It’s September 23, 1066 in England, and the nation is vulnerable with King Edward the Confessor passing just 8 months ago, childless and without a definite heir. Three have risen, each with the intent to crown himself: King Harold Hardrada of Norway, Harald Godwinson, and Duke William of Normandy. With dueling ambitions and equal ego, these three men have taken the fate of England into their hands with their hubris, with Harold Godwinson ultimately coming out on top. 

 

However, this did not spell the end of conflict, and as England held its breath, tensions burst, and the Norse Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons have fully commenced war. In the province of Yorkshire the Battle of Fulford saw not only the might of the Viking army, but also the treachery of Tostig Godwinson, who reinforced their army despite his brother being Harold Godwinson. With these reinforcements, the Norse quickly and brutally defeated Edwin, Earl of Mercia and Morcar, Earl of Northumbria in a muddy battle less than two miles south of York. 

 

Having established a Viking stronghold in York, Hardrara awaits Godwinson’s response—and rumors suggest plans to invade London. With Hardrada’s army threatening York in the North, and rumors of William, Duke of Normandy threatening invasion in the South, King Harold is faced with enemies on all sides, and forced to decide in which direction to meet his foes, and how to deal with the repercussions of either choice. His current plan to meet the Vikings at Stamford Bridge although a bloody battle is assured with that choice, but with enemies on all sides, and his young reign under threat, Godwinson must choose, and quickly. The rest of the world looks on as the fate of England hangs in the balance, and with it the future of all Western Europe.

 

In this committee, delegates representing all sides of the conflict will have to determine the outcome of their dominions through alliances or bloodshed. And with tensions high, factions from Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Viking must determine who is truly fit to wear the crown and lead England into a new era.