Historical background 

Around the year 1000, Norway was firmly established as a separate Kingdom, ruled by one- and at times two or more - King(s). 

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In practice though, the Kingdom was a collection of more or less autonomous smaller regions/earldoms/areas that showed loyalty to the King based on what benefits and protection they could get from the King. The King ruled the kingdom by travelling around between different Royal Farms together with his bodyguard - the Hird. 

There were several strong clans in Norway tat at times claimed the throne, alone, or in alliance with each other or outside forces like Denmark or Sweden. 

Harald Hårfagre (Harald Fair Hair) fair hair and his clan had their base in the western parts of Norway, in Rogaland and Hordaland. Smaller chiefdoms existed in Sogn and Møre. 

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In Trøndelag (the area surrounding the city of Nidaros/Trondheim), the mighty Lade jarls (Earls of Lade) had their base, from which they sought to dominate the Norwegian coast. They also at times controlled and at times fought against the rebellious chiefs of Hålogaland to the north.

In the area around Viken (Oslo fjord), several strong clans had their base. On the western side, around Borre and Brunlanes, Olav Haraldsson (St.Olav) and his decedents, had their base. Small chiefdoms existed in Grenland and Agder as well as inland in Telemark. On the eastern side of the Oslo fjord, around Jeløya and Sarpsborg and Tune, the earls of Vingulmork had their base in rich agricultural land. Just to the south was Ranrike, which was an area fiercely contested by the various clans of the Swedes (Svearne, Skaner, Göter etc).

In the valleys of central Norway - Lærdal, Valdres, Gudbrandsdal, Hallingdal, Østerdal and Romsdal, fiercely independent clans lived in isolated settlements, often attacking travellers and at times acting as mercenaries for the various royal pretenders.

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To complicate matters even further, Viken was at times under Danish rule, and kings and clans from Denmark and Sweden were at times also involved in the civil wars, supporting one side or another. 

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In 1130,upon the death of King Sigurd, open hostilities erupted between supporters of his son Magnus, and an Earl called Harald Gille, who claimed he was the rightful heir to the Norwegian throne. Various pretenders, clans and regions fought intermittent wars between 1130 and 1240, interspersed with more quiet periods where all sides rebuilt their strength and consolidated their gains, whilst planning their revenge on their enemies.

 

The Game 

A grand‑tactical wargame of the Norwegian Civil Wars, 1130–1240

For more than a century, Norway was locked in a brutal struggle for the throne. Rival kings rose and fell. Bishops crowned and excommunicated. Magnates switched sides as fortunes shifted. Armies marched through frozen valleys, fleets clashed in narrow fjords, and winter itself became a weapon. This was the world of the Norwegian Civil Wars — a conflict defined as much by politics and legitimacy as by swords and shields.

ULHEDNAR brings this turbulent era to life in a sweeping strategy game that blends military maneuver, political intrigue, and asymmetric faction play. You command one of the major powers of the age — the Birkebeiner, the Bagler, the Church, or the Magnates — each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and path to victory.

Your goal is simple in theory: unite the kingdom under your chosen claimant. In practice, it is anything but.

 

A Game of War, Winter, and Legitimacy

At its heart, ULFHEDNAR is a game about controlling the land and convincing the realm that your claimant is the rightful king.

You will:

• March armies through mountain passes

• Launch daring winter raids

• Conduct naval blockades in deep fjords

• Besiege fortified towns

• Negotiate with bishops

• Rally (or suppress) powerful magnates

• Manage veitsler — the regional fiefs that fuel your war machine

Every decision affects your Legitimacy, a political engine that determines how the realm views your rule.

High legitimacy brings loyalty, income, and military bonuses. Low legitimacy invites revolt, desertion, and Church interference.

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Winter Is a Weapon

Norway’s geography is not just a backdrop — it is a central mechanic.

• Winter movement slows armies, freezes passes, and punishes the unprepared

• Ski troops glide through snow with unmatched mobility

• Mountain passes become deadly choke points

• Storms can scatter fleets or break blockades

• Fjords offer fast travel but favor defenders

Mastering the terrain is as important as mastering your armies.

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Supply will make or break your armies

Access to supplies - and the right to forage in different provinces (in the game called Veitsle) - .will determine how many military inits you can field and maintain. 

If your army starts starving, the leidang units will desert and travel home, and your elite Hird and Huscarl units will suffer penalties in combat.

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Naval Warfare in the Fjords

Longships are more than transport — they are strategic tools.

• Conduct blockades to starve towns

• Fight naval battles in narrow fjords

• Attempt landings under fire

• Use storms, tides, and geography to your advantage

The sea is both a highway and a trap.

 

Asymmetric Factions, Asymmetric Play

Each faction has unique leaders, events, and strategic incentives.

Each faction plays differently:

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Birkebeiner

Winter specialists with fast movement and elite ski troops.

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Bagler

Naval superiority, strong early legitimacy, and foreign support.

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Church

Political power, piety, and the ability to crown — or excommunicate.

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Magnates

Flexible, opportunistic, and dangerous when united.

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Four Historical Campaigns + Grand Campaign 1130-1240

The game includes four full scenarios, each reflecting a different phase of the civil wars, as well as a Grand Campaign scenario that covers the entire civil war period:

1. 1130 — The Brothers’ War

2. 1177 — Rise of Sverre

3. 1202 — The Bagler Return

4. 1217 — Håkon’s Consolidation

Each scenario features unique starting positions, leaders, veitsler, and political conditions.

 

Solitaire Mode Included

A dedicated solitaire system allows you to play against:

• Birkebeiner solitaire system

• Bagler solitaire game system

The solitaire system uses legitimacy, geography, and scenario goals to make strategic decisions.

 

A Game of Decisions, Not Dice

Combat is fast and tactical, but the true depth of the game lies in:

• When to march

• When to winter

• When to blockade

• When to negotiate

• When to betray

• When to claim the crown

Victory is earned through strategy, timing, and political insight.

 

Claim the Throne. Survive the Winter. Rule Norway.

ULFHEDNAR is a game for players who love deep historical strategy, asymmetric factions, and meaningful decisions. It is a game where geography matters, where politics shape the battlefield, and where every winter brings new dangers and opportunities.