Berserkers

Berserkers are a form of Norseman who have turned "wild," either through choice, traumatic experience, addiction to native plants, or some/all of the reasons listed.

They are some of the fiercest warriors (if not simply the fiercest humans) in the world, feared even by those who live among them.

Origin
It is unknown exactly when Berserkers came to exist, but it is theorized that they were made by accident when a small village was raided by a larger village. The small village was farming a small, unknown plant, which resemble the Tobacco plant. The warriors decided to eat some of the supply they stole from the farms, including this unknown plant. It caused the men to feel energized, excited, stronger and quicker. The chief of the large village then decided to grow the plant as well, thinking it would help his growing army be stronger warriors than any other in Scandinavia.

In a way, he wasn't wrong.

Somehow, the plant spread, and was eaten by many people. The plant helped growth, development of muscles, and hair growth, particularly in men. This lead to one tribe (yes, tribe; during this time, some Norsemen refused to develop farther than tents and camps) deciding to drink barrels of mead laced with the plant in hopes it would make them giants.

Technically, they achieved their goals; the plant made them energized, and to blow off steam, they began to chop down trees for weeks while their muscles grew. But the more they drank the laced mead, the more addicted they got to the plant, making them crave larger amounts at once. After just two months, the tribe had drastically changed: the men had grown an average 1 foot, gained almost 80 pounds of muscle each, had more stamina, and were overall faster than the average Norseman. But unfortunately, their minds were so befuddled and reliant on the plant that it caused their body to falter if they didn't take it regularly. Soon, the effects of the plant stopped working, leaving the men in their state. When they eventually ran out of the plant, they became savage, killing each other in hopes to drink their blood, which had some of the plant's extract inside of it.

Ever since, it has been noted that, while powerful, the plant has the potential to destroy one's mind. Many have chosen to ignore the plant, but some Clans, whether out of bravery, desperation, or both, have systematically given certain warriors some of the plant throughout their childhood, to ensure they grow to be unstoppable warriors.

Some Norsemen have even chose to ignore the ill effects of the plants, intentionally becoming addicted to become strong, and living in the woods, away from villages and settlements.

Berserkers in Society
While many Berserkers live in the woods away from others, some live normal lives in villages, using the plant (which is called different things in different villages and settlements) only as a means to help their community grow. For instance, a woodcutter may take the plant daily in small doses so he can lift more wood at a time. Many Berserkers in Norse society are offered positions in village militias and raid parties. In the Coldsong Clan, the bodyguards of the chief's lineage are made into Berserkers at a young age.

Combat
Due to their strength, a Berserker is considered the most dangerous type of warrior in Norselands. Despite their looks, they're quick-witted and quick in general, usually charging into battle with either a heavy two handed weapon or two somewhat heavy single handed weapons, as well as pelts of animals on their heads

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