Some may be unsure how to get started in VL.
In a nutshell, there will be three vast landholders of wealth and prosperity. Sign on under them, residing on their lands as Servants. Servants are not exactly what we picture them to always be. They are free Norse living, working their trades, and supporting their landowner. See the webpages for more accurate details.
For most, this is the route to take, learning, getting your feet wet in the role play, working your trade or profession. Do it well, and your landowner will likely give you a leg up and help you climb to your objective. You may even one day become a landowner doing the same for others.
Norse did own slaves, also found on the webpages.
Several trades/professions are listed. Look them over and get an idea of what may interest you. It is expected, that mst will try several of them before they arrive at one they really enjoy. This is not an issue, as most Norse were jacks of all trades to begin with, though not professional at any one thing until doing it for some time.
Cooperation and teamwork is essential for survival.
Work on a character. Sirensong, Webmaze Graphics Coodinator is happy to assist with avatars, and does a good job keeping track of which are used.
Seek out a name. It can be comprised of historical names, fictitious names, a combination of names, etc, though it is less complicated not to adopt an exact name of a historical figure in Norse history that is in direct relation to our time period. This could prove problematic for you.
Consider what you wish to do. Women will no doubt cook and be family business oriented. Men, the hunter, gatherers, explorers. This is generally speaking, so that much is considered a given. If a Woman is unsure where to begin, read the webpages, look at all the food and drinks for an idea of food stuffs and availability. Then build upon that foundation.
Slavery here is not the deep seated, specifics found in other sections. Read the webpage. It is easier in knowledge, based upon history. The one factor that must be remembered at all times is to be pleasing.
I will be a landowner, and it goes without saying our Queen will be. One other to be announced will be given lands. This is a great honor, and with it comes great responsibility.
The Volva, will own her own land, though not very large. She is beholding to none in this regard. If you live on her land, you will likely be a slave having no rights but those which she allows. It is never wise to make the Volva unhappy. Bad things can happen!
To get a simple idea of what we strive for, the series VIKINGS is as good a place as any to regard. Loosely historical based, stories within the story, hopes, dreams, aspirations. Weapons, though the armor is questionable and the show does comprise a vast period of time. It is a series that covers ground quickly, but you will get the idea. In VL, we will be historically based, add theory and some conjecture, debate, and we should come close to achieving the goal wished for. And prepare for role play action!
If you are not versed in Norse ways, start out slow. You will not be alone. Everyone likes advancing, gaining fame and fortune, etc, but bear in mind there is no hurry. Be patient, live and learn day to day, and you will achieve solid footing.
The room leaders are here to help you, often through the role play itself, other times in whisper sharing detailed knowledge and offering additional suggestions.
Be in the room when possible, bearing in mind we all have real life obligations. Give what you can. It is not always how much time you give, though the more people available generally means larger role play scenarios, it is what you put into your time that creates the quality of our world.
Being a new room, unless banned from Webmaze as a site, nobody has a past in VL. All have a fresh clean slate to try this new role play venue, with only a few exceptions that have shown they are not welcome by their actions. Medieval may have not worked out, nor Gor, DWBN, and others. Give Medieval Conquest a try.
We will take things relatively slow and easy starting out. It is a good time to give it a try on equal footing with others wishing to give it a try.
Please, do not start with limitless wealth. Half the fun is in the building and gaining of wealth. There is plenty of opportunity to achieve this if you do so wisely. Most Norse were poor. They counted on their trade to scratch out a living, and those skilled at it looked forward to raiding to increase their fortunes.
We do not place any restrictions on anyone with regards to sections. If you wish to divide your time, feel free to do so. We only ask you give equal quality to both. Pay attention to events and do try to be present at events in your chosen sections. We will attempt to work around the events of others provided we are extended the same courtesy. At times a conflict may be unavoidable, but every care will be taken to work around schedules.
Hopefully this helps and gives you an idea of what is awaiting you. We do expect you to vies our message board regularly to keep current on what is taking place.
It is understood some dislike posting the boards. You are still expected to read, and when a sign-off is requested, to please do so.
Thanks for considering VL, and welcome.
