Jarund Elkhart
King of the Elk Tribe
King Jarund Elkhardt is a towering barbarian whose deeply tanned skin and mane of auburn hair bespeak a life utterly removed from the comforts of civilization. Anyone who speaks with the terse ruler, however, learns that Jarund is no savage. At forty-two winters, he is the oldest king among all the barbarian tribes and has led the Elk Tribe for over half his life. Jarund has seen other kings rise and fall, has made war with his friends and peace with his enemies, and has led tribesmen he knew as babes to their deaths in battle. Always he has kept the survival of the Elk Tribe foremost in his efforts, and the strain of his long years of rule is written on his face.
Some members of the Elk Tribe refer to their king as Jarund the Elder, though never in his presence. The epithet is an allusion to the king’s late son, Jarund Twice-Born, who was killed three years ago in a hunt when he tried to bring down a cave bear. His spear struck true, but the creature tore open the young man’s chest in its death throes, leaving Jarund without an heir. The king never speaks of his son and shows no favor to any other warriors of the tribe to mark a possible successor. But as old as he is, Jarund cannot ignore the matter of succession for long, and many warriors have already started posturing against one another in the event that the tribe invokes the rite of combat to determine a new king after Jarund passes. Many of the tribesfolk speculate that the leader’s reluctance to name a successor—and the obvious favor he shows to Froya Harmoot—indicate that he hopes to sire another heir. Some of the women whisper that Froya is already with child—much to the consternation of Jarund’s wife, Wynneth.
Whatever the future holds, Jarund is a potent force for the time being, and he rules his tribe with a sure hand. He is gravely concerned about the early coming of winter, in terms of surviving the harsh season and what it might portend about the greater entities at work in Icewind Dale. In such matters, Jarund seeks the counsel of Mjenir, the Elks’ shaman; the king greatly respects his understanding of the workings of gods and spirits. The fact that both men have lost their sons serves to strengthen the bond between them.
Jarund’s attitude toward the people of Ten-Towns is a mix of disinterest and disdain. He refers to citydwellers as “tamed men” and does not see much value in dealing with them. In Jarund’s mind, the people’s refusal to live with the land, and instead hide from it behind walls, is the source of their troubles. Although he knows the coming winter will test his tribe sorely, Jarund believes that the barbarians’ strengths—their courage, fortitude, and knowledge of the land—will enable them to endure.
Jarund’s age and experience make him a cautious leader. Because he does not long for glory as the younger warriors do, he is more apt to adopt a defensive position in battle and negotiation, opting to endure an enemy’s assault and wait to see what develops rather than extend himself in an attempt to achieve a quick resolution. Jarund commits to action only if he believes that a failure to do so would place his tribe at greater risk than would holding back. When he acts, it is with all the strength and fury one would expect of a barbarian war leader.
King Jarund Elkhardt is a towering barbarian whose deeply tanned skin and mane of auburn hair bespeak a life utterly removed from the comforts of civilization. Anyone who speaks with the terse ruler, however, learns that Jarund is no savage. At forty-two winters, he is the oldest king among all the barbarian tribes and has led the Elk Tribe for over half his life.
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