Buy me a coffeeHervor, the Flameheart Defender
“Meet Hervor: The Viking Shieldmaiden Who Defied Death Itself for a Legendary Sword!”
- Alias – Hjörvard (disguised name)
- Gender – Female
- Race – Human
- Occupation – Shieldmaiden, Warrior
- Religion – Asgardian Pantheon
- Allies – Svafa (mother), King Gudmund, Höfund (husband), Angantyr (father)
- Enemies – Those who oppose her quest for Tyrfing, adversaries encountered on her adventures
- Abode/ Base of operations – Various locations throughout the Norse lands
- Nationality – Norse
- Languages – Old Norse
- Alignment – Chaotic Good
- Affiliation (s) – Independent, aligned with those who share her goals of freedom and defiance
- Significant others – Svafa (mother), Höfund (husband)
Hervor, a legendary figure from Norse mythology, emerges as a beacon of defiance and courage in the face of adversity. Born into a world dominated by male warriors, Hervor blazes her own trail, challenging societal norms and forging her destiny with the strength of her will and the edge of her sword.
Life Story: Hervor’s tale begins with her unconventional upbringing, raised by her mother Svafa after her father Angantyr’s demise in a fateful duel. From a young age, Hervor rejects the confines of femininity, opting instead to train in combat skills traditionally reserved for men. Disguised as the warrior Hjörvard, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, traversing lands and seas, seeking adventure and glory.
Her defining moment comes when she confronts the ghost of her father in his grave, demanding the cursed sword Tyrfing as her rightful inheritance. Undeterred by warnings of its deadly curse, she claims the sword, setting the stage for her legendary exploits.
As Hervor, she navigates the treacherous waters of Norse society, posing as a man to gain entry into the courts of kings and conquerors. Her cunning and prowess earn her respect and fear in equal measure, as she carves a path of conquest and liberation wherever she treads.
Yet, amidst the chaos of battle and the clamor of victory, Hervor finds moments of solace and reflection. In the quiet moments between conflicts, she grapples with the weight of her legacy, haunted by the specter of Tyrfing’s curse and the toll it exacts on those she loves.
Achievements: Hervor’s achievements are many, each more remarkable than the last. From her daring confrontation with her father’s ghost to her triumphs on the battlefield, she leaves an indelible mark on the annals of Norse history. She rallies warriors to her cause, inspires poets to sing her praises, and strikes fear into the hearts of her enemies with every swing of Tyrfing.
Her name becomes synonymous with bravery and defiance, whispered in hushed tones around hearthfires and sung in epic sagas for generations to come. She becomes a symbol of resilience and determination, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the flame of hope can never be extinguished.
Description: Hervor is a figure of striking contrasts, her features etched with the scars of battle and the fire of determination. Clad in armor forged from the finest steel, she cuts a formidable figure on the battlefield, her presence commanding respect and fear in equal measure.
Her eyes, steely and unyielding, betray the depth of her resolve, while her voice carries the weight of centuries of defiance. Though she may appear hardened by the rigors of war, there is a fierce beauty to her, a raw vitality that sets her apart from mere mortals.
Motivations and Fears: At the heart of Hervor’s quest lies a burning desire for freedom and self-determination. She seeks to break the chains of convention that bind her, to prove that a woman can be as fierce and capable as any man. Her fearlessness in the face of danger stems not from recklessness, but from a steadfast belief in her own abilities and the righteousness of her cause.
Yet, beneath her stoic exterior lies a vulnerability born of her tumultuous past. She fears not death or defeat, but the loss of those she holds dear, the erosion of her legacy by the relentless march of time. It is this fear that drives her ever onward, spurring her to greater feats of daring and valor in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Purpose and Ambitions: Hervor’s ultimate ambition is simple yet profound: to carve out a place for herself in the annals of history, to be remembered as a warrior without equal and a leader of unmatched courage. She fights not for glory or riches, but for the freedom to chart her own destiny, to defy the gods themselves if need be.
Her journey is far from over, her legacy far from complete. But with Tyrfing in hand and fire in her heart, she presses ever forward, a beacon of hope in a world consumed by darkness. For Hervor, the quest for greatness is not merely a means to an end, but a way of life—a testament to the indomitable spirit that burns within her, lighting the way for all who dare to follow.
Hervor, Shieldmaiden of the North
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic good
Armor Class: 18 (splint armor)
Hit Points: 210 (20d8 + 100)
Speed: 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 20 (+5) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) |
Saving Throws: Str +8, Con +10
Skills: Athletics +10, Perception +8, Survival +8
Senses: Passive Perception 18
Languages: Common, Giant, Norse
Challenge: 15 (13,000 XP)
Actions:
Multiattack. Hervor makes three melee attacks: two with her longsword and one with her shield.
- Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
- Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
- Tyrfing’s Fury (Recharge 5-6). Hervor unleashes the power of Tyrfing, causing it to burst into flames. Each creature within 15 feet of Hervor must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Reactions:
- Defensive Parry. When Hervor is hit by a melee attack, she can use her reaction to add 3 to her AC against that attack, potentially causing it to miss.
- Shield Block. When a ranged attack hits Hervor, she can use her reaction to raise her shield, gaining a +5 bonus to AC against the triggering attack.
Legendary Actions:
Hervor can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Hervor regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
- Attack. Hervor makes one longsword attack.
- Shield Slam (Costs 2 Actions). Hervor targets one creature within 10 feet of her with her shield, forcing it to make a DC 16 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the target is pushed up to 10 feet away from Hervor and knocked prone.
- Inspiring Rally (Costs 3 Actions). Hervor shouts an inspiring battle cry, granting herself and up to three friendly creatures within 30 feet temporary hit points equal to her Charisma modifier (a minimum of 1) plus her proficiency bonus.
Equipment:
- Longsword: A finely crafted longsword, passed down through generations, said to be imbued with the spirit of Hervor’s ancestors.
- Splint Armor: Sturdy and protective armor, adorned with intricate Norse designs.
- Shield: A large shield made of sturdy wood and reinforced with metal, bearing the emblem of Hervor’s clan.
- Tyrfing (Magic Item): A legendary sword of ancient dwarven craftsmanship, said to possess immense power and a deadly curse.
Abilities:
Indomitable Spirit. Hervor gains advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Warrior’s Resilience. Hervor can use her bonus action to regain hit points equal to her Constitution modifier (minimum of 1d8 + 5).
Tireless Explorer. Hervor gains advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks made to navigate and track in the wilderness.
Born Leader. Friendly creatures within 10 feet of Hervor gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls.
Description:
Hervor is a fierce and stalwart warrior, her features weathered by years of battle and adventure. Clad in splint armor adorned with the symbols of her clan, she carries herself with the confidence of one who has faced death and emerged victorious. Her longsword is a testament to her skill and determination, its blade gleaming with the promise of both protection and destruction. With Tyrfing at her side, she is a force to be reckoned with, capable of unleashing devastating attacks against her enemies while inspiring courage in her allies. Though her path may be fraught with danger, Hervor faces each challenge with unwavering resolve, her spirit unbroken and her will unyielding.