>>6143884The great hall of Skadvar was alive with the scent of brine and smoke. Warriors crowded the long oak tables, their faces shadowed by the flickering light of whale-oil lamps. At the head of the room, Erlund the Warchief sat, a towering figure clad in wolf pelts, his hand resting on the hilt of his ornate sword. His wife, Skadvar, the namesake of their city and its true ruler in civil matters, observed silently from a balcony above, a faint smile on her lips.
Erlund pounded his fist on the table, silencing the din of conversation. "Men of Skadvar! The winter stores are low, and the forge fires have been too quiet. I will not see our people weakened before the next frost! Speak now—what do we lack most?"
The women council produces a report explaining what we are lacking:
Iron and Steel: The forges need metal for weapons and tools. The stockpile is dangerously low after repairing the fleet.
Provisions: With summer's fleeting harvest insufficient, grain, cured meat, and other sustenance are critical to survive the next winter.
Exotic Goods: The southern traders are growing wary of your raids, and the women demand finer crafts and baubles to keep the peace in the matriarchal council.
