Regional Professions Or - R
Orloisian Berserker
Drawn from the old Jotun tradition, berserkers are wild shock troops. Military use of berserkers is always a bit of a wildcard, because once enraged the fighter becomes incapable of decisions and will attack friendly forces if there are no enemies at kill. Once berserk rage has settled over them, they become bestial and brutal to the extreme. Some berserkers have been reputed to have glowing red eyes and even radiate heat. Berserks fight without armor, and sometimes naked, but they will use shields. Beserkers restrained from fighting may well damage themselves, clawing at their faces and chewing on their shields or weapons. Much of their power comes from eating copious quantities of magik mushrooms. Most people, even fellow soldiers, feel uneasy in the presence of berserkers. While berserk, the fighters feel no pain, will struggle on till everyone within reach is dead, and if they suffer a fatal blow, they will keep struggling until their bodies give out.
by Scott A. Story
Orloisian Shield Maiden
Jotun (and thus Orloisian) culture allows for training women to arms, especially when they show an aptitude for it. Shieldmaidens are not common, but the men afford them same ungrudging respect in the Jotun culture that male warriors are accorded. The term “shieldmaiden” is thought to mean that in earlier times these women were shield bearers for male warriors, and only unmarried women, or maidens, could belong. The name has stuck, but now the shieldmaiden is a full warrior, not assigned a secondary support role. If the shieldmaiden marries and intends to have children, she is usually expected to retire as a warrior and become a wife. If she divorces, or survives her husband, she may resume life as a shieldmaiden. These are not rules so much as cultural norms, because a married woman can still be a shieldmaiden. There are tales of shieldmaidens who delivered their children on the battlefield, fighting up till they had to stop and give birth. There are known examples of shield maidens who led armies, and Jotun men seem to have no reservation in serving these women.
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