Vikings and Valkyries: When the Wolf Comes to Life
Where Norse myth meets cosmic adventure, and every roll of the dice shapes the fate of the Vikingverse.
Introducing Vikings and Valkyries: When the Wolf Comes to Life
Fellow adventurers and saga-seekers, I am thrilled to announce my latest creative venture: Vikings and Valkyries, a live-action role-playing game podcast that melds the grandiosity of Norse myth with the rich storytelling of Ian Stuart Sharpe’s When the Wolf Comes. Imagine the captivating drama of Critical Role, but instead of the world of Exandria, we embark into the Vikingverse—a parallel timeline where the Norse gods still reign, and their people have ascended to the stars.
Helming this journey is none other than Ian Stuart Sharpe himself, the creator of When the Wolf Comes and our masterful game master. With his encyclopedic knowledge of Norse mythology and razor-sharp wit, Ian crafts a saga that is as enthralling as it is unpredictable. Under his guidance, we navigate the apocalyptic twilight of the Vikingverse, where every choice feels monumental, and every encounter teems with peril and opportunity.
In this epic saga, I have the honor of embodying Grjotgarð the Magnificent, a flamboyant Jöfurr whose larger-than-life personality is a cross between Lazlo Cravensworth’s eccentric vampiric charm and Zaphod Beeblebrox’s galaxy-sized ego. Grjotgarð isn’t just a leader; he’s a spectacle, a schemer, and a peacock in the most literal sense.
What Is When the Wolf Comes?
If you’re new to this world, let me set the stage. When the Wolf Comes takes place in a Vikingverse where Ragnarök is an ever-looming shadow, threatening to unravel the cosmos. Players adopt roles as heroes—or anti-heroes—struggling to carve their destinies amidst gods, machines, and the enigmatic Yggdrasil, a sentient World Tree. The game blends traditional Norse mythology with science fiction, creating a world where ancient traditions clash with futuristic technology in an apocalyptic saga of fate and survival.
At its heart, When the Wolf Comes is about wrestling with the inexorable pull of fate, crafting tales of courage, tragedy, and triumph. The game’s mechanics encourage deep roleplay, collaborative storytelling, and moments of moral ambiguity—perfect for a podcast designed to entertain, provoke thought, and immerse listeners in a world of infinite narrative possibilities.
Meet Grjotgarð the Magnificent
Grjotgarð is not your average Jöfurr. While most of his kin are known for their stoic honor and resolute leadership, Grjotgarð takes the path less traveled—or more accurately, the path most flamboyantly danced upon. Towering over most mortals (and some Jötnar), he is so massive that no horse can bear his weight, a fact he compensates for with a peacock-worthy wardrobe that ensures his entrance is always unforgettable.
Though he has no formal profession, Grjotgarð’s education is impeccable, and his tongue as sharp as his wit. A paragon of contradiction, he is equal parts intellectual and jester, delivering philosophical musings with the same gusto as he does his dramatic proclamations.
Grjotgarð’s crowning achievement (in his eyes) is winning the silver medal in the Toga Honk (Viking tug-o-war) at the All-Asgard Games. Though his second-place finish was technically marred by what some called "excessive preening," Grjotgarð himself prefers to attribute it to an unfair alignment of the Norns’ threads.
Grjotgarð the Magnificent’s journey begins (in episode 3) with a mission of utmost importance—or so he insists. He seeks a rogue Dvergar automaton rumored to contain information that, if revealed, could wreak havoc on... certain delicate matters of legacy. Enlisting the help of Err and Lomi, who claim to know the droid’s whereabouts, Grjotgarð’s plans are derailed when the trio is cursed by a mysterious Jötnar woman. Now bound by misfortune, they must uncover who ordered the curse—and why—all while Grjotgarð remains suspiciously vague about his true motives, deflecting questions with theatrical flair and dramatic sighs.
The character is a joy to play, blending the theatrical flair of Lazlo Cravensworth (What We Do in the Shadows) with the audacious confidence of Zaphod Beeblebrox (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). Beneath the feathers and bravado lies a genuine desire to protect and uplift his companions—though naturally, he prefers they thank him in sonnets and sagas afterward.
Meet the Cast of Vikings & Valkyries
Sound the Gjallarhorn! The epic saga of Vikings & Valkyries has arrived, bringing together a dynamic cast of creators, historians, and storytellers. Each week, a revolving band of adventurers takes up their battle rifles and ventures across the World’s Edge, exploring the Thought & Memory Saga. With a mix of wit, grit, and occasional chaos, the choosers of the fallen (and their dice rolls) decide the fate of our ever-changing cast.
Music by: Table Top Audio
The Core Crew:
Bill Hopkins (MagicLudi): A professional GM-for-hire on StartPlaying, Bill brings a wealth of experience to the table, running immersive campaigns with flair. You can find him on Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube to sample his style.
Steve Madill: A prolific science fiction and fantasy author, Steve has penned over a dozen books spanning three captivating series.
C.J. Adrien: An award-winning author of Viking historical fiction and co-host of the popular Vikingology podcast. Known for weaving history and myth with engaging narratives, C.J. takes the Vikingverse to new heights.
Special Guest Stars:
J and his bandmates in Oba, who just dropped their debut single Could Have. Check it out on YouTube and Spotify.
Mike Foucher: The mastermind behind Shift, an app-integrated power browser that changes the game.
Joseph Aleo: Creator of the epic Vikings vs Samurai comic series, where legends clash in a battle for supremacy.
Joshua Gillingham: Fantasy author, game designer, and editor of the acclaimed trilogy The Saga of Torin Ten-Trees and the Althingi game.
Rebecca Hill: A dedicated Norse enthusiast, book blogger, and YouTuber with her channel Valhalla Conversations.
Sam Flegal: The creative force behind Fateful Signs, a collection of stunning Norse illustrations.
Jordan Stratford: Producer, author, and screenwriter celebrated for the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series.
Each member of this ensemble brings their own perspective and talents, enriching the Vikings & Valkyries experience with humor, drama, and mythic storytelling. Join us on this saga as we explore the Vikingverse together—where heroes are forged, legends are made, and only the bold survive.
Why a Podcast?
The medium of a live-action role-playing podcast allows us to bring this rich setting to life in a way that’s both intimate and expansive. The collaborative storytelling format lets the personalities of the players shine, while the episodic nature ensures a steady stream of cliffhangers, character growth, and dramatic encounters.
Through Vikings and Valkyries, Ian Stuart Sharpe orchestrates a world alive with gods, monsters, and star-faring Vikings. Together, we aim to transport listeners into the Vikingverse, where every decision ripples across the Nine Worlds. Will we stave off Ragnarök, or will our hubris hasten its arrival? The only certainty is that the path will be paved with glory, sacrifice, and the occasional ill-advised drinking contest.
Why Listen?
If you’ve ever been captivated by the sagas of old or the theatrical storytelling of shows like Critical Role, Vikings and Valkyries promises to deliver an experience worthy of the mead halls of Valhalla. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to role-playing, there’s something for everyone: intricate plots, dynamic characters, and a hearty dose of humor. Available everywhere podcasts are.
And, of course, there’s Grjotgarð—Magnificent by name, magnificent by nature.
Sounds exciting! Oh, what a web we weave. I meet you and propose Vikingology. Ian sees Vikingology and becomes a guest. You and Ian meet up for this adventure. The Norns at work indeed.