

History remembers the great rulers; these are the heroes that lead their nation to a better position than thought possible by the members of the previous generation. The impact of these men and women is felt long after their soul has ascended to Valhalla. Beneath them are the good rulers, although they may not have their names celebrated, their rule is still beneficial on their nation and the stability they provide is a great boon. Beneath them are the poor rulers, who through character flaw or design of the gods do more harm to the realm than good. Not always bad men, they are doomed to be remembered for their failures and to serve as a lesson for future rulers to try and steer from the same mistakes. Finally, there are the harmful rulers, characters of such low grade that their mere name can call up memories of horrors inflicted. Any good they do is forever marred by the pain caused upon both their victims and the world itself. Thus was the rule of the Corpse-Snatcher. (Source: https://s-media-cache-ak0 . pinimg . com/originals/f0/8f/ee/f08feebc3b335e47a9dc64b13695f444 . jpg)History remembers the great rulers; these are the heroes that lead their nation to a better position than thought possible by the members of the previous generation. The impact of these men and women is felt long after their soul has ascended to Valhalla. Beneath them are the good rulers, although they may not have their names celebrated, their rule is still beneficial on their nation and the stability they provide is a great boon. Beneath them are the poor rulers, who through character flaw or design of the gods do more harm to the realm than good. Not always bad men, they are doomed to be remembered for their failures and to serve as a lesson for future rulers to try and steer from the same mistakes. Finally, there are the harmful rulers, characters of such low grade that their mere name can call up memories of horrors inflicted. Any good they do is forever marred by the pain caused upon both their victims and the world itself. Thus was the rule of the Corpse-Snatcher.

Fylkir Hroðgar was a man who had grown up without his father. Tales of a heroic figure does not make up for an absent figure, and eventually he grew to resent the man. When he finally did come home, he found that the man did not live up to the legend. This meant that, when the previous Fylkir handed him the rule of the conquered lands on Scotland that did not go to the Arch-Godi, he was happy to leave his father’s court. Hroðgar would not see his father again in his life.

The Fylkir knew however that the was not able to be won and that continuing the war would weaken his grasp on his newly acquired kingdom. Despite (or maybe because of) the dishonour it did to his father memory and his standing with vassals, Fylkir Hroðgar ceased aggressions against the last mainland Scottish Christian.

The Christians had apparently learned from their past failures but their target remained the same: the followers of the Sky-God. Focusing on the interior of the Greece lands, once more the lords of western Europe raised up and marched east.

Inheriting the wars of his father, Fylkir Hroðgar marched with his men against the Christians. Fighting valiantly in these battle, the Northmen fought like legends. For each one that fell, at his feet laid at least three of his foe.

The Fylkir took to the field again, this time he did not have his previous methodical approach. Grunting in anticipation, he was usually the first one to hit the opponents shield wall. His men spoke of him being touched by Thor himself, the Christians that he was some sort of beast from Hell.

The damage to Fylkir Hroðgar went beyond that of his ability to rule. The Fylkir was supposed to be the instrument of the Gods divine will, surely he should not be proposing white peace with his foes. The Jarls and Godi’s both whispered about his fitness to rule, both the state and the church.

This vicious assault on his character caused the Fylkir to lose the last remaining connections to his humanity. Records show of council meeting where he would propose preposterous laws, or that he would make unusual noises when people passed. His reputation spread throughout the land as a man who was possessed …

Reports of an unusual member of court appeared at this time that reportedly spent a lot of time with the Fylkir, whispering in his ear. It seemed for the short time that they were seen together that they were inseparable. There were many rumours of impropriety on the behalf of Fylkir Hroðgar but these were never proven.



The Christian armies were shattered and the Fylkir unleashed his armies upon the surrounding lands, burning and looting as they went. Although these activities were common with any attacking army, the severity that the Fylkir let his men go to was unlike that which had preceded it. The message to his Christian neighbours was clear, Fylkir Hroðgar rule of these lands was unquestionable. (Source: http://www.dandebat.dk/eng-dk-historie17.htm) The Christian armies were shattered and the Fylkir unleashed his armies upon the surrounding lands, burning and looting as they went. Although these activities were common with any attacking army, the severity that the Fylkir let his men go to was unlike that which had preceded it. The message to his Christian neighbours was clear, Fylkir Hroðgar rule of these lands was unquestionable.

Perhaps the lords in the lands south of Lothian had heard the tales of the insanity of the Fylkir, perhaps they just could no longer tolerate a neighbour of a different religion. Either way, a few of their number banded together to start the reclamation of the north. Temped to leave the men of the faith to their own devices, Fylkir Hroðgar knew that his rule would not be able to withstand another loss to the Christians.

Many strange deaths and disappearances occurred after the war, men and women both high and low born were either discovered mutilated or never found again. Mothers would whisper to the naughty children that the Corpse-Snatcher would come to get them if they did not behave. The cause of these instances was never found.

Perhaps it was fitting end for Fylkir Hroðgar, who had caused so much pain in the world. In his final moments, the filth that was inside him was match by the filth he had caused in the latrine. An undignified end for an undignified ruler. Despite his sons attempts to claim that he had died in his sleep, the truth continued to be told in whispers. One thing was certain, the realm was in better hands. [Well that happened suddenly, I had planned for this character to be a great opportunity to explore the new mechanics of Monks and Mystics, but all of a sudden symptoms started popping up. I got the event for severity of illness and next moment he is dead. But that is CK2 isn’t it.]