Guthrum the Rune Sage

Life, Career

An erstwhile warrior, Guthrum of Jormungrod emerges from a personal tragedy with a remarkable discovery; the lost art of rune crafting, which he uses to spread the word of a new age for Jormungrod. Preaching peace, cooperation and charity, Guthrum teaches the secrets of runes to a select group of trusted followers. A movement emerges around him and his message spreads like wildfire among the Jormungrodi tribes.

After losing four of his five children during a particularly brutal skirmish, the famed warrior Guthrum of Jormungrod vanishes into the Sifnir Mountains, mad with grief. He is not heard of again for close to ten years, until one morning he returns to his home city a changed man. He wears a suit of beautiful scale armour, helmet, shield and longsword, all adorned with beautifully etched runes of unknown origin.   Rather than return to his warrior lodge to fight once more, instead he wanders the streets, preaching of peace and cooperation with the outside world. He speaks of an end to the era of bloodshed, and urges his fellows to instead turn their strength towards helping the weak, rather than taking from them. Some brash and outraged folk try to silence him, yet he defeats all challengers through some strange magic of his runic arms and armour. He spares them all, and offers them mercy and to teach them the secret of his craft if they will follow him. Some spit his offer back in his face, though a number accept. Guthrum founds a new lodge, teaching only those he deems worthy the secret of his runic craft. Slowly, his philosophy begins to spread across Jormungrod's domain, attracting more and more followers, though many still cling to the old ways. Eventually, years after his death, even the Ursrigh of Jormungrod dedicates himself to his tenants, and sets his eyes on changing Jormungrod for good.