Session 078

# Ulrick Sword-Breaker Meets His Doom

**Age of the Wolf, Year 5, Autumn, Laelun Toil 2, Day 5**

*The heroes awaken and make ready to challenge for leadership of clan Surtshellir. The party discusses their strategy, and then they proceed to the Firehold. Before the assembled clan rousing speeches are made to no avail. The jarl Ulrick and Esbjorn cross blades, and Heida and Jor interfere. Ultimately Esbjorn prevails, slaying Ulrick Elderstalson below the graven image of Surtr.*

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## Player Characters Involved

* King Nygäär the Fey Blooded Rogue/Fighter/Crusader played by Dana
* Esbjörn Fireforge the Fire Giant Blooded Barbarian/Cleric/Surtr's Chosen played by Greg
* Heiða the Mother Fucking Veleda the Dökkálfar Blooded Dread Necromancer played by Justin
* Jor the Emberwrought the Giant Blooded Human Transmuter/Beguiler/Human Paragon/Ultimate Magus played by Jason
* Irrian the Shadowborn the Human Shadowcaster played by Koski

## The Party Confers

The heroes awoke in their adjoining quarters, and came together to discuss the pending clan moot. Esbjorn seemed ready, and nodded confidently when a servant informed him that the ceremony would commence in one hour's time. Taking advantage of the time they had to prepare, the heroes discussed the upcoming moot and what they might expect. One thing Esbjorn made clear, upon being asked by Jor, was that under no circumstances should Jor use his seidr to interfere with the proceedings. Heida and Nygaar spoke confidently of their assured success, reminding all present that they now had the blessing of Odin upon all that they undertook. They briefly discussed what they might do with the gear they had won from the fire giants, but ultimately decided that they could perhaps give it to the clan after their victory; Esbjorn knew well that the gift of arms for war would go a long way in making the transition of power go more smoothly.

As time slowly passed, Esbjorn turned to Heida, and asked the volva if she might wish to consult the spirits to gain insight on the travails ahead. Heida took this opportunity to voice a concern long festering within her, and voiced her fears that perhaps the Trickster had been manipulating her visions for many toils. Heida looked to Jor, and a heated discussion began about Jor and his bloodline. At first Jor laughed off such a suggestion, claiming that Loki must be gaining much power indeed if he were able to taint Heida's visions, and made reference to the book that Heida held that was meant for him. In this way Jor communicated that he knew of Heida's doubts, and yet still he was with them. Yet Heida would not relent, and demanded of Jor why it was he was with them at all, as they were all sworn to defeat Loki and his minions. Jor looked puzzled; surely his hate for the Umbrian invaders was unquestionable, and he had long ago proven his friendship and loyalty. He reminded the party that he was a descendent of the world serpent as well, thinking all the heroes knew about his encounter with Jormungandr (only Nygaar had known this), and that he was his own man who, like they, was more than his lineage.

The heroes then began to heatedly discuss Jor's bloodline, with Nygaar even going so far as to suggest that they kill Jor's son Dreki. Heida agreed, and Jor seemed momentarily taken aback, yet admitted that may be necessary given the Trickster's interest in the boy. Esbjorn then weighed in, saying that he could, if needs be, reforge the boy and change his blood. Jor pointed out that the eastern Harii, reduced currently to women and children, must live again, and that the boy Dreki would be a part of that rebirth, hoping to appeal to Heida's clan loyalties. Heida countered that no one with Loki blood should ever procreate, and brandished the book she found in the shadow realm, subtly mocking Jor and trying to shame him into accepting his grandfather's gift. No one but Heida noticed that Jor ever so subtly started to reach for the book, lured by Loki's seidr, before ultimately resisting.

Running short on time, the heroes turned back to the situation at hand. They discussed brandishing the pit fiend Doden's head, and all seemed to concur that such a display would make a powerful statement. Esbjorn asked Heida to consult the spirits, to learn the best path forward. She retired for a few moments, and learned that the best way to win the day would be to use the power of the god rune. The heroes then readied themselves, and were led by a servant deep into the heart of Voluspa.

## Jor Introduces FireForge in the Firehold

Marching ever downwards, the party arrived at the moot:

*In midmorning, you enter the region known as the Firehold deep within the bowels of the mountain. This is the deepest level of the city of Voluspa, and the most sacred. A large crowd murmurs as you come down the stairs to enter the lowest level of the city, the location of Surtr’s temple.  The air is smoky and stifling, and the smell of brimstone permeates the entire area, assaulting your senses. The Firehold is made of black volcanic rock, and glowing streams and pools of lava flow nearby. Above you, standing on a platform above the bubbling lava, stands the clan jarl Ulrick Elderstalson. A large and athletic older man, still physically powerful, with flowing gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard, the jarl is adorned in ceremonial plate mail armor forged of iron and bronze. Ulrick gazes down upon the party with a stern expression on his face, nodding stiffly to Esbjorn. Ulrick has chosen the location strategically; this part of the Firehold is usually reserved for sacred rituals and ceremonies in which the presence of Surtr proliferates.  Behind the jarl, the massive face of Surtr is carved into the black stone wall of the temple, a perpetual scowl on his fifty foot high countenance.* *Standing in full battle regalia, the burned faces of the warriors known as the Magmamen line the edges of the platform. Their weapons and armor are partially ablaze, the illusory fire magic of their warrior caste in full display for the moot. Gazing around at the crowd, you see many familiar faces, to include the fully grown Kurg (aka Viggo Logison), the heavy with child princess Asleif Umbria, the lovely Aada Goldenbow, Johan the goat, Esbjorn’s fire javelin niece Ulfra, the grizzled Aesir crusader Clive Greyson, Esbjorn’s brother Wulf Sigvardson, Auntie Toffie the clan volva, and Esbjorn’s father and the head priest of clan Surtshellir Sigvard Fireforge.*

Leading the proceedings, Esbjorn's father Sigvard Fireforge stepped forward, raising his hand to silence the crowd. He turned to his son, and demanded of Esbjorn why he had called this challenge for clan jarlship. Esbjorn nodded and said "Now" to his friend Jor to introduce him as they had planned earlier that morning. With a look, Jor caused a massive sixteen foot tall fire elemental to suddenly appeared behind him. The crowd gasped as the elemental then lifted Jor high above their heads, and he began to introduce FireForge:

*Brothers and sisters of the Surtshellir clan, warriors of fire and fury! With the grace of our one and future king \*gestures to Nygaar\*, today, we stand on the precipice of destiny, a crossroads where the past and the future collide. It is with great honor that I stand before you to introduce a force of nature, a true embodiment of your fiery spirit: FireForge, the resurrector of giant-kin, the Slayer of Doden, the Bearer of the God Rune! I am Jor The Emberwrought.  Many of you know me as Brydd, but it is FireForge whose has brought me to you in this current form, and brought the giant blood from within my veins to the surface, the resurrector of giant-kin!*

*As well, FireForge, by his own unwavering strength and unyielding determination, ventured into the very heart of Odin. He faced the demon Doden, a creature of nightmare and shadow, the right hand of Surtr himself, and with his valor and might, he severed its malevolent head from its foul body. In that act, he proved that his clan's fire is not just a mere element, but a symbol of our indomitable spirit.*

*But FireForge has done more! He grasped the God Rune, a mark of divine favor, and in doing so, he ascended to a higher plane of power and purpose. He became a deity among us, a figure of reverence and strength, embodying the very essence of his clan's legacy.*

*Now, FireForge has set his sights on a new challenge, a test of leadership and conviction. He stands before Ulrick Elderstalson, a leader who has guided you through trials and victories, a leader who has earned your respect. But as time and tradition march forward, change becomes inevitable. FireForge, by his right as the Bearer of the God Rune, invokes the ancient rite of challenge to contest for the mantle of leadership, and bring the truth of your old deity to light. This is not a challenge born out of rebellion or arrogance. It is a challenge that symbolizes the circle of life, the ever-turning wheel of progress and evolution. Your clan has been shaped by the fire that burns within you, and in this fiery crucible of challenge, you shall forge your path forward.*

*As we witness this clash of destiny, let us remember that your unity and strength lie in your ability to adapt, to embrace change while still honoring your roots.*

A man of few words, Esbjorn then spoke briefly, affirming all that Jor had said and standing proudly before his clan. In his mind, he was already a demigod, and to him it seemed inevitable that the jarl and the people would submit to his will. He turned to Ulrick, waiting to see how the powerful old warrior would react.

## The Jarl Makes A Speech of His Own

Many in the crowd seemed moved by Jor's honeyed words and the awe-inspiring spectacle centered on the appearance of their famous clansman, Esbjorn. A chant emerged: "FireForge! FireForge!" This was remarkable, as the party presented an idea very difficult to accept - to abandon their god and cast aside their jarl. Ulrick cleared his throat and glared imperiously at Esbjorn, a hint of sorrow present in his eyes. He spoke in a booming voice, exuding confidence, and hoping to sway his people whom he had long led in strength and honor to his side:

*Fellow warriors of Clan Surtshellir, hear me now, for the flames of destiny dance upon our path! I, Ulrick Elderstalson, also known as Ulrick Sword-Breaker, have led us through the tides of time, guided by the fiery embrace of our god Surtr. From the first ember that ignited our clan's hearth to the battles that forged our legacy, Surtr's presence has been our beacon of strength.*

*For generations, we have basked in the warmth of Surtr's blessings. His fire courses through our veins, igniting our courage in the face of adversity. Can we so easily forsake the god whose fiery breath has fueled our triumphs? It is not merely a change of allegiance that Esbjorn proposes; it is a relinquishment of our very identity. Of who we are!*

*Our legacy is intertwined with the fire-forged bonds of kinship and loyalty to Surtr. Let not the whispers of change sway your hearts, for change without purpose is but a reckless plunge into the abyss. As your jarl, I stand before you, not merely as a leader, but as a guardian of our ancestral flame. I shall hold fast to Surtr's torch, ensuring that our clan remains steadfast in its devotion.*

*The winds of challenge may howl, but I implore you, my warriors, stand strong beside me, and together we shall weather this storm. Let us not abandon the god who has walked with us through the ages. Let the flames of Surtr's passion continue to burn brightly in our hearts, guiding us to victory as they always have. For in the end, it is not only our faith that is at stake, but the very essence of Clan Surtshellir itself.*

As Ulrick finished speaking, Heida drew out the preserved and dripping head of Doden from the force chest safely ensconced in her bag of holding. Nygaar howled, his face fierce and wolfish, as he snatched the head from Heida's hands and sent it spinning to land at the feet of Ulrick. The Surtshellir jarl gripped the hilt of his battleaxe white-knuckled, as Esbjorn made one last appeal to him, imploring him to touch the god rune and see the truth. Ulrick briefly reached forward, knowing Esbjorn for a man of honor. But before he could touch the rune, Nygaar spoke, calling out, "Father, give him the wisdom to see the truth." Knowing this to be a reference to Odin and that left alone, it would likely be taken as such to terrible effect, Jor, as he had often done guiding Esbjorn, interjected. "Yes, Father FireForge, give him your wisdom to see the truth!" Unconvinced, Ulrick's face hardened, and he withdrew his outstretched hand and armed himself.

## Esbjorn Slays Ulrick Sword-Breaker

Brandishing a battle axe and shield, an enraged Ulrick dispensed with the formality of custom, and immediately attacked Esbjorn, showing all present the decisiveness and aggression by which he had ruled for so many long decades. Nygaar warned the party telepathically not to interfere, knowing that any use of seidr or aid in the combat would taint Esbjorn's potential victory. Despite that admonition, and perceiving what looked to her to be a violation of Seron custom, Heida accused Ulrick of cheating, and shouted "dishonorable son of a scoundrel!" as she immediately began casting. To the party's dismay, Ulrick struck one blow after another, and Esbjorn was slashed and pummeled relentlessly. Giving as well as he got, the duel raged back and forth, with both men striking massive blows and quickly becoming soaked in blood. Luckily for Esbjorn, his servant Droog bore the brunt of the first round of strikes, and that kept Esbjorn alive. A number of Esbjorn's strikes that should have struck home also seemed to miss for no reason that he could understand; those schooled in seidr soon realized that Ulrick was slightly magically displaced, a result of some item no doubt.

As the duel unfolded in Ulrick's favor and it looked like Esbjorn might fall, Heida eventually unleashed her spell; a dark mote of negative energy sprung from her hand, visibly draining the strength and vitality of the Surtshellir jarl. She then immediately began to weave the same spell once more, ready to sap the strength of any who opposed her. Much more subtly, Jor also reacted, using all his wiles to secretly cast a spell himself, undetectable to any witnesses, that increased the keenness of Esbjorn's vorpal blade. Summoning the last of his strength, his body slashed into tattered ribbons, Esbjorn summoned all his strength and struck with his massive sword. Ulrick fell to his knees, his axe and shield clattering to the obsidian floor, and died at Esbjorn's feet. The crowd was completely silent. Esbjorn looked down at his people from the platform he stood on; there was no telling what might happen next. In Esbjorn's imagination, the massive carved image of Surtr engraved in the black volcanic rock wall seemed to laugh down at him from on high.

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