Skjǫldrinn

The Shield

Overview

Úlfhéðnar entered a treaty in 748 CE, known as the Skjǫldrinn Covenant of 748, unifying all three subspecies of Úlfhéðnar, consequently also formally forming an alliance with Jǫtnar, and bringing all Berserkir serving with Úlfhéðnar under the protection of the order.

Skjǫldrinn is the original military order. It has been alternatively under control of Úlfhéðnar from three Norwegian royal blood lines, namely Sverreættin (Sverreætten in modern Norwegian, House of Sverre in English), Harðráðiættin (Hardrådeætta in Norwegian, Hardrada Dynasty in English), and Hárfagriættin (Hårfagreætta in modern Norwegian, and Fairhair Dynasty in English), as well as one Danish royal blood line, namely Knýtlinga (House of Cnut in English). 

It is currently under the control of the heir of Sverreætten, Áskunnr hinn gullúlfr Bjǫrnsson (also unofficially known as Hákon VI), and soon his son(s), with this royal house more recently being referred to as Áskunnrættin (House of Áskunnr). 

Next in line is Harðráðiættin, Knýtlinga, and Hárfagriættin. All by consensus (secured through a lot of fighting and subsequent treaty).

The Blendingr and Úlfheðinn who controls Skjǫldrinn also controls all direct and indirect aspects of the order, and traditionally associates his blood line war banner in all aspects of the organization’s operations. Skjǫldrinn being under the control of Áskunnr hinn gullúlfr Bjǫrnsson currently (Áskunnrættin, formerly Sverreættin), his blood line war banner is therefore prominent throughout the organization. Including Norðsherstjórn (NHS) or Northern Troops Command currently.

Norðsherstjórn (NHS) is in command of Jómsvíkingar (JK), which is the contracting operation in modern times as it was historically, also acting as main troops for the protection of the homeland as required. Væringjar (VG), the Varangian Guard and the Tier One group within Jómsvíkingar. Finally, Ásjárstjórn (AS), or Protection Command, also acting as security and police force.

There is also Áskunnr & Brœðr, the more mainstream outfitting operations, not listed as kept separately for many reasons. Traditionally, trading and commercial operations not related to martial stuff have used a blue banner. This is still the case.

Colors

Note that the name of each division/section is often replaced with "ÁSKUNNR" in runes across the board (instead of Jómsvíkingar, Væringjar etc...) The division/section is therefore identified primarily by color.

Ranks

There are 13 ranks/levels within Skjǫldrinn, of which 4 ranks/levels are within the Sverðinn brotherhood specifically, and thus, accessible without integration. Reaching any rank is subject to various conditions, and always requires the swearing of an oath (scope and purpose varies with each rank). Here’s an overview of key ranks and levels.

ÚLFHÉÐNAR

BERSERKIR

Hirðmenn/HERSAR

GRADES

Patches

Patches are restricted and based on rank. They are available for all ranks in IR (Infrared)/Multicam, IR (Infrared)/Multicam Alpine, IR (Infrared)/Multicam Arid, IR (Infrared)/Multicam Tropic, IR (Infrared)/MARPAT Woodland, IR (Infrared)/Blue and GITD (Glow In The Dark)/Blue. The following versions are Restricted to Úlfhéðnar members of Skjǫldrinn (Based on status): IR (Infrared)/Red (Jómsvíkingar), IR (Infrared)/Black (Væringjar), GITD (Glow In The Dark)/Red (Jómsvíkingar) and GITD (Glow In The Dark)/Black (Væringjar).

More Information

A history of Skjǫldrinn is discussed throughout several chapters in the three books of Úlfheimr Trilogy.