Heling Vathran by Jonathan Davidson is a role playing game supplement published by Columbia Games Inc. for use with Hârn and HârnMaster. This covers a settlement in the Ivinia region, some distance northeast of Hârn.
The supplement is available as a ten-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $7.99 but was purchased at a reduced price thanks to a special discount
The opening paragraphs explain that this is one of three vathrans in the Kingdom of Rogna. It gives an overview of its location and history and an upcoming raid, with a sidebar having specific details on the population, clan banner, clan and taxes.
History gives a more detailed overview of the vathran’s history. Current Events covers the upcoming invasion of Hutheng Island planned by the king of Rogna. Government explains that Heling is ruled by Jarl Derki Hulthard, who is covered in a sidebar, who is in charge when he is elsewhere and the jarl’s huscarls.
Religion explains this is a conservative community and Ivinian traditions are actively maintained. A sidebar covers Njilm Sendarsyn, the settlement’s chief priest. Economics explains that much of the vathran’s income comes from fishing, with preserved fish shipped out. They also have miniature cows raised for milk and cheese and good hunting.
Next is a labelled GM’s map of the settlement. This is followed by details on buildings in the settlement; where appropriate, size, quality and prices of the goods and services available at shops and service establishments is given.
Clan Huthard gives details on the clan and the jarl who rule the vathran, with a sidebar covering the huscarls, the jarl’s warriors.
The next page has excerpts from Atlas Ivinia Maps C6 and D6 showing the location of Heling, and a larger map of Lythia showing its position, along with a list of related products. The final page has a players’ map of Heling, lacking the labels.
Heling Vathran in Review
The PDF lacks bookmarks and, though short, has enough different sections that these would have been useful. Navigation could be better. The text is either one column with sidebar or two columns and appeared to be free of errors. As well as the colour maps, there are a number of black and white and colour illustrations. Presentation is decent.
This is a small supplement covering a decent-sized village or town of what are clearly Norse-inspired inhabitants; the term viking is even used. The supplement lacks any stats, so it will work with any system. In addition, this settlement is small enough that it shouldn’t be too hard to drop it into any setting where there are similar people; names of the kingdom and gods will need to be changed but not much more than that, making this generically useful. It is, however, rather expensive at full price. Heling Vathran can be found by clicking here.
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