Disappearance of VIS "Nordlichter"

There's a lot of misconceptions flying around when it comes to the tale of VIS Nordlichter and its disappearance. But one thing I have to admit, this certainly was not some magic work by monstrosities lurking at the bottom of the sea, but rather the organized effort of some really stupidly brave individuals. A captain of a patrol ship stationed on the Northern Sea

Summary

During one of its patrols, the VIS "Nordlichter" was surprised and boarded by the pirates of captain Magnar Stortbein. They managed to overpower the ship crew and then by intoxicating them with narcotic gasses, sent them off clueless in a lifeboat with no memory of the attack. It's said during this patrol the ship had a special cargo on board which it was supposed to drop off at a port on its way.

Historical Basis

Historical facts

The VIS "Nordlichter", a small ironclad ship, did in fact disappear mysteriously during one of its patrols on the Northern Sea. The crew was discovered drifting on a lifeboat, completely stripped of any memories regarding their lost ship. After prolonged searching, its wreck had not been found thus resulting in the assumption that it must had been stolen by someone.

Myth and assumptions

One of the more famous sea pirates at the time, a runaway captain of the Norvei peoples going by the name of Magnar Stortbein, is considered to be the one that stole the ship due to his lively activity on the Northern Sea. This is further expanded on with the idea that there was some specific cargo of high value on the ship when it disappeared, which would explain a pirate ambush.

Spread

The myth is most widespread on the coasts of the Northern Sea, where it acts as a tale of warning for all ships that venture into the cold waters. As for more inland, it was popularized by a novel based around the disappearance of the "Nordlichter" and the idea that it was the pirates that were behind it. Furthermore, within a well-known book containing biographies (a blend of fact and fiction of famous renegades, within the life story of captain Magnar Stortbein the "Nordlichter" case is mentioned as his biggest villainous achievement.

Variations & Mutation

Sometimes pirates are moved aside for the concept of underwater monstrosities abducting the ship or some mysterious magical forces moving it to a completely different place on Aon. The cargo that the ship was supposedly carrying is also very much so variable. Most commonly it's said to have been an armament of some sort, however, gold and valuable furniture are sometimes brought up.

A similar ironclad to the VIS "Nordlichter"

Date of First Recording

2981

Date of Setting

2981