Norse News

[p]In Part One of this series, we introduced three key characters from NORSE: Oath of Blood. Today, we turn to three more figures whose choices helped shape the origin of this brutal and vengeful saga.[/p][p][/p][p]Where heroes rise, tyrants often stand in their way. This is the clash of ambition and legacy that fuels the coming storm.[/p][p][/p][h2]Jarl Grípr[/h2][p][/p][p]Once a fierce raider, Grípr chose a different path focused on peace, prosperity, and trade. As Jarl of Borre, he was beloved by his people but judged by some as weak. That judgment proved fatal.[/p][p][/p][p]His death at the hands of his most trusted warrior sets in motion the bloody saga of NORSE: Oath of Blood. His children now carry the weight of his legacy.
[/p][h2]Ragnhildr[/h2][p][/p][p]Ragnhildr, wife of Jarl Grípr and mother to Gunnar and Sigrid, is a woman of fierce resolve and quiet strength. When her husband is betrayed and slain, she does not falter, instead orchestrating her children’s escape and commanding Arn to protect them at all costs. [/p][p][/p][p]Her sacrifice ensures the twins live to fight another day, even as her own fate remains unknown. In every battle they face, Gunnar and Sigrid carry the fire of their mother’s will.[/p][p][/p][h2]Steinarr Far-Spear[/h2][p][/p][p]Once the Jarl’s champion, Steinarr grew bitter under Grípr’s peaceful rule. Craving conquest and power, he plunged his spear into the heart of loyalty, murdering Grípr and seizing Borre for himself.[/p][p][/p][p]Now a self-made tyrant, Steinarr rules through fear and force. His betrayal is the flame that ignites Gunnar’s quest and marks the first act in a storm of vengeance that will engulf them all.[/p][p][/p][p]To see more about NORSE: Oath of Blood, check out the latest Story Teaser Trailer released during IGN Live.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]For a deeper look into the game, watch the IGN Rewind Theater interview featuring NORSE: Oath of Blood developers Terje Lundberg (Creative Director) and Philip Stevens (Narrative Director).[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]If you haven’t already, be sure to wishlist NORSE: Oath of Blood on the Steam Store now. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
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[p]Last week we talked about the various artisans that will be helping you build your village in The Viking Artisans of Suthrvik - Part One and Part Two.[/p][p][/p][p]This week we are introducing to you some of NORSE: Oath of Blood’s main characters in this two part series - Bloodlines and Betrayal.[/p][p][/p][p]Every saga is born of fire, a single flame that catches and consumes. In NORSE: Oath of Blood, that fire is betrayal. From the ashes of treachery rises a tale of ambition, honor, and vengeance. These are the warriors at the heart of it all.[/p][p][/p][h2]Gunnar Grípsson[/h2][p][/p][p]The son of Jarl Grípr, Gunnar is charismatic, headstrong, and born to lead. When his father is cut down by the very man sworn to protect him, Gunnar escapes with only his sister, Sigrid, and Arn Spear-Breaker at his side.[/p][p][/p][p]Gifted land, a boat, and a small crew by his uncle, Jarl Egil, Gunnar must carve out a new life, earning sword-fame with every enemy faced, with every battle won. Only with a thriving settlement and a warband at his back will he stand a chance of taking his revenge and reclaiming his birthright.[/p][p][/p][h2]Sigrid Grípsdóttir[/h2][p][/p][p]Gunnar’s twin, Sigrid, is iron-willed and sharp-tongued. More at home with a spear than a spindle, her parents gave up trying to tame her long ago. A jarl’s daughter is meant to marry for alliance, but Sigrid won’t be bartered like silver. [/p][p][/p][p]She’s no man’s prize, and a match for any warrior who dares face her.[/p][p][/p][h2]Arn Shield-Breaker[/h2][h2][/h2][p]Once the personal bodyguard of Gunnar and Sigrid’s mother, Ragnihldr, Arn is a seasoned warrior and sharp-minded tactician. When betrayal tears their world apart, it is Arn who leads the twins to safety.[/p][p] [/p][p]Fiercely loyal, he serves as mentor and shield, standing beside them as their strength—and their enemies—grow.[/p][p][/p][p]These three are the core of a rising storm. They have lost everything — and now they will rise together to take it back. [/p][p][/p][p]Let us know which of these warriors you’re most eager to follow into battle![/p][p][/p][p]Stay tuned for Part Two of Bloodlines & Betrayal. [/p][p]If you haven’t already, be sure to wishlist NORSE: Oath of Blood on the Steam Store now![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
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[p]In Part One of this series, we met the blacksmith, the farmer, and the seamstress—three vital figures who shape daily life in Suthrvik with their skill, spirit, and stories. 
[/p][p]Now, in Part Two, we turn our attention to more of the unsung heroes who keep your Viking settlement thriving. From woodcarvers to fishermen and hunters, these characters may not lead charges into battle, but their contributions are just as crucial to the survival and soul of Suthrvik.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Wood carver, skald, and self-declared great lover, Olaf is as fond of his own voice as he is of a strong drink and a warm audience. With a harp on his hip and a carving knife in his belt, he crafts both tales and timber with equal flair.[/p][p][/p][p]Though often mocked for his vanity and endless verses, Olaf understands the power of story. Kings rise and fall, but a skald’s song endures. He sees in Gunnar the shape of legend and intends to be the one to carve it in wood and word alike.
[/p][p]Loud, lewd, and loyal in his own theatrical way, Olaf brings mirth and myth to the fire. If Gunnar Gripsson is to carve himself a fine reputation as a warrior and leader, if he is to have his tale told around the hearths of the Norse lands, it will be Olaf who gives that tale rhythm and rhyme.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Brash, foul-mouthed, and utterly unbothered by rank or reputation, Gertrud is one of the finest fisherfolk in the region and she knows it. She sails the fjords with a sure hand, sharp tongue, and a deep knowledge of every hidden shoal and secret fishing spot the coast can offer.[/p][p][/p][p]She has little patience for fools, and even less for men who think themselves clever. Most find her crude and caustic; fewer notice the quiet care beneath the bluster. Whether hauling nets, cursing the weather, or muttering wisdom between spits over the side of her boat, Gertrud is a fixture of Suthrvik, gruff, loyal, and unshakably real.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]A solitary figure of the wilds, Hallbjorn is a tracker and hunter of rare skill. Gruff, guarded, and slow to trust, he prefers the company of trees and beasts to that of men. His eyes miss nothing, and his instincts are sharper than any blade.[/p][p][/p][p]Hardened by years of survival in the harshest reaches of the land, Hallbjorn knows how to find what others cannot, and how to kill it if needed. Not one for conversation, his presence commands respect. In the growing village, he is both scout and shadow, a man of the old ways, in tune with the rhythm of the earth and the whisper of the wind.
[/p][p][/p][p]Here are a few bits of news from the month of June that you may have missed:[/p][p][/p][h2]Building a Viking Settlement[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]In NORSE: Oath of Blood, you begin with little more than courage, scavenge timber, iron, and other resources to build and expand your settlement, recruit hardened hirdmen, craft legendary gear with master artisans, and forge vital trade alliances as you lead your warband on a brutal saga of vengeance and honor.[/p][p][/p][p]Click here to check out the Steam Community post, Building a Viking Settlement[/p][p][/p][h2]IGN Live Rewind Theater[/h2][p][/p][p]Terje Lundberg (Creative Director) and Philip Stevens (Narrative Director) join IGN’s Alan Knight for an in-depth discussion about NORSE: Oath of Blood. Together, they dissect the newest trailer and delve into the game’s narrative and design elements.
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Story Teaser Trailer[/h2][p][/p][p]Here’s the full Story Teaser Trailer that premiered during IGN Live. It offers a glimpse into NORSE: Oath of Blood’s narrative and includes a few gameplay moments. More gameplay will be showcased in upcoming videos—so stay tuned![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
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Check out the store page and wishlist NORSE: Oath of Blood today![/p]

[p]Constructing the settlement of Suthrvik plays a key role in NORSE: Oath of Blood, as detailed in last week’s Steam Community post, Building a Viking Settlement.  [/p][p]This week, we want to take a closer look and introduce you to the skilled craftspeople of Suthrvik.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]In this two-part series, we’ll highlight the artisans and craftspeople who bring the Viking settlement of Suthrvik to life. [/p][p]These workers are essential, not only for the village’s survival and growth, but also for outfitting your warband for the battles ahead. Suthrvik thrives not just on the strength of its warriors, but on the vibrant personalities who labor behind the scenes to keep the heart of the settlement beating.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]A wandering blacksmith who settles in Suthrvik, Torsten quickly becomes an indispensable part of the village. His masterful forging of weapons and armor strengthens the warriors who fight under Gunnar’s banner.[/p][p]Torsten brings humor, heart, and a touch of chaos wherever he goes. He’s as quick with a joke as he is with a hammer, and never says no to a strong drink or a louder song. Nevertheless, the emotional wound of his brother’s betrayal and their father’s death has never healed, and Torsten is known to fall into dark moods and mires of self pity.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Nervous, meticulous, and very much under the thumb of his formidable wife Geirlaug, Holti is no Warrior, but he is vital. Responsible for Suthrvik’s farms, stores, and harvests, he ensures the settlement not only survives, but grows.[/p][p]Though often flustered and henpecked, Holti’s tireless work anchors the village’s economy and daily life. In a world of blood and steel, he brings a touch of warmth, routine, and reluctant humor to the saga.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]A gifted seamstress with a sharp tongue and a sharper eye, Geirlaug runs her household—and her husband Holti—with iron certainty wrapped in silken charm. Known for her flirtatious manner and commanding presence, she weaves gossip as deftly as she weaves cloth.[/p][p]Geirlaug plays a quiet but crucial role in Suthrvik’s life: outfitting warriors, clothing children, and keeping spirits high with her wit and confidence. While Holti frets, she flirts, schemes, and sews, always two steps ahead of everyone else.[/p][p][/p][p]Stay tuned for Part Two of this series, where we’ll delve further into the characters of NORSE: Oath of Blood and the crafts folk who bring the Viking settlement of Suthrvik to life.[/p][p][/p][h2]Story Teaser Trailer[/h2][p]To see more about NORSE: Oath of Blood, check out the latest Story Teaser Trailer released during IGN Live.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Interview with the Developers[/h2][p]For a deeper look into the game, watch the IGN Rewind Theater interview featuring NORSE: Oath of Blood developers Terje Lundberg (Creative Director) and Philip Stevens (Narrative Director).[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Wishlist Now[/h2][p]If you haven’t already, be sure to wishlist NORSE: Oath of Blood on the Steam Store now.
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[p][/p][p][/p][p]We’re thrilled to share more about NORSE: Oath of Blood, a historically inspired adventure that immerses you in the rugged world of the Norse. [/p][p]Join brother and sister Gunnar and Sigrid as they arrive in a strange and dangerous land with only a small crew and a hunger for vengeance. You must build a thriving settlement, master trade, craft everything you need—from clothes to weapons—and lead your Hirdmen into bloody battle.
[/p][p]Ready to join the warband and write a saga for the ages?[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

• [p]Starting with little more than courage, you’ll lead Gunnar, Sigrid, and their small crew as they scavenge for resources in harsh, unforgiving lands. [/p]
• [p]Assign tasks to gather timber, bog-iron, and other vital materials, then begin construction on your longhouse, workshops, and more. [/p]
• [p]Every decision shapes your settlement, transforming the wilderness into a stronghold and unlocking new ways to strengthen your people, honor the gods, and edge closer to your oath of vengeance.
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• [p]The world of NORSE: Oath of Blood is brutal, with death never far away. [/p]
• [p]Recruit skilled hirdmen from friendly nearby settlements to bolster your warband, and equip them with weapons and armor fit for the fight. [/p]
• [p]Through battle, your warriors gain hard-earned experience, sharpening unique skills and rising as heroes ready to face raiders, slavers, bandits, rival clans, and other deadly foes.
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• [p]Your settlement thrives on the talents of its artisans, each with a unique craft, personality, and past.[/p]
• [p]Attract a master blacksmith, a skilled seamstress, and other specialists to craft battle-ready axes and life-saving armor. [/p]
• [p]As your stronghold grows, new recipes and rare materials unlock, echoing the ingenuity of Norse craftsmanship. [/p]
• [p]The weapons and gear they create, steeped in their personal stories, will prepare your hirdmen for glory.
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• [p]As your settlement’s reputation grows, nearby clans will seek trade. [/p]
• [p]Exchange surplus resources for equipment, essential materials, or food to sustain your people through lean times. [/p]
• [p]Pay close attention to each village’s needs to strike profitable deals, echoing the vital role commerce played in Norse society. [/p]
• [p]Your skill in trade will shape the future of your settlement, ensuring you're prepared for the many trials that lie ahead.
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[p][/p][p]NORSE: Oath of Blood is a love letter to Norse culture, weaving rich storytelling with gripping, immersive gameplay. Every choice, whether building your longhouse, striking a trade, or leading your hirdmen into battle, feels impactful. [/p][p][/p][p]Add NORSE: Oath of Blood to your Steam wishlist today, share your thoughts below, and join us in forging a saga worthy of the skalds.[/p][p][/p][p]Skål![/p]