How to survive a dragon hatchingPhysical SettingThink planet of the animation movies and series āHow to train a dragonā and youāll be right!
Social settingYou are part of a Viking clan. It has a matriarchal structure and is led by the Hog Morsan (High Mother), priestess of Mother Earth. She is the social and religious leader of the clan. Only a couple of inches below her youāll find the leader of the war band. This role is up for grabs and depending on the chosen sex, youāll carry the honorary title Strid Bjorninna (Mama bear) or Strid Rese (Big guy).
Although the clan has suffered some losses recently from attacks, a lot of roles ā customary in Viking clans ā are up for grabs. From blacksmith to medicine person, from minstrel to ship builder, from grandpa to youngest sprout. Pick your poison right here!
What the F happened?The clan has recently been uprooted and driven out of their home town by a well organized militarized culture (think Roman Empire). Running for their lives these Vikings only managed to take with them, what they could carry. Many a family, bulky heirloom had to be left behind. Dejection and loss are the reigning sentiments within the clan now, as they trudge the lands to find a new, safe place to settle.
How to get a new place ā step1After a long trek the clan comes upon a desolated stronghold. Suspicous burn and claw marks decorate the ruins of the once fortified town. The smell of death is heavy in the air. As they settled in for the night, a swarm of bats (or is it?) circles their camp. āThese things arenāt batsā, yelled the Strid Rese. āTo arms!ā Brandishing torches, axes and fearful screams, the clan made ready to defend themselves against this new threat.
Before any battle could come into full swing, the earth shakes, the swarm retreats and ā from a huge cave behind the stronghold ā an immensely impressive monster appeared: the Alpha. Itās roar deep and earth shattering. The clan retreated in fear trying to find a hiding place. Only a couple of brave Striders stood tall. With death breathing down on them, they were going to win a place in Astgard! They challenged the huge beast with their tiny weapons and barking bellows.
The Hog Morsan, in touch with nature and (most of) itās beings, stepped forward and put her hand on the Strid Reseās wrist. As she shoved his battle axe down, Hog Morsan put herself in front of her clan ā unarmed. With a fierce expression and lead in her boots she exclaimed: āHear yea, hear yea! I am the Hog Morsan, the mother, of this clan. Pointing up at he Alpha, she added: āAnd you leave us be. You hear?! We have come a long way to find a safe place and are not here to fight. Not you, not anyoneā. Morsan straightened up to all her height. āAnd I promise you this: when you kill us, I will haunt these grounds and caves forever. You can devour our flesh, but our souls will be relentless and we will be here long after you turned to dust!ā
Strangely enough, the massive dragon seemed to understand her words. As the High Mother made her claim, the Alpha stood motionless. Even more peculiar was the glance she gave Morsan. It was a look of recognition. She also is the leader of her nest. Ageless, the Alpha had encountered many a man in her lifetime, but this was the first time that any of them flung words, brave words, at her and not spears and arrows. The air was thick with uncertainty in the silence that followed. Than slowely, the dragon leader brought her head tot he Hog Morsanās head. Huge, proud dragon eyes peered into much smaller, but no less proud, human eyes. Between those eyes an open look of understandig was exchanged. The Alpha sniffed up the scent of Morsan, which made her hair dance frantically. Then it turned itās scaly head and went back into her cave. The swarm of smaller dragons followed her inside.
Relief flooded the clan and released outcries of joy and nervous laughter. āMy people, my childrenā, Hog Morsan exclaimed, āwe can stay hereā.
Whatās next? (here you all come in)Hog Morsan has come to a tentative truce with the Alpha. With that one look terms were exchanged:
- No killing and eating humans, no killing and stuffing dragons.
- No stealing of dragons eggs, no stealing of babies and human stuff.
- Eat vegetables besides meat, so the local wildlife can provide both Vikings and dragons of enough food.
- Just be good neighbors ā you can do it!
So, with that out of the way. Weāre re-building the stronghold, drive away the death people smell, sweep some skeletons out and start our new life here.
Iām looking for serious players, who are inspired and cannot stop writing after only three to four sentences. Letās make a spectacle out of this adventure!
Viking roles are freely available, except for Hog Morsan ā she will stay my brain child.
Possible upcoming life altering events:- getting a dragon of your own
- finding the love of your life, be it drake or Viking
- a pitched battle against the āRomansā
- and more