Dungeons and Dragons

Yes, I've taken to playing D&D.  Yes, I am a geek.  I even enhance my geekiness by devoting a section of my website

to D&D.  And to all those rolling their eyes now in derision (like my sister), phooey on you.

Beota Holmgardt: A Human Frost Barbarian

Although I've got my own picture of my character, Beota Holmgardt, in my fantasy art  collection,  this one, found by 

our DM, is more professional and just generally better-looking.

Beota's Character Sheet

Beota's History:

At twenty-two years of age, Beota Holmgardt of the Frutzii stands about 5 foot 8 in bare feet (5 foot 9 in the boots of which she is so fond), and her height makes her 9- or 10-stone weight (about 130 lbs) all the more imposing.  She is a bit of a novelty among her race, for although she sports the true pale cmplexion of the Sueloise people, she has neither their fair hair nor their pale eyes; both are instead almost black, a trademark trait in the Holmgardt clan. making them easily recognizable to many other clans and tribes.  She wears the typical garb of a northern fishing village, where warmth and water resistance are highly prized: a woven shirt of linen, although wool is preferred in the coldest months of the year; similar, if more durable breeches; high, fur-lined, sturdy leather boots ideal for travel across snowy terrain; a hide or leather jerkin; and heavy leather gloves worn smooth with use.  In addition, a few leather belts about her waist or leg facilitate the carrying of smaller weapons; across her back, strapped to a heavy fur mantle about her neck, is a formidable greatsword.

The sword, both well-used and well-loved, is a family heirloom, used by the progenitor of her clan, Evarel Holmgardt, and passed down through generations of Holmgardt adventurers and warriors.  Family tradition claims that the sword contains great power, but if there was ever a way to unlock it, it's been long forgotten in the oral traditions passed along since Evarel's time.  Beota sees little sense in devoting her energies to chasing down this dynastic old wives' tale, and mostly regards her weapon as her livelihood, her protector, a family treasure, and a convenient and powerful piece of intimidation.

A minor debate periodically flares up among the Holmgardt clan - if Beota's elder brother Adsil had carried the family sword with him when he went off adventuring - as had generations of Holmgardts before him - rather than wielding a new blade, would he have returned?  Perhaps too protective of the clan's treasure, he forgot it was created to protect him as well... At any rate, it remained at home, in its place of honor above the fireplace mantle as he went off with his own newly-forged blade, never to return, alive or dead.  The last news of him to reach the clan was his distinguishing himself on the battlefields in the War of Vatun; later, other warriors returned, but Adsil was not among them.  Beota, who last saw her brother when she was twelve and knew instinctively by sixteen that he would never return, superstitiously and wisely heeded her family's advice and family tradition when she set out on her own travels, and the Holmgardt family sword went with her.

The prospect of being able to wield the sword always brings a delighted glow to her black eyes, no matter how impassive her face.  Beota tends toward the taciturn and grave side, almost to the point of being sullen, and her uncommunicativeness leads most people to underestimate the strength of her intelligence.  She is more or less imperturbable and calm, save in the excitement of battle - although particularly easy battles she cleaves through with a look of utmost boredom on her face - fuss about nearly anything other than warfare she considers rather pointless.

Check out our Campaign and Party at our DM's site!