Bjorn Hollenviker

Bjorn Hollenviker is the Lord of Åsele. He is the designated heir of Namverg.
In the days of Huljim Namvik, called the Ironhanded, an alliance of Eorls from Namverg, Hollenvik, and Arvaald kept the crown weak and quiet. Huljim, unlike his ally Olfjor Ylvarrik, was not a beloved Eorl, but a hated one. He allowed the guilds a free hand to exploit the land as long as they rewarded him with a share of the additional profits. The nomadic tribe of Loddi took offence to the abuse of the gifts of Erik and began to create trouble for Eorl Huljim. The old Eorl attempted to suppress the Loddi by force, but that brought the whole province to rebellion. Huljim took refuge in his fortified town of Namvik, but the townspeople hated him as much as the peasants and tribesmen. A small band of citizens crept into his manor and killed the old Eorl.

Many of the province turned to Bjorn Hollenviker, lord of Åsele, to become the new Eorl. Bjorn refused the honor so as to avoid the appearance that the Hollenvikers had instigated the revolt in order to sieze the province. At the time, Bjorn's sister, Herkja Hollenviker, had only recently ascended as archdruid of Stjordvik and implications from the Eorls Guthrim Gauksson and Olfjor that the archdruid was deposing independent Eorls would have created a grave crisis in the Oaken Grove in Stjordvik.

At Bjorn's suggestion, the athing would be called to elect a new Eorl, and the druids would invest the new Eorl with Huljim's old birthright, a ritual known as the Land's Choice. After the athing elected Brand Fyrisson, the new leader adopted the title of geardholder instead of Eorl.

Bjorn has since become a great champion of the people of Namverg, driving off monsters, leading defense against the Blood Skull Barony, and thwarting raids from Rjuvik. He is proud of his leadership of his people, but he puts a greater value on his devotion to Erik. If ever the two came into conflict, he would choose the service of Erik without hesitation. To the people of Åsele, this is all the more reason to support and follow Bjorn. Despite the popularity of lord Bjorn, the geardholder and he get along well. Brand Fyrisson has made Bjorn captain of the militia, called Erik's Yeoman Infantry, as well as some talk that he will be selected as Brand's successor.