The riches lay there for the taking. Maybe he could stray of the right path. After all, don't all roads lead to the same place eventually?

@S-O-T: Do I need to post that picture + description in here? This was a presidential campaign, only one man can win. No government needs to be formed . I am sure we will be able to make things work between our great Guilds! Trade shall flourish as never before! Thank your all for your congratulations! I'd like to take this moment for special thanks towards all of my voters, supporters and team. I couldn't have done this without you all. THANK YOU! Together will make Mitgardia a proud and great nation again ! Nonsense! There's no such thing as oversupporting Mitt . Now in all seriousness, this was a fun experience and I really think it added a certain 'buzz' towards the whole Guilds of Historica project/subforum. I'd like to share some thoughts of mine on the whole event: I've said it before, but I found it truly amazing to watch Dark Dragon (and Ecclesiastes) gather all of those votes without actually having to do much . I'm sure those nice MOCs illustrating her character had an impact and the fact she was the only woman running for PM. On that note, it was also interesting to see me win, even though I was one of the only candidates who hadn't built any MOCs to accompany my story. Another bizarre observation: "Fair treatment of minority magical beings" is chosen as the second most important topic by voters, even though almost none of the candidates actually supported that idea (except Giberte). Two of Mitt's more important themes ( taxes and autonomy) are rated the lowest, yet I did gather most of the votes . To finish off, I'd like to thank those voted for me again. I really appreciate it . This was a fun experience. If any of you want to comment on why you voted for Mitt (or what your motives were to vote on another character) please do share. I'd really like to hear the input of others .

Haha . How awesome to see that some people have Mitt-banners in their signatures. That's great .

"Friends, dearest countrymen. The road is hard and our believe is tested and trialled, but we will succeed! We will finish the road and we will end in Valholl! Together, because that's what Mitgardia is. It's not just a nation, a patch of land needing defense. No, Mitgardia is a set of ideas, a goal forged by our ancestors. Those brave colonists who came here, defying all odds and building a great nation. It's hurts me to see how people try to tear down our beloved nation. The ideas we all hold so dearly!" They ask me: what have you done this far? What is your experience? "They claim I have done nothing. It is sad they have to steep this low and turn to spreading false information or just a selection pulled out of its context! It is true that I haven't been able to do much regarding politics on a national level, but I have served my county proudly for years in the county council. Before that, I was an associate of a city council member." "My main and greatest achievements I have made, are not in politics however, but in business. I have saved different small enterprises from their downfall under this anti-commercial government. I have started several companies of my own when I had gathered the necessary funds. I employ many Mitgardians. I give them work, so that they can afford food and a roof over their head. If it hadn't been for this oppressive regime, they might've been able to venture out in the world themselves and start a business." They wonder: where has Mitt been all these years? Who does he work for? "I tell them: I was in Mitgardia! I was born here and will always cherish our beloved and sublime nation! Of course, I have travelled the world, visited the other Guilds and lands. Should I not have done so? Is it wrong to be eager to learn about others, to understand their needs and problems?" "I work for a living, that's is true. I like to earn gold, but don't we all? I much prefer to live in a house and eat well than live in a gutter and starve! I work for nobody, except Mitgardia, its people and its ideals!" They accuse me: Mitt's part of the Money Grabbers Party! "I rebuke them! Is it not the greatest achievement of a democracy to have different parties and be a member of one, able to voice your opinion and shape your country? Plus, my opponents feed you partial information! My party's full name is: Grand Old Free Moneygrabbers Party. We stand for traditional values and freedom! We want to grab money and create an environment in which everybody will be able to do so! I'm sorry if my values and ideas aren't yours, but is that any reason to ridicule my party? I am fearful of our future when I hear all of this anti-democracy talk where other opinions are not tolerated!" A better man for a better Mitgardia "Our ancestors had a vision when they first came here. They wanted a country where liberty was the greatest of virtues. They wanted to build a nation where one could become anything they wanted. A place where dreams could become reality. They fought and bled and died to build that nation. You wonder where I have been? I was out there, working their vision! I was building my future, enjoying my liberty. But all that is threatened to be wiped away! Some want to take away our liberty, let our dreams burn down in the flames of eternal war and heavy texation. I could not stand idle to watch our nation go down! So, I crept out of the shadows of small-time regional politics and decided to run for Prime Minister, because I still believe in that dream our ancestors shared!" "I am Mitt and I believe in Mitgardia!" "I will not screw you like the current government has! They promised you security but gave you an enormous tax burden and thousands of dead warriors instead! While the other nations are trying to broker for peace, some of us here are looking for war! I will give Mitgardia back its future and a rightful place among the nations!" This message is approved by:

Thank you for your support! Together, we will give Mitgardia back its bright future! MITT MEANS BUSINESS! If you want another badge, I have a second one to chose from: http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Khorne/Castle/Historia/Various/Mittenlander/badge_2.png You are free to chose of course, for Mitgardia is a free country and Mitt wishes to keep it that way . EDIT: I think it's interesting/funny to see how Dark Dragon is collecting all those votes without having to campaign much . Classic example of the proverbial "third dog that takes the bone" .

"Once again Sered displays his manipulative nature. He is a born demagogue who think the people are stupid and easily goaded into believing lies! For that is what he is telling, nothing but LIES! His political programme has little to offer for Mitgardia!" "He says that I will win because of my great wealth. He claims that I care only about myself. I admit that I have a good life, but I toiled and worked hard to achieve that! Also, all of the candidates are really comfortable money-wise, how else would they be able to campaign and pay for all this?" "He even acuses me of not holding my promises because I will earn money for being a Prime Minister. I wasn't aware it was forbidden to earn money? What is this guy, a WITCH? He hardly knows me, who is he tell that I don't keep promises. Why wouldn't I keep my promises? Obviously they benefit YOU MITGARDIANS MORE THAN THEY DO I! I strive to gain a better future for ALL Mitgardia, not just me! Plus, who is to say that Jachleël will keep his promises? I could use the same weak argument and say that he will only think of himself when he receives his monthly pay check. The man's not used to dealing with money he says, so how will he run a country? Money will be spent unnecessary when you vote for him. Vote for me, Mitt, and I will make sure your hard earned gold will stay yours!" "Apparently, I'm not even allowed to interview people. Apparently, he's the only one allowed to do so. Is this guy serious? Does he wish to abolish the FREE STATE AND DEMOCRACY? If you have a differing opinion than Sered's, you can't enjoy freedom in his eyes. Is that the future you want? A future where Valholl controls every part of your life, telling you what you can and can't do and still take your money!?" A vote for Sered is a vote for Valholl and autocracy! A VOTE FOR MITT IS A VOTE FOR FREEDOM! "Some are jealous of my wealth, I give you the opportunity to gather your own! As I've said before, I don't give out one-time presents such as beer or apples. I am a responsible man. That's NOT HOW YOU RUN THINGS! I give you a future in which you will have the funds to buy those goods yourself and more than once!." So, VOTE FOR MITT! Clearly, I am the only reasonable candidate here, not filled with lies and who actually knows how to handle things!

Well this election has been rather fun so far . I'd like to see other guilds do something similar as well and let them show their own candidates, policies and ideas on pressing matters. Too bad they don't know democracy, though .

Very nice both the story and the MOCs ! I like the simplicity and small nature of the MOCs, it fits the "story-genre" very well. Almost as if they are small drawings made to illustrate the story, like those miniatures in medieval books. The story is very well thought out. It feels like a genuine myth that could actually be told somewhere by some people here in our world .

"I'd like to take a moment to thank all those people who have voted for me thus far. Thank you! It warms my heart to see all of those people who genuinely care for the future of Mitgardia!" MITGARDIANS FOR MITT Testimonials of Mitgardians, commoners and entrepreneurs alike. They like to voice their opinion on why Mitt carries away their vote. "My name is Olaf Haroldson. I am part of the traditional Norse native population living in Mitgardia. Once I feared for my life and my job. Bandits roamed the countryside and none cared to do something about it. I even lost my job as a lumberjack to some foreigner who did my work for half the wage, even though he was illegal. Apparently the government seems to care more for immigrants than for the safety and well-being of its own! Luckily, as a Norseman, I was able to repel those bandits that attacked my village and home thanks to my own weapons and customs of traditional endemic warfare. However, now I fear for my future. The government seeks to abolish the right to bear arms and wishes to do away with most of our traditional values and customs as to create a homogenous Mitgardian population. Luckily, Mitt is there to stand up for our rights! He is in favour of stronger border controls and wants to protect traditional Mitgardian values, such as the right to bear weapons! I believe in Mitt!" "Hi, my name is Shrek and I am an Ogre! Do not fear, I will NOT eat you alive nor will I bleed you dry! That job is already being taken care of by the government who make us pay tons of useless taxes. As an Ogre, I feel visioned by Valholl. They are fearfull of my race and make us pay all kinds of stupid surplus taxes such as "the Mean and Green" tax. Because of my large size I even have to pay some sort of tax to help the environment! Apparently, us Ogres pollute too much when we have to fart and apparently we eat too much! Well, SORRY FOR LIVING! Thank the gods Mitt is here! He will lower the taxes for all and do away with such unnecessary "environmentalist" taxes! I mean, seriously, Global Warming? The Elves who invented that crap obviously have never travelled to the Mitgardian North. Treehuggers and silly liars I calls them!" "I feel sorry and ashamed of my kind when I see some of my fellow Dwarves campaigning for Grimmson! Seriously what kind of self-respecting Dwarf would need to invoke the central government in Valholl to help us deal with intruders? We Dwarves are a proud martial race and do not need the others to help us in our dealings. Those Drow don't stand a chance against our skilled Dwarven legions. At least, they didn't stand a chance in the past. Lately the taxes have been raised drastically to fund all kinds of "social" projects. Valholl wishes to aid the poor and infirm! PHUH! That's what you get for being Human, fools! I nearly had to shut down my mining business because of those outrageously high taxes! I heavily considered moving South to Kaliphlin, but my love for my country prevented me from doing so! I had to heavily cut my expenses, but I was able to keep the mine running and make profit. That's how a country should be ran and Mitt knows it! We have moral responsibility not to spend more than we take in!" "MITT MEANS BUSINESS!" Vote for MITTENLANDER today and start on building a better tommorow! This message is approved by:

"You do not wish to cooperate with pirates, you accept a party leader that has been one for years? Let's take the money. I already regret having worked with the Hinckwells before and not siding with the Shadeaux, I won't make that mistake again. Somehow, I just don't trust these Bonapart fellows. I'd much rather side with the pirates, even though they're a rather sorry version of a pirate. I say we take the money and get out this dump."

Wow, CptMugwash, that Dwarven Sentry is amazing! Some days ago, I was thinking about making similar sentry's for the challenge, but I couldn't make anything good so I ditched the idea. So, I really like your version there. Can't wait to see it in some kind of MOC !

"Fellow citizens! Today is a sad day for politics. One of my opponents has so little to offer you and our great nation, that he decides instead to falsely accuse me and other candidates of heinous deeds. He dares call me a criminal! Outrageous! Who is the criminal here? I, the man who wants only the best for Mitgardia or ERIC GRIMMSON, THE MAN WHO SEND THOUSANDS OF MITGARDIANS TO THEIR DEATHS IN UNNECESARY WARS!?" "I can only say one thing about the painting that was released earlier. The others are just jealous that hopefull supporters of mine willingly donate funds to help my campaign. There is no foul play whatsoever safe for the actions of Grimmson!"

Nice MOCs! The stonework on the gate and wall look very elaborate. I don't really like those brown 2x4's you added to the gatehouse, though. They kinda look out of place. I guess you were going for a timber look, but the way they form an 'X' make them seem out of place to me. They just seem to float around there. Your others MOCs are very good, too. I especially like the wooden wall the Bull Knights are guarding. It looks suitably ramshackle. Having a signal fire on top of a wooden tower might not be the best of ideas, however .

Once again you grace us with these amazin MOCs! The Elven temple truly breathes and feels Elven to me. The gentle curves and the brown/gold really give it something serene. The Mitgardians scenes look great too. The bear is a great touch and the way you did the map/scroll thingy is just pure genious. Really, really great . As always, I look forward to the next installment.