Chapter 24: Odin Watches Over All (5 March to 18 April 876)
Chapter 24: Odin Watches Over All (5 March to 18 April 876)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik sits before Thebes, considering the advice of his officers from the recent military folkmote; Queen Ingjerðr is back in Constantinople, still plotting for Helgi’s demise; Helgi meanwhile is back at court in Nygarðr, dutifully training Holmgarðr’s levies and contemplating his next steps regarding the plot which hangs over him and thinking of his father’s ambivalence towards him.
March 876
Gumarich summarised the findings of the folkmote held earlier that day and presented it to his king. Along with the notes, there is a sheaf of maps. All of course were preserved in the Rurikid scroll trove and have now formed part of the Chronicle of those times.
The message was despatched, but it appears that due to unfavourable winds its arrival in Nygarðr was delayed by a month and a half.
Rurik gestured to one of the maps on the table.
The orders are given and the men start loading up. Their visit to Greece will soon be over. No doubt much to the relief of the locals and their nobles!
And three days later, it seemed Odin himself must have been looking over them and to have imparted his wisdom to the King, as reports came in that the Doux had finally begun to assemble a serious levy and was headed their way! However, they would be safely aboard their ships long before the enemy arrived: while they could almost certainly see them off, losing good men for no purpose, so early in the raid, would be pointless.
By 10 March Rurik’s army was loaded and their voyage around Greece and towards the Adriatic had begun. Just as the forces of the Empire did indeed seem to be assembling. A goat was slaughtered in an offering of thanks to Odin.
Rurik was glad to once again have a sea breeze in his face and salt in his beard. Aye, this is the life!
Back in Nygarðr, an event occurred that once again revealed the wisdom and hand of Odin at work in the doings of men. And which, when the message reached him, reinforced Rurik’s faith in the Norse Gods, who once again showed their power and support for the good Norsemen of Holmgarðr, most particularly their zealous king.
The Chancellor’s letter revealed the great news and how the Godi’s wise and thoughtful counsel had finally persuaded Helgi of his true religious destiny. Hrörekr noted Helgi's love for his father was redoubled and as he read of this, in the privacy of his cabin, Rurik’s tough exterior was not enough to prevent a small tear of joy and relief forming in the corner of his eye.
The Godi had provided a description of the ceremony. Rurik could picture it in his mind’s eye.
Odin be praised and revered, Rurik thought to himself with pride and a ferocious ardour. Should he summon me this very minute to Valhalla, I would travel there happily, with joy in my heart and strength in my arm. Young Buðli must now also be brought to see the light of Odin’s wisdom. But there are many years for that to happen.
As the letter was sent, phrased in no uncertain terms, for Ingjerðr to end her plot to kill Helgi, a great weight was removed from Rurik’s heart. It seems Odin’s (single) watchful eye and merciful hand had allowed him to steer clear of both Scylla and Charybdis on this occasion!
The following day, yet more good news arrived. The stargazers studying at his behest have reported some interesting findings. He already knows there are some strange things out there – some wonderful, some terrible – but is more interested in discovering the movement of the stars. And hopefully to learn more of the will of the Gods through such study.
April 876
In early April, the expected, simple reply from Ingjerðr makes it to Rurik. His good mood continues. Rurik perceived the wise and watchful eye of Odin in the clouds above their boats as they make their way through the Adriatic.
By mid-month, the fleet arrived off Venice. Scouts were sent to report on the circumstances they found there.
It seems an army of reasonable size already stands in Venice. Padua is not so well guarded, though another Italian army is spotted further south in Ravenna.
Venice lays before Rurik in all its richness and splendour. But it is not the undefended walk-over he was vainly hoping for.
Back home, the work of the Steward and the Godi to bring Norse culture and religion to the capital county continued. The value of the Godi’s work has already become apparent with his conversion of the heir.
And, after a somewhat longer than necessary delay, Rurik’s research orders are implemented.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Question
Other than the standard request for comment or advice, there is just the one specific question posed by Rurik to his military council meeting aboard his longship.
Ch24 Q1: Venice and Opposed Landings. OK, here we are at last. The Venetian army lying in wait is not huge, but it would be there to oppose Rurik. Can I assume there is a severe penalty for carrying out such a landing (even if they are Vikings)? Also, the army will be rusty after their time on the ships (ie at 50% morale) so will not be at their best if they must go straight into battle. It also look like any attack on Venice from the land would be the equivalent of a river crossing (ie say from Treviso or Istria). Padua is one alternative option – reasonably rich pickings there, though there are the two armies in the neighbourhood that can be seen, and maybe others nearby or able to be summoned. Otherwise, if a direct attack on Venice looks ill-advised and Padua not worth it, the trip to central Italy – Rome or Capua – could be taken instead. Any tips or advice appreciated.
Odin surely looks over Rurik and his realm. His wisdom is once again sought as the raiders survey the unfamiliar sight of a great city of Italia, located on islands and guarded by soldiers already mobilised. But Rurik has faith in his Gods, his men and his advisors. He is certain Odin will see him through to glorious victory.
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik sits before Thebes, considering the advice of his officers from the recent military folkmote; Queen Ingjerðr is back in Constantinople, still plotting for Helgi’s demise; Helgi meanwhile is back at court in Nygarðr, dutifully training Holmgarðr’s levies and contemplating his next steps regarding the plot which hangs over him and thinking of his father’s ambivalence towards him.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
March 876
Gumarich summarised the findings of the folkmote held earlier that day and presented it to his king. Along with the notes, there is a sheaf of maps. All of course were preserved in the Rurikid scroll trove and have now formed part of the Chronicle of those times.
“My King, do you wish to accept the advice of the learned among us on where we should next direct our learning?”
“Yes Gumarich, write a letter to direct the Chancellor to pursue trade practices and noble customs. I am determined to bring our realm forward in both size and advancement. We must do that if we are to become a great kingdom.”
“Yes Gumarich, write a letter to direct the Chancellor to pursue trade practices and noble customs. I am determined to bring our realm forward in both size and advancement. We must do that if we are to become a great kingdom.”
The message was despatched, but it appears that due to unfavourable winds its arrival in Nygarðr was delayed by a month and a half.
In other words, I actually decided what to do based on the advice received and then forgot to do it! Didn’t upgrade the techs until 18 April. 
“Now Gumarich, please summon the commanders and the chief captain. And let us look at those maps you obtained.”
“Of course, King Rurik.” He ensured the four maps he had brought were taken out of their cases and laid out on the large table in the centre of the villa’s dining room, each weighted down at the corners to keeps them flat. The rest of the raid’s leaders were soon assembled.
“Men, let us again review the options. As we have already discussed, we won’t be staying here and beating our heads against these stone walls of Thebes. So let us look at what else we have on offer.”
“Of course, King Rurik.” He ensured the four maps he had brought were taken out of their cases and laid out on the large table in the centre of the villa’s dining room, each weighted down at the corners to keeps them flat. The rest of the raid’s leaders were soon assembled.
“Men, let us again review the options. As we have already discussed, we won’t be staying here and beating our heads against these stone walls of Thebes. So let us look at what else we have on offer.”
Rurik gestured to one of the maps on the table.
“First, this is what is nearby. Of course, Constantinople is the richest of all. So too Thrake and Nikomedia next to it, and Smyrna, just across the Aegean. Of the rest, Thessalonike has a little more plunder than near us here in Greece, for instance in Hellas, but not much more. I have my views, but Sverker, I would hear yours.”
“My King, I think the Byzantines are now well alerted to our presence here. Constantinople is the heart of the most powerful empire in our knowledge. We might be able to ‘smash in and grab the loot’ in Smyrna, but the risks are similar for the time it would take to sweep the countryside clean and make our way back to the boats. We only have around 1,660 men and can’t afford to lose many levies. I thinks one of these places might be a possibility if we need to top up our treasure on the voyage home – but now? I say we head to Italia.”
“I agree Sverker – sound advice.” Rurik pointed to the next map – of Italia. “Dan, your turn now. Tell me what you deduce from this map of Italia.”
“My King, I think the Byzantines are now well alerted to our presence here. Constantinople is the heart of the most powerful empire in our knowledge. We might be able to ‘smash in and grab the loot’ in Smyrna, but the risks are similar for the time it would take to sweep the countryside clean and make our way back to the boats. We only have around 1,660 men and can’t afford to lose many levies. I thinks one of these places might be a possibility if we need to top up our treasure on the voyage home – but now? I say we head to Italia.”
“I agree Sverker – sound advice.” Rurik pointed to the next map – of Italia. “Dan, your turn now. Tell me what you deduce from this map of Italia.”
“The Kingdom of Italy looks powerful and large, on paper anyway. We risk running into massed armies if we stay in the one place for too long and we only have a relatively small group with us, as Sverker notes. Rome – run by the papacy, and the small city states to its south look isolated and perhaps weak, but as our advisors here have remarked previously, the Pope may be able to summon assistance from those around him. We will need to be careful where we strike and nimble to the boats if too large a force approaches. Sardinia and Tunis may not be as rich, but may be more isolated from large intervening forces, if those prove too expensive to fight off in men’s lives.”
“That makes sense Dan – let us now look more closely at reports of the treasure available in Italia. And I note the markings on this map around Genoa – they appear to be under occupation by someone. We must investigate further.”
“Right,” continued Rurik. “Here we see more useful information. It seems the Genoese have been occupied by the Venetians! The place has been thoroughly sacked and will be of no use to us. And it means Venice must be at war and its soldiers assembled – we can only hope they are off in Genoa and not back home. For after Constantinople, Venice looks like the next richest target bin our reach.”
“That makes sense Dan – let us now look more closely at reports of the treasure available in Italia. And I note the markings on this map around Genoa – they appear to be under occupation by someone. We must investigate further.”
“Right,” continued Rurik. “Here we see more useful information. It seems the Genoese have been occupied by the Venetians! The place has been thoroughly sacked and will be of no use to us. And it means Venice must be at war and its soldiers assembled – we can only hope they are off in Genoa and not back home. For after Constantinople, Venice looks like the next richest target bin our reach.”
“Pisa also looks like a plump target, though it’s also part of Italy, so could be hotly contested,” suggested Sverker.
“Very well, let us see what else is possible. See here,” said Rurik, jabbing his finger on the map. “Rome may be rich, but it looks like Capua is richer – a substantial target.”
“Very well, let us see what else is possible. See here,” said Rurik, jabbing his finger on the map. “Rome may be rich, but it looks like Capua is richer – a substantial target.”
“That it does, My King,” observed Dan. “But it also depends on whether that treasure is more closely guarded than in these reputedly soft merchant republics. If, like here, much is locked up behind high castle walls, it will take time to prise it out.”
“Fair points,” concluded Rurik. “We will need to take a closer look to find out. And that is exactly what I propose to do. We will board the ships and head to Venice and see how well guarded their riches are. I think we’ve probably outstayed our welcome here and the Emperor may eventually decide to lend some aid to the local Doux. Give the orders now, we will start moving immediately.”
“Fair points,” concluded Rurik. “We will need to take a closer look to find out. And that is exactly what I propose to do. We will board the ships and head to Venice and see how well guarded their riches are. I think we’ve probably outstayed our welcome here and the Emperor may eventually decide to lend some aid to the local Doux. Give the orders now, we will start moving immediately.”
The orders are given and the men start loading up. Their visit to Greece will soon be over. No doubt much to the relief of the locals and their nobles!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
And three days later, it seemed Odin himself must have been looking over them and to have imparted his wisdom to the King, as reports came in that the Doux had finally begun to assemble a serious levy and was headed their way! However, they would be safely aboard their ships long before the enemy arrived: while they could almost certainly see them off, losing good men for no purpose, so early in the raid, would be pointless.
By 10 March Rurik’s army was loaded and their voyage around Greece and towards the Adriatic had begun. Just as the forces of the Empire did indeed seem to be assembling. A goat was slaughtered in an offering of thanks to Odin.
Rurik was glad to once again have a sea breeze in his face and salt in his beard. Aye, this is the life!
Back in Nygarðr, an event occurred that once again revealed the wisdom and hand of Odin at work in the doings of men. And which, when the message reached him, reinforced Rurik’s faith in the Norse Gods, who once again showed their power and support for the good Norsemen of Holmgarðr, most particularly their zealous king.
The Chancellor’s letter revealed the great news and how the Godi’s wise and thoughtful counsel had finally persuaded Helgi of his true religious destiny. Hrörekr noted Helgi's love for his father was redoubled and as he read of this, in the privacy of his cabin, Rurik’s tough exterior was not enough to prevent a small tear of joy and relief forming in the corner of his eye.
The Godi had provided a description of the ceremony. Rurik could picture it in his mind’s eye.
Odin be praised and revered, Rurik thought to himself with pride and a ferocious ardour. Should he summon me this very minute to Valhalla, I would travel there happily, with joy in my heart and strength in my arm. Young Buðli must now also be brought to see the light of Odin’s wisdom. But there are many years for that to happen.
The scribe was summoned. “Gumarich, I have a special message for the Queen. No-one else is to know of its contents. We shall use that clever Byzantine cypher she left with us during her recent visit in Greece. By, my friend, we two know what a relief this will be to me and, I think, to her. Even if it does secure my son’s succession.”
As the letter was sent, phrased in no uncertain terms, for Ingjerðr to end her plot to kill Helgi, a great weight was removed from Rurik’s heart. It seems Odin’s (single) watchful eye and merciful hand had allowed him to steer clear of both Scylla and Charybdis on this occasion!
Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather when this event came up! It hadn’t occurred to me that the Godi’s proselytising mission in Holmgarðr might have converted the co-located and troubled Helgi to the true Norse faith. Having left this to the Gods’ will and Odin’s wisdom, the Big Guy actually came through. Much as Helgi has his failings, he is a good martial leader (despite his cowardice) and Rurik is now spared the torment of contemplating sitting by while he is murdered or moving to try to overturn his election. Sometimes this game can just deliver the pitch-perfect happening. I’ll live it up, as I’m sure what the Paradox game engine giveth, it can also taketh away!
The following day, yet more good news arrived. The stargazers studying at his behest have reported some interesting findings. He already knows there are some strange things out there – some wonderful, some terrible – but is more interested in discovering the movement of the stars. And hopefully to learn more of the will of the Gods through such study.
This additional prestige from this is enough to tip Rurik’s standing back past the 500-mark and therefore ensures a tribal army can be summoned if necessary.
April 876
In early April, the expected, simple reply from Ingjerðr makes it to Rurik. His good mood continues. Rurik perceived the wise and watchful eye of Odin in the clouds above their boats as they make their way through the Adriatic.
By mid-month, the fleet arrived off Venice. Scouts were sent to report on the circumstances they found there.
It seems an army of reasonable size already stands in Venice. Padua is not so well guarded, though another Italian army is spotted further south in Ravenna.
Venice lays before Rurik in all its richness and splendour. But it is not the undefended walk-over he was vainly hoping for.
Ch24 Q1: Venice and Opposed Landings. OK, here we are at last. The Venetian army lying in wait is not huge, but it would be there to oppose Rurik. Can I assume there is a severe penalty for carrying out such a landing (even if they are Vikings)? Also, the army will be rusty after their time on the ships (ie at 50% morale) so will not be at their best if they must go straight into battle. It also look like any attack on Venice from the land would be the equivalent of a river crossing (ie say from Treviso or Istria). Padua is one alternative option – reasonably rich pickings there, though there are the two armies in the neighbourhood that can be seen, and maybe others nearby or able to be summoned. Otherwise, if a direct attack on Venice looks ill-advised and Padua not worth it, the trip to central Italy – Rome or Capua – could be taken instead. Any tips or advice appreciated.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Back home, the work of the Steward and the Godi to bring Norse culture and religion to the capital county continued. The value of the Godi’s work has already become apparent with his conversion of the heir.
And, after a somewhat longer than necessary delay, Rurik’s research orders are implemented.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Question
Other than the standard request for comment or advice, there is just the one specific question posed by Rurik to his military council meeting aboard his longship.
Ch24 Q1: Venice and Opposed Landings. OK, here we are at last. The Venetian army lying in wait is not huge, but it would be there to oppose Rurik. Can I assume there is a severe penalty for carrying out such a landing (even if they are Vikings)? Also, the army will be rusty after their time on the ships (ie at 50% morale) so will not be at their best if they must go straight into battle. It also look like any attack on Venice from the land would be the equivalent of a river crossing (ie say from Treviso or Istria). Padua is one alternative option – reasonably rich pickings there, though there are the two armies in the neighbourhood that can be seen, and maybe others nearby or able to be summoned. Otherwise, if a direct attack on Venice looks ill-advised and Padua not worth it, the trip to central Italy – Rome or Capua – could be taken instead. Any tips or advice appreciated.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Odin surely looks over Rurik and his realm. His wisdom is once again sought as the raiders survey the unfamiliar sight of a great city of Italia, located on islands and guarded by soldiers already mobilised. But Rurik has faith in his Gods, his men and his advisors. He is certain Odin will see him through to glorious victory.
Last edited:
