(Haleikr's death save.... 1. Really, dude, really?)
The funeral for Haleikr was a short one, all things considered. You didn't know him well but, as his body is entombed in his ancestral burial grounds, you can't keep your eyes off his family. He's leaving behind a wife and three kids.
The kids don't fully understand what's going on, but the wife... she's stony faced. She was prepared for this and, as horrible a thought as that is... It's a dangerous world out there and it pays to be prepared.
One day, you or Abjorn might leave the house and never return. That... that's just a fact of life. One day, it will be your death — the Nornir will have it no other way.
You turn, lay a hand on Stigmar's silent shoulder, and make your way to Asvir.
To Asvir and the next step of your life.
0~0~0
"She's called the Wavedancer," Dorri says as he leads you to your price. "A snekkja, sixty feet long and twenty-two benches. She's a lively thing, a fine ship, fit for a hero."
The Wavedancer rests on Asvir's pebble beach, her spirit fierce and proud. The freeboard wood is painted a fine red while the draft is left bare — save for a coating of sealant, of course.
As this is a ship of Norwegian make, it has more draft — the amount of hull beneath the waves — then a ship of Danish, Geat, or Swede make. That means that while it has a bit more trouble with shallower waters, it handles the heavy seas with comparative ease.
Which makes it great for over-seas raiding!
Twenty-two benches means that there's room for forty-four oarsmen, plus one navigator. Forty-five vikingar on a raid, that's a lot of firepower! Unfortunately, you don't have forty-four people to crew the ship, so you're a bit out of luck there.
That's a problem you're going to have to solve, somehow. Course, you don't need to have forty-four people on hand, you could crew it with just a fraction of that number. However, you won't be going all that quickly if there's a lack of wind.
"You'll have to pay taxes on this, of course. Twenty ounces of silver a year," Dorri continues as you run your hand across the dragon-headed prow — the soul of the ship humming at her new master's touch, "but, other than that, the Wavedancer is yours now."
"So... what can she do?"
There's a twinkle in his eye as he laughs. "I'll let you discover that one on your own, but she's got a few tricks up her sleeve."
(+40 Orthstirr)
(The Wavedancer has been added to your character sheet.)
0~0~0
"Horra is dead," the Seeress has a smile on her face as she stirs her tea, "but... that's not the main reason you're here, is it."
It's not a question, it's an observation and not a very difficult one to make, at that.
You retrieve Aki from your fylgja and lay him and his fylgja on the table. The smile falls from the Seeress' face as she sighs, the cup tinkling as she sets it down. "You'll be looking to rescue him, I presume?"
You set your jaw, a fire in your eye. "He's my friend."
"I see." She purses her lips as her eyes narrow. She folds her fingers as she hums to herself, thinking of all the things you'll need. "The most important thing you'll need is a way to find him in Ginnungagap, which, fortunately, is the easiest thing to acquire as we have his body here." She plucks a feather from his body as she keeps humming. "I will require a day to prepare the tracker."
"What else do I need to survive Ginnungagap?" You frown, thoughts racing as the Seeress taps her chin.
"Truthfully? Not much. You'll need a way to retrace your steps, but that isn't required as long as you have a good memory. You'll need some way to avoid the Abysslings, but that's also not needed if you're confident in your strength of arm. The last thing that you'll need is a way to traverse Ginnungagap, however, with your wings, I imagine that such things won't be absolutely necessary."
"And how do I get there?"
"It's relatively easy, all things considered." She frowns and you wince. "However, I'll need a day to gather the necessary components to open the portal."
You grimace, heart fearing for your friend and for the future. That's two days at least that you won't be able to get right to it. Damn.
You have 7 days left to rescue Aki.
How would you like to spend Day 1? (Pick 2)
[ ] Train (You have 3d6 Training dice to spend as desired)
[ ] Research Ginnungagap
-[ ] The Abysslings
-[ ] The 'terrain'
-[ ] How to traverse it
-[ ] Write in
(More options will be available to you over time)
0~0~0
AN: Man, I had trouble writing this one. But, after the high octane last several updates, I suppose it only makes sense that I had trouble shifting gears. Sorry if this one isn't up to snuff.
No moratorium, I'm willing to try for a second update.