Hvitserk I of Astafor, commonly known as Hvitserk the Great, was the unifier of Astafor (after its dismantlement by Ivar the Unready), and the first king of Astafor to expand the countries' borders. Under his rule, the empire embraced all of the civilized territories surrounding them, expanded vastly and eventually conquered portions of Denmark and Sweden.
The reign of Hvitserk lasted about fourteen years; his rule took root with his conquest of Astafor from his cousin, Ivar the Unready. He also led an expedition into Sweden, which resulted in major campaigns that were described as having brought "fear throughout every brand of Norse". Hvitserk did not venture into Spain (like he was stated to in Astafor's imperial documents), but instead went to the Kingdom of France. He spent much time in France, and was alleged to have died in battle while fighting as an ally in the Anglo French War. However, King Philip IV of France claimed that Hvitserk did not die in battle and returned to the French capital unscathed. Robert II, Count of Artois stated in a military document that "Hvitserk, Ruler of the Astafor Kingdom was severely wounded in battle. He fell to the ground from grievous wounds that would kill an ox, but suddenly rose to his feet. The blades that were lodged in his stomach, were pulled out. It was a miracle." Through fighting valiantly in the war and being "shined on by God", Hvitserk was heralded as God's servant and a saint, garnering tremendous respect within the French court.
After returning to Astafor, Hvitserk decided that he would embark on one last conquest. He wished to please his ancestor by returning to Sicily. Hvitserk attributed his god-like abilities to his ancestor, Darius Salvatore. In tribute to him, Hvitserk fought to bring Syracuse back to the House of Salvatore. After years of battle, Frederick II eventually decided to let Hvitserk control the lands.
He was succeeded by his son, Hvitserk II, who managed to maintain peace in Astafor.
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Personality[]
Hvitserk can be described as a very confused character. Witnessing atrocities committed around the world shaped his mindset for the future. Hvitserk is a non-confrontational person, who likes to enjoy life when he's outside of battle. His other persona he likely created due to the severe trauma he had to endure as a child is the complete opposite and likes to enjoy raiding, killing and drinking. To him this is the ideal Viking warrior. As king, Hvitserk decided that he would be an altogether new king for Astafor. He wanted his name to be known far and wide, so he led conquest after conquest, expanding his nation. He made laws that advocated for rights of peace and freedom. He established Astafor as a true, recognized and dominant territory. He removed nobles who committed crimes like pillage or torture. He became a symbol of peace in the country, and as such, was idolized.
Hvitserk was very much a people person and got along with most. He was able to unite the Danes and Swedes with Astafarians, which enabled Astafor to be recognized as part of the Scandinavian world. He forged alliances with his neighbouring countries, but also with the French and Italian. In the French Chronicles, Hvitserk is depicted as a Saint who fought to protect the lives of all Christians. In Italy, he has similar acclaim, and is known as King Hvitserk the Pious.
Throughout his life as a vampire, Hvitserk struggled immensely with a crippling ripperism. This ripperism led him to being mentioned as Hvitserk the Consumer, and Hvitserk Redtooth in certain parts of Norway, Germany and Sweden. In Dariusssona þáttr (the tale of Darius' sons) Hvitserk is likely the same person as Gudserk the Beastly. In Astafor's 6th Chronicle, Gudserk is cited as a man who is closely affiliated with Astafor. In one specific passage (translated to English) it states that "Gudserk the Beastly, brief ruler of Norway deeply strokes Astafor's obsidian throne". When Gudserk is reportedly said to be active, nowhere does it mention that Hvitserk is the acting ruler of the time (when he was). This fact becomes increasingly odd, as when he goes to his estate in Germany, Gudserk is said to be "Herr König" (Lord King) of Astafor. Later, Darius Salvatore calls Hvitserk, Gudserk, meaning it may have just been a nickname. If they are indeed the same people, Hvitserk's morality definitely comes into question.
His ruthlessness, a factor that is often left absent in the sagas, is a lot greater than expected. He was reported to have gone into the coastal city of Bergen, Norway, where he is alleged to have slaughtered, sacked, and pillaged the lands. It is here that he gained the epithet "Hvitserk Redtooth" for the way he drunk the blood of his victims.
Besides these events, Hvitserk was a very respectable ruler, and compared to the other ruthless Northmen at the time, he was not so terrible.
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Legacy[]
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Hvitserk II[]
After his reign, Hvitserk's first son, Hvitserk II took over Astafor as king.
Gray[]
Gray, Hvitserk's second son would go on to rule alongside his brother in January of 1316.
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