HRAFNSLITH

CHRONICLES

By Oswaine Of Pucknowle

The Creation 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

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The Creation

The evening after an unnames battle near Portchester in the year MMI, an odd assortment of warriors sat at the campfire to pick over the bones of the day. Saxon, Dane, Rus-Vike, Angle and others unknown, talked of a common interest, fighting.

All had fought together at points during the day and all had found joy in the shield wall. Some there held no allegiance to any group or company, others were unhappy in their allegiances. Grievances and complaints werew aired and shared as was the ale and mead.

Around the fire and mead-cup a general agreement arose, and decisions were made to form a new group to include the common interests of those present. Over the following months many phone calls were made, emails sent, friendships forged, things discussed and so born the troop of the Raven ‘HRAVNSLITH’

A training day was arranded and as the new members ranged from cornwall through to Dorset a mid-point was arranged near Honiton at an unremembered Horsey related names pub. To appease the Gods of officialdom and insurance Hravnslith joined with an official national group and ‘The Viking’ became one new troop stronger.

‘The Vikings’ gave the relaxed friendly support the troop required from a society. More training days were arranged with visiting officers from the society, this time at an Otter related pub also near Honiton. New members joined and Hravnslith grew.

The year MMII was Hravnslith take to the battlefield as a unit and make a substantial start to their lining history encampment. Events are coming in, as is the Geld. Our banner has been unfurled and the Raven is flying.

 

Hravnslith Chronicles MMII

MAY On the forth day of the month Thurston journeys to Morden Park Hall to meet with members of the Viking Council. Hravnslith recognised by Konungr.

JUNE On the first day of this month Hravnslith were requested to attend festivities at Yeovil in the Summerland.
Attending Thurston were Alric of Waltham, Guthrum Foulbeard, also Hereward Hwicce. A dispute over a slave was settled. Over midsummer men of Hravnslith travelled to Basing House to join battle with the Dane.

JULY On the 6th day of this month Thurstan journeyed alone to Houndslow to assist in storming of a small Fortification. Thurstan has vowed that the Troop of the Raven will return to this place the following summer.

On th 13th day men and women of Hravnslith made camp in Lostwithial in the land of the Kelt and met with the Vikings of Middle Endland. Ottar Sigvasson is to be praised on arranging this event, which should also be repeated in MMIII.

AUGUST At the beginning of this month, Hravnslith were joined by the Danes of Manaraefan in Escanceaster. Jovial was the weekend, much geld was raised, and fame gained through the magic of T.V. This fame bears no relationship to the attendance of Dun the Bastard. Whilst in Escanceaster Thurstan of Reapole served at acting Kings Reeve and earned the name ‘The Shoeless’.

The large gathering at Kirby Hall in this month could possibily be the last of it’s kind. Hravnslith joined forces with Normans (the geld-rate must have been good), to face the forces of the Byzantine, among which were many Danes, Vikings and brother Angles. At this gathering Hravnslith gained out main tent and various implements.

SEPTEMBER In this month Manaraefan made camp in Dornwaraceaster and were met by Hravnslith. A multitude gathered to view the warriors in combat, and wast was the arena, six days later several of Hravnslith travelled into the summerland to the village Luccombe. They met with various peoples both Dane and Celt.

OCTOBER Harold Godwinson Earl of Wessex and rightful King of England called for arms to meet near Halstingaceaster to face the threat from William the Bastard of Normandy. Thurstan was accompanied by fair wife and daughter also Alric of Waltham, Dun the Bastard and Wilf Alricson. They met Ottar Siguasson and the standard bearer Lloyd upon Telham Hill before joining the forces of Harold. History records the events of the day.

DECEMBER In this month peoples of Hravnslith accompanied by Valgard Toebreaker attended a Yule celebration given by the mixed tribes of the Wessex Dark Age Society. Many of their Champions were bettered.

 

 

 

Hravnslith Chronicles MMIII

APRIL On the 5th day of this moon Thurstan the Shoeless set out for Walsby for the gathering of the Landskab and war bands accompanied by Dun the Bastard and Bjarni. Many were the miles to Walsby, and many miles further to the right Walsby.

JUNE On the 14th Thurstan travelled to Woodley.
At Williton in the summerland Hravnslith celebrated the defeat of the Dane by entertaining and educating many school children. Thurstan, Alric of Waltham, Bjarni, Guthrum Foulbeard, Hereward Hwicce, Ottar Sigvasson and Benne the Smith were present, also men and women of Manaraefan. The village of Williton has many fine and fearless warriors all less that 11 summers.

JULY In this month Hravnslith made a summer camp at Abbodesbyrig. Hereward Hwicce, Guthrum, Ottar, Lloyd the Merchant, Dun, Bjarni, Aethdfrid and her daughter Ella, and Thurstan were joined by guests Valhalla, Sveinshavn and Manaraefan. Valgard Toebreaker befriended a small furry animal (which he didn’t eat).

AUGUST In this moon Hravnslith journeyed to Escanceaster to defend the town against the hordes of Sven Forkbeard. Ottar Sigvasson, Thurstan, Dun, Alric, Bjarni, Hereward, Benne, Eric of Escanceaster and the Henley clan showed under the Raven banner, but were betrayed by the Norman acting as town reeve who shall remain nameless. Much village knowledge was learned here and glory earned. The sport of ‘mead-chasing’ was started by Hereward Hwicce.

On the 9th day Thurstan of Reapole and Hereward Hwicce travelled to Colneceaster. Seven days later Hravnslith gathered on the Isle of Portland. All there know of those that were present. Valhalla, Sveinshavn and Valgard Toebreaker joined Hravnslith in a ferocious battle with demons riding round-legged dragons. Loud was the battle and the singing and horse-racing that followed.

On the 23rd day Hereward Hwicce, Guthrum and Benne the Smith travelled to Sarum near Wilton and were joined by Thurstan, Beorn, Alric and Dun. Many battles were fought. Many were the tents that gathered. The Konunger addressed the Althing. Dun almost committed a grave crime and Alric won some needles.

SEPTEMBER On the 6th day Thurstan of Reapole travelled to Boscombe with his daughter.

On the 14th day Dun and Alric journeyed with Thurstan, Aethelfrid and Ella to the Isle of Brownsea to meet with Fafhirs Bane, No red squirrels were seen but a few bunnies were spotted.

OCTOBER On the 11th day Thurstan, Dun, Alric and Wilf Alricson answered the call from Harold Godwinson to drive back the bastard William. In this year the Duke forgot to bring his army, so our gracious King lent him some of our army to make it fair. The fiercest battles were fought in the children’s arena.

DECEMBER In this month Thurstan, Alric, Bjarni and Dun joined the men of Fafhirs Bane in celebrating the feast of Yule at Highcliffe. There was a blizzard!

 

Hravnslith Chronicles MMIV

MAY On the 15th and 16th day of this month Hravnslith attended a fayre in Allbrook, near to Wintanceaster. Thurstan the Shoeless was attended by Aethelfrid, Ella, Dun the Bastard, Bjarni, Guthrum Foulbeard, Herewald Hwicce, Alric of Waltham and Dag.
Many strange smoke belching beasts were seen.
At the end of the month Hravnslith made camp once again at Abbodesbyrig. Lloyd the Merchant joined the same company: Sigurdof Manaraefan demonstrated the Viking method of dismounting ponies. Manaraefan, Sveinshavn, Fafhirs Bane and Valhalla were also guests of the Abbott and a goat was roasted in their honour.

JUNE In the middle of this month Hravnslith hosted a fayre in the market town of Cridiantun where there were various trade and craftsmen. Several skirmished happened with the local Celts (Who bore remarkable resemblance to members of Manaraefan) and a skirmish was avoided with the local youngsters. Eric of Escanceaster, who has recently taken the cloth, was in attendance along with Thurstan, Guthrum, Hereward, Otter and Alric.

JULY On the 3rd day of July Bjarni and Dun joined Thurstan, Aethelfrid and Ella and the Fourmarks School at the bequest of Valgard Toebreaker who hosted a feast at his hall afterwards.

On the 10th of this moon Alric and his daughter, Guthrum Foulbeard, Bjarni and Thurstan along with men of Manaraefan were called to attend the King Alfred, at one of his schools in the hill town of Sceagtenesbyrig.

AUGUST On the 7th and 8th days Guthrum Foulbeard and Hereward Hwicce were joined in the Escanceaster by Thurstan, Aethlefrid, Ella, Bjarni and Brother ‘Eric’.

Barely a week later and Duke was invading early, at the wishes of the ‘BBC’. The Bastard Duke landed in the south and proceeded to Telham Hill. Thurstan, Bjarni and Alric along with Wilf Alricson escorted Aethelfrid anf her maids. Bjarni was honoured with the duty of bearing the Kings Standard whilst Alric and Thurstan learnt to deal with cavalry.

On the 21st & 22nd days the Abbot of Abbudesbyrig kindly invited Hravnslith to attend and entertaining the locals. Travelling Danes from Valhalla and Vince from Lunden joined the peoples of Manaraefan.

At the end of this moon Hravnslith attended the Althing at Old Sarum.

SEPTEMBER On the 18th day of this moon Bjarni and Dun the Bastard journeyed to Cook-ham Dean to the west of Lunden, to the hall of Temesvik. Much feasting was done with Valhalla, several famous people were sighted.

OCTOBER For the second time in this year the Bastard from Normandy invaded near Halstingaceaster. Once again Thurstan, Athelfrid, Ella, Dun, Alric, Wilf and Dag answered Harold Godwinson’s call. Before facing ‘The Tanners’ forces, Harold’s army had to confront Harold Hardrada, The King of the Danes, and our Kings own brother Tostig at an oddly constructed ‘Stanford Bridge’. Fortunately, due to quick parleying techniques our forces were fictitious. Later Alric continued his cavalry dismounting techniques. Hravnslith provided their own tents and equipment ate the battles, even in extreme wind conditions.

On the 10th day of this hunting moon, whilst in the service of Harold Godwinson, The Konungr attended an Award Ceremony prior to the morning’s battle. Later in the day the Konungr addressed the population of the village again and requested warriors raise their weapons in honour of a new drengr, Thurstan of Reapole. Loud and great was the cheering

 

 

Hravnslith Chronicles MMV

JANUARY During the darkest month of January in this year of our lord, people of Hravnslith and guests from across Wessex and the Danelaw gathered at the hall in Portisham for the celebration of Yule. Hereward Hwicce was gifted an ornate horned helm for his services and for being too Saxon for his kirtle. In this year during the spring moon of March Hravnslith journeyed to Eastleigh for to see strange beasts and to see the market there. Fyrdsman Dun, Alric and Bjarni attended Guthrum, Herewald and Thurstan.

APRIL In the month of April Thurstan travelled with Alric and Wilfric to join Dun and Bjarni in Tring in the land of the Angles near London for battle training with members of the Lanskab. Much knowledge was gained and skills learned, Dun suffered the pink puke sickness.
At the end of this month the fyrd were summoned to Watchet, in the Summer-lands to, drive the Dane from the land. Thurstan gathered Guthrum Foulbeard, Ragnar Karisson, Alric, Dag Sigurdson, Bjarni and Dun and was accompanied by Gytha. Whilst in Watchet, Thurstan was captured by strange actors and was soundly beaten.

JUNE In June of this year Hravnslith gathered at Abbottsbury. Hereward Hwicce, Guthrum and Thorfinn the Red journeyed from the west, and met Bjarni, Dun, Alric, Thurstan and Gytha many guests came from Manaraefan and Valhalla, The rain fell heavily.

After midsummer Thurstan of Reapole and Alric took journey with the Manaraefan across the sea to the Isle of Mannanan. There to attend the Chiefs and Kings of that island. Both men crewed a longship on a long and perilous journey round (and round) the harbour there at Peel.
Upon their return to Wessex Alric and Thurstan joined Dun and Bjarni instructing the youngsters of the Isle of Portland in combat skills and were joined by Offa, a Carter from Mercia.
At the end of the month, Hravnslith once again gathered at Abbotsbury. Great sport was had watching Dun race the goats. Many guests came also, and when the rain came, some guests left quickly.

AUGUST In the August moon there was again a gathering at Abbotsbury with Offa, Dag, Ragnar, Guthrum, Alric, Hereward, Thurstan and Gytha being joined by guests for the eating of cake and not to much rain. After, Alric, Bjarni and Dun travelled to Sarum to work amongst the people of Manaraefan in the hall of Sigurd Siggurdson “The Unhorsed”. Alric set his stone workshop there with Bjarni assisting. During their stay there were a great many sightings of bears, although Dun saw none of the beasts. Later they were joined by Gytha, Thurstan, Dag, Thorfinn, Offa, Guthrum, Hereward and Ragnar and battle was made against Swein Forkbeard.

SEPTEMBER During the harvest month of September, Thurstan gathered Dun and Eawyn to travel to Bovington, they were joined there by Thorfinn the Red, and they saw many strange folk and battle beasts.

OCTOBER Again October sounded the summons by Harold Godwinson to push back the invaders from Normandy. Hereward, Guthrum, Dag Sigurdson, Offa the Mercian and Dun went with Thurstan to answer the call accompanied by Gytha and Eawyn. Once again William the Bastard was victorious and once again was jeered at mercilessly.

At the end of this month Dun and Eawyn journeyed east to a strange place called Legoland. Here Dun went fishing and caught a fish and a large cable. He threw both back.

NOVEMBER In the beginning of the November month Alric of Weldham travelled with his daughter Redley to witness this many-coloured land. Eawyn and Dun were there also with Cormac of the Manaraefan and others. A great story was told of the Gods of Old and the sky blazed with many coloured fires as Thunor raged across the skies.

 

 

Hravnslith Chronicles MMVI

In this year of our lord two thousand and six many things have come to pass within the ravens’ troop. Blood has flowed, honours have been won and the greatest battle fought.

JANUARY During the dark month, at the Yule feast in Portesham, Thorfinn the red gained his first spear honours and Guthrum the far-travelled was gifted this years great horned helm, for proving the Vikings reached Australia (eventually).

MARCH In the March month Eawyn, Dun and Alric joined in the celebrations at Abbotsbury for the new roof of the great barn. The tale of ‘Urc’, first lord of Portisham was told.

APRIL Early in April, Hravnslith instructed the people of Tophill, Portland on the ways of the Saxon and gave fyrd training to many of the youngsters there. Thurstan, Gytha, Dun, Bjarni, Alric and Offa were there.
On the last day of this moon whilst attending the festivities at Abbotsbury there was a fierce storm. Unpleasant were some of the local villagers and justice served thereon. Thorfinn the Red was granted Fri-hal. Many were the guests of Hravnslith, from Temesvik, Brian and Helma, people from the Manaraefan were there for cake, Ian and the Giggling-one also. Valhalla attended in great numbers bringing their skald and loud was the singing.

MAY In May of this year Thurstan of Reapole summoned the fyrd to the great hall in Corfe on the edge of the Purbecks. Herewald, Guthrum Foulbeard, Thorfinn the Red, Ragnar, Dag Sigmundson, Alric, Dun and Offa attended this Call. Also Gytha and Eawyn attended. The clan Cwmwb lal fought alongside Hravnslith. Great was the fighting and slippery was the grass.

During the middle month, Eawyn, Alric, Guthrum and Thurstan journeyed to Stanford Brett in the summer lands for the defence of Wessex.

JULY In the month of July a celebration of apples and ale occurred in Cattistock. Guthrum Foulbeard, Herewald Hwicceman, Ragnar, Thorfinn the Red and Thurstan accompanied Gytha to the celebrations. Shortly after the men of Hravnslith made a journey across the sea to the Isle of Mannanan. Alric, Dun and Offa took the first ship for to set up the camp. Thurstan, Herewald, Guthrum and Ragnar followed with Od the Archer of the Manaraefan. Whilst the later group joined in the bloody and furious battle on Peel beach, Alric, Dun and Offa joined the boat crews and Alric got really cold legs. Ragnar Karisson gained honours with his first ‘Kill’ by brutally slaying a Manx chieftain of renown. Dun was later possessed by demons that came from beyond the red mist, but was exorcised.

In the middle of this month Bjarni and Dun accompanied Thurstan to Shaftsbury to see the great iron beasts of fire and steam. Also present were Thorfinn the Red, Brian and Helma, two from across the seas and some members of Manarafaen.

At the end of July Alric, Bjarni and Dun undertook great pilgrimage to St Cuthbert’s holy isle of Lindisfarne in the kingdom of Bernica. The sun shone greatly and the journey long and perilous. Alric was felled by an Irish archer but was later revived by the monks of St John who tended his wounds with fruit flavoured ice.

AUGUST In the August moon Thurstan journeyed to Kelmarsh Hall with Dun and Bjarni. Many strange people were there.
Towards the middle of the moon Hravnslith settled by the river in Abbotsbury. Hereward, Offa, Dag Sigurdson, Alric, Ragnar, Thorfinn, Dun, Thurstan, Gytha and Eawyn were joined by Wulfgar and Broda from the east of Dorset. Honoured guests from Manaraefan joined Hravnslith for more cake. Dag Sigurdson had his first taste of battle and his blade claimed its first bite. Men of the Fyrd were tested in their Shield formation and excelled.

SEPTEMBER In the month of September Alric accompanied Thurstan to Hatchfield to the north of London for the Althing of Jarls. Long and arduous was the Althing. That evening was a great feast, vast platters of meat were eaten and many casks of ale breached. Alric was made Drengr by the Konungr.
Hravnslith gained much honour by earning the group status of Herrod and Thurstan of Reapole was made Jarl amongst the Landskab and Earldoman of Hravnslith. The light of the moon was dimmed by the grin on the face of Thurstan.

OCTOBER The usual summons by Harold Godwinson was heard in October. This was the greatest summons ever heard for this annual battle. Around two thousand warriors gathered to Harold banner and faced an equally matched enemy. Thurstan marched with Wulfgar, Herewald, Ragnar, Thorfinn, Dun, Alric, Offa, Broda, Dag, Gytha and Eawyn. Hravnslith were joined by Aelthwine and Aelfric of Twynham and two unnamed warriors, one from Ivel and one from London. Offa the Mercian was granted his Fri-Hal status. Many were the campfires gathered around the hill, and Hravnslith were fed with a Royal Vegetable Purple Broth. Hravnslith fought alongside the Kings Huscarls in the centre of the Saxon line and the Wessex dragon banner flew proud. Many stories will be told of this great battle and the war cry of “GERCHOO COWSARN” will forever echo across the fields of Ængland.

Hravnslith Chronicles MMVII

The documented writings of this year, two thousand and seven have been temperarely lost, but once they have arisen from the archives they will be added for your reading.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Hravnslith Chronicles MMIIX

Due to the passing unto glory of our dear brother 'Oswaine Of Pucknowle' chronicler of Hravnslith. There are no writings of this year. As soon as a new scribe has been found, the chronicles will continue.

FABIUS

Prior of Abbotsbury