[Info] The Premise

The year is 837 A.D. In search of glory and new adventure, a portion of The Raven Clan of Norway has abandoned their homeland and founded the settlement of Ravensthorpe along the banks of the Nene River in England. Happening upon an abandoned Saxon longhouse in the Kingdom of Mercia, they claimed the territory for themselves and used it as a base of operations for their many undertakings across Britain. 

Unlike the present-day existence of the “United Kingdom,” the British Isles are divided into many smaller petty kingdoms who are constantly at war with one another, vying for supremacy. Those who inhabit the portion known as England all ultimately share the common goal of creating a singular realm, though none can decide who among them will reign over the rest. The arrival of the foreigners they commonly regarded as “Danes,” despite being from many different Scandinavian territories, is seen as both a threat and inconvenience. These warrior-like people lack the scruples of Christianity and care only for personal gain; however, overcoming their apparent strength is more of a challenge than many of the kingdoms dare take on, for many who have tried have fallen. 

Through careful negotiation and aiding in military campaigns, the Raven Clan are able to assert their independence and maintain personal sovereignty with the begrudging cooperation of the Mercian crown, despite inhabiting lands within the kingdom’s domain. Agreements forbid them from raiding locally within Mercia, but do not extend to the surrounding territories. Contracts for mercenary work among them are common-place, and are exempt from the former agreement, within reason. In part due to their alliance with Mercia as well as the brilliance of their leader, Jarl Haakon, Ravensthorpe has attracted a great many Saxons as well as other Scandinavians such as Danes and Swedes.