The modern Sweden we know today was not a united nation, but more a collection of tribes.
Under contol of Ragnarr Lošbrokk the Swedes face a position both interesting and challenging. An obvious start to gain power is to unite all of Sweden under one banner, this will of course mean coming into bloody contact with the Geats and Gotlanders to their south.
To the east across the Baltic sea lays Finland and its collection of tribes, amongst these tribes, the Tavastians stand out as the most potential threat if the Swedes were to turn their attention to this area and attempt to gain complete dominance over the gulf of Bothnia, taking contol over the Åland Islands seems the most obvious place to start if that is the case.
Strengths
Good cavalry and the opportunity to easily expand into Russia and Finland.
Weaknesses
Bad relations with Denmark and Geatland.
Starting Regions
Attundaland
Tiundaland
Rošer
Family Tree
Ragnarr Lošbrok
"It gladdens me to know that Balders father makes ready the benches for a banquet. Soon we shall be drinking ale from the curved horns. The champion who comes into Odins dwelling does not lament his death. I shall not enter his hall with words of fear upon my lips. The Ęsir will welcome me. Death comes without lamenting
Eager am I to depart. The Dķsir summon me home, those whom Odin sends for me from the halls of the Lord of Hosts. Gladly shall I drink ale in the high-seat with the Ęsir. The days of my life are ended. I laugh as I die." - Krįkumįl: Last words of Ragnarr Lošbrók
Björn Jįrnsiša
Björn Ironside was renowned for successfully raiding France alongside his brother Hastein may times, Björn is an excellent commander at both land and sea, as well as a feared Viking. His most famous raid lead him right into the Mediterranean, raided Spain, southern France and eventually working his way into Italy were he captured the city of Pisa and cunningly worked his way to Luna. On his way back through the Straits of Gibraltar, he and his men were attacked by a Saracen fleet that had been waiting for them. The Battle was lost, but Björn managed to return back to Scandinavia. Björn is also the founder of the Swedish Dynasty known as the House of Munsö.
Unique Units
Snskir Riddarar
Cavalry was never a common sight amongst Scandinavian armies, but if they were to be seen, Scandinavia's east would be the first place to look. Armed and armoured to the teeth, these men have both the defensive capabilities to survive in a prolonged fight, and to move quickly across the battlefield. With spears for charging and swords for melee, they are suited for almost any kind of battle. Of course, like any good fighting force, they are expensive, slow to train, and lacking in numbers.
As well as the more common chainmail, some men also wear lamellae based off findings from Birka. Lamellar is an arrangement of small metal plates thonged, laced or occasionally wired together into horizontal belts.
Historically, the swedes where said to have fine horses and great mounted warriors, the ancient swedish king Eadgils even had mounted bodyguards.
A man without legs can manage a horse
A man with no hands can handle a herd
A deaf man can be a doughty fighter
Even to be blind is better than on the pyre burning
For there is nothing the dead can do. - Hįvamįl
Armed with some of the finest arms and armour available, these men are the chosen elite, given the grand task of protecting the temples. If war comes, it may be necessary to call upon these mens swords and distract them from their duty for a greater cause. The Hof-Veršir wear the Vendel helmet which include a mail covering over all the of the face except the eyes, giving the head great protection, these helmets were in use during the Vendel era but later died out as cheaper, less ornate, more practical helmets replaced them. The Hof-Veršir also wear a long mail dress over tunics and carry large round shields for protection. They are capable of joining the shield wall, and can be a devastating force, they are of course, expensive to recruit and come in small numbers, despite this however, they can turn the tide of almost any battle when used wisely.
Now it is known
That the king had guarded
Well the temples,
So Haakon the Good
Was welcomed with gladness
By the kind gods. - From the saga of Haakon the Good
Screenshots
Faction Preview: Swežiuš
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Nazgūl Killer
