Hoskuld

Hoskuld is a rugged and enigmatic figure who has found a home of sorts at the Laughing Moon Inn in Ostverk. As a descendant of the barbarian Stag Clan, his life is a tapestry woven with the harsh threads of war, survival, and personal conflict. Despite his heritage, Hoskuld seeks a path of redemption and coexistence, earning him a place among the eclectic patrons of the Laughing Moon.

The Wayward Barbarian

Hoskuld is a striking figure, his rugged features a testament to his barbarian lineage and the hardships of his upbringing.

• Height and Build: Standing at 6’1” with a muscular, sinewy frame, Hoskuld moves with the grace of a hunter and the power of a warrior.
• Features: His dark, unkempt hair falls past his shoulders, framing a weathered face marked by scars and piercing green eyes that seem to hold the weight of his clan’s history.
• Clothing and Equipment: Hoskuld wears simple leather armor, scarred from countless encounters, and a faded fur cloak from his homeland. He is rarely seen without his imposing greataxe slung across his back and a dagger sheathed at his belt.

Personality

Hoskuld is a complex character shaped by his lineage and life experiences.

• Loyal: Fiercely loyal to those who earn his trust, he is a dependable ally in times of need.
• Reflective: Unlike many of his kin, Hoskuld is introspective and carries the burden of his clan’s bloody history. He is torn between pride in his heritage and a desire to carve a different path.
• Cautious of Magic: His upbringing has instilled a deep fear of magic, which he views with suspicion and unease. He avoids magic-users and magical items unless absolutely necessary.

“I’m not here to fight for glory—I fight to survive and protect those who can’t.”

Background and History

Hoskuld’s tale is steeped in the blood-soaked legacy of his clan and the tragedies that followed.

The Stag Clan’s Legacy

Hoskuld is a direct descendant of Roman, the brutal yet cunning chief of the Stag Clan.

• Years ago, Roman led an ambush against Lord Mascus, a Yeomanry noble who marched west to punish the barbarians. Mascus’s forces were annihilated, and the lord himself was taken captive.
• While Roman’s victory brought fleeting glory to the Stag Clan, it also invited the wrath of Yeomanry forces, resulting in relentless counter-attacks that decimated the clan.

Hoskuld’s Upbringing

• Raised amidst the ruins of his people, Hoskuld grew up hearing tales of his father’s triumphs and failures.
• Torn between admiration for his father’s courage and guilt over the clan’s suffering, Hoskuld chose to leave his homeland in search of purpose.

“You can call me a barbarian if you like. My actions speak louder than your words.”

Arrival at the Laughing Moon

• Hoskuld arrived in Ostverk seeking refuge and anonymity. He became a regular at the 9. The Laughing Moon Inn, where he found solace in its welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie with its patrons.
• His impressive skill with weapons and wilderness survival has made him an asset to the town, and he often lends his strength to defend Ostverk against marauders and other threats.

Role and Responsibilities

Hoskuld has become an unofficial protector and guide for those in need, earning him respect among Ostverk’s citizens.

At the Laughing Moon Inn

• Guardian: Hoskuld serves as a bouncer of sorts at the inn, using his intimidating presence to deter troublemakers.
• Storyteller: When the mood strikes him, he shares tales of his clan’s exploits, though his tone often shifts from pride to regret.

“This inn has more peace than I’ve known in a lifetime. I aim to keep it that way.”

In the Community

• Hunter and Forager: Hoskuld frequently hunts in the surrounding woods, providing game and herbs for the inn and the townsfolk.
• Escort and Guide: His knowledge of the land makes him a reliable guide for travelers venturing through the dangerous countryside.

Abilities and Skills

Hoskuld’s barbarian training and wilderness upbringing have endowed him with a unique set of skills.

• Combat Skills: Proficient with his greataxe, spear, and dagger, Hoskuld is a formidable melee combatant.
• Survival: His ability to hunt, forage, and navigate hostile terrain is unmatched in Ostverk.
• Special Abilities:
• Climb Sheer Surfaces: Scaling rocky cliffs or ruined walls is second nature to Hoskuld.
• Hide in Undergrowth: He can disappear into the foliage, making him an adept ambusher.
• Move Silently: Years of hunting have made him stealthy when stalking prey or avoiding enemies.

Motivations and Goals

Hoskuld is a man caught between his past and his future.

• Redemption: He seeks to atone for his father’s actions and the suffering they brought upon his people.
• Belonging: Despite his rough exterior, Hoskuld yearns for acceptance and community.
• Adventure: His restless spirit drives him to test his mettle and uncover his true purpose.

Relationships and Interactions

Hoskuld’s interactions with others are shaped by his complex personality and past.

• Innkeeper Glarian: Glarian has a calming influence on Hoskuld, and he respects her wisdom and strength. She often acts as a confidant for him.
• Captain Baris Stone: Hoskuld shares a mutual respect with the town’s captain, and the two have collaborated to defend Ostverk from bandits and raiders.
• Patrons of the Inn: While some view him with suspicion due to his barbarian roots, others admire his bravery and reliability.

Challenges and Threats

Hoskuld’s past and present continue to cast long shadows over his life.

• Fear of Magic: His distrust of magic can create tension with spellcasters and lead to dangerous misjudgments.
• Barbarian Stigma: Some in Ostverk view him as a savage, a perception he struggles to overcome.
• Relentless Raiders: His homeland’s enemies, including remnants of the Yeomanry forces, could still seek vengeance for Roman’s actions.

“Magic twists nature’s order. I want no part of it.”

“My father’s axe won us a battle, but it cost us a war. I carry its weight every day.”

Hoskuld the Barbarian

Barbarian level 1

• HP: 6 | AC: 13 (Leather Armor) | Alignment: CG
• Str: 16 (+2) | Dex: 14 (+1) | Con: 14 (+1) | Int: 9 (-1) | Wis: 15 (+1) | Cha: 10 (+0)

Abilities

• CS: Climb Sheer Surfaces
• HD: Hide in Undergrowth
• MS: Move Silently
• Cure Poison, Fear of Magic, Foraging & Hunting

Weapons

• Greataxe: 2d4+1 (two-handed, slow)
• Spear: 1d6 (ranged 20'/40'/60')
• Dagger: 1d4 (ranged 10'/20'/30')
• Languages: Common.
• Notable Gear: Faded fur cloak, worn leather armor.

Alignment

Chaotic good

Current Location

9. The Laughing Moon Inn

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Year of Birth

545 31 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

emerald green

Hair

dark, unkempt hair falls past his shoulders

Height

6'1"

Belief/Deity

The Gods of Sotillion of the Seasons