Early Germanic setting I'm working on

[ealdstan]

This is an opening descriptive scene from a germanic setting I'm developing:

Atop a tall mound, stood a great wooden hall. All about the wintry night raged, raking at the hall with bitter clutches, but within, all was light and warmth, laughter and song. Three fires danced merrily in pits set in the floor, casting a light that played warmly on the wooden walls. On either side, at long tables groaning under the weight of a variety of roasted meats, pastries, cheeses, and all things good to eat, was arrayed a grand company, who with merry songs, bold boasting, and many a jest, filled the hall with a joyous clamor. Tall, fair, and proud they reflected and magnified the light of the fires in golden hues. Their songs and tales gave voice to a martial nature, and the trophies of war that behung the hall testified to the daring of brave deeds.
On a dais at the far end of the hall sat their lord, who with laughter and ale horn in hand presided over the festive companions. He was mighty of frame, and strength rested in his gaze. Across his knees lay a sword, on the handle of which his hand idly rested

 

[Utgardloki]

What do you intend to do with this paragraph?

Keep in mind, running a role playing game is a lot different than writing a novel. RPG GMs have to be quick to get to the point, or the players lose track of what is happening.

The essential thing is to focus on the essential detail. If this is what the PCs see, they won't remember anything.

If this is the introduction to your game, it helps to be a little bit multimedia. One thing I like to do is print out some pictures of people at a gathering like this, and just lay them on the table. Be prepared if a PC wants to talk to someone, especially if there are fair maidens in the crowd.

Also if this is a game, the players are going to want to get involved. Do they address the lord? What does the lord say to them? Does anybody make fun of dwarves?

And of course, something interesting should happen as soon as possible. Grendel should come in and start wrecking the place. A green man comes in and lays down his challenge. Or even if the lord talks about a pile of gold waiting for the bold hero brave enough to slay the dragon who guards it.