Astrid Eiriksdotter
(a.k.a. Astrid Stormshield)
Astrid Eiriksdotter, aka Astrid Stormshield is the daughter of Jarl Eirik Sigurdsson. She is a young shieldmaiden with typical Ager hair worn in the Uppsalian fashion. She is tattooed, often wears warpaint and typically wears leather armour with fur draped over her shoulders to tackle the harsh weather of Ager. A raven is often seen soaring gracefully overhead in her presence.
Appearance
From a distance, it is very clear that Astrid hails from the island of Ager. She bears her people’s typical fair hair, grey eyes and sharp features. Her hair is worn in numerous messy braids to keep it at bay, decorated by feathers and jewellery. She typically wears warpaint on her face, which corresponds to her numerous tattoos of spiritual nature. With her fine leathers and furs it is evident she holds a position of privilege in her clan. At 5’11, she is tall not only for a Rodinian woman, but also for one from Ager, a feature she uses to her advantage as a shield maiden. She speaks Common, but her accent is rugged and gutteral. She rolls her R’s and speaks with a slightly clipped cadence. Despite her youth, she stands firm and poised, her movements are deliberate and skilled, epitomising the valour of Agerian warriors. In the midst of her fighting, it is said that lightning can be seen crackling from her blows and ozone can be smelled in her presence. She is often seen followed by a Raven. It is speculated that it is sent by the old Gods to keep an eye on her.Background
Astrid Eiriksdotter is the daughter of the Jarl of Upsalla, Eirik Sigurdsson and renowned shield maiden Freya Helgasdotter. She grew up in the windswept lands of Uppsala. When she was born, a seer told her father that she is 'destined to become a great warriar as the spirit of her mother’s legacy burns strong in her veins'. Legends speak of Astrid's ancestors’ kinship with magic, supposedly tracing her lineage back to a Sorceress who forged a pact with the dragon Zyrax amidst a tempestuous storm that forever changed the landscape of Ager and separated it from the main continent of Rodinia. It was said that the sorceresses powers infused with the very essence of lightning and thunder, which has coursed through the veins of her descendants, a legacy passed on from mother to daughter ever since. Yet, fate dealt a harsh blow to Astrid as her mother perished defending their settlement against raiders when she was yet a child. Raised under the stern, yet nurturing gaze of her father Jarl Eirik, Astrid grew into a formidable shield maiden, her prowess in battle unmatched among her peers. Lightning seemed to dance along the edges of her weapons, and the scent of ozone hung heavy in the air whenever she drew blood in combat. Determined to carve her own path and honor the memory of her mother, Astrid embarked on daring raids into neighbouring lands. During a perilous raid on a coastal settlement, Astrid found herself at the forefront of a ferocious battle against a waring clan. As the clash of swords and the cries of the fallen filled the air, Astrid stood unwavering, her shield a bastion against the onslaught of her foes. Lightning crackled around her, illuminating the chaos of the battlefield with each thunderous clash. In a pivotal moment, as the enemy forces pressed ever closer, Astrid's shield became a beacon of resilience amidst the storm of battle. With unwavering determination, she weathered blow after blow, her steadfast defense turning the tide of the conflict in favor of her comrades. Witnessing her valor and the awe-inspiring display of power that seemed to emanate from her, her fellow warriors bestowed upon her a moniker. From that moment forth, Astrid Eiriksdotter would be known by all as the indomitable Stormshield, a living embodiment of strength, courage, and the unyielding fury of the storm. Beneath her fierce exterior, Astrid harbors a deep reverence for the ancient gods of her ancestors. She finds solace in the rituals of the old ways, seeking guidance from Odin, Thor, and Freyja as she navigates the tumultuous seas of her destiny. For Astrid, her spirituality is not merely a matter of tradition but a guiding force that infuses her every action with purpose and meaning.Development
Astrid came to be on Ibini as part of a raid targeted at a Guild Ship. While the rest of her crew were captured, she jumped off the ship, only to be swept away by the strong currents and nearly drowning due to her heavy armour. She woke up on a beach in Ibini, not knowing what became of her crew. As she made her way into the nearest village, she saw Baron Gilbert’s posts seeking ‘exceptional people’. Deciding that she cannot return home a failure, she proceeded to make her way to Grunal to seek an audience with the Baron.
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Year of Birth
658 AR
21 Years old
Birthplace
Children
Sex
Female
Eyes
Grey eyes
Hair
Long, brown and braided in places, decorated with feathers and jewellery
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Often war painted, tattooed
Height
5'11"
Aligned Organization