Norse

**Norse** is one of the Religions practiced in After the End. It is an ancient Pagan faith that first started in Scandinavia, known in Medieval Europe for raiding and pillaging. The faith was eventually replaced by Christianity, but it somehow has been revived around The Great Lakes. It is part of the Pagan religious group.

## Description

> "*The Norse believe the Christian God failed his followers when America was torn down, and in their anger have turned back to the Gods of their ancestors. If only the old Gods had the strength of their faith, they surely would have protected America. They also believe the American people became soft and complacent, which contributed to their destruction, and so have vowed to never allow themselves to become weaklings again.*"
> ― Norse description from the game
>
>

## Gods

* **High God:** Thor
* **God Names:** Thor, Freya, The Last Valkyrie, The Grey Wanderer, Bunyan and Heikki Lunta
* **Evil God Names:** Nidhog, Hela and Slain-God
* **Scripture:** The Sagas

## History

The Norse faith is practiced in the lands west of the Great Lakes. From here they sail through the rivers, assaulting cities in their way or entering the Atlantic. The Norse faith is quite strong in the region, holding against both the Christians, the Native Americans and other Pagans. The Norse touched the apex of their power when Albert Soady formed and ruled the Kingdom of Superior. After his death however the kingdom was broken, each vassal claiming independence.

## Holy Sites

* **Detroit:** Detroit not only controls the flow between the Great Lakes Huron and Erie but also is a key land route from America to Canada.
* **Chicago:** Known as "Vindgarðr" to the Norse, Chicago is the Gate to the Mississippi River, and the wealthy Catholic lands Beyond.
* **Sault Ste. Marie:** A key point into the other Lakes from Lake Superior.
* **Twin Cities:** Once home to a great band of warriors known as "the Vikings".
* **Green Bay:** While not as Viking-ish as Twin Cities, Green Bay was also home to another fierce warrior band.

## Great Holy War Targets/Core Regions

   Ordered in decreasing importance

* Kingdom of Superior - 5000 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Michigan - 500 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Lakotah - 500 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Chicagoland - 200 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Ohio - 50 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Allegheny - 50 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Iowa - 50 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Ontario - 50 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Quebec - 50 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Aurora - 50 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Hudsonia - 50 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Deitscherei - 25 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Gotham - 5 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Columbia - 5 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of New England - 5 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of the Maritimes - 5 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Platte - 5 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Missouri - 5 Crusade Weight
* Kingdom of Prairieland - 5 Crusade Weight

## In-game Features

* Rulers cannot demand conversion
* Priests (Temple Holders) can inherit titles
* Priests can marry
* Religion allows women to hold Temple Holdings
* Fairly weak rulers can Prepare Invasions
* Fleets can navigate major rivers
* Rulers can raid infidel neighbors for loot
* Vassals do not mind if their levies are raised
* Non-Pagans (With very low tech) have a very low Supply Limit in Norse counties
* Rulers lose Prestige if at peace for too long
* Can be reformed
* There is (And can exist) no religious head
* Women may hold Spymaster positions
* Inferior at conversion
* Rulers cannot declare Holy Wars

As of 2666, Norse has a 30.0 moral authority. A temple holder of the Norse faith is called Godi. The Religious head of the Norse faith holds the titular title of The Forsetate.

## Norse Characters in 2666

### Independent & Their Vassals

* High Chief Leif Oreck of Beargrease;
* High Chief Melis Dachs of Badgerlings;
* Jarl Paul Hodagling of The Northwoods;
* Jarl Widukind Heileman of Chippewa;
* Jarl Pal Tarsus of St. Anthony;
	+ Chief Frans Modig of Cannon;
* Jarl Alto Bieglir of Soo;
* Jarl Krullig Kletsch of Green Bay;
* High Chieftess Margareta Lundgren of Sheyenne;
* Jarl Jens Lundgren of Pembina;
* Jarl Chlodoald Clodoalding of Minnesota;
	+ Chief Jesse Skarp of Cuyuna;
	+ Chief Adoniram Johnson of Rush;
* Duchess Arnbjorg Davidsen of Upnorth;
* Lord Proprietor Thorstein Foundulack of Superior;
	+ Chief Haakon Noquet of South Shore;
	+ Patrician Grey Solon of Solon;
	+ Patrician Ransom Pàivàlehti of Pàivàlehti;
	+ Patrician Rasmus Radisson of Radisson;
* Jarl Stein Davidsen of Copperland;
	+ Chief Amund Davidsen of Porcupines;
	+ Chief Sebastian Davidsen of Gogebic;
	+ Chieftess Greta Davidsen of Keweenaw;
* Chief Remnar Soady of Marquette;
* Seidsman Reuben Soady of Ascanada;
* Chief Tommo Luatala of Iron Mountains;
* Chief Molkereik Husbil of Sheboygan;
* Chief Aimo Paquette of Baraga-L'Anse;
* Chief Kasefred Ameche of Peshtigo;
* Chief Holger Rotvig of Mandan;
* Chief Obwole Nekesh of Mille Lacs;

### Mercenary Bands led by Norse

* The Minnesota Norsemen, presently led by Chief Stenvar;

## Trivia

* The Norse faith is almost entirely based on the vanilla CK2 version of the religion from ancient Scandinavia. A few alterations have been made to allow for the local culture to influence the religion.