Fate of the Norns
Encyclopedia
Fate of the Norns is a viking
fantasy
role-playing game
first published in 1996 by Pendelhaven, created by Andrew Valkauskas. It was notable for its original experience point system and afterlife mechanics rooted deeply in Viking mythology. With every new version, it pushed the limits of what can be done in a table-top RPG
.
industry trends. With the advent of MMORPGs and combat evolving into more than a roll-to-hit and roll-for-damage model, the game engine incorporated a myriad of special maneuvers, allowing players a colorful repertoire of actions during combat. This eliminated the classic RPG
combat grind. The character progression was changed from linear to distributed. Rather than using a linear skill tree, the character skills would evolve over several "chess boards" of skills and abilities.
and Valkyries. The game system is also unique in the industry, since it does away with dice and uses Norse runes as play mechanics.
The second edition and the Ragnarok versions haven't had any mainstream reviews to date.
Viking
The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
first published in 1996 by Pendelhaven, created by Andrew Valkauskas. It was notable for its original experience point system and afterlife mechanics rooted deeply in Viking mythology. With every new version, it pushed the limits of what can be done in a table-top RPG
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
.
Fate of the Norns- first edition
(1993–2000) FOTN achieved viral internet distribution in the late 90's via a free demo pdf. This pdf was a pruned down version of the full game. The game brought about a wide and colorful breath of magic and occupations- 6 types of distinct magic (independent systems), and over 35 occupations. The timing system in the game was also unique in the industry, assigning speed factors for every action, and staggering all actions based on those segment offsets.Fate of the Norns- second edition
(2001–2004) FOTN implemented an evolution of the game engine incorporating RPGRole-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
industry trends. With the advent of MMORPGs and combat evolving into more than a roll-to-hit and roll-for-damage model, the game engine incorporated a myriad of special maneuvers, allowing players a colorful repertoire of actions during combat. This eliminated the classic RPG
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
combat grind. The character progression was changed from linear to distributed. Rather than using a linear skill tree, the character skills would evolve over several "chess boards" of skills and abilities.
Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok
(2005–present) FOTN:R was a completely new departure for both the setting and the mechanics. The game takes place during the final war between the gods and the giants, allowing players to play supernatural beings such as EinherjarEinherjar
In Norse mythology, the einherjar are those that have died in battle and are brought to Valhalla by valkyries. In Valhalla, the einherjar eat their fill of the nightly-resurrecting beast Sæhrímnir, and are brought their fill of mead by valkyries...
and Valkyries. The game system is also unique in the industry, since it does away with dice and uses Norse runes as play mechanics.
Distribution
Fate of the Norns first edition was sold via the official web site, but all future editions are now distributed via online 3rd party vendors.Reception
The first edition 290 page book was well received for its content and game mechanics, but presentation was rated as poor.The second edition and the Ragnarok versions haven't had any mainstream reviews to date.