Severin

6th Generation Gangrel

Viking incursions into Scotland occurred regularly throughout the early twelfth century. Although the modern image of rape, pillage and plunder is a false one, it could be said that Erik Hakonson was a Viking and that he forced himself on Gwynnyth, who was of Saxon descent. It could also be argued that Gwynnyth was actually a very willing participant despite her imminent marraige to Malcolm, the son of the Chieftan of Clan Murray. It could also be mentioned that Erik's father was a Ragabash Elder of the Get of Fenris.

The Norse settled amongst the villagers of Banff, on the Northeast Scottish coast, aiding them with farming and smelting technology, and aiding them in the resistance of the English throne. Malcolm raised Gwynnyth's son, Severin, as his own, unaware of her indiscretion. Meanwhile, Erik kept a careful watch over Severin, aware that this boy had the potential of Garou in his blood. Severin was trained for the battlefield and the hunt from an early age, and showed a natural ability in these arenas. In 1136, Malcolm was killed in battle against the English, with his fourteen year-old son fighting at his side. About a year afterwards, Gwynnyth married Erik, and Erik began to take an active role in his son's education. Severin was told of the Garou and their traditions, and of his potential. As he grew, however, it became apparent that the gene would remain dormant, much to his disappointment. Severin became the champion of his clan in battle, where he was most deadly in close range with his dirk. His most remarkable skill however, was as a stalker, on the hunt. For generations afterwards, his clan told the story of how he once managed to approach a stag drinking from a mountain brook from underwater, so that the first thrust of his short sword cut cleanly through the magnificent beast's throat, and it collapsed on the spot, unaware of its attacker.

The few Garou amongst the Norse settlers acted as protectors of Banff, as over the years, there was greater intermingling of the two races. Life would have been idyllic if it were not for the constant barrage of attempted English invasions to the region. With the aid of the Get, these incursions were easily put down, until in 1145, when in battle, kinfolk found themselves fighting a battle against a formidable ghoul attack. Many lives were lost in the battle of Aberchirder Glen including those of three Get and Erik. Severin swore revenge, and immediately set out to track the decimated ghoul forces, unaware of their true nature. They led Severin to Edinburgh, where, to his surprise, they did not report to English officials, but rather with a tavern owner, in a dark corner of his establishment. They spoke of an impending delivery to London. Within the week, a small band of ghouls began the trek south, overseeing a caravan of plundered riches. Severin followed it, vowing to destroy them and their masters in London.

Apparently a pack of Fianna had similar plans, as Severin soon realized upon discovering their camp a few miles from the caravan. He risked introducing himself to these Garou, and quickly gained their trust by demonstrating his knowledge of them and a common hatred for their enemy. The Fianna regaled Severin with horrid tales of these ghouls and the reign of terror that they had been maintaining throughout most of the British Isles. He was also taught of the masters of these minions of the wyrm, certain vampires in London and beyond, throughout Europe. Severin begged to aid the Fianna in any way possible, and they relented, incorporating him into their plans for an attack in London, which would hopefully free Britain from this scourge.

In London, Severin and the garou followed the caravan to the docks district, where, upon nightfall, the ghouls began unloading their cargo onto an awaiting sailing vessel. The battle was fierce, but the Fianna quickly managed to stake the solitary vampire, an 8th generation Gangrel named Dunbar. The ghouls were no match for the Garou and Severin was even able to dispatch a few himself. Eager to escape the confines of the city, the Fianna pack bade Severin farewell, leaving the Gangrel out for the approaching sun. Weary from battle, Severin collapsed to the ground, clutching his dirk as the first rays of sun broke over the eastern horizon, reflecting off the pristine Thames. He smiled as Dunbar's body began to smoke and was gradually consumed by flame.

Severin boarded the longboat that the ghouls had begun to load, and as he sifted through the Gangrel's papers, realized that Dunbar was not acting alone, but was rather a lieutenant of his sire, Wilhelm Freihausen, Prince of Hamburg. Severin's revenge was not yet complete. After learning all he could about Freihausen from Dunbar's journals, Severin left the ship. Glinting in the sun, amongst a pile of fine black ashes, was Dunbar's ring, with the Latin enscription "Our World Forever - The Salzburg Covenant". The next day, he boarded a vessel sailing for Bruges, loaded with soldiers eager to join the Second Crusade.

Upon reaching Flanders, Severin parted ways with the Crusade and headed northeast, to Hamburg. Two weeks later, he reached that city's walls and began his search for Wilhelm Freihausen. With the aid of information in Dunbar's journals, Severin soon located the prince's haven, in the catacombs of St. Peter's Cathedral. Armed with his dirk and his staff, now sharpened to a point, Severin eluded Freihausen's ghoul guards and crept into the catacombs, intent on exacting a final revenge and allowing his father's soul to progress to Valhalla. Although the sun was high in the sky, the catacombs were unlit, slowing Severin's progress. As he raised his staff to stake the sleeping Gangrel, Freihausen awoke with a start, rolled away from the descending timber and quickly subdued the startled Scotsman.

Severin regained consciousness some hours later to find himself bound to a piller in the catacombs. Torches dimly lit his surroundings and he could see Freihausen examining Dunbar's journals. His captor turned, introduced himself, and began telling the story of his epic existence, from his days as a mortal centurian in Gaul, under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. He explained the nature of vampirism, especially that of the Gangrel clan, and of his business in Hamburg. After hours of tales, his demanded that Severin tell his story. Reluctantly at first, the Scot began, soon warming to Freihausen's jovial nature. Severin found the need to remind himself that his captor was of the Wyrm and still needed to be destroyed if Gaia was to survive. Needless to say, Freihausen was intrigued with Severin's heritage and obvious skill as a hunter. When Severin showed Dunbar's ring as proof of his final death, the Gangrel was visibly entertained. As dawn approached, the Prince's mind was made to embrace Severin the next night.

Freihausen stayed awake throughout the day, preparing the unwilling Severin his imminent transformation.

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