Skeggi
Skeggi is a Norse settlement in Lustira [1a] and a great tribe of Norscan Marauders.
The settlement was founded in 888 IC. [2a]
Contents
History
Few Norscans wait idly by for the Chaos Gods to call them to war and instead set forth upon longships to plunder all the lands of the Warhammer World. Among the greatest of Norscan seafarers was the legendary Losteriksson, who, in the year 888 IC made landfall upon the coast of the New World, opening up the unexplored continent of Lustria to the predation of Man and forever altering the course planned by the great Old Ones. [1a]
The Founding of Skeggi
Upon anchoring his three ships off the coast, Losteriksson and his men were plagued by sickness caused by insect bites. Leaving the stricken warriors behind to guard the ships, Losteriksson decided to head inland with the rest of his men to search for treasure. He had no idea what this unknown land contained, but assumed that there would be temples and cities to plunder just like there were in Ulthuan and Naggaroth. After a long trek through the jungle, and with only half his men still alive, he emerged into the overgrown ruins of a deserted temple-city. This was what Losteriksson had been hoping for, and his men began ransacking the place. [1b]
Some meager items of gold were found in various vaults and crypts after a full days search, although several men disappeared in the process. Losteriksson decided to return to his boats, intending to return again later with a bigger expedition. Returning back to the beaches the handful of survivors were surprised to find their longships deserted. The men had gone; not even their bones were left, their fate unknown. There were now so few Norse left that the share of the gold made all the survivors quite rich. Losteriksson could now return to Norsca with honor and the dowry for his beloved wife Inga. [1b]
When they returned home, word began to spread throughout Norsca of a new land overflowing with treasure. warriors flocked to Losteriksson's new and magnificent hall, built with his share of the gold, and clamored for him to lead them into Lustria. He ordered many ships to be built and soon led a massive fleet of Norscans into the New World. After a long voyage they found their previous landfall and within a few days, the Norse had built a solid stockade around their longboats. [1c]
The new land was rich with timber and the human axes were sharp, so it was not long before a true Norscan settlement had taken shape, complete with a massive timber hall. The jungle was also cleared back by hundreds of yards, which did much to alleviate the sickness brought by the countless insects. The Norse fed on fruit instead of the stodgy porridge of their homeland, and the meat of the great reptile beasts that were hunted in the jungle roasted well on their spits. Lack of ale was a serious problem, until the first crop of corn was harvested. However the hives of the huge tropical bees provided honey to make a mead which surpassed anything in Norsca. [1d]
The new Norse settlement was named Skeggi, in honour of Losterikkson and his wife Solweig's daughter, the first child to be born in the new land - although she died several days later from gumrot. [4a]
Eventually the settlement became a mighty port, the Norscan's gateway into the New World and the Skeggi became wealthy indeed through the tithes they enforced. It is a mostly lawless place where no behavior is considered too extreme. [1d][2a]
Government
Although there is often a king in Skeggi, their power varies greatly and they must try to balance the needs of the three military forces, the various Jakkers, the traders and the slave merchants. [4d] Regardless of gender, the ruler of Skeggi is known as the king, the inhabitants not having a specific word for a female ruler. [4e]
Locations
It has been described as a Rotten Sinkhole lying on one of the wettest part of the coast. Many buildings therefore have to built on stilts to keep their occupants at least somewhat dry, especially during the biannual flood season! Norscans tend to build in wood rather than stone which, in the humid climate of Lustria has resulted in the dwelling becoming ramshackle and rotten, cosntnatly needing to be rebuilt. [1e]
The surrounding jungle has to be regularly cleared and this is normally undertaken by prisoners and slaves. Although there is a network of trails and paths in the nearby jungle, they all remain dangerous. [1e]
- Founding Stones: In the center of the port is a mound of stones set up by Losterolsson to mark his landing point and which has become an important monument to the Norse gods. [1e]
- Godspile: A cave that is filled with offerings to the gods. [4f]
- Stockade: Built after the second landing, it has been expanded over the centuries and is now a formidable fortification that fully surrounds the port and even out into the sea to create a seawall. [1e]
Military
- The Didvakt or Deathkeepers are the standing navy of the settlement and which was formed as the threat from the Vampire Coast began to grow. [4b] They also protect the harbor and stockade. [4d]
- The Jarlvakt protect the king and the streets around their residence. [4d]
- The Veslvakt guard the town from incursions from the jungle. [4d]
Valkyries
Many Norse wives had lost husbands since arriving in Skeggi and when the city was attacked they took up arms alongside the small number or remaining menfolk, defeating the attackers. However they were told (after the battle) that axe wielding in battle is man's work and not for women![3a]
When they angrily refused, they were given a Longship and banished, heading far from Skeggi taking the name of Valkyries for themselves. [3a]
Warhird of Skeggi
From their coastal stronghold the Norse of Skeggi launch raids that reach into every corner of the continent and beyond. To the north lies Naggaroth and numerous Chieftains have proved insane enough to launch raids against the Dark Elves. For the Norse who have grown up in Skeggi, the sweltering climate is of no detriment to them. Instead they have become adapt at negotiating the jungle pathways and hunting its great beasts. A few have even braved the dank caves, within which the Cold Ones lay their eggs, stealing away their viscious young to breed as war-mounts. [1e]
Skeggi Warleaders
The Chieftains and Champions of the Skeggi are no less warlike than their cousins in Norsca. They may forgo the wearing of heavy armor due to the sweltering heat of Lustria, but they are very well equipped, and blessed with the gifts of the Chaos Gods. Some ride into battle upon mighty Cold Ones, leading the warhird of the Skeggi to battle in the search for pillage and blood.[1f]
Notable
- Adella, King of Skeggi in the early 2500s. [4e]
- Soren Hoarder, the most esteemed Vitki in the Skeggi. [4g]
Religion
Most Norse believe in the four primal forces of the universe which most will also admit are the Gods of Chaos. [4f]
Gallery
Map of Skeggi and nearby settlements
Map of Skeggi and nearby settlements
Map of Skeggi
Skeggi
Skeggi
Miniatures
Champion of Skeggi
Quotes
| I’ve been to Sartosa, city of pirates. It has law. I’ve heard tales of the Dark Elves and the laws that bind them. I’ve trucked with agents of the Khemrian revenants, and even they have a kind of law. But Skeggi? Skeggi has no law.
~ Hilaire Bellecoq, Bretonnian Explorer.[4c] |
Sources
- 1: White Dwarf 309 (UK)
- 2: Warhammer: Lustria
- 2a: Lustria Campaign Rules, pg. 37
- 3: Warhammer Armies: Lizardmen (5th Edition)
- 3a: Lustria, pg. 13
- 4: WFRP Lustria
