This site is games | books | films

Ivar the Boneless

Ivar the Boneless
My Images (midjourney.com)
  • 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.

Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil

Armor Class 15 (Viking chain mail) Hit Points 130 (15d8 + 60) Speed 30 ft. (with crutch)

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
14 (+2)16 (+3)18 (+4)14 (+2)12 (+1)16 (+3)

Saving Throws DEX +7, CON +8 Skills Athletics +6, History +5, Intimidation +7, Perception +4 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Norse Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Special Traits

  1. Crutch Mastery. Ivar the Boneless has adapted to fighting with a crutch, gaining advantage on saving throws against effects that attempt to knock him prone. Additionally, he can use the crutch as a defensive tool, adding +1 to his AC.
  2. Tactician’s Insight. Ivar is a brilliant tactician. Once per day, he can choose to reroll an Intelligence-based skill check or saving throw.
  3. Indomitable Will. Ivar has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Actions

1. Handaxe. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

2. Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

3. War Cry (Recharge 5-6). Ivar the Boneless lets out a fearsome war cry, bolstering his allies and striking fear into his enemies. All allies within 30 feet gain advantage on their next attack roll. Enemies within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Reactions

Parry. Ivar the Boneless adds +2 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To use this ability, he must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Equipment

  • Viking chain mail
  • Viking helm
  • Handaxes (2)
  • Crutch
  • War paint and tattoos depicting battles
  • Amulet of Fear: Ivar carries an amulet that enhances his aura of fear. Creatures within 10 feet have disadvantage on saving throws against his frightful presence.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Ivar takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; he can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row:

  1. Call to Arms. Ivar summons reinforcements, allowing allies within 60 feet to make an extra weapon attack on their turn.
  2. Strategic Reposition. Ivar strategically repositions, gaining temporary hit points equal to his level and forcing enemies within 30 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.
  3. Cunning Trap. Ivar triggers a concealed trap in the area, affecting enemies within 20 feet.

Ivar’s lair is a war room adorned with maps, battle plans, and the spoils of victory. The very air is charged with the indomitable spirit of a conqueror.

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

Ivar the Boneless (Old NorseÍvarr hinn Beinlausi, also known as Ivar Ragnarsson, a Viking leader who invaded England and Ireland. According to the Tale of Ragnar Lodbrok, he was the son of Ragnar Loðbrok and his wife Aslaug. His brothers included Björn IronsideHvitserkSigurd Snake-in-the-Eye and Ubba.

The origin of the nickname is not certain. “Ívarr beinlausi” could be translated to “Ivar legless”, but “beinlausi” could also be translated as “boneless”, since “bone” and “leg” translates to the same word, “bein”, in Old Norse. Several of the sagas describe him as lacking legs/bones or having a skeletal condition such as osteogenesis imperfecta. while a passage in Ragnarssona þáttr (also known as the tale of Ragnar’s sons) suggest it refers to male impotence.

Ivar the Boneless
By Uncertain. The manuscript may have been compiled under the direction of John Lydgate (d. 1449/1450). – British Library website., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32253106
Scroll to Top