More tales from the 14th century African city-state of Andur. While I've got numerous mouse characters inhabiting my dreams I have shown almost none of the other small people. The rats.

For much of history rats have lived more on the edges of civilization than the mice. While quite capable of doing great magic they have not consistently had the culture or the means to nurture great mages themselves like the mice have. Some of this is the fact that the rats have not shared as much of the same benefits as mice have from interacting with the Bigums. And when they have had interaction with Bigums it has not been as helpful.

Unfortunately on many occasions throughout history the rats have been accused of crimes, treasons, and heresies they did not commit. In fact in quite few cases the blame should have fallen on the mice but they were able to pin it on the rats! This has engendered some bad blood between the mice and the rats, and it was only in modern times that the mice have looked in the mirror and admitted they screwed them badly on several occasions. In other cases it was the Bigums looking for a suitable fall guy.

For this reason the rats have never developed the permanent homelands or fixed communities like the mice have. Instead they have lived a nomadic almost gypsy-like lifestyle. In particular they taken to living and traveling on ships. Yes they're ship rats. They helped keep vermin and disease under control onboard the ship and they also check for stowaways. Including other rats and mice sneaking onboard. But the their most important function in the eyes of sailors of all species is their perceived ability to magically see into the future and predict what the weather and other dangers might befall a ship and crew. Some of this was bluff and charlatan tricks but until the magic went away in the late 16th century it was their area of expertise. In fact the sight of rats leaving a ship at port or refusing to board one was often more than enough to make many a crew mutiny!

This is Siegfried who goes by the title of the Ice Lord. He is a Nobleman and a powerful mage of the Vikings. In particular he is a nobleman for a large group of Vikings that have taken up the merchant and shipping trade to new heights. Their organization is called Valhaulla. No not Valhalla, Valhaulla. They'll haul anything anywhere. Even places they don't even know of yet! Now being Vikings they are a bit rough and tumble and are not above a good battle or a little raid. In fact they've adopted from us the Moderns the term "amphibious assault" and consider themselves to be the experts of their time on the subject.

For quite a number of years the Valhaulan Vikings have sailed into Andur's harbor to trade and to offer their services as mercenaries for the Sultan of Andur. Since they have for the most part behaved themselves. Never betrayed the trust of the Sultan's family, and have not tried any "amphibious assaults" on the city they are always welcomed in the palace of the Sultan. Their long boats with Orange sails with invert yellow chevrons and black and orange hulls are always a greeted friendly smiles and not dread or fear.

Now the Vikings have heard there is a war brewing against Andur and they want to be part of the fun! So we have had Valhaulan Vikings showing up to offer their blades, shields, magic to fight the Caliphate of Baghdad. In particular the Ice Lord has shown up with his ships and men to offer his own magical skills and his men's blades to the fight. Also Siegfried has heard of a particular mage in the city of Andur named Jedel http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1073155/ http://www.furaffinity.net/view/831333/ who is renowned for her fire magic. He'd like to see "supposed" mage in action and maybe test his own skills against her.

Now Siegfried's personality is about different from Jedel's as fire and ice are, but they do have one thing in common. Both of their fathers were supernatural in nature. Jedel's was a demon and Siegfried 's was an angel. Sorry if this posting was a bit long.