The Warden|OOC (Sterling x Astra)

[Sterling]

THE WARDEN
A Historical Fiction
By Sterling x Astra



——— THE TEUTONIC ORDER ———

[warning=orange]UNDER DEVELOPMENT[/warning]

​

Story Context

Medieval Prussia. The last bastion of pagan Europe during the late thirteenth-century refuses to die quietly. Violence is commonplace in the back-and-forth struggle between the forces of Christianity, led by the Catholic military order known as the Teutonic Knights, and paganism. The Baltic natives practice a religion as fierce as their warrior culture, one predicated on battle prowess, armed combat, and the acquisition of property through daring raids into Christian lands. Prussia remains a land of swampy forests, amber strewn coasts, and terrifying attacks from forests of utter darkness.

The Monastic territory of Culm lies at the bend of the Vistula River, and represents the southern extent of the Teutonic Order. Seemingly protected, it is far from invulnerable. Thus, the Order's Prussian Master feels compelled to replace the Knights removed for his upcoming invasion with a special band of men — scouts, trained in the tenets and fell practices of savage guerrilla warfare. They enter Culm in March of 1260 A.D., the year the Teutonic Order launches the Samogitian Offensive and try desperately to quell the resulting Second Prussian Uprising. Tales of war seem far away from the sleepy village of Härtzen, but Pagan marauders are coming to scour the southern marches with a merciless, punitive hate, leaving absolute desolation in their wake.

The scouts seek to defend the Order's sovereignty and unravel the mystery surrounding the close-knit village community who hide a secret akin to a death warrant.

​

Character Archtypes

Major Characters
The Advocate – Brother Heinrich von Eichen, the Wise, from Bavaria
The Bishop – Bishop Bernhardt von Wittingen of Riga
The Tyrant – Cernak Warnis-ken, Prussian Chieftain of the Nattaganian tribe
The Duke – Jarosław of Płock, Masovian
The Merchant – Ludwig Mëldebrandt of Elbing
The Rogue Knight – Brother Albrecht von Rötzheim, Komtur of Rehden, from Saxony
The Prussian Master – Master Otto von Zöschingen
The Sailor – Sulev Käido, or "Uku", Estonian (calls Scout "Veiko" meaning Little Brother)
The Scout – Waldemar, becomes 'The Warden'

Minor Characters
The Advocate's Sargent – Werner Matzen, from Bavaria
The Tyrant's Son – Kracco Warnis-ken
The Joker – Stovamel, Trickster, Hero's Faithful Companion, husband of Velna
The Master – Konrad Stürmer, Crusading German Ministrales, Swordsman
The Mentor – Helger Stören, Danish or Vilkas (Lithuania)
The Sailor's Daughter – Elín Käido
The Sailor's First Mate – Jukka Vakalëën, Finnish Mariner
The Sailor's Wife – Ila Käido, Livonian
The Saxon Knight – Brother Ulrich Kreger, from Saxony
The Settler (German) – Johann (Hans) Bergen, from Silesia
The Settler (Prussian) – Bursas Tatar-wis, from Bartian Prussia
The Shaman – Vadimus the Wise, Latvian, Devout Christian, Scout's Conscience
The Vice-Treasurer – Brother Wilhelm Volken, from Saxony
The Wife – Velna, Livonian​

​

 

[Sterling]

MAPS OF MEDIEVAL PRUSSIA



——— BALTIC TRIBES circa 1200 A.D. ———



——— CAMPAIGN AND TERRITORY CHRONOLOGY ———



——— PRUSSIAN TRIBAL LANDS ———


[warning=orange]UNDER DEVELOPMENT[/warning]​

 

[Sterling]

LINKS TO RESEARCH AND MEDIA


WIKIPEDIA OLD PRUSSIANS

WIKIPEDIA TEUTONIC KNIGHTS

THE EARLY YEARS OF THE TEUTONIC ORDER

MARTIN VON GOLIN

THE PRUSSIAN-LITHUANIAN FRONTIER OF 1242

HENRY MONTE AND THE PRUSSIAN RISING OF 1260

EXAMPLES OF SPOKEN PRUSSIAN

OLD PRUSSIAN PERSONAL NAMES, by Reinhold Trautmann

OLD PRUSSIAN DICTIONARY

ELBING DICTIONARY

INTERACTIVE PRUSSIAN DICTIONARY

EXAMPLES OF SPOKEN PRUSSIAN

OLD PRUSSIAN MUSIC

OLD PRUSSIAN COSMOLOGY

THE BALTS, by Marija Gimbutas

FOLKLORE AND BELIEF SYSTEMS (SNAKES & TREES)

​

 

[Sterling]

CURRENT PLOT
​

Origins (Waldemar)

1. Waldemar enslaved by pagans, family killed,freed by young Jagwida before her home village was "converted".
2. He escapes, is found by Vilkas and trained. Forms BOK. Hates Pagans for murdering his family. Tolerates Teutonic Knight culture, since they provide the opportunity and compensation for ending pagan lives.
3. End of a mission, wrap up, saved column of Knights led by Brother von Eichen.
4. BOK introductions, travel back to home base (Marienburg)
5. Assemble with BOK at Marienburg, Stovamel reveals he wishes to retire.
6. Prussian Master announces new offensive, needs protection of Culm ... Von Eichen's district.
7. Waldemar assigned to patrol southern marches as security presence and scouts for enemy activity. (Waldemar assigned title of Warden)
8. Travel to Garrison at Rheden, meet Rogue Knight.
9. Vilkas housed and stabilized ... Velna nearly refused entry.
10. Travel on to Brother von Eichen's fortified manor, stay the night while Waldemar wanders.
11. Base of operations, von Eichen heals Vilkas as best able.
12. Find Village. Waldemar enters later with BOK.

Origins (Jadvyga)

1. Jadvyga born a Nataganian pagan,daughter of the Tyrant, Cernak.
2. Vyga live the carefree life as a pagan chieftain's daughter.
3. She frees enslaved Danish boy from burning sacrifice, he escapes.
4. Taken when Teutonic Knights forcibly "convert" village, handed to German Nunnery ... strict Mother Superior.
5. Escape Nunnery, found by Chieftain (Wargôn) and Chieftain's wife. Hates Teutonic Knights for breaking up her family and forcing strict-foreign culture onto her. Retains ideal notion of pagan freedom, self-determination against oppression of foreign invaders.
6. Daughter to ex-Chieftain, who essentially founds an isolated Village in Kulmerland, Härtzen.
7. Establish major characters in Village.
8. Narrate transfer of Prussians in secret.
9. Pair encourage pagan-light lifestyle in village, unaware of the radicalization of pagan dogma practiced by Cernak and Kracco.
10. Daughter debates upcoming violence with skeptical Chieftain.
11. ??????

Main Story Plot (Updated 01/14)

WALDEMAR & BOK ARRIVE IN HÄRTZEN

1. Opens with Waldemar and key BOK entering the Village.
2. BvE meets w Wârgon & Jadvyga, Jadvyga exits to mourn and meets Vadimus outside.
3. BvE displeased that Lida was buried without rites, but understands ... Later blesses grave site.
4. Vadimus knows BvE has returned without being told, warns of German wandering in cemetery.
5. BvE discloses that he has guests to Wârgon, Waldemar roams Village.
6. Minor confrontation btwn Waldemar and Jadvyga, Waldemar outraged at Vyga's use of Prussian ... Vyga enraged W orders her to wash and mend cloak.
7. BvE introduced Wârgon & Jadvyga to Waldemar. Jadvyga does not know W is the D Specter.

WELCOME FEAST

1. Wârgon and Jadvyga create pageant-worthy welcome, drinking and investigative chatting.
2. All character introductions occur ...
3. Lida Toast. Jadvyga toasts to Nana (mentioned cane off-hand), frigid to W over cloak incident.
4. W cites defensive vulnerabilities with BvE and Wârgon, then tries to dismiss Jadvyga ... "A woman has no place in a council of war." BvE arbitrates before retiring early.
5. Confrontation between Jadvyga & Waldemar (diatribe re: Christian vs. Pagan virtues)

POST-FEAST AND INVESTMENT

1. Vadimus calls for Village meeting to discuss new German guests.
2. Waldemar almost discovers pagan meeting in Gasthaus as he departs on patrol.
3. Waldemar returns to Härtzen, unwittingly stalks Vyga ... screaming.
4. Brother von Eichen and Wargôn sequester Waldemar and Vyga, force truce.
5. Waldemar kneels, apologizes, suggests piping system to drain flooded fields.
6. Encounter btwn Waldemar and Herkus over breakfast, defending Velna.
7. Group meets at Ursap's hut, discuss creation of pipes, learn Ursap is mute.
8. Waldemar & Stovamel in mock combat in Courtyard, Vyga breaks up.
9. Ansas shows interest in fighting, Vyga unhappy and betrays her concern.
10. Vilkas enters courtyard, clearly still wounded, Waldemar betrays his concern.
11. Jadvyga notices Vilkas' condition, decides to help over time, despite Waldemar.
12. Waldemar leaves Härtzen for patrol, encounters Konrad.
13. While in woods, finds (minor) pagan evidence, returns home at night.

WEEK 01 | OF TOIL AND EARTH

1. Day 1 --Begin digging of detention well outside wattle fence, near Vadimus' hut.
2. Comedy of main characters assuming control and giving orders, resolve working command.
3. Waldemar informs BvE about meeting Konrad on the road.
4. Teenagers impressed into hard work, grumbling (blacksmith's son get waiver? Adz making?)
5. Digging, encountering snakes, villagers avoid and dig around.
6. Day 2 -- Ansas uncovers Adder asp, Waldemar hurls hand-axe and kills both snakes.
7. Waldemar pulls Ansas from pit, Jadvyga has her reaction. (grateful? angry? bitter?)
8. Waldemar digs top three feet of entire pit overnight.
9. Leaves pile of dirt and snake pieces for villagers to cart to fields.
10. Day 3 -- Waldemar sleeps during day, wakes late.
11. Day 4 -- Begin digging trenches, lay the first of Ursap's pipes.
12. Day 5>Day 7 -- Waldemar & Stovamel begin carving pipes with new adzes
13. Velna suspects, but refuses to spoil Stovamel's cheery disposition upon his return.

RHEDEN STIRS

1. Brother von Rötzheim and Saxon Knight review tax collection. Scheme.
2. Konrad arrives in Rheden.
3. First village, Ülden to be scoured for money. (Johann ... Hans Bergen; Advocate Brother Jurs Thurgen; )

WEEK 02 | THE RITES OF MAN

1. Continue carving half pipes, overseeing progress made.
2. Waldemar asks Vyga about deep woods, She tells W. that woods are incredibly haunted.
3. Vilkas bedridden, Waldemar transfers Vilkas to Gasthaus, asks Velna to care for him.
4. Departure of Waldemar, travel deep toward Galindia.
5. Waldemar finds trails deeper into forest toward Galindia.
6. Waldemar leaves on patrol, Stovamel & Ursap become friends.
7. Finds haunted shelter? Waldemar haunted.
8. Stovamel feels unsettled, leaves Härtzen in search of his friend.
9. Scouts meet at pagan grove and pyre, examines, finds burnt cane.
10. Waldemar spots white woman once again, Stobvamel sees nothing.
11. In Härtzen, Vyga begins to help Vilkas. Enlists Lelija to bring her into Gasthaus to see what ails the old man.
12. Velna desperate to help Vilkas, implores Vyga to heal him.
13. Vyga begins to properly heal, sees Velna is alone, invites her to stay with her for the evening.
14. Velna picks up signs of paganism.
15. Mason from Thorn arrives (to Vyga's surprise) to begin construction of bread oven.
16. Waldemar & Stovamel return to Härtzen, exhausted.
17. Velna refuses to spoil Stovamel's cheery disposition upon his return with suspicions.

WEEK 03 | OF TITHES AND PIPES

1. Waldemar oversees final phase of operation, water bleeding from fields.
2. Brother von Rötzheim desends upon Härtzen with Rheden battalion.
3. Filter into Town's many spaces, streets and alleys.
4. Jadvyga has a fit, Wargôn tells Vyga to be quiet and stand behind him and BvE.
5. Brother von Rötzheim addresses BvE and Wargôn at village center.
6. Waldemar makes his appearance, covered in mud, sweaty.
7. Brother von Rötzheim mocks, degrades Waldemar.
8. Komtur pressing his right to compensation to von Eichen and Wargôn, makes veiled threat.
9. Konrad watches Brother von Rötzheim with disgusted look, spots Lelija, eye contact.
10. Waldemar offers to pay tithe fee ... for current year, as well as the following year.
11. Stymied by the Warden, Brother von Rötzheim hurls a broad insult.
12. Waldemar tells him to fuck off, Saxon Knight becomes aggressive, W. defuses.
13. Brother von Rötzheim forced to leave Härtzen intact and unmolested.
14. Teutonic brigade leaves, Konrad stays behind of his own accord.

AFTERMATH

1. Meeting at Wargôn /Jadvyga's residence (attended by Wargôn/Jadvyga/BvE/Waldemar/Stovamel ... Ansas listens in background.)
2. Wargôn wants to know conditions of payment, Waldemar confirms that there are no conditions.
3. Vyga puts Waldemar on the spot to mock him, storms out to garden. Waldemar follows.
4. Vyga confesses her suspicions of Waldemar flaunting wealth for vanity, trying to buy loyalty and curry favor. Waldmar assures her he is honest, both return into house.
5. Waldemar mentions need for improved fortifications. BvE agrees, but Vyga resists ... "this is a town, not an armed fort for warfare!" Vyga quips that what Härtzen needs is a bread oven.
6. Waldemar listens silently.
7. Later, Waldemar asks BvE to compose a letter to Marienburg transferring funds from his account to the Monastic Treasurer. Also, asks for a portion of his money to fund a mason from Thorn to arrive and build Jadvyga her bread oven.

EXILED

1. Stovamel and Velna transfer to the Gasthaus. Herkus slyly convinces BvE that the lover's sexual indiscretions are a sin and defile the Knight's holy quarters.
2. BvE agrees. Stovamel tells him that they intend on moving into the Gasthaus.
3. BvE agrees, much to Herkus' chagrin ... while BvE is in town, Herkus is expected to attend to him in his residence. That means that Stovamel and Velna have the run of the Gasthaus. (Physical evidence of Herkus losing control of his exterior world)
4. Herkus offers to wash Waldemar's cloak and burns it in retribution ... labeled as accident. Vadimus present, moral/ethic debate of story.
5. Jadvyga learns of Herkus' actions from Vadimus
6. Jadvyga makes Waldemar a new cloak, in unspoken gratitude for Waldemar paying Brother von Rötzheim. New cloak represents Waldemar's domestication, growing attachment to Jadvyga and the town of Härtzen.

SETHU, THE PAGAN FUGITIVE

1. Sethu, a pagan prisoner held in Rheden, escapes bondage by murdering a priest and fleeing the stronghold by foot.
2. Sethu enters Härtzen, Herkus sends him to hide until evening, tells Vyga.
3. Vyga feigns cooperation and informs the BOK of a hut deep in the woods, they depart.
4. Sethu secretly brought into the village, refuge, stays with Vyga & Wargôn.
5. While dining, Sethu describes the glorious rise of the Prussians and Christian blood.
6. Vyga & Wargôn disagree about the nature of Sethu's zealous views.
7. BOK reach the hut, find it abandoned, haunted by forest spirit.
8. Sethu fancies Vyga, makes advances, dotes on Ansas, describes homeland, freedom.
9. Sethu asks Vyga to return with him, marry him. When Vyga refuses, he stalks off alone.
10. Ansas secretly follows, wanting to partake in the glorious life Sethu described.
11. Vyga soon realizes Ansas is missing, frantic. BOK return to a village in chaos.
12. Vyga asks Waldemar to find Ansas, tracks him.
13. Sethu suspects he's being followed, lies in wait and ambushes Ansas.
14. Sethu expects Ansas to bring news that Vyga has changed her mind, but realizes Ansas wants to accompany him to Prussia.
15. Sethu laughs and pushes the boy over, hurting his ankle, tells him that he intends to sell Ansas in to slavery for a tidy profit.
16. BOK arrive, drive off Sethu, who flees north into mainland Prussia.
17. Waldemar carries a wounded Ansas to Härtzen on his back.
18. Arrive, exhausted

THE WEDDING


THE MASTER

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

PAGAN ATTACK

GALINDIA

OCCUPATION

RHEDEN

EPILOGUE

Pagan prisoner (Sethu) escapes Rheden, murders monk.
Travels to Härtzen ... Herkus instructs Sethu to meet at the cemetery at noon.
Jadvyga and Vadimus assist in humanitarian mission for pagan brethren, Jadvyga sends BOK off on wild goose chase, away from Härtzen.
Sethu stays with Wârgon & Vyga, they ask about the Danish Specter, Sethu freaks.
Sethu discusses upcoming "glorious retribution."
Once Sethu retires to bed, Vyga & Wârgon discuss possible meanings. Wârgon dismissive.
Jadvyga's little brother overhears, secretly follows Sethu returning to Prussia.
Vyga discovers Ansas is lost, becomes upset ... BOK return, exhausted.
Waldemar tracks down the brother deep in the woods, finds tracks leading from Härtzen into dark woods (Galindia).
Asks Ansas why he wandered, lies ... Waldemar returns him to Village.
Vyga grateful, slight warming between main characters.
Vyga and Waldemar spend more time together, their cooperation yields benefit for both.
Waldemar asks Vyga about Galindia, she informs him it is a haunted place.
Vilkas worsens and Waldemar worries.
Hess & Sergeant Matzen return, tells Waldemar of Königsberg and death of Brom.
----
Wedding of Stovamel and Velna, town hosts, von Eichen officiates.
Waldemar confesses about Vilkas, learn of Vyga's healing skills.
Waldemar and Jadvyga become closer, share a kiss, spend night together?
Rogue Knight appears in Village day after festivities looking for prisoner, positive he came through Härtzen.
Waldemar prevents punitive search, tension.
Rogue Knight leaves two knights behind: One is Saxon Knight (operates as spy for Rogue Knight), other is a German ministeriales (the Master).
Stovamel plays trick on Saxon Knight ... canine aphrodisiac.
Knights stay in von Eichen's residence ... Waldemar takes Vilkas to Village to be healed by Jadvyga. Saxon Knight mocks Waldemar for his faith in Jadvyga's "witchcraft" herbalism.
Waldemar stays with Stovamel and Velna (in Village) while Vilkas stays at Jadvyga's and Wârgon's house. Visits often, the four get to know one another better.
Enter haunted forest next day with BOK, find totem thresholds.
Encounter beastly pagans in fur, desperate battle, priest burns himself giving dire warning.
----
Hess learns truth of Härtzen's pagan affiliation, Herkus murders Hess.
Hess confronts Vadimus and Vyga before fleeing into woods.
Waldemar and Stovamel find Hess in sacred grove, find Lida's pyre and charred cane.
Crisis point ... Saxon Knight takes advantage of BOK absence, acts cruelly toward Villagers after suspecting evidence of pagan practices. Kills Villager (Mute Forester?) and assaults Jadvyga, initiates violence/belligerence. Declares entire town will burn in purifying fire. Saxon Knight is killed by ministeriales (the Master) to preserve greater life.
Waldemar exhumes Lida's grave, finding sack.
Huge confrontation ... betrayal, estrangement, hurt feeling, confused love, feelings of being manipulated, guilt.
Brother von Eichen crippled by betrayal, takes Saxon Knight's body to Rheden, to lie that he died while in Galindia.
Waldemar asks about lack of Christians in Village, asks aloud if they've been sacrificed.
Recon Assault by Native Raiders ... Vilkas and Chieftain are both killed, Waldemar wounded.
Jadvyga in charge of Village, heals Waldemar in her home.
Conclusion of story is TBD. Likely scenario is that the Pagan Marauders and Knights at Rheden under the Rogue Knight engage ... annihilating one another. BOK targets both the leaders of the invading Pagans and the Rogue Knight for final showdowns.

[warning=orange]UNDER DEVELOPMENT[/warning]​

 

[Sterling]

CHARACTERS​

WALDEMAR, The Scout

Name: Waldemar Hildegreg
Affiliation: Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights
Nationality/Ethnicity: Danish
Age: 28
Personality: Strong, Fierce, Cunning
Information: Half-Brother in Monastic Order, Feared scout and warrior, bears unbridled hatred for pagans, known as the Warden of Culm.

​

JADVYGA, The Daughter

Name: Jadvyga (Vyga)
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Nataganian Prussian
Age: 27
Personality: Tenacious, Enterprising, Ambitious
Information: Raised in Hartzen, she knows and is known by everyone. Determined to do right by her people.

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​

BROTHER VON EICHEN, The Advocate

Name: Brother Heinrich von Eichen
Affiliation: Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights
Nationality/Ethnicity: German/Bavarian
Age: 36
Personality: Wise, Pithy, Grateful
Information: Advocate of Culm's eastern villages, lives outside Härtzen, answers to Komtur of Rheden

KONRAD, The Master

Name: Konrad
Affiliation: Duchy of Würzburg
Nationality/Ethnicity: German/Würzburg
Age: 28
Personality: Detached, Clinical, Righteous
Information: Ordered to Crusade for his Lord, Konrad is a ministrales knight, he's in search of purpose and meaning against the harrowing struggle of warfare.

LELIJA, The Midwife

Name: Lelija
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Bartian Prussian
Age: 25
Personality: Discreet, Reliable, Fussy
Information: Trained by her grandmother at the family craft, she's been delivering Härtzen's children since she was a teenager.

STOVAMEL, The Joker

Name: Stovamel
Affiliation: Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights
Nationality/Ethnicity: Prussian Noble (Converted)
Age: 29
Personality: Affable, Jovial, Loyal
Information: Half-Brother in Monastic Order, Lieutenant to Waldemar, Husband of Velna, Desires peaceful life after a decade of guerrilla war.

URSAP, The Mute Forester

Name: Ursap
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Pogesanian Prussian
Age: 32​

Personality: Brave, Taciturn, Wary
Information: Came to Härtzen as a child from the wilds and was taken in by Wargôn. The Chieftain's right-hand-man, he knows the woods and surrounding landscape like no other.

VELNA, The Wife

Name: Velna
Affiliation: None
Nationality/Ethnicity: Livonian
Age: 23
Personality: Passionate, Devoted, Perceptive
Information: Freed during a raid, she and Stovamel have become quite close.

VILKAS, The Mentor

Name: Vilkas, The Iron Eagle
Affiliation: Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights
Nationality/Ethnicity: Lithuanian
Age: 54
Personality: Wise, Tough, Fatherly
Information: Waldemar's parental figure for decades, wounded in last engagement

WARGÔN AB-HENNIK, The Chieftain

Name: Wargôn Ab-Hennik
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Pomesanian Prussian
Age: 61​

Personality: Stalwart, Affable, Astute
Information: Practically the founding father of Härtzen as it currently stands. Often referred to as 'Grandpa' by the younger townsfolk.

 

[Sterling]

MISC. CHARACTERS
​

VADIMUS, The Shaman

Name: Vadimus the Wise
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Latvian
Age: 41
Personality: Calm, Impartial, Independent
Information: A devotee of his hybrid Christian/Nature religion, photographic memory and unerring references to Biblical scripture, conscious of the story, voicing the Mercy of Christ when it inconveniences desires for power.

BROTHER VON RÖTZHEIM, the Rogue Knight

Name: Brother Albrecht von Rötzheim
Affiliation: Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights
Nationality/Ethnicity: German/Saxony
Age: 34
Personality: Devious, Maniacal, Ruthless
Information: Komtur of Rheden, Overseer of The Advocate, Brother von Eichen

CERNAK WARNIS-KEN, The Tyrant

Name: Cernak Warnis-ken
Affiliation: Pagans
Nationality/Ethnicity: Nataganian Prussian
Age: 46
Personality: Perpetually aggrieved, Cunning, Proactive
Information: Leader of the Nataganian Tribe, Chieftain who enslaved Waldemar

WERNER MATZEN, The Advocate's Sargent

Name: Werner Matzen
Affiliation: Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights
Nationality/Ethnicity: German/Bavarian
Age: 29
Personality: Pious, Tough, Loyal
Information: Half-Brother man-at-arms, acts as Brother von Eichen's personal bodyguard and footman.

KRACCO WARNIS-KEN, The Tyrant's Son

Name: Kracco Warnis-ken
Affiliation: Pagans
Nationality/Ethnicity: Nataganian Prussian
Age: 18
Personality: Cruel, Impetuous, Daring
Information: ---

BROTHER KREGER, The Saxon Knight

Name: Brother Ulrich Kreger
Affiliation: Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights
Nationality/Ethnicity: German/Saxon
Age: 24
Personality: Obedient, Dogmatic, Conniving
Information: Operates as the right-hand man to the Rogue Knight, based at Rheden.

LIDA, The Grandmother

Name: Lida (Nana)
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Bartian Prussian
Age: 71
Personality: Nurturing, Garrulous, Funny
Information: She's delivered every baby born in Härtzen in the past half-century, if not longer. Know's everyone's business and life story and remembers everyone's birthdays. Her mobility's somewhat limited nowadays, but though she walks with a cane she's as sprightly as ever. Lelija's biological grandmother, but the honorary grandma (Nana) of everyone in Härtzen.

ANSAS, The Son

Name: Ansas
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Bartian Prussian
Age: 15
Personality: Kind-hearted, Plucky, Quiet
Information: One of the children taken in by Wargôn.

HEINRICH/HERKUS, The Brewer

Name: Heinrich/Herkus
Affiliation: Town of Härtzen
Nationality/Ethnicity: Nataganian Prussian
Age: 26
Personality: Internal, Conflicted, Psychotic
Information: When young, Herkus was taken from his family to the Holy Roman Empire and schooled in German education and Christian doctrine. He lived in Münster, the cultural center of the Duchy of Westphalia (Westfalahi). There, Herkus was renamed "Heinrich" and taught the humanities, philosophy, and ecclesiastical studies. He also learned brewing, herbiculture, viticulture, fermentation, and basic winemaking. Returned to conquered Prussia, Heinrich serves as a local intermediary for the Teutonic Order in the town of Härtzen as an taverner and brewer. Secretly, the years of indoctrination tears at his psyche, and he aligns himself with the population of the town ... including their pagan tendencies. The rift in his mind translates into an intensity of character. Herkus is fervently loyal and protective of Jadvyga.

[warning=orange]UNDER DEVELOPMENT
RESERVED[/warning]

 

[Sterling]

Answers to your questions from earlier ...

1) As the BOK arrive at the village, would the Chieftain arrange some sort of welcome feast for them that night to establish that the host-guest dynamic? I know some medieval cultures had those sorts of feast rites where the guest was shown they would be treated well in the host's lands or whatever. If yes, could have some fun there. Yes, that is a great idea. It could be that Waldemar arrives initially and negotiates with the Chieftain and (much to his chagrin) the Daughter. The feast could be an attempt to draw the BOK into their trust and posssibly learn more thanks to some drink. I think Waldemar's friend Stovamel would become quite chatty.

2) Clues in the forest = do you think they'd come across some sort of altar or sacred grove? Something innocuous, but because Waldemar knows his shit, he'd be able to tell. I think that is wonderful, a sort of mysterious icon or totem, something inexplicable. It should be something that cannot be pinned right away or obviously to the Villagers. Perhaps the Villagers claim it is an unused grove of trees, but one day there is a fresh offering.

3) Confrontation between YC and MC = one of many, I presume. Do you think he'd try to tell her to act more as a woman should etc since THAT would definitely cause some issues since he's going to have to come to terms that she's basically *the* person to know to get anything done. Yes, many little spats between them. They'll both have an independent, fiery nature. He'll make comments such as "this is men's business" especially when she's annoyingly right. He'll try and dismiss her, or actively not involve her in events, discussions, or decisions. His assertion is that YC's a bossy brat that was not taught to be silent when the adults are managing affairs. So, condescension? Being forced to deal with YC and getting permission will be like eating humble pie.

It's worth pointing out (from Waldemar's perspective) that he'll associate YC's independent attitudes as epitomizing the culture that murdered his sister. That opinionated, wild, unruly impulsiveness. Waldemar's seen women in Christian culture and (wrongly) ascribes such docile behaviors with general peace and stability. But, over time he'll learn of YC's other aspects and dimensions. YC would do well to point out the mistreatment of women by the Teutonic Knights. There's actually a historical example here. It will depend (perhaps not) upon there being Christians in the village. Monastic decree mandates that all newborns be baptized within ten days of birth. YC could relate a story (or maybe we could write it in) where a single mother takes her newborn to the local church for the mandated baptism in the dead of winter ... only to be found frozen to death the next morning.

4) another thing I think MC would do is like, pretend to help YC and basically send them on a goose chase so their attention is occupied elsewhere. I imagine though, that as they start to like each other, she would feel bad about it. It would be funny if her tips actually end up leading them to an actual pagan capture (inadvertently on her end but it might make YC trust her more) Love the idea. Especially love the backfiring idea. Also, maybe if one of the more militant pagans in the village does something drastic, maybe YC gives up his position in order to gain MC's trust?

5) Is there anything else you think we could do to help our characters get to know each other? Perhaps one of the other BOKs could be injured, and she heals him or prepares a poultice or something. There lots of things, all in escalation relative to each other? So, I mentioned Waldemar gets injured (perhaps in an initial pagan raid?) and YC heals him (position of vulnerability) which might happen later. I also mentioned perhaps Waldemar tracks her little brother. I had a thought for a wedding, and perhaps that helps crack the ice a bit? I think more opportunities may crop up as we develop things?

6) As a side-character, it occurred to me that one of the best rangers/foresters in the village might be mute (or his tongue was cut out or whatever); obviously BOK would like to talk to him and get his expertise but he mainly talks through grunts and signals which only people who've lived in the village for ages (like MC) would be able to understand/interpret. thoughts? Funny thing you mention this. My original work had a cripple who worked for the Rogue or Villain Knight. My only concern with having a forester who's a native of the Village is that he's necessarily aware of what YC is up to with pagans. Would he really help MC?

7) Perhaps something we could do is there could be an early pagan skirmish into the village's farmlands, as a precursor to the big attack, and the BOK could help defend? This might also be good because if other pagans see Knights defending the village then they will definitely attack Yes, I'm think this is important. Early hostilities prelude the larger conflagration to come, and perhaps illustrate the cost of helping the pagan cause?

8) Do you think the villain knight from the garrison and MC could have some sort of previous history? Perhaps he was there during the original taking of her village as a junior knight (or something) That is a wonderful idea. The Villain Knight could have been the commanding knight who oversaw the "conversion" of her village. There was torture, there was death. She could remember him, but he has no idea who she is ... And, her hatred of him motivates disrespect whenever he appears in town. Another, albeit tangential idea, would be for Waldemar to have enslaved in YC's village as a boy. Perhaps she set him free soon before the conversion took place? They remember together when they are becoming closer?

P.S. You should decide which tribe YC originated from. I vote the Nataganian Tribe ... Check it out?

9) I'm wondering how it will be revealed that MC has been helping the pagans all along. Like would YC find physical evidence? Would someone tell him? She lets something slip? Just things he notices adding up? Or doe she think she can trust him enough to tell him, and does so? We can definitely work it out later, I'm just kind of thinking loosely here. I think the method of revelation will depend on the plot and how things develop. There are tons of ways, as you've suggested. Right now, I'm leaning towards having Wakdemar strongly suspect, and wait for YC to tell him. If they are close, and she's present, Waldemar will be less likely to paint the Village red with pagan blood.

10) If the pagans attack as the knights arrive, would the knights fight the pagans or would the opposing forces just completely decimate the village together? Maybe Waldemar, because of the authority and reputation he wields, can convince the knights to fight the pagans? It could also lead to a 1v1 fight between him and the villain knight You should write this book with me. :-) A confrontation between the Villain Knight and Waldemar is precisely what was slated. I think it makes sense. Actually, in my story, the Villain a Knight is in league with the Pagan Army, supplying his settlers as easy captives for the slave trade, while he gets a kick-back in gold. I think for this story, the Villain's Knights siege the town, and while under siege the Pagans attack? My sense is that the Villain Knight and the pagans should cancel one another out.

 

[Astra]

Lovely!

Some thoughts:

2) She is totally going to tell them the woods are haunted -- like, UNBELIEVABLY haunted, with malicious spirits and the like; spinning a story about how the pagans cursed the land or whatever. It'd be funny if one of them fell for it and became skittish in the woods. I imagine she would tell them this before they set off on their first scouting mission into the forest. All of this with the intent of keeping them out, of course.

3) Love that idea. Is that story about the baby the real world example you mentioned?? And honestly I would prefer writing it in, much stronger that way :).

4) I dig the idea about the pagan going too far and being turned in. I imagine, though, that this would sow some malcontent among the most active pagans in the village. She would have to do damage control (covertly).

5) Omggg I hadn't even read this when I suggested a wedding in the other message! Let's definitely do it, then. As for Waldemar being healed, would the pagans in this area used poison or poisoned weapons? If yes, that would give us a good justification to have her heal him since presumably she would know the cures.

6) I believe the mute forester would pretend to help them for the sake of appearances, like MC. And he could be saying nothing at all, or completely unrelated things, but she would be 'translating' it in misleading ways or ways the BOK could understand.

8) What a delightful idea to having them know each other from the start. I vote yes. If we're tying their stories in together from the start, then can I ask what the pagan's motivations would have been for killing his sister so brutally?

I googled that tribe and found very little information but tbh it's all the same to me because my knowledge of the area is so basic. So whatever sounds good to you, honestly. :)

9) Ok! Good to know. I think we should wait to see how things pan out.

10) Hahaha!! Wow. Ok, strong agree. And actually, if you want to make the villain knight a collaborator with the slavers, we can definitely keep that since I think it would be SUCH a twist (but similarly I don't want to be overly ambitious regarding our twists so I would be very happy if we could find a way to keep this in but make it measured... do you think that's possible?)

Will you make a CS for Waldemar and the others, or do you prefer not to?

Lastly, as for the name of my girl, for the character I have in mind, I'm not super keen on Vanya. Admittedly I found Jadwyga through a cursory search of Prussian/Lithuanian --so do you have an accurate resource I could look at? I tried to use the personal names doc you linked to but I can't make heads or tails of it, my German is not anywhere near good enough for that haha. So like, Solveig? Dagnija? Viltė/Viltautė? Aušra? Am I on the right track? I'm also coming across names that are clearly latin or greek based but trying to avoid them --given her background I don't think it's realistic for her to be named anything that's not 100% Prussian.

 

[Sterling]

Cool avatar, btw!

Haunted Woods
Yes. Read below ...

Frozen Baby
We will add it into the story. Yes, it was a documented event circa 1310(?), but was an endemic problem, highlighting the callous rules imposed by the Teutonic Order.

Turning in a Rebel Pagan
Yeah, we'll need to feel that one out.

Wedding
I have two thoughts about this ...

Mute Forester
I look forward to seeing him in action. His non-verbal communication should be endearing.

Previous History of our Characters
I like this direction a great deal, also. So, Waldemar was originally from Sambia, and the Nataganian's were the closest neighbors who would have raided. Prussians would have understood Prussians from other tribes, so the Chieftain can be from wherever you wish. I think for the sake to halting initial bloodshed, the Chieftain should not have been the Chieftain of YC's original village. Waldemar would be able to recognize him in that case, and would end his life on the spot.

Waldemar's Sister
William Urban gives some sense HERE in the first paragraph. They probably did it because they could? Because they saw the "other" in their fight for territory as less than human. Not being able to keep up with the train of captives would have been reason enough ... the raping was just a added touch of masculine aggrandizement. Rape was not something a pagan marauder would have necessarily done often ... since the purpose of raids was to capture gold, booty, and undamaged women for either concubinage or slavery; virgins sold for a premium. I think it reasonable to assume that YC would not have known what happened on that trip, and might not really know the depths of pagan cruelty outside the confines of the native village. This might be one of the revelations Waldemar lays on her when they are arguing about pagan v. christian values. If the rape element bothers you, or seems unnecessary to the story, we can remove it ... a pregnant sister getting killed for being slow is reason enough for Waldemar to hate his captors.

If you look at the post in this Thread, there is a listing of characters. Most of them will not be making an appearance. I would like, however, to take a moment to introduce some of the ones that will.

The Advocate
He's a historic character role during our time period. The Teutonic Knights sent emissaries to live among the people they conquered to administer to them, both materially and spiritually. They were armed monks who lived with the natives, learned their language and customs. They were called Advocates, and would have been assigned to the Town of Härtzen. YC would certainly know him, and I imagine he would be in and out ... tending to numerous other villages. He would be an affable fellow ... in fact, Waldemar was slated to have saved his life (and that of an entire Teutonic column) ... maybe I can work that back in ... maybe Waldemar's heroism draws The Advocate to nominate him for watching the southern marches where he's stationed.

The Joker
Stovamel is the comic, light-hearted foil to Waldemar's grimness. He will be a converted pagan who now seeks the riches and adventure by holding onto Waldemar's cloak. He is affable, somewhat gullible, and very loyal. He will have liberated a young woman (Velna, the Wife) whom he wants to marry ... so, they could be the couple in the wedding, or also be married during our wedding scene. Stovamel will accept drink with open arms and talk freely, much to Waldemar's chagrin.

The Master
The Master and Joker characters fulfill a cluster of four, an archetypal number of adventurers. The four roles are The Leader (Waldemar), The Master (Konrad), The Joker (Stovamel), and The Shaman (Vadimus ... who might not make an appearance ... Brother von Eichen --The Advocate-- might fill this role). The Master will be a professional swordsman, an unfree German knight of the era known as a ministeriales. Konrad will be more clinical in his methodology and perspective on events and the world.

The Mentor
The original notion was for a Mentor to teach an orphaned Waldemar the ways of war, and die in some significant action. His name is Vilkas, and he's a Lithuanian gone rogue, so to speak; he's on the hunt for meaning, taking the role of father of Waldemar as that purpose. I think both Vilkas and the Chieftain will die in the initial raid on the village ... that will leave Waldemar alone (so to speak) and force YC to become the undisputed leader of the village.


I fixed all the links in the REFERENCES post above, and went through the Personal Names of Old Prussian resource once again. There is a name related to Jagwida listed ... it's your character, you can name her whatever you wish. There was a famous Polish queen by that name, and a flag went off in my mind ... my apologies.

A bit of history that we might be able to fit into the story. There were individuals in Old Prussian society known as Kirwaido who were spiritual shamans of the Old Religion. Their names literally translate to Mouth of God. I found this quote that might prove interesting ... "When he felt himself weak and ill if he wished to leave name behind him he had a great heap made of thorn and straw on which he mounted and delivered sermon to the people exhorting them to serve the promising to go to the gods and speak for the people he took some of the perpetual fire which burned in of the holy oak tree and lighting the pile with himself to death." You had mentioned an alter deep in the haunted woods. That land should be Galindia (check the map above, and spoiler below) ... I had previously envisioned it as a magical, haunted land, full of lakes, so it's inaccessible to the German wheels of war. The threshold would have hundreds of carved totems, like in the second image below. What if a pagan priest presides in Galindia? The Warden (Waldemar) and his BOK could track him there (perhaps he came to deliver a warning to YC?). The scouts find the perpetual fire and the pagan priest burns himself alive, giving hail of a dire warning?

Galindian Forest

Carved Wooden Totem

Oh, and about CSs ... I've yet to find images that properly describe these characters, but we should compile something. Your preference?

 

[Astra]

"The popes had tried peaceful missions to the Prussians, but over the space of a century the only result had been addition of more martyrs to the church calendar" hhahaha, wow, oh wow. Thanks for linking to that article, I hadn't come across it before but it's super interesting and I can tell it will be useful.

Thanks for offering re. the sister character, but keep Waldemar entirely as you'd like. It doesn't bother me. I just wanted an explanation so I could have my character react appropriately. It will definitely be a big shock/paradigm shift for her.

Definitely agree about having the Chieftain be from elsewhere. Any ideas or preferences re. where he should be from? Maybe he could just be a native of the Härtzen area?

Are the four you've outlined in the above post going to be your 'main' four? Should I follow suit with key figures in the village, i.e. the Chieftain, the Forester, the Priest? I think I'd also add a midwife. And MC. Just to be clear I like all of the characters you've outlined and I like your ideas for the directions they should go in.

I like the idea of having W's mentor dying in the same battle as MC's father figure/chieftain. Gonna be formative.

As for Stovamel and his wedding, it's up to you! So would his wife-to-be be traveling with the BOK? Maybe he can get married in the village once he decides that he actually likes it/the people there, or something? Idk, what do you have in mind?

I like your forest idea a lot, as well as incorporating the pagan priest dude and his dramatic death. I was also thinking that our village would need to have a Christian priest? If yes, he would have to be in on the charade as well. I know that there were a few incidents in Mexico in the 1500-1600s when the Spaniards were first trying to convert the Aztecs and other groups -- the Aztecs would hide totems of their gods inside figures of Catholic saints, or crosses, or figures of Jesus, so when they worshipped at church they were actually sneakily worshipping their own gods. I don't know if the Prussian pagans ever did anything that, but we could incorporate it for our story?

As for CSs, I don't need pictures, though they would be nice. I guess I'd like something basic so I know how my character would react to yours? Like key physical traits, etc Whatever she or others would notice. What do you think about that?

 

[Sterling]

Hey!

Let me take a few minutes and answer some of your questions.

Chieftain Origin Tribe
The territory of Culm (Kulm or Kulmerland) has historically been a land constantly ravaged by warfare and raids. It sits, perched, in that bend of the Vistula River, making it surrounded on all sides by Masovian Polish Dukes (to the south) and Pomerelian Dukes (to the west). Add in a hundred years of Viking raids and the punitive razing by the Teutonic Knights and you have a vast swath of land that is very sparely populated. So, the Chieftain can't be a native of Kulm, per se, but he could have originated from one of the earliest of the subjugated tribes. Either the Pomesanian or Pogesanian tribe? Being from one of these tribes would mean that the Chieftain would be aware of the strategic threat from his Christian neighbors. With Härtzen located just east (day's ride) from the Order's fort at Rheden (reference map), it's safe to say that the Chieftain laid out the village with defensive warfare in mind.

The Rule of Four
The Rule of Four describes the propensity for groups of men to organize themselves in accordance with certain roles. The notion was inspired by men who operate as African-native bush hunters.

The four roles in the Bushman hunting party were: (1) the leader, (2) the master hunter, (3) the shaman, and (4) the joker. It seems to match up, for instance, with the Beatles: John was definitely the leader, Paul the master hunter (or composer in this case), George the shaman (heavy on Vishnu), and Ringo the joker (appearing, indeed, in several subsequent movie comedies).​

Such an organizational archetype (itself composed of archetypes) has been used to describe other bands and adventurers in literature. There's no reason why this arbitrary system could not describe bands of women or the main members of the Village. So, in this system, Waldemar=Leader ... Konrad=Master ... Stovamel=Joker ... Advocate=Shaman.

To be honest, a new dynamic might better describe the members of the Village. Right now the characters in the village are YC (Daughter), the Chieftain, the Midwife, the Mute Forester, and the Priest. Maybe there's a family model? So, Chieftain=Father ... Daughter=Daughter ... Midwife=Sister ... Mute Forester=Disabled Son ... Priest=Adopted Sibling? Thoughts?

Christian Priest
Technically, the Advocate would administer to the religious needs of the Village, but there's an additional path we could take. When you mentioned having a Priest-type character in on the pagan scheme, Vadimus came to mind. He's listed in the bulk of pre-made characters. He's essentially a semi-converted Latvian with a photographic memory, and an unparalleled command of the Bible. Self-taught in unconventional methods and lines of thought, he was imagined as a dogma-free messenger of the Gospels, being a walking conscious for purported Christians who compromise morals for greed and power. He and the Advocate would butt heads; the Advocate could detain Vadimus for heresy, but always relents.

Vadimus could promote a hybrid Christian-Pagan religion with the intent of attaining a higher form of shaman-like wisdom ... sort of a raw, nature spirituality? I can imagine Vadimus would support the tending to the pagan needy, and helping them escape from the slavery of feudalism. Once the native warriors begin to stir, however, his moral relativism would straighten out and he's apply himself to prevent a much larger genocide.

What do you think?

Death of Mentor and Chieftain
Good, I'm glad we're in agreement. There's the option of the mentor being wounded from the initial scene before the BOK's are assigned to Härtzen ... Jagwida could heal him, and perhaps he wants to retire to the Village. I can see the Mentor and Chieftain becoming fast friends ... in contrast to Waldemar and Jagwida. There might be a conflict of interests with a friendship ... Perhaps it's a begrudging respect?

Stovamel's Wife
Velna. She's be a freed captive from their last expedition, and she and Stovamel would be hot and heavy since then. Stovamel would be interested in marrying Velna and finding a home to settle down. They like the Villagers so much (perhaps Jagwida and the others do their jobs a little too well?) he wants to settle. Meeting Velna will convince Stovamel that he does not want to die in the wilds of Prussia, and wants a more stable life.

Character Sheets
We should compile basic information and create some character profiles on this thread. Let me create a template on our PM Thread and you can fill in yours, and I can copy up above? I've also found a ton of images which I'll also share via PM.

Below is the listing of Pagan Cultural Mores from our PM Thread for our convenience.

• Religion of Nature, sacred groves (usually mistletoe-covered oak trees) with a perpetual flame. Miscellaneous areas of woods and clearings that are also considered sacred. From Peter von Dusberg: "And because they knew not God, so it was that they mistakenly honored all creation as God, namely the sun, the moon and the stars, birds and beasts to the toad. They also had sacred groves, fields and waters, so that they hew wood in it to designate fields and catch fish do not dare."

• The main god in the Old Prussian religion are Patolos (Underworld), Potrimpo (Sea), and Perkunas (War).

• Sacrifices are made freely and often. Roosters and goats are preferred offerings. When serious, nothing less than live captives will appease the gods. The captive were either killed with arrows or burned alive.

• Snakes were worshiped, and toads, as well.

• Preference for burying dead on hills ... to be closer to the sky.

• Prussians believed in reincarnation. They also believed that souls needed to travel with supplies and retinue in accordance with their station. Every death resulted in the pyre burning of the corpse, along with some measure of what they would need in the afterlife, depending upon their status and trade.

• Singing and dancing were a custom known to all native Prussians.

• Prussians were not primitive, but did not keep pace with the economic and technological evolution of their neighbors. Feudalism was unknown, so they could not muster a national defense, and remained very much a victim of the fierce individualism reminiscent of the Celts. Independence is a prized virtue.

• Dominant class was the warrior nobility, who made their lives from booty, hunting, and the produce of their slaves. Below them were the free men, who lived by a combination of hunting and farming that gave them experience in the use of arms and a sense of tribal territory. There were a few priests, some artisans and merchants, and agricultural slaves. The clans organized civic life, raised armies, and regulated justice. Thus, one's place in society was determined largely by the condition of one's birth.

• Prussians had long been known for hospitality and friendliness, though attacks by Scandinavians and Polish had a negative impact. Similarly, the introduction of Christian ideals (monotheism) evolved the pagan's nature worship into a more deity-representative model ... with Perkunas, ect.

• Clan "justice" was rough and ready, relying upon the power of individualism and the support of kinsmen and dependents to take revenge if injured or aggrieved. Murder was met with revenge killing, either upon the guilty or his kin. Lesser crimes were resolved with some form of compensation. A tribal council resolved disputes, and their final word was generally respected.

• Drunkedness was a Prussian national pasttime.

• Parties were thrown for every occasion under the sun: marriages, deaths, weddings, births, visitors, religious festivals. The host often passed a bowl brimming with alcohol for everyone to partake; men, women, sons and daughters, even servants. It was an act of demonstrated trust that everyone was in a stupor.

• Alcohol for the Prussians consisted primarily of mead (made from honey) and kumiss (made from mare's or cow's milk).

• Infant females were often killed soon after birth, making true Prussian women scarce. This elevated the price of daughters when their fathers sold them off into marriage.

• Polygomy was practiced, and a prominent noble was expected to have several wives and concubines.

• Markets were modest affairs, and the sole resource coveted by other cultures at the time was amber. Prussian had the top supply of amber in the world. It has a reputation of being rare, mysterious, and expensive.

• Nobles bathed regularly in sauna-like buildings, but commoners avoided the practice altogether.

• Some natives thought white horses were unlucky, others black horses.

• The Prussians observed no calendar, and passed around a stick with notches to signify the number of days until a meeting was to be held.

• The Germans noticed that Prussian had no spices for foods and no soft beds.

• Their houses were scattered in the woods, surrounded by their fields, never too far from the refuge provided by a log fort (communal?)

• Only warriors advanced proactively into warfare, with commoners more prone to melting into the woods and deep swamps. Warrior nobles served as light cavalry, and would have been equipped with sword, spear, shield, and mail coat. Commoners wore no armor, and were armed with clubs and stones ... possibly a dagger.

• Horses comprised a vital role in Prussian life, as they were used for work, warfare, and trading. Often, Prussians viewed horses as pets, and had them buried with them when they died.

 

[Sterling]

SETTINGS & MILIEU​

Prussian Landscape

Prussian Natives

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[Sterling]

SETTINGS & MILIEU
​

Monastic Order of Teutonic Knights

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RESERVED[/warning]

 

[Sterling]

SETTINGS & MILIEU​

Scouts

Various Men-at-Arms

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RESERVED[/warning]

 

[Sterling]

SETTINGS & MILIEU​

Village of Härtzen

Medieval Life

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RESERVED[/warning]

 

[Sterling]

PRIMARY LANGUAGE ASSIGNMENTS AND FLUENCY

Main Characters
Waldemar - German » Prussian (fluent); Danish (basic)
Jadvyga - Prussian » German (fluent)

BOK Characters
Stovamel - German » Prussian (fluent)
Vilkas - German » Lithuanian (fluent); Prussian (basic)
Heß - German » Prussian (basic)

Village Characters
Wârgon - Prussian » German (basic)
Lelija - Prussian » German (basic)
Ursap - Prussian » German (poor) ... since he's mute, this describes his comprehension?
Vadimus - Latvian » German (fluent); Prussian (fluent); Latin (fluent); Greek (fluent)
Brewer - Prussian » German (fluent)
Velna -Livonian » Prussian (fluent); German (basic)
Ansas - Prussian » German (poor)

Teutonic Order Characters
Brother Heinrich von Eichen - German » Prussian (basic); Latin (basic)
Sergeant Matzen - German » none
Konrad - German » none

Villain Characters
Brother von Rötzheim - German » French (basic) ... if he's implicated in some form of plot, we can retroactively assign him
Brother Kreger - German » none
Cernak - Prussian » German (basic)
Kracco - Prussian » none

 

[Sterling]

You asked for pagan villager names, I dove into that crusty, old German manuscript of Old Prussian names that date before 1300. They are:

• Alsuthe (1292)
• Antime (1299)
• Ardange (1287)
• Argald-(inus) (1284)
• Azayme (1299)
• Astiothe (1283)
• Auctume (1263)
• Bayone (1299)
• Berisco/Berow (1261)
• Bethse (1280)
• Bigedis 1274)
• Bygvne (1299)
• Binge (1286)
• Biriske (1299)
• Bogesla (1289)
• Bugussyn (1286)
• Bunthe (1289)
• Dabore (1271)
• Dammo (1299)
• Dargot/Dargut (1299)
• Dersko (1284)
• Dirke (1289)
• Dywote (1286)
• Eytiow (1299
• Galws (1285)
• Ganathe (1289)
• Garbote (1299)
• Gastuno (1274)
• Gaudin (1284)
• Gauwina (f-na)
• Gedim (1246)
• Gederiks (1296)
• Gedune (1254)
• Gedute (1299)
• Germe (1281)
• Gilbris (1261)
• Girdilo (1285)
• Girdolle (1287)
• Glabot (1286) / Glabun (f)
• Glande (1298)
• Glappe (1260)
• Golte (1289)
• Grandaw (1299)
• Grunaw (1262)
• Gubike (1299)
• Guntar (1299)
• Gunte (1246)
• Gymme (1299)
• Jodute (1296)
• Jondele (1281)
• Junde (1299)
• Kabilo (na)
• Kaddar (1277)
• Kalio (na)
• Kaitow (na)
• Kandeym (1254)
• Kante (1285)
• Katye (f-na)
• Katunê (na) ... also, Keytûne
• Kawald (1284)
• Keyse (na)
• Keytis (1289)
• Keko (na)
• Kemo (na)_
• Kerse (1261) ... also, Kerso
• Kirsini (1284)
• Kirsne (1289)
• Kixe (f-na) ... from Kyxte (1299)
• Klawko (na) ... from Clauco (1344)
• Klecz (1291) ... pronounced Kl-Etsch
• Krodruno (1239)
• Kogathe (na) ... also, Koglindî
• Koytinis (1289)
• Kolte (na)
• Krake (na)
• Krek (na)
• Kropin (na)
• Kudir/Kvdir (na) ... also, Kudar
• Kunkite (na)
• Kunot (1267)
• Kurtyn (1290)
• Queybuth (1289)
• Leylla (na)
• Luban (na) ... also, Lubin
• Lutho (na)
• Lutte (na)
• Makie (1284)
• Malin (na)
• Margis (na)
• Marus (1267)
• Mattis (na) ... also, Matto
• Mawdio (1280)
• Medis (1290)
• Meynote (f-1299)
• Mente (na)
• Merik (na)
• Merkûne (na)
• Minâte (f-na)
• Moke (na)
• Muntir (1289) ... also, Munte
• Nadrus (na)
• Nakoke (1262)
• Naydim (f-na)
• Nameda (1274)
• Napelle (1299)
• Narune (f-na)
• Nasine (f-1296)
• Nassu (na)
• Nathar (na)
• Nawalde (1299)
• Nemoy (na)
• Nergune (na)
• Nirmo (na)
• Noriko (na)
• Norune (na)
• Opin (na)
• Orute (na)
• Pagawle (1299)
• Paytune (na)
• Palstok (1261)
• Pampel (na)
• Panote (na)
• Parupe (1296)
• Pede (1282)
• Peldete (1292)
• Perde (na)
• Perwan (na)
• Peyops (1239)
• Plowo (na) ... pronounced Pl-O-vo
• Pleppe (na)
• Pogo (na)
• Polexe (1299)
• Pomatho (1278)
• Potare (na)
• Preyke (na) ... also, Preyda (f-na)
• Peroke (na)
• Punke (na)
• Ramota (1298) ... also, Rapota
• Rediko (na)
• Regune (1278)
• Robe (1287)
• Rotaw (na)
• Rodil (na)
• Runate (na)
• Ruppe (na)
• Sabine (f-na)
• Sabune (na)
• Sade (na)
• Sadune (na)
• Sage (na)
• Sale (na)
• Saluke (na)
• Samane (na)
• Sambe (na) ... also, Sambin (f-na)
• Sambur (na)
• Samil (na)
• Sandam (1299)
• Sandar (na)
• Sange (1284)
• Sangite (1297)
• Sangro (1287)
• Sanxe (na)
• Sanna (f-na)
• Santir (na)
• Sapelle (1299)
• Sclode (1299)
• Scude (1299)
• Sebrow (na)
• Séluna (na)
• Sengo (na)
• Serune (na)
• Sirenes (f-1271)
• Skeido (na)
• Skoge (na)
• Skorpa (na)
• Slawote (1263)
• Slobin (na)
• Smyge (1284)
• Sodeko (na)
• Sokor (1289)
• Stagote (na)
• Stallie (f-na)
• Stanno (na)
• Stenis (1267)
• Stenyo (na)
• Steynow (1273)
• Stinegota (1276)
• Stirnis (1284)
• Stonem (1277)
• Storc (1267)
• Sude (na)
• Surdeta (1276)
• Suse (na)
• Swarge (na)
• Symunt (1297)
• Taga (na)
• Tagil (na)
• Tarke (na)
• Tarpo (na)
• Teykote (1297)
• Thessim (1294)
• Tydeko (1244)
• Tilko (na)
• Tyrune (1262)
• Tole (na)
• Torim (na)
• Trenis (na)
• Tropo (1262)

Post-Note: I went overboard on this list for you. Half of it was eaten by Iwaku last night ... so, this is my best recovery. Dates after names tell the year they are found in the source records. The designation (na) means that the name felt right, but the date was older than our story ... or, I just make that shit up. The designation (f-) means that the name is likely female. Please feel free to use these, or morph them as your imagination demands.

[warning=orange]UNDER DEVELOPMENT
RESERVED[/warning]

 

[Sterling]

[warning=orange]UNDER DEVELOPMENT
RESERVED[/warning]

 

[Astra]

Thank you so much for setting all of this up!!! You're the best

Ok, here are my long overdue responses...

Chieftain Origin Tribe
Thanks for that thoughtful explanation! The chieftain's origin makes complete sense to me. Feel free to pick which specific tribe he's from. I like that he would have established Härtzen with the surrounding threats in mind.

So: what does that mean for our village layout? I'm thinking that there would indeed be a central fort, of sorts, and sturdy but discreet buildings, with secret basements possibly. Watchtowers, perhaps, and difficult or poorly-marked roads between the woods. What do you have in mind?

The Rule of Four
My thoughts is that having a priest would overcomplicate us, lol. I like your advocate, and I like your nutty pagan-christian-synchretism guy. That's more than enough for me as far as religious leadership in Härtzen is concerned. I'm not sure how Daughter-Chieftain-Midwife-Forester precisely fits into the rule of four dynamic, but I think the dynamic is there in principle, and that the village characters all have their foils in the BOK characters (which is great!)

Christian Priest
Thanks for explaining all of this. I like Vadimus, I'm down for him and the Advocate to have a bit of a rapport, and I like bringing religious syncretism into this. 100% on board with all of it.

Death of Mentor and Chieftain
Yes to Jadwiga healing Vilkas, and I find it strangely cute that he wants to settle in Härtzen. I guess it would seem like a sleepy nice village, after all. I really like the idea of the Mentor and the Chieftain becoming buddies. Totally on board for that.

I can see the Mentor and Chieftain becoming fast friends ... in contrast to Waldemar and Jagwida. There might be a conflict of interests with a friendship ... Perhaps it's a begrudging respect?

Sorry but could you please clarify? Grudging respect between Mentor and Chieftain or between Wally and Vyga? Either works for me. The former makes sense given Vilkas' station, but at the same time, if he's old and wanting to retire, I figure he might be willing to relax as well. The latter works more, imo, since then their respective father figures could chastise them for being so stubborn (until they both TRAGICALLY DIE)

Stovamel's Wife
Lol, hot and heavy. I love their backstory though! And their motivations. I'm totally on board. I can see Velna becoming friends with Lelija. And Vyga, but Lelija would be more approachable.

Character Sheets
The only CS I feel like is missing is Vyga's "younger brother." I'll work on him soon. What age are you thinking? Mid to late teens, and eager to prove himself, even though Vyga and other still see him as a kid? Would be cute if he ends up idolizing the BOKs.

Here's my notes on the pagan cultural mores:
1) Dried or live herbs everywhere, a mixture, but it would include the plants the pagans held sacred. Perhaps the BOKs would see it as folksy, perhaps the pagans could be cunning and hang them in the form of crosses. It could be pervasive enough to be noticeable, and Waldemar would kick himself for not realizing their significance sooner once the pieces fell into place.

2) Burying the dead on hills = if there is a church, or some sort of chapel, it could be built at the foot of a hill, so the graveyard could be at the top of it. "Just for convenience" would be the reason given.

3) Burning corpses - not sure about medieval Christianity but my instinct is to say that was frowned upon because you'd need a body to revive into once Jesus came back. However, our villagers could be excuse their behavior by saying that they're a) afraid of the undead/vampires, b) afraid of disease, c) burying in caskets in the ground just never caught on (so the BOK could just think they're backwater).

4) Singing and dancing and drinking - oh you betcha. I'm thinking there needs to be a drinking contest at some point, and the BOK need to get schooled.

5) Lmao calendar stick

Glad you're on board with my sad grandma. Obviously we can tweak it as we go along, but I love the concept.

Brother Kreger -- sorry, how old is he? The CS says 24, but he looks at least 40, lol

I really like that 'Perpetually aggrieved" is one of Cernak's traits.

Hmm, I think that's all I have for now. Is there anything I forgot to respond to? :S

 

[Sterling]

Hey!

I think we're getting close to starting.

Chieftain Origin Tribe
I had written down the Pomesanian Tribe, which was the first tribe to be subdued being situated along the inland east bank of the Vistula River ... Did you want something more specific?

As for the layout of the town, I was thinking about drafting up the design myself. My idea was to have a town near a body of water (fishing and defense) with a walled section and an unwalled section. The Teutonic Knights would not tolerate a full-blown military installation, but there are a number of subtle ways to bolster the town's defensibility. I'll send you a sketch?

Death of Mentor and Chieftain
Just to clarify ... Stovamel and Velna would want to settle into a domestic life, and the Village (though questionable strategically) offers the best chance to capitalize on a quiet life, when life can be snuffed out fairly quickly.

Vilkas is not so much looking to settle down, but needs to remain stationary due to his wounds. The old woodsman wants to keep striding across the landscape and getting into adventures, but his venerable age and injures are catching up with him. Waldemar is a restless soul, and being tied down annoys him ... thus, his best friend and mentor slowing him down forces him to see situations in a different light.

As for the friendship, I was referring to the Chieftain and Mentor being friends or sharing a begrudging respect. Two old men, both dogs of war and a hard life, have some tales to share and (some degree of) common character. I can see the pagan raid surprising everyone, and the Chieftain defending his home with the wounded Mentor still inside ... Mentor emerges, sword drawn, knowing he's much better trained than the Chieftain ... Both go down defending the other.

As for Vyga and Waldemar, I expect they will get on each other's nerves until Waldemar hauls her brother back from the wild. I was also thinking (touching on a few of your mores comments) that Waldemar abstains from drinking alcohol excessively. His high, natural tolerance and deceit would have contributed to his escape, and he'd avoid becoming drunk ... always wanting to be on-guard. Having said that, maybe he imbibes during the wedding, and he and Vyga share a kiss ... only to snap out of it the next morning? Regretful? Awkward?

Brother Kreger
The photo felt wrong when I posted it ... I really wanted someone who looked of dubious morals. I will swap out the image.

Joker's Wife, Velna
She kinda needy, in a nurturing way. She'll want to become close with the female characters in the Village. The pagan ladies can get details about Wakdemar and the BOK from her ... those she's razor sharp, and will be one of the first to uncover the Village's pagan roots.

Vyga's Younger Brother
Go ahead and make a CS for the younger brother. I think he will be a barometer of sentiment for the Village. So, switching from fascination with the pagan lifestyle to admiring the BOK's, like you suggest. That would drive Vyga crazy! Maybe he bonds with some or all of the main characters. Maybe he becomes a squire to Konrad (the Master) ... I can see the Master dying for the younger brother at the end of the story.

Attending to the Dead
The sources are not crystal clear about who gets burned and who gets buried. If pressed, I might admit that the burying on hills might be a Lithuanian custom. Regardless, perhaps we'll need to concoct a position and justify how it has been practiced under the noses of the Teutonic Knights. The Advocate would have been a part of every funeral, and expects a burial.

What if ... What if the Village participates in a bit of trickery:

• Someone dies.
• The body is preserved in cold. (Pagan custom, imparting blessings, under guise of waiting for monks to arrive and bestow their Christian blessing.)
  
• Knight, non-combat monk, or priest (probably the Advocate) arrives and blesses body.
• Villagers switch dead body with coffin (nailed shut) filled with grain.
• Christian officiant provides blessing during burial, then leaves.
• Pagan priest arrives ... He mysteriously seems to know when someone has or will die. He brings pagan Galindians and they carry body back to scared grove in Galindia for proper pagan burning.
• Villagers stay in village, swear they see ghost of deceased or dream about deceased. Repeat cycle?

Thoughts? This is just one idea ... They can bury them exclusively ... Or only burn those of noble birth.

The opening scene you write could be the Pagan priest and Galindians taking the Grandmother's body from the winter? Just a thought.

So, you just need to confirm ...

1. That Pomesanian tribe is acceptable for the Chieftain.
2. Thoughts about a kiss at the wedding.
3. Younger brother CS.
4. Thoughts about burial practices.

I need to provide:

1. Correct image for Saxon a Knight ... Brother Kerger. (Done)
2. Design for Village layout.

Then, I'd like to start? Should I write the first post, or would you like to? Either way, I'll start the Thread with an intro post. I'd like to do this once the site update is complete.