Aslaug, Enigmatic Queen

“Aslaug: Enigmatic Beauty and Intrigue Woven in Norse Mythology’s Tapestry.”

• Alias: Kráka, Kraba
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Queen, Noblewoman
• Religion: Norse Mythology
• Allies: Ragnar Lodbrok, Heimer
• Enemies: None specified
• Abode/Base of Operations: Varies throughout her life, including her time with Áke and Grima
• Nationality: Norse
• Languages: Old Norse
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Affiliation(s): Associated with legendary figures like Sigurd, Brynhildr, and Ragnar Lodbrok
• Significant Others: Ragnar Lodbrok

In the tapestry of Norse mythology, one figure stands as a complex enigma: Aslaug. Her story is one of mystery, beauty, and the threads of fate woven into the lives of legendary heroes. Aslaug, also known as Aslög, Kráka, or Kraba, emerges from the annals of history as a woman of captivating allure and hidden lineage. Her journey is a tale of love, survival, and the choices she makes to shape her own destiny.

Born of noble blood, Aslaug’s origins are shrouded in both legend and secrecy. The daughter of the legendary hero Sigurd and the valiant shieldmaiden Brynhildr, Aslaug’s fate takes an unexpected twist when she is left under the care of Heimer, Brynhildr’s foster father. Fearing for her safety, Heimer crafts a harp large enough to conceal the young girl, embarking on a journey to protect her from those who would seek to harm her.

Aslaug’s life takes an unforeseen turn when fate brings her to the doorstep of Áke and Grima, two unsuspecting peasants. What unfolds is a moment that shapes her destiny: the discovery of a hidden beauty, veiled by tar and a hood, a far cry from her noble lineage. The world knows her as Kráka, the “Crow,” a name befitting the riddle of her identity.

However, it is the meeting with the legendary king Ragnar Lodbrok that unravels the layers of her enigmatic persona. Drawn by her ingenuity and wisdom, Ragnar is captivated by Kráka’s charm. Their meeting sets in motion a series of challenges and tests that will determine the course of their lives. Aslaug’s strength lies not only in her captivating beauty but also in her ability to navigate the intricate web of fate that surrounds her.

Aslaug’s aspirations are woven into the very fabric of her existence. She desires a life of agency and purpose, steering her own ship through the turbulent seas of destiny. While she marries Ragnar Lodbrok, her journey is far from that of a passive consort. Her choices, like the currents of the ocean, shape the trajectory of her life and that of her descendants.

Through trials and triumphs, Aslaug’s story stands as a testament to the power of choice, identity, and the unending quest for purpose. Aslaug’s legacy endures, a reminder that even in the midst of the most intricate threads of fate, the choices we make ultimately define who we are and the mark we leave upon the world.

Aslaug, Enigmatic Queen

Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Good

Armor Class 15 (Chain Shirt) Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	16 (+3)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws Wis +7, Cha +7 Skills Persuasion +7, Insight +7, History +5 Senses Passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Old Norse Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Actions

Multiattack. Aslaug makes two attacks with her Longsword.

• Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
• Charming Gaze. Aslaug can target one creature she can see within 30 feet of her. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. The charmed target regards Aslaug as a trusted ally. The effect ends if the charmed creature is directly harmed by Aslaug or her allies. Once a creature succeeds on the saving throw against this effect, it is immune to it for 24 hours.

Legendary Actions

Aslaug can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Aslaug regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

• Enthralling Presence. She targets one creature she can see within 30 feet of her. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. The charmed creature is fascinated and unable to take actions or reactions. The effect ends if the charmed creature is directly harmed by Aslaug or her allies. Once a creature succeeds on the saving throw against this effect, it is immune to it for 24 hours.
• Cunning Maneuver. She uses her knowledge of tactics to grant an ally within 30 feet of her advantage on their next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
• Inspiring Words. She speaks words of inspiration to an ally within 30 feet of her. The ally gains temporary hit points equal to 1d8 + Aslaug’s Charisma modifier.

Equipment

Aslaug wears a chain shirt and wields a finely crafted Longsword. She also carries an ornate amulet, a family heirloom that is said to possess magical properties. This amulet grants her advantage on saving throws against being charmed.

Roleplaying Notes

Aslaug is a woman of both strength and intellect, carrying an air of mystery and wisdom. Her gaze holds a magnetic allure, and her words are woven with enchantment. She is motivated by her desire to create unity among her people and ensure their prosperity. As a queen, she navigates the complexities of leadership with grace, drawing upon her intelligence and the legendary lineage she carries. She is not one to shy away from challenges, and her strategic mind often surprises her allies and adversaries alike.

Currently in the World

Aslaug is a woman of captivating beauty, her presence marked by an air of both grace and mystery. Her hair, a cascade of golden locks, flows like strands of sunlight. Her eyes, an enchanting shade of blue, hold an ancient wisdom within their depths. Her fair complexion is adorned with a delicate sprinkle of freckles, like stardust on a clear night sky. Standing at an average height, she carries herself with an aura of regality that speaks of her noble lineage.

Currently, Aslaug is seated in a rustic wooden chair within a dimly lit hall. The flickering light of torches casts dancing shadows on the aged stone walls, creating an ambiance of both warmth and intrigue. She’s dressed in a flowing gown of deep blue, the fabric shimmering like the sea under a moonlit sky. Her fingers delicately trace the rim of a drinking horn, her mind lost in thought, reflecting the weight of her experiences.

Amidst the low hum of conversations around her, Aslaug’s mood is one of quiet contemplation. Her eyes, gazing into the distance, hold a mixture of nostalgia and determination. Despite the challenges she has faced, there’s a spark of resilience in her gaze, a testament to her inner strength. In this moment of reprieve, she finds solace in the company of those around her, even as the echoes of her past adventures and decisions continue to shape her present path.