It is the 10th century in Denmark. You seek to claim what is rightfully yours at the death of your family’s patriarch. You gather for his funeral to mourn his passing and claim your inheritance.
Character Pitches
Brief descriptions of the characters
- Thorvald, a wealthy retired Viking. Husband of Fulla, father of Baldr, Daxo and Ring.
- Fulla, a powerful matriarch. Wife of Thorvald, mother of Baldr, Daxo and Ring.
- Daxo, the exiled son, a Viking, now returned.
- Ring, the youngest son, who has big dreams, but has been kept close at hand by his father and mother.
- Tyr, a former berserk, who lost his arm in battle. Husband of Gefjon, father of Rán.
- Gefjon, a wild priestess of Odin or a seiđkona. Mother of Rán and wife of Tyr.
- Rán, bereaved daughter of Tyr and Gefjon. She wishes to make her own way in this world and choose her own destiny.
- Ansgar, a Christian priest, who was Grandfather’s advisor and is Thorvald’s accountant.
- Aurvandil, a Viking who has traveled from Upsala to Kiev to Constantinople. He comes now as Daxo’s boon companion.
Preamble
Grandfather had lived a long life—ultimately, perhaps, a wealthy man. He settled, raised a family, and enjoyed his grandchildren. As Grandfather grew older and more frail, he came to fear death…and the Hell that beckoned. So, as a good son, Thorvald arranged a proper death for his father. The families dug up some old unpaid weregeld, summoned all of the young men—cousins, nephews, etc.—and took to the field to settle the debt. Grandfather himself was seated in a cart, his sword lashed to his hand. At a signal, the families joined in battle, and Tyr himself strode up to Grandfather and delivered the fatal blow. Grandfather died in battle; to Valhalla he goes. We now gather to celebrate his funeral.
A Prayer to Odin
Let us pray the Father of Hosts be gracious to us!
He granteth and giveth gold to his servants…
He giveth victory to his sons, to his followers wealth,
Ready speech to his children and wisdom to men,
Fair wind to captains and song to poets;
He giveth luck in love to many a hero.
—a prayer to Odin, from the Saxo Grammaticus
Description
Ten years ago, Daxo murdered his beloved older brother, Baldr. Exiled by his father for his crime, he has spent a long decade wandering. But now he has heard that his dear grandfather has died, and he has returned home to claim his inheritance.
Inheritance tells the tale of two families coming to terms with forgiveness, debt, religion, law, and death. In three acts, the game presents a powerful drama that is always unique to the players and their decisions.
It is a roleplaying game for nine players (no more, no less) and one facilitator. It takes place in two rooms (or a similar location outside) over two to three hours.
Player Tips
- Think about your relationships with the other characters and your relationship with the deceased.
- Think about how you feel about the passing.
- Think about what you hope to get from the other attendees.