ALVA WINTER-SHADE
FrostbornElder and Advisor
"I have lived long enough to see wisdom become foolishness and foolishness become wisdom. The only constant is change, and those who resist it are washed away like ice in spring.""
Identity
- Residence
- Frosthold - Elder's Hall
- Civilization
- Frostborn
Appearance
• Physical: Bent with age but still imposing at 5'7". Her pale skin is paper-thin, showing blue veins. Her white hair is long and elaborately braided. Her pale eyes are clouded but seem to see more than they should. • Clothing: Wears ceremonial robes that mark her status as an elder. Her jewelry is ancient and valuable, passed down through generations. • Distinguishing Marks: Her voice carries the weight of decades of wisdom. She moves slowly but deliberately.
Relationships
- Family - Outlived two husbands and all her children. Her grandchildren visit when they can.
- Allies - Councilor Hrothgar (NPC #8), who values her counsel; Chief Brynjar (NPC #7), who respects her wisdom.
- Rivals - Younger elders who think she's too traditional; traditionalists who think she's too progressive.
Personality
- Traits: Wise and patient, occasionally forgetful, deeply traditional, surprisingly progressive on some issues
- Mannerisms: Speaks slowly and carefully, tells long stories that eventually make sense, asks probing questions.
- Voice: Thin but strong, with the authority of someone who has advised chiefs for thirty years.
Backstory
Alva has served as an elder for longer than most people have been alive. She's advised four chiefs, survived countless political upheavals, and maintained her position through wisdom rather than power. She's a living repository of Frostborn history and tradition.
Daily Life
Alva spends her days hearing disputes, offering advice to those who seek it, and maintaining the oral histories of her people. She rarely leaves the Elder's Hall anymore, claiming her bones ache too much in the cold.
Story Hooks
- 1 Alva needs help passing on crucial knowledge before she dies; she needs someone to record her wisdom.
Narrative Value
Source of ancient knowledge, mentor figure, quest giver for historical missions, connection to Frostborn history, potential deus ex machina through wisdom. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════