https://ddb.ac/characters/6928195/nNnKKa

EARLY LIFE

Ragnar’s mother Audhild Strongheart, a Shield Dwarf, was born and raised in Citadel Adbar in the Silver Marches. She’s a fine looking lady with pale skin, blue eyes and light red hair; thick curls that reach her shoulders. Audhild trained to be a cleric of Clangeddin Silverbeard and as part of her duties she was sent to Eartheart at the Great Rift where she met Sigurd Ironfist, Ragnar’s father.

Sigurd, a Mountain Dwarf, was born and raised in Underhome but stationed in Eartheart’s military camp where he is still an officer. He has dark tan skin, almost black hair and a glorious beard that reaches his belt. He met Audhild in an inn when they were both off duty. The two fell in love, quickly married and had 3 children: eldest daughter Thorunn and 10 years later the identical twins Ragnar and Rurik (Ragnar is 4 minutes older, a fact he’d often mention to his “younger” brother). While Thorunn looks very much like her mom, the two brothers are more of a mixture of their parents’ heritage: a light tan skin, light brown hair and dark blue eyes.

Ragnar did not have an easy time in school. He was bullied because of his mixed blood and because of that was not very social with other kids. He’s still a bit of an awkward loner today. He also sometimes got in trouble for stuff that his twin brother Rurik did, which would typically result in a fistfight back home. Ragnar usually won.

He loves his sister Thorunn to death. She lives in Underhome with the Ironfist clan and works as a brewer. She taught him a thing or two and it became a pretty serious hobby for Ragnar. Thorunn is currently engaged to Floki Grayhammer, Ragnar’s shieldbrother from his military days and best friend whom he trusts with his life.

Rurik is the black sheep of the family: his mischievous childhood turned into a life of crime and when the law was on to him, he fled Eartheart a few years ago. Ragnar does not know where Rurik currently is, or if he is even alive.

MILITARY

As soon as he was able to join the military, he did, at the suggestion of his father. After all, he seemed like he could handle himself in a fight, didn’t like school, was loyal to his (few) friends and it would be a great honor to follow his fathers footsteps, as he did before him.

Indeed, Ragnar was very much suited to military life, the discipline and authority. His direct no- nonsense approach to problem solving was useful, and combined with his wits and insight he quickly rose through the ranks to become an officer.

Ragnar was often stationed at one of the Riftedge Towers and sometimes went on patrol duty in the Underdark. It was in one of the Riftedge Towers that he met Floki. The two bonded initially over beer recipes and he decided to introduce him to his sister over a double date. Sadly Ragnar’s date wasn’t a keeper, but Floki and Thorunn hit it off.

Overall, his time in the military was joyful and the people he served with remember him fondly. They didn’t care if he was a half-blood, just that they could trust him with their lives.

BECOMING A CLERIC OF CLANGEDDIN

One day, a group of filthy Duergar ambushed sergeant Ragnar’s patrol group in the Underdark. Outnumbered and surprised, the Dwarves quickly began to lose control of the battlefield and all hope seemed lost. Ragnar, bleeding heavily and desperate to save his men shouted to his god: “Clangeddin, my life for my men! Save them please!”

Immediately, Ragnar found a new strength in him. A second gear, no, a third gear even. It was as if someone was helping him to wield his sword: every strike hit harder and more accurate with less effort, and he stroke down with great vengeance and furious anger upon those who attempted to destroy his brothers. His men also seemed stronger, and together they killed all the Duergar without loosing a single soul themselves. A miracle.

The surviving Dwarves later told Ragnar that his eyes glowed and holy symbols of Clangeddin appeared on his skin as he was slaying the Duergar. His mother (a cleric of Clangeddin) couldn’t be more proud!

Ragnar got a medal and a promotion and joined the clerics of Clangeddin in the military encampment and trained with them, pledging his life in service to the Father of Battle. He shaved his head and had holy symbols and runes tattooed on his skull, honoring that faithful day of the ambush.

CHOOSING A LIFE OF ADVENTURE

Some years later Ragnar, now First Lieutenant, felt that his life was being wasted in the standing army of Eartheart. He felt he needed to do more in service of Clangeddin, and sought a way out from the military. Luckily his father and mother supported his decision and found him a noble cause to join: a big caravan was heading north through the Underdark, and they could surely use his help and expertise. And so it began…