This was a concept party I made for a game long ago. I can’t even remember at this point which game it was. But the idea was to generate an entire D&D party solely out of Norse Viking archetypes. Turned out with pretty good variety I think, all things considered. And yes, names and archetypes stolen shamelessly from everything from movies like “13th Warrior” to actual Norse myths. This is the crew I took on my last run through Pathfinder: Kingmaker, as the idea of Norsemen vs a Fey invasion – with Skaard’s allegiance uncertain – was delicious.
Hrothgar the Sly:
The leader of this band is a Norse Skald in the Odin mold. Clever, tactical, fond of deception, and absolutely believes that knowledge is the ultimate weapon. Frequently leads this group in search of lost knowledge and ancient artifacts.
“male viking skald, 40s, strong, haggard face, dark hair with grey streak, dark leather over simple chainmail, short beard, eye patch, sly expression, leaning on a large spear, with a necklace”
Sigrid the Sworn:
Sigrid adopts the Valkyrie archetype – a strong shield and spear fighter every bit as much the warrior as her male companions. Looks like I’m getting better at coaxing out strong women warriors.
“strong viking woman warrior, mid 30s, muscular, dark blonde hair, dark leather over simple chainmail, looking determined, holding a large spear and a wooden shield, wearing a helmet”
Bjorn the Brawler:
This guy epitomizes big, boisterous brawler. He’s not “Schwarzenegger” big he’s “scottish strong man competition” big. Loves batting away with that big hammer, but just as happy to throw down without it.
“large viking man brawler, mid 30s, strong, stout, beer gut, dark red-brown hair, beard, furs over simple chainmail, looking cheerful, holding a medieval war-hammer over his shoulder, flexing his other arm”
Herger the Joyous:
Every band needs its lighter side, and this one is no exception, This guy is a ranger/explorer who’s always excited to see what’s over the next hill. Never loses his cheerful demeanor, always has a joke ready to lighten the mood, and fond of fancy moves with twin hand axes when it comes to blows.
“dutch man, viking ranger, mid 30s, athletic, strong, wide face, curly dark blonde hair, short beard, fur cloak over simple chainmail, laughing, holding an axe in each hand, jogging”
Gudrun the Gray
This is the mystical medicine woman of the group, taking the Norn archetype. Usually a druid, witch, or shaman of some sort. She provides the most magic power – but its of the divination, curses, and buffs/debuffs sort.
“mature norse woman, oracle, mid 40s, athletic, haggard face, raven tattoo on her forehead, dark hair, simple gray cloak over leather, concentrating on a fetish in her hand, holding a simple staff”
Skaard the Silent
This finishes out the group with the norse trickster archetype in the Loki mold. A rogue/mage sort of fellow. Untrustworthy, not entirely human, and mixes roguish cunning and skills with illusion and enchantment magic.
“sly half-elf man, viking, trickster, mid 30s, athletic, sharp facial features, dark unkempt hair, scarred face on one side, tattoos, black cloak over leather viking armor, holding a throwing knife in one hand and a magical blue flame in the other, smirking”
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