Northman

​The northman is a warrior from the cold fjords and mountains of the Eismeer and Dragonspine Mountains. Northman lands are poor for farming, so the northmen take to the sea and raid warmer lands for food and treasure. Northmen are superb and daring sailors. Although they seem similar to the barbarians, northmen have a real civilization. They make excellent boats, armor, and weapons. Northmen are physically large, much more so than other peoples. They have pale skin, blue or gray eyes, and blonde or red hair. When rolling height and weight, the player should use the above average random rolls. ​

Role

​As with other cultures, northmen have a variety of attitudes. Some are chaotic and carefree, while others are grim and fatalistic. All have a zest for combat. Northmen adventurers are easily noticeable out of their home environment because of their size and appearance. Nobles often hire them as personal guards. Northmen are loyal to the death if they vow service to a chief or employer. ​

Distinctive Appearance

None

Special Benefits

The benefit of being a northman lies in his bonus proficiencies. In addition to being a fine swimmer, the northman is skilled in oars, sails, and keelboats. ​

Special Hindrances

​Because of their raiding reputation, northmen have a +3 penalty on reaction rolls when in lands of the people who suffer from their raids. ​

Class

Fighter ​

Attribute Requirements

Strength of 14. ​

Barred Beliefs

None

Race Requirement

Only humans may be northmen. ​

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

None​

Required Weapon Proficiencies

​Axe, long sword. If the PC is a fighter and wishes to specialize, he must choose one of these above two weapons for specialization. ​

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

​Short bow, knife, spear, hand axe. ​

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Swimming, Seamanship ​

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

​Navigation, Survival (cold), Endurance, Rope Use, Fishing ​

Equipment

​Northmen are disdainful of armor heavier than chain mail and often wear armor lighter than that. In combat, they prefer large shields. A northman’s goal in life often is to command a longship with full crew, either hired or volunteers, and go raiding to gain land and treasure. Ultimately, he wants to die gloriously in battle.

Wealth Options

​Northmen receive the normal 5d4 x 10 gp. ​

Homeland Terrain

None

Economic System

​None​