hvit ravni, kalld ýtar a leíde minn sjeili i streid.
NORTEIGR is a 18+ CYOA passion project taking place in the titular northern country of Norteigr and draws heavy influence from both Norse mythology and history, while being set in its own reality altogether.
You're no one in this world. Your memories are gone and all that you carry is your name. A history forgotten, only to be returned in vague whispers in your dreams.
Fate, coincidence, or sheer luck brings you to live in Midjabód, a town where you have to rebuild your life while learning both about the unrest that grips the country, and your fellow Midjabó, for better or worse. The Jarl is preparing for war, and you're left to navigate your own identity, the mounting hostilities, interpersonal relationships, and mysterious fragments of your past life you no longer recognize. Will you remember in time, and what calamity will follow if you don't?
DEMO TBA • PINTEREST • RO PORTRAITS • PLAYLIST
Characters / RO's
Vargi Geirfinnsson (M)
He almost put an axe in your face when you first met. You're pretty sure he still wants to put an axe in your face now, but the Jarl's orders are to treat you like one of their own and what kind of son would he be if he went against his father's orders. This doesn't stop him from being hostile in private, which probably means you should keep to the more populated areas if you wish to have a proper conversation with him.
While he holds unbridled suspicion and dislike towards you, he's well respected in Midjabód, and one of their best warriors to boot. He has few friends, being that he's mostly regarded as the son of the Jarl, and the mightiest berserkir in their Vikingr ranks, nothing else. Destined to follow in his father's footsteps, Vargi does everything asked of him and has the hardest time with failure, and refuses to see failure as an option even in the face of death. Armed with a short temper and a two sharp axes, he's best be left alone.
Broki Hrekisson (M)
A talented bard and storyteller, Broki was the first one to welcome you to Midjabód with open arms. Your first true friend after losing your memories, and the trailblazer to your recovery, Broki brings you objects and trinkets like a little crow just to see if it stirs something forgotten in you. This makes him a mighty good pickpocket as well, but you have been sworn to secrecy about those shady mishaps.
The other Midjabó pin him as a local celebrity, and there's no place you can go without at least one friend or admirer showing up. Boastful at times, mischievous at others, Broki basks in the attention and is always chasing a new way to keep the masses entertained. Although his tongue is sharp, his blade isn't and he never truly learnt what was so appealing about becoming a Vikingr, and holds to his quill rather than a sword.
Svala Alfdottir (F)
Svala was the one to mend your body when you arrived in Midjabód. As one of the priestesses of the town, Svala is the most respected member of the community, and people clamor for her favor, for her to put in a good word to the Gods. She has kept herself close to you, worried yet intrigued by your story of loss and feeling of not belonging, and thus uses her privilege to bring you closer to your past, through magic, herbalism, and meditation.
When the deerskin headdress comes off and blood washed away, Svala is a very soft-spoken woman. While her voice carries prayers to heavens during rituals, she shifts completely when she is let roam free of her responsibilities. She prefers quiet times with her sisters, and nature is her respite. Once a mischievous little girl, Svala also knows all the nooks and crannies around Midjabód, be it the hidden cracks by the mountains, burrows in the woods. or forgotten caves by the ocean.
Randveig Ulfbjorndottir (F)
No one thought a retired berserkir would take in a stranger to live in their home, but Randveig was the one who gave you shelter when you had none. She doesn't take anything in return, only citing that everyone needs someone to take care of them in their darkest hour. At those words, your eyes usually go to her missing sword-hand, and you think you get it.
Although Randveig can be stoic and quiet, her wit could bring even the most studious bards to their knees. Her mind is sharper than the sword that cut her hand, and she is uncannily smug, if in a slightly terrifying way. Her Vikingr past is behind her, but at times of too much ale, you see a different side to her; A young woman dancing on tables with her fellow warriors, taken back to a time when she was allowed to do what she loved best, at least until she schools herself to be just a tavern owner once again.
this game is on a bit of a hiatus, in the way that i don't post updates as regularly as i work on the game. i still add content to it, but it's more on a back burner compared to my main game.
so i've decided that only the coat color, name, and gender will be choices so you'll have your very own fjord horse nevertheless! i was debating between an icelandic horse and the fjord horse for a long time until i realized that uh, iceland doesn't exist in this world, and i'm dumb lmao.
and as an extra treat, here's all the color choices! flavor text galore.
How would the RO's act if someone was flirting with the MC and they were clearly making them feel uncomfortable?
hey, that's a scene in my notes! let's see here.
vargi is a big, big man who is known for making people cower in fear, so you know what? he'd just casually sidle up behind or next to the mc, cross his arms and glare. he has that aura of violence, whether he wants it or not, so any unwanted solicitors would quickly lose their stride and slink away. if they were more determined than that though, a slow settle of his hand on his axe makes even the bravest of vikingr rethink their course of action, so that's a last resort. he'd give the mc a quick glance and once-over, not waiting for a thank you, and leave once again.
broki would stroll over very casually and put his arm around mc's shoulders (if their height allows) and pull them away as naturally as possible, while putting on a show that he's courting them but without making the implication completely clear. he's a bit of a sneak, so he wouldn't make a big splash about it but once they're far enough away, he'd release the hold and check if the mc is okay, and offer to go out-flirt the unwanted solicitor. because he would, just to give them a taste of their own medicine, as strange as it would be.
svala has to keep her cool most of the time, but she's seen enough of her sisters and other priestesses in such situations that she would go off, but not in the explosive way. she protected the mc from vargi when they first came to midjabód, she can handle one creep who can't read the room. stern words, with a bit of disdain, and a threat of the gods looking upon their actions in shame, the promise of a curse already on her tongue; it's efficient to run even the most dedicated solicitor away. she would hold her full height until they left and then make sure the mc is okay, fretting over them terribly and asking if they want to leave.
randveig would straight up just get physical. she's dealt with situations like that in her tavern enough, so when her hand comes to shove them away, they'd be down on their ass and scrambling for a run already. being pushed by someone without any emotion on their face and knowing she's an old berserkir with the byname of kin-killer? anyone with ulterior motives or slimy intentions would stay a width away from mc after that, and even the ones who truly wish to know them might be a bit wary. it's a bit of a negative, sure, but safety guaranteed.
ROs say something funny that makes others laugh, but the stoic MC remains impassive.
When the ROs turn around to leave, they would hear MC snort behind them. If they turn back, MC's face is already apathetic and just looks at them with a raised eyebrow and unimpressed look. However, there's a near-imperceptible upturn on the corner of their lips. RO reactions?
oooo, love these kinds of scenes!
vargi rarely says anything funny, so it would be an accident, an unintended joke that still happens from time to time. he'd turn back and scrutinize, because he knows that sound. he has done the same in the past, and he'd narrow his eyes at the mc and note the little upturn. "you find humor in this?" he'd ask, because he still doesn't know what the joke was - he was just stating facts, right? yet he'd be captivated, if only for a moment before leaving with a huff, now thinking about that miniscule show of emotion he finally witnessed.
broki would be on it like a hawk, the most brilliant smile on his face. he's uncannily perceptive, and would immediately catch on and just light up with glee that he finally, finally, got a reaction out of the mc. he'd try to memorize the sight, the look of wonder never leaving his eyes. "do the gods deceive me? you smiled!" he'd exclaim, heart alight in a way it never has before. if the mc tried to deny it, he wouldn't listen and just archive the interaction for later, remind the mc that he made them smile, he really did. and it was the first time he felt pride for making someone laugh.
svala, at this point, would understand how stoic the mc is and not comment on it, however sneakily glance back at them because it's a sound she's never heard from them before. perhaps worried, perhaps intrigued, she wouldn't catch on to the smile very quickly because she would scan them for any discomfort. once she did notice, she'd quickly avert her eyes as to not hurt the mc's pride, but hide her own smile (albeit poorly). she wishes to tell the mc they're radiant when they smile, even if it was just the tiniest show of it, but she bites her tongue and gets back to whatever she planned to do.
randveig would mirror it, not gonna lie. her smile would be more smug, a bit more noticeable, but still there. she's not the joking type, so whatever she said that brought the reaction must've been an inside joke from times past, or something the mc alone finds funny, but she'd find pride in it. rarely does others' reactions to her mean so much, and it causes conflicting feelings. "pray the gods you don't pull a muscle, making a face like that," she'd pointedly glance at the mc's lip, and get back to her work.
ROs reaction to the MC saying "I can hold the entire world in my hands, wanna see?" and then cups the ROs face in their hands.
aw my heart <3
vargi would outwardly seem impassive. of course, it's an absurd claim, the world is vast and unexplored, full of mysteries. which, in the end, does somehow describe him, but the confused knit would be on his brow the entire time before he'd blink from his stupor and tell the mc not to be ridiculous. still, he wouldn't move from the hold and just look away, still pondering, and a bit clueless.
broki would let out one of those disbelieving laughs and look like a deer in headlights, a rare drop of the facade that makes him infallible to such confessions. the surprise would quickly be hidden with a grin and a wink just as he places his hands on the mc's face as well, returning the compliment. "two worlds colliding, no? we would make a beautiful poem."
svala would go bright red and possibly get tears in her eyes. of course compliments like that are common for her, the priestess holding the world together, irreplaceable, yada yada yada, but someone telling her she's the world to them? blink away the tears and place her own hands on the mc's with a brilliant smile and a thank you.
randveig would just... stand there. confused, with a raised brow. "that doesn't make sense, did you fall into the mead barrel again?" because there's no way someone would actually think that of her unless they needed something. it also hurts some part of her jaded heart because it's a familiar phrase, "my world", now turned bitter. perhaps the mc would turn that sentiment sweet again.
I want to romance Svala but it’s said multiple times that she’s a priestess and therefore off limits. So how would romance with her work?
there comes a time in our lives (aka the game) when one has to decide between two paths. through enough turmoil, even the deepest of faith can be shaken, and when you're torn away from your old life and your old life is torn from you, you have this ultimatum. would it be better to hang on, desperately with tooth and nail, to those traditions that wouldn't serve you as well as before, or reshape them to aid you in the direction your life has taken you?
that's my sleepy, cryptic ramble. the non-crypic(ish) answer is that it'll happen very gradually. just because the norms in this land say she's off limits, is that what she wished upon herself? for the majority of the game she would not reciprocate any feelings, but the things she has to witness, the things she must do to survive, the way the events shape and reshape her views on the world outside her safety bubble, they all will guide her towards her own path, with or without the mc's affections.
From sickness and delirium, a dream manifested goddess with a breath of cold wind and sky of dancing lights; Synvigja, magic touched, eyes in three, fingers untouched by corruption and death. To see, never to be seen, lonesome ostracized seer, descended to the earthen realm and with every healing touch infected curse; to see what she seen, endless future, illness, destruction, salvation. Caught by father, cursed her name never to touch another, chained to the night. Each tear sparked light in the sky, the moonbound goddess only raven seen, dances her lonesome dance, hem flowing through the darkness, an eternal apology.
Synvigja, goddess of prophecy, magic, medicine, and the night.
Associated with curses, aurora borealis, mortar & pestle, and ravens.
Her binding rune is sacred for the priestesses within Norteigr, and it adorns every ritual dress and blade. The seer's hut holds many of these runes in various forms, from talismans to effigies, and the most devout have it tattooed on some part of their face or torso. It's said that the first ritual stone carved in Midjabód was engraved with Synvigja's rune, although many protest that it was Ýtar who was written first.
Syndág is the last day of the week, and is the day blessings are renewed and connecting with the deities is proposedly easiest. Many choose Syndág to feed the countless ravens living within their town or village, and others see it as a day to take it easy and mind their own health. It's also a day where warriors are forbidden from training, as it's a day of healing both body and soul. Some still train, risking Synvigja's wrath, and many have suffered serious injury the coming week. A notable person born un Syndág is, of course, Svala, but also Tova, the tailor. Tova, however, was not born on the night of divine lights. Coincidentally, Alsyna, the white raven thought to be an extension of Synvigja, is said to have appeared in Midjabód on a Syndág.
The feast in her honor, ironically, lands on the brightest night of the year; in the middle of the warmest season, for the night when the sun doesn't set entirely. It's seen as her being free from her nocturnal shackles where she was bound, and it brings a night of merriment and dancing. The day is spent enjoying herbal drinks and making offerings of medicinal herbs at her altar, and the night culminates in a dance of colors where dancers don fabric dyed in the colors of the aurora in the sky and mimic the dance of the lights, taking over the goddesses duties as she roams free, wherever she is.
Every priestess and seer in Midjabód completely devote themselves to Synvigja, and can not be listen in order of most devoted. Svala is very drawn to the deity, not only because she was born on her day and had the lights bless her, but a much more personal reason as well.
MC walks over to RO while they're are resting and drills underneath their arm so that the MC can snuggle up to them.
RO reactions?
👀 relationship pov, yes?
vargi would shift to make the mc more comfortable and hold them properly. he'd make a conscious effort to be softer for them, and just look at them in wonder, in disbelief that they would even do that after the initial animosity they'd had. eventually he'd relax as well, and possibly doze off.
broki would snuggle up as well, a good cocoon around mc because cuddles are surprisingly nice when he actually cares about someone. once they're both comfortable he'd just launch into a tale about his day, a white noise to create that bubble of safety is mc wants to fall asleep.
svala would make a noise of surprise, but let mc do it. she'd also unconsciously start running her fingers over them, tracing protection runes on their skin. she'd ask about their day and just bask in the comfort the cuddles give her, and enjoy spending time with mc, without prying eyes.
randveig would immediately ask if the mc was cold, be it in the dead of winter or scorching summer. she'd let mc get comfortable and not complain if she was anything but, and let mc relax at their leisure. it'd be a comfortable silence, and she'd eventually use her remaining hand to pet mc as comfort.
Are the ROs sought after by many people (or a few times) 🤔 if so how do they feel about it?
well, vargi is, for his status. i mean who wouldn't try to win the heart of a future jarl who is to inherit power and riches? plus he's a berserkir so he would have strong children, which is always a thing to consider in an unforgiving environment. those who pursue him are quite shallow though. as to his opinion about, he's just exasperated and tired. having people lounge near him and interrupting training really grinds his gears and that's why he just opts to ignore them altogether.
broki has people swooning for him all the time, he has that charm that has people infatuated. it's not for marriage, definitely not, but his entire being radiates fun and intrigue, so it's an experience many want to have at least once. those who aim to keep him are sorely disappointed though. he loves the attention, and knows he's quite a heartbreaker but does he care? no. it's all about having fun.
everyone knows svala is off-limits, but there's still some who hold buried adoration for her, and would pursue her if she wasn't bound to gods as she is. some have even tried to get her to run away with them, but that's a hard no on her part and that person usually gets ostracized by the town of they find out. svala herself tries to gently discourage such affections when she can.
and barely anyone seeks to court randveig. not because she's undesirable, but because people are quite simply afraid of her. when someone tries to get her interest, or show interest in her, they get discouraged by her attitude which is rather cold. the mystique and rumors do draw people to her, but she's just not interested. she gives zero reaction, and that usually drives people away before they even get to know her.
How would the ROs react if they overheard MC, who was asked by a friend what their type is, pretty much say all the exact qualities of RO?
Bonus: MC is usually a reserved person but turns beet red and a stuttering mess when trying to "vaguely" describe the RO
we thievin' over here, broki would be so proud 🥺
now first i read "opposites" instead of qualities, but this is way sweeter.
vargi is a recognizable character within midjabód, being who he is and how he looks, so the friend would quickly catch on. but that's not the question! overhearing this, he'd assume it as puppy love, a phase some go through when meeting him. it's nothing new, and he'd be a bit exasperated at first. idle admiration, as always, but seeing a flustered mc would get him a bit confused, and he would start keeping his distance because that's no good for the battlefield lmao. cannot take a hint.
broki is also one of those personalities who you immediately recognize if spoken about, but hey, everyone has a thing for broki. he'd most likely note everything mc says they appreciate, and use it to tease them later on because wow, i'm your type? let me coax out that beet red again while subtly hinting i heard you. it's great material for him to make the mc blush, and that's honestly one of his favorite things to do.
svala would be just as beet red and try not to squeak at the similarities because how could they be talking about her? she's naught but a priestess, so now her mission is to help mc find their type of person! wait, is it about her? no, no, they would never, now where can she dog up someone the mc is describing? she would bring it up later, somewhat awkwardly, but she honestly thinks the mc is talking about either one of her sisters or someone else in town.
randveig would laugh and probably give herself away. first she would assume they're talking about vargi since the descriptions of them are pretty similar, personality-wise, until the pronoun comes out. after that she'd shake it off, wondering if mc got hit in the head before they came to town, or if they've had one too many of svala's brews. secretly flattered, but would only bring it up after a few drinks, and tease mercilessly while still completely stonefaced.
What's the ROs previous sexual and relationship experience like?
relationship aspect answered here, but i could go a bit more into depth on the other aspect!
broki is obviously the most experienced on the sexual front. he's swung them all; men, women, warriors, passing traders, even rumored to have seduced a priestess at some point. he knows what he's doing, and has a reputation in town for being a bit, how you say, promiscuous. not that it's a bad thing, some just wish he would settle down already.
second most experienced is vargi, but there have never been feelings attached to that. just duty. since he's destined to become jarl, his father demands he find a wife and keep the bloodline going. he has enough admirers throwing themselves at him for every day of the week, but it's very rare for him to seek these pleasures out himself.
randveig had a husband once so she has some experience, but that was a long time ago and she hasn't partaken in that particular pastime after he died. it wasn't the focus of their relationship though, so she's teetering on the edge of both experienced, if that makes any sense.
and svala barely has any experience. the closest she ever got was during a weak moment where she was doubting her position with the gods and goddesses. nothing too explicit went down, so she knows what it's about but has never gone all the way. it's paramount that the priestesses are pure, so there's that.
i am all for progressing the scientific discoveries here ;)
for vargi it's surprisingly easy. catching him off guard with subtle flirtations, mundane compliments, or just showing an interest in him as anything but a warrior. he already has people fawning over him as an extension/the will of ségur and not a human being, so just treating him normal is the way to go.
broki is the one causing the blushing so it's a challenge. flirting won't work because that would be returned without hesitation, but being appreciative without ulterior motives? a great start. the easiest way would be getting him those "this reminded me of you", thoughtful gifts.
svala is the easiest to get blushing. compliments, commending her on her job, even just giving her a genuine, adoring smile would make her flustered. the best way is to comment on her intelligence or get her flowers though, maybe tell her why the flowers are for her.
and randveig doesn't blush lmao. her version of a blush is a smile, and the easiest way to get her to that point is just being by her side, without judgement. small touches, accidental or not, would work after getting past her guards. there might be a tint of red if the mc actually takes time to get to know her, but you didn't hear that from me.
vargi, broki, and svala have never been in love, at least not in the sense that they know the feeling as just that. svala has had crushes for sure, and broki knows the more carnal emotion, but not love.
the only one who can say they've known love is randveig, but that was a very long time ago. it has shaped her to who she is today, so we can assume there was no happy ending there haha.
