Hrafn Broethr

The year is 915 and the small town of Eschelli (modern Selly Oak) in central Mercia is in a time of great upheaval and change. The great viking invasion has ended in the creation of the Danelaw and the kingdoms of East Anglia, Northumbria, Eastern Mercia and York no longer exist.

Thanks to the invading viking forces, Wessex has now proclaimed itself the Kingdom of England and is agressively attacking the Danish lands in order to expand its power across the South coast and the Midlands. In the province of Mercia, there is no longer a king on the throne, but Lady Ethelfleda rules the territory with the adoration and respect of her people, leading her people both in political talks and on the battlefield, bringing back a measure of the power her lands once enjoyed.

But these are uncertain times, with the expanding power of Wessex, the future of Mercia is uncertain, despite its alliance with the Welsh Kingdoms to its West and North. Throughout England, Welsh, Irish, Danish and Norwegian mercenaries fight alongside Anglo-Saxon soldiers and rebellion and war is rife across the lands. Not only are there wars for land across across the English countryside, but the religious wars of the previous century are in their final stages, as the Christian Anglo-Saxons try to convert the last of the pagan Vikings.

In these difficult times, wars are common and there is great wealth and reputation to be gained for those soldiers who can survive on the battlefield, and a loose band of Anglo-Saxon and Viking fyrdsmen mercenaries currently settled in Eschelli under the somewhat limited leadership of the pagan Danish hersir Drefan Aldwynssen 'Awiergan' are hoping to gain what profit there is from the turbulence of the times. Called up to defend their lands from invasion, this ragtag band of outlaws, bandits, farmers and religious fanatics are now trying to earn what money they can through skill at arms, looting and petty theft, despite their lack of real training and discipline.

These are difficult times, but out of the ashes of the old kingdoms a new power will arise...