As the bright orange sun began to climb up the subtle blue sky, the sound of the sharpening of swords could be heard in Norsca. The Norscan people known as the Wolves were sheathing their swords, preparing their boats and rallying the warriors, all in preparation to set sale to the tutonian lands for the great gathering of the factions and the epic renewal of magic.
The Wolves were a courageous bunch, they fought for their people, they defended the honour of their Gods and they always did what they thought was right and just. They had a vast war host, the largest of all the factions by far, and some would argue the most skilled. On this day, as they prepared to set sail once more, they all gathered around the glowing fire as the great leader of the people spoke words of wisdom and asked of the Gods blessing upon this journey. Lord Bothvar he was called, he had led the Wolves into many a battle and had always led them out as victorious and respected as ever.
"ODIN!"
He called to the skies
"All father! Watch over us as we embark upon this journey and may you see that we return safely. Watch over our home and may our enemies know what should await them if they were ever to dare breach our magic whilst we are with the other factions."
After speaking through the fire and to one of the many Gods, he turned to the people and with a hard yet reassuring glare, he walked around the fire and seemed to look at almost each one of his people. He spoke to them words of power and wisdom.
"Wolves! Today, we set sail to tutonian lands. May your courage be strengthened, may your judgement never falter and may your strength never die. I promise, each and everyone of you that whatever we may come across during our travels, whatever foes that we shall meet, I promise that we shall return victorious and as strong as ever. I shall not lie to you, nor do I ever intend to. Not all of you shall return home, some of our brothers shall be lost in battle but shall we weep for them? Never! We shall drink mead for them and tell stories of them so that they shall forever live on! We will be proud as we know that they shall knock upon the doors of Valhalla, they shall show their battle wounds with pride and you shall meet them again when YOU knock on the doors of Valhalla showing YOUR scars with pride!"
From the crowd, one voice rose above the rest and shouted:
"PRAISE BE FOR THE GLORIOUS FALLEN!"
"GLOURIOUS FALLEN BE PRAISED!"
Came the resounding answer as every wolf echoed the cry. Bothvar turned back to the growing throng of people and gave them a few last words.
"So men, women ,children. Prepare yourselves, tie the masts and whey the anchors. We set sail today, we shall show the alliances that WE are the wolves and WE are as strong, as courageous and as brave hearted as the last gathering! Bring on our deadly foes, because I for one, and I know that my brothers will join me, will look them in the eye, and when any monstrous creature has the longing and lust to taste the meat upon my bones, I shall turn to them and say . . . I'm tasty don't you know"
Then came the resounding cries of the wolves once more.
"PRAISE BE TO THE WOLVES!"
"WOLVES BE PRAISED!"
After praying to the Gods once more, the crowd dispersed and began to load the boats. The awe-inspiring fleet of warriors, magic users, ritualists and alike set sail to meet their allies . . . And their foes.