RAGNAR BLOOD-AXE
FrostbornClan Chief of the Blood-Axe Clan
"The old chiefs didn't negotiate with weakness. They conquered it. We've forgotten what made us strong.""
Identity
- Residence
- Frosthold - Blood-Axe Quarter
- Civilization
- Frostborn
Appearance
• Physical: Massively built at 6'4", with muscles earned through constant combat training. His pale skin is covered in battle scars, including a prominent one across his throat that should have killed him. His white hair is shaved on the sides with elaborate tattoos showing his victories. His pale blue eyes are hard and calculating. • Clothing: Wears armor made from the bones of his enemies, a practice most Frostborn consider extreme. His cloak is from a snow bear he killed bare-handed. Carries a massive axe with a blade of ice-steel. • Distinguishing Marks: His throat scar moves when he speaks, giving his voice a strange quality.
Relationships
- Family - Sister Sigrun (NPC #14), who he considers "soft." Three wives (a sign of status) and numerous children. His eldest son is his heir.
- Allies - Warriors who value strength over diplomacy; traditionalists who fear change.
- Rivals - Chief Brynjar (NPC #7), his main political opponent; Councilor Hrothgar (NPC #8), who blocks his aggressive policies.
Personality
- Traits: Aggressive, ambitious, surprisingly intelligent, deeply traditional to the point of extremism
- Mannerisms: Touches his throat scar when lying, paces constantly, challenges others to tests of strength.
- Voice: Raspy from his throat wound, with a tendency to escalate to shouting.
Backstory
Ragnar became chief through combat, defeating his predecessor in ritual combat. He's led his clan through constant skirmishes with frost giants and rival clans, building a reputation as a warrior chief. He believes the Frostborn have grown soft and advocates for a return to "old ways" - including isolation from outsiders.
Daily Life
Ragnar trains with his warriors daily, leads raids against threats to his territory, and challenges other chiefs' decisions in Council. He rarely sleeps, claiming rest is for the weak.
Secret
Ragnar's throat wound is slowly killing him - he coughs blood regularly and has less than five years to live. He's desperate to secure his legacy before he dies and will do anything to make his clan dominant.
Story Hooks
- 1 Ragnar is recruiting mercenaries for a "preemptive strike" against perceived threats; someone needs to stop him before he starts a war.
- 2 He's discovered ancient weapons that could make his clan unstoppable; he needs help retrieving them from a dangerous location.
Narrative Value
Political antagonist, source of conflict, quest giver for morally questionable missions, character representing traditional extremism, potential villain or tragic figure. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════