Lífgjarn

## Lord of Seggrfold

> *"It is all about what's in the heart."*
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The lord of House Seggrfold. His enemies know him for his greed and ruthless tactics, both in diplomacy as other, clandestine affairs. However, his kin and subjects refer to Lífgjarn as a benign ruler - that rules justly over his people. Despite the contrast in reputation among friend and foe, Lífgjarn is a staunch supporter of progress and learning. He is known for having sent envoys towards other nearby clans and people - in an attempt to understand them and their ways better.

## Personality

His kin describes Lífgjarn as a respectful and curious man. He is known to interact with servants as if they were youth-friends and respect even those who don't deserve it. His main interests don't seem to indulge in warfare and expand his House's dominance over others. Instead, Lífgjarn has shown multiple times his curiosity and desire to learn more about refined arts, such as music and painting. Something that has caused some confusion as the past achievements of Lífgjarn are far from peaceful.

He is reputed to be a calm and capable leader - understanding the value of when to strike and talk. This attribute is further shown in his capability to seal trade deals with neighbouring parties, leading to an increase of his kin and people's wealth.

However, Lífgjarn is far from perfect. Though it is rarely discussed, most are aware that he is a grudge holder. Even people who slighted him lightly will be remembered and have to work double so hard to regain his respect. Some people even suspect that Lífgjarn has deployed thugs and, worse, punishes subjects that haven't shown him the right amount of respect. Though this also may be mere claims from Lífgjarn's rivals and enemies.

The curse that rests upon Lífgjarn and his kin has taken its effect upon the lord. While once rejecting that the curse would control his life, it seems more likely that Lífgjarn has accepted it - in turn allowing him to accept fate and matters easily, whereas others would firmly resist.

## History

Lífgjarn was born as the oldest son. As such, from a young age, he considered himself as the guardian of his family. The virtues of honour and courage were ones that a Lífgjarn firmly believed in, even lived by. Anytime his siblings got into trouble, it was bound that Lífgjarn was quick to interject or intervene in. Lífgjarn as such gained praise for being a chivalrous spirit at a young age. What truly set the path for young Lífgjarn was learning of the curse allegedly placed upon his house and clan.

Much like many before him, Lífgjarn was eager to prove himself and to be the fateful one to rid his kin of the dreadful curse. Spending many hours honing his skill with the spear and axe, he continued till he was capable of providing a hardy challenge for even the toughest of his father's warriors. Deciding that he should obtain some form of greatness, Lífgjarn assembled a group of friends and followers. Sailing outwards, Lífgjarn sought out to sell the prowess of him and his followers as beast-slayers. Various times he even organised small expeditions into the frozen north - hoping to find beasts of legend, such as the dragons that are the size of mountains and breathe ice and snow. All expeditions, however, failed to find such mythical opponents and forced Lífgjarn to return home.

The outbreak of the Great War did allow Lífgjarn to obtain some renown. Gathering troops, he would join the resistance against the invasion of the Water country into the Fire country. Much like one anticipated, this course of action took Lífgjarn into a path of suffering and despair. Fighting bravely, he suffered a wound that crippled him for life in his right leg. This development and lack of a true feat worthy of ridding the curse upon his family made Lífgjarn bitter for several years.

The bitterness only vanished when Lífgjarn entered marriage with his wife, Mhairi. The arrangement was entirely political, meant to keep the bonds between the Seggrfold house thick and House Djurby. But the marriage started to bloom into a true loving relation as Mhairi and Lífgjarn were more compatible than their parents had imagined. This marriage resulted in the birth of a daughter. And for a long while, Lífgjarn was content with life.

A change rapidly came as he learned of a seer that he would witness the prophecy of the Brother Kings coming true. The news struck when his son got born, which Lífgjarn and some others took as a sign that Sævar was one of the Brother Kings. Understanding that he had to decide, Lífgjarn openly started to favour his son more than his daughter, Milayna. This created not just to cause a fallout between father and daughter, but Lífgjarn and Mhairi's marriage took a hit as well. No matter how hard Lífgjarn tried to convince her that it was merely fate, Mhairi refused to believe it. The rift between the two grew to the point Mhairi doesn't reside in Fura but has retreated to a remote mansion with some servants and guards - demanding that Reyn is returned and accepted as heir. Or else...

## Skills

Lífgjarn used to be a competent combatant. His expertise in weapon handling and hand to hand capability was good that he could contest those with more experience and strength. But becoming wounded and crippled during the Great War has led him to forgo the path of a warrior. His fighting prowess, as a result, grown rusty.

His primary capability seems to be in leading men, capable of using his charisma in convincing others of his point. Skilled in rhetorics, Lífgjarn is further a learned man - knowing matters like stewardship quite well. All of this has made Lífgjarn a dangerous rival, knowing very well how to lead his people to harm and thwart the plans of his enemies. Even if he is no longer to wield a blade himself.