Ivar the Boneless

“Meet Ivar the Boneless, the Viking Warlord with a Ruthless Legacy and a Strategic Mind!”

• Alias: Ivar the Boneless
• Gender: Male
• Race: Norse
• Occupation: Viking Warlord
• Religion: Norse paganism
• Allies: Viking warriors, possibly his brothers (Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd, and Bjorn)
• Enemies: Anglo-Saxons, other rival Viking leaders
• Abode/Base of Operations: Mobile, as Vikings were known for their raids; likely centered around Scandinavia
• Nationality: Norse (from Scandinavia)
• Languages: Old Norse
• Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Viking raiding parties, possibly the Great Heathen Army
• Significant Others: Wives and concubines, his mother Queen Aslaug

Ivar the Boneless, a formidable Viking warlord, emerges as a complex and enigmatic figure on the historical stage. Gifted with strategic brilliance and an unwavering determination, Ivar’s reputation as a ruthless leader precedes him. Unconstrained by traditional constraints, he navigates the tumultuous seas of conquest with a boneless agility, exploiting his adversaries’ weaknesses to devastating effect.

In the heart of battle, Ivar remains a stoic and calculating presence, orchestrating campaigns with an almost supernatural foresight. Yet, beneath the veneer of invincibility, a shadow lingers—a fear that his seemingly insurmountable prowess could one day crumble. The fear of vulnerability, symbolized by his epithet “the Boneless,” haunts Ivar, a secret he guards with ferocious intensity.

Driven by a relentless desire for power and recognition, Ivar’s conquests are not merely territorial but also a quest for validation. His ruthless pursuits stem from a deep-seated need to establish an enduring legacy, a tale that future generations will tell with awe and trepidation. Ivar the Boneless, a man of paradoxes, stands at the crossroads of fear and ambition, navigating the tumultuous currents of his era with an indomitable will.

Ivar the Boneless

Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil

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Armor Class 15 (Viking chain mail, Crutch Mastery)
Hit Points 130 (15d8 + 60)
Speed 20 ft. (10 ft. without crutch)

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

Saving Throws DEX +8, CON +8, INT +6
Skills Athletics +6, History +6, Intimidation +8, Perception +5
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Norse
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)

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Special Traits

Crutch Mastery. Ivar the Boneless’s custom crutch is specially designed for both movement and defense. It grants him +1 AC while he wields it and allows him to move at 20 feet per round. If he loses access to the crutch, his speed is reduced to 10 feet. His practice with it grants him advantage on saving throws against effects that would knock him prone.

Tactician’s Insight. Ivar the Boneless can reroll one Intelligence-based skill check or saving throw per day, representing his ability to outthink his enemies. Additionally, he can direct one ally within 30 feet, allowing them to make an immediate melee or ranged attack outside their turn, once per long rest.

Indomitable Will. Ivar the Boneless has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened, thanks to his unwavering determination.

Aura of Intimidation. Creatures within 10 feet of Ivar have disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws against being frightened, due to the effects of his Amulet of Fear.

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Actions

1. Handaxe. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
2. Crutch Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll, as the crutch throws them off balance.
3. War Cry (Recharge 5–6). Ivar lets out a fearsome war cry. Allies within 30 feet gain advantage on their next attack, and enemies within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of their next turn.
4. Tactical Strike. Once per day. Ivar identifies a weak spot in an enemy’s defenses. He makes one weapon attack with advantage; if it hits, the target takes an extra 10 (3d6) damage and must succeed on a DC 14 Intelligence saving throw or be incapacitated until the start of Ivar’s next turn.

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Reactions

Defensive Crutch Maneuver. Ivar uses his crutch to deflect an incoming attack, adding +2 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. He must see the attacker to use this ability.

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Equipment

• Viking chain mail
• Dual handaxes
• Reinforced crutch
• War paint and tattoos of past victories
• Amulet of Fear: Grants his Aura of Intimidation.

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Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Ivar takes a lair action to enact one of the following effects. He cannot use the same effect two rounds in a row:

1. Call to Arms. Ivar the Boneless’s rallying cry reinvigorates his allies. All allies within 60 feet can make an additional weapon attack on their next turn.
2. Strategic Reposition. Ivar gains temporary hit points equal to his level (10) and moves up to 10 feet without provoking opportunity attacks, allowing him to evade or outmaneuver foes. Enemies within 30 feet must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute (they can repeat the save at the end of each of their turns).
3. Cunning Trap. Ivar triggers a concealed trap (such as a spiked pit or tripwire) within 20 feet of him. All enemies in the area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (4d6) piercing or slashing damage and fall prone.

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Lair Description

Ivar the Boneless’s lair is a war room filled with maps, battle plans, and Viking relics. Every corner of this space tells a story of his conquests and unyielding spirit, with trophies lining the walls as a testament to his fierce and cunning nature. The atmosphere is charged with tension and the scent of iron, as if the room itself thirsts for battle.

Currently in the World

Ivar the Boneless stands with a commanding presence, his eyes harboring a fierce intensity that hints at his strategic brilliance. His long, raven-black hair cascades over his shoulders, framing a face marked by a mixture of battle scars and determination. Despite his crutch his crippled legs don’t diminish the aura of danger surrounding him.

Cloaked in weathered leather armor adorned with the symbols of his Viking heritage, Ivar wields a battle-ax at his side, a testament to his prowess in combat. The deep crimson accents on his attire symbolize the blood spilled in countless raids, while his cloak, the color of stormy seas, billows in the wind as he oversees his warriors.

Currently, Ivar is meticulously planning the next raid, huddled with his brothers and advisors in a dimly lit tent adorned with maps and war strategies. The air is thick with the scent of anticipation, mixing with the sounds of clashing weapons and distant waves. His mood is a volatile blend of eagerness for battle and a strategic focus, as he envisions conquests yet to unfold.

Historically