Claudius Andertons

**Claudius Andertons**, who’s real name is **Cecil** / **Cecil Shaka**

## Series Appearances

39+ - 41 (Flock'⁴⁴, Flock'⁴⁴/ıı, Flock'⁴⁴/ııı)

## 1942 - 1943

### Siege of the Rabat

The Stars Commandos Company are spying on Rabat, Morocco to capture two German officers as they successfully captured the officers, one commit suicide as they manage to compromise the German officials over Rabat.

### Berlin Mission

Durinh post Soviet who siege of Berlin as Stars Commandos Company are mission, to attack on rocket base of V-1 and V-2 rocket weapons who manged to destroy the base, as Claudius and mini Stars Commandos Company to try assassinate the German scientist, Max Widmer who send the information of Allied tracks, as Claudius and his squad who get ambushes as results of Claudius who was captured by German unite, as German army who won Berlin siege leading Claudius to being prisoners with Soviets.

### May 1944

In May 1944, Claudius managed to escape with another American prisoner named Kiddo, despite sustaining only an injury to his arm. After his escape, Claudius was interviewed at the Allied Conference. It was during this time that he met up with Black Avianman fighter, Willing, and another Hazelite Avianman soldier, Isaia Moreau Davis, at the London base. Claudius was later reunited with the Stars Commandos Company at a local bar in London, and Kiddo joined him and the Stars Commandos Company on a visit to the hospital where Kiddo was receiving treatment. While with Kiddo, Claudius shared his crazy stories and invited him to join the Stars Commandos Company for training. During this time, Claudius unexpectedly encountered Isaia in his jeep, but he felt apathetic towards him.

The next day, as Claudius was walking on the street, he happened to meet Isaia again. They developed a camaraderie due to their shared military intelligence backgrounds as third-generation soldiers. Claudius agreed with Isaia's perspective, and he also had a meeting with Willing while with the Stars Commandos Company squad. This led Claudius to attend the Tuskegeeman base, where he led his first military mission in the battle for the occupation of Paris, France. Under Claudius' leadership, the Tuskegeeman fought off the Nazis' attack, successfully defeating them thanks to Claudius' strategic orders. Claudius and the Tuskegeeman were invited to a pub where they met with British officials who commended their bravery. Claudius informed the officials about his trainees, considering them his "sons," except for Isaia, whom he regarded more as a brother than a student. Claudius continued to collaborate with the Stars Commandos Company, planning missions for his group with their assistance.

The Tuskegeeman Avianman soldiers often asked questions about Claudius' leadership, and Isaia frequently visited Claudius' tent, proud of him for leading the colored men. In the second battle, Claudius and Isaia fought together, aiming to encourage the soldiers to support one another. Claudius utilized his speed to attack the enemy, resulting in injuries, but he eventually recovered.

This story exemplifies the larger idea of brotherhood, which was evident through Claudius' experiences with the Tuskegeeman. However, tragedy struck during a third mission when the Tuskegeeman fought off an area where Nazis were using railway guns to fire upon them. Willing, a member of the team, was killed in the crossfire. Claudius and Isaia managed to destroy the railway guns and buried Willing at the battlefront. This event filled Claudius with anger and self-blame for leading to Willing's death, causing him to become more aggressive. Isaia confronted Claudius, and Claudius coped with his feelings of loneliness. After four weeks, Claudius recovered, and they embarked on another mission. They battled a Nazi airship with a bomb, and Isaia successfully destroyed the airship, but both Claudius and Isaia were injured in the resulting explosion.

### Battle of V-3 Cannon

During another mission, as a new objective was undertaken, the 22 V-3 Cannon was utilized to strategically destroy England and its capital, London. This risky mission required the destruction of these V-3 Cannons in order to prevent casualties and ensure the safety of England. Claudius, who had previously experienced trauma from his childhood during the war, often suffered from hallucinations of dead bodies. This traumatic past influenced his decision-making and instincts on the battlefield, Early on, Claudius, along with the Tuskegeeman and the Stars Commandos Company, encountered a V-3 Cannon near Normandy. Claudius and Isaia, with the help of Tuskegeeman, split up to handle different tasks. Claudius faced off against 21 Nazi soldiers, demonstrating his combat skills and protecting Tuskegeeman. Isaia, on the other hand, fought off 11 Nazi soldiers and saved Claudius from two approaching enemies. Eventually, they regrouped and continued their mission, During their time in the hospital, Claudius and Isaia reflected on their journey and the sacrifices they had made. They realized the strength of their bond and the importance of their brotherhood. Their experiences had forged an unbreakable connection between them, even amidst laughter and wounds.

After recovering, Claudius and Isaia received visits from their comrades, who expressed admiration and gratitude for their bravery and leadership. The Tuskegeeman soldiers looked up to Claudius as a role model for his military prowess and dedication to his team. Isaia recommended taking down the V-3 Cannons, but Claudius rejected the idea, leading to a fight between Isaia and Claudius. Meanwhile, the Stars Commandos Company successfully planted bombs on the V-3 Cannons, except for two that malfunctioned. They were then attacked by Nazis, resulting in one of the members being injured, Claudius and Isaia decided to tackle the first V-3 Cannon, encountering an eerie silence as they entered its chambers. The room was filled with complex machinery and mysterious contraptions, creating a tense atmosphere. Claudius led the way with determination while Isaia followed closely, both prepared for whatever lay ahead. Their mission relied on their ability to disable these deadly weapons, As they explored deeper into the chambers, the temperature rose, making them sweat. Their footsteps echoed against the metal walls, adding to the eerie ambiance. They remained vigilant, scanning for any signs of danger. The flickering lights cast long shadows, making it difficult to see ahead. However, their determination pushed them forward, undeterred by the unknown. They were ambushed by Nazi shooters, but Claudius and Isaia managed to escape. They split up, with Claudius hiding in a corner.

Isaia, on the other hand, continued to evade the Nazis and heard a ringing sound for over 8 hours. Worried, he focused on the V-3 Cannon and encountered Bloodstorm, with whom he engaged in a fight. Isaia used his hidden blade, while Bloodstorm used his super-strength to restrain Isaia. Isaia managed to escape by causing Bloodstorm to accidentally hit pipes, creating smoke. He then found Claudius and informed him about the golden projectiles inside the V-3 Cannon, Claudius contacted Isaia through a handie-talkie, and they both used their aurumkinesis to melt the skin of the golden projectiles. They covered the rifling with the melted projectile skin. While attempting to stop the second V-3 Cannon, they were ambushed by Nazi soldiers. Using their aurumkinesis, they melted one of the golden projectiles to disable a Nazi submarine gun, causing the Nazis to retreat. They decided to press forward and confront the next V-3 Cannon. Inside the chambers, they were ambushed again, this time by Nazi soldiers. Two members of the Stars Commandos Company were captured, but Claudius and Isaia managed to escape. They quickly realized that the rifling was ready to fire in just eight minutes.

Claudius and Isaia, accompanied by the remaining members of the Stars Commandos Company, searched each room, determined to find a way to disable the V-3 Cannon. Unfortunately, they were too late, and a projectile was launched into the air, causing a deafening explosion. The force of the explosion made it difficult for them to maintain their footing. As they recovered, they were confronted by Stars Commandos Company, who mistakenly believed they were responsible for the explosion. Claudius and Isaia explained the situation, and together, they decided to put an end to the V-3 Cannon threat, With their determination renewed, Claudius and Isaia used their aurumkinesis to control and melt a flying projectile, causing it to crash into the ocean. The battle was taking its toll on them, and they were exhausted. They were then attacked by Nazis, but with the sudden arrival of the Tuskegeeman soldiers, they were saved, Claudius rallied the troops, urging them to keep fighting. They successfully fought off the Nazi soldiers, and Claudius used his super-strength to cause the V-3 Cannon to self-destruct, resulting in a massive explosion that destroyed the base. In the chaos, Isaia rushed to save Claudius, sustaining injuries in the process. Both of them ended up in the hospital, surrounded by members of the Stars Commandos Company and the Tuskegeeman, who had anxiously awaited their recovery.

Once discharged from the hospital, Claudius and Isaia rejoined their respective units. They continued to fight side by side, facing numerous battles and challenges. Their shared experiences had forged an unbreakable bond, and their dedication to protecting each other and their comrades never wavered, As the war progressed, Claudius and Isaia became symbols of resilience and unity. Their story of brotherhood and bravery inspired others on the battlefield and back home. They fought not only for victory, but also for the belief that through their bond, they could overcome any obstacle. Their unwavering determination and unwavering bond continue to inspire others to this day.

## Personality

Askeladd is a sly, manipulative, cunning and charismatic man. Being an excellent Swordsman, he is a great fighter, his biggest strength however lies in his intelligence and ability to strategize and adapt, a skill bolstered by his ability to know what kind of person someone is simply by looking at their face. He is quick to act and seize what he wants, yet slow to anger. As a captain, his bands looks up to him as a bold and lucky person worthy of leading.

Askeladd took care of his mother from a very young age, living in squalor and working very hard with no complaint. Witnessing how his mother and her people (the Welsh) were mistreated by the Slave owners and the Caucasian-Americans led Askeladd to despise being half Caucasian breed (biracial) and to embrace the Afro-Caribbean heritage of his mother. He grew up with his mother telling him of their ancestors and the legend of King Kunto Kinte and how the great hero would someday come back to save their people from their plight, a belief he wistfully holds on to in adulthood (though he later decides anyone can play the role and puts his hopes in Canute).

From a young age, Askeladd shows his ability to plan ahead, convincingly play a role, and patiently wait for his opportunity to strike. He is an expert at maintaining a facade, typically acting arrogant and giving off the impression of simply being bored, amused, unaffected or entertained by the things happening around him. This often allows him to lower the guard of his foes, thus giving him the opportunity to shape the situation to his advantage and seize victory.

As a Viking, Askeladd seems to hold remuneration and riches in high esteem, whether it be for their own sake, for amusement, or as a means to an end. He is not above using underhanded methods to reach his goals, even if that includes breaking a Warrior's Oath. He uses violence and murders with no hesitation if it is of benefit to him and his plans. He is often cold-hearted: unbothered by seeing his own men dying in battle (or by having to kill them himself after they turn on him); coldly ordering the massacre of an entire village full of defenseless people; denying a dying man's last request after ordering his assassination; and seemingly not caring if Thorfinn dies.

Askeladd however also seems to have a less dark side. He avenged the person he saw as partially responsible for his mother's misery and cared for her until her death, remaining easily angered by taunts to her station even decades later. He cares for the welfare of the people of Wales, scheming to keep them safe from both the Norse and the English. Unlike the rest if his Viking band, he does not seem to revel in violence simply for violence's sake outside of battles and duels, or to seek some of the typical indulgences of the Viking lifestyle — he is never shown drunk, fighting for no purpose, or claiming women after raids. He sends Atli off with advice and a golden bracelet despite he and his brother Torgrim turning on him previously, and gives the dying Bjorn a warrior's death by granting him a duel. When Bjorn tells Askeladd he just wanted to be his friend, Askeladd allows him to know he really was his only friend before he dies. After being forced to kill King Sweyn in order to save both Canute and Wales, a fighting Askeladd yells at Thorfinn to stay out of things, a moment of inattention that costs him his life. His last words to Thorfinn are wise advice rather than taunts. He tells him to let go of things and move on, and that his real battle is to be a true warrior and go farther than Thors did.

## History

Born in Mississippi in 1905, Claudius entered the world as the son of Cecilla, a Hazelite slave woman who endured the harsh conditions of enslavement on Anderton's plantation. Tragically, due to his status as an illegitimate child of one of Anderton's sons, he was denied a proper name by both his mother and father. Cecilla, however, chose to bestow upon him the name Cecil, in honor of her own father. Despite this, he remained nameless in the eyes of the plantation and grew up as a shy and silent individual. During his early childhood, when his mother's health declined, she was relegated to working in the stables, forcing her young son to take on responsibilities in the mansion. Unfortunately, Cecilla succumbed to pneumonia in 1908, leaving her son orphaned. It was in this time of despair that Claudius found solace and hope in the presence of a compassionate slave woman named Fleur. Alongside her husband, Tobias, Fleur adopted Claudius, welcoming him into their humble family. He also discovered a newfound half-sister named Eden who was intellectually disabled, forging a bond that provided comfort amidst the hardships of their enslaved lives. Within the confines of Anderton's plantation, the lady owner was captivated by the enchantment and grandeur of Romanesque culture. Her admiration extended to the decor of her personal room, adorned with artifacts and inspirations from that era. It was in this environment that the child received a new name—Claudius—a name derived from the ancient historical books chronicling the lives of Ancient Roman emperors. This name symbolized strength and resilience, offering a glimmer of hope for the young boy who yearned for a brighter future.

When Claudius was just 10 years old, his adopted parents were occupied with their work at the mansion. Meanwhile, he found himself in the kitchen with his half-sister Eden, who listened attentively to the radio. It was during this time that the Lady owner, impressed by Claudius's hard work, decided to reward him by taking him into town for the first time. This outing proved to be a revelation for young Claudius, as he discovered a television in the window of a shop in a black segregation area. The Lady owner even bought him a radio, leaving him and his adopted family pleasantly surprised. In addition to his duties in the kitchen, Claudius also spent time working in the basement. It was there that he stumbled upon a collection of discarded European Épées amidst the garbage. Unbeknownst to him, Mr. Anderton had planned to burn these weapons, underestimating their potential value. Seizing the opportunity, Claudius secretly pocketed one of the Épées, determined to learn its art in secret. As Claudius continued to watch over and care for his half-sister Eden, he faced punishment from his adopted father, Tobias, for fighting another boy over a stolen radio. The truth soon emerged that the radio had been destroyed and dumped in the lake, leaving Claudius angry and seeking retribution. He confronted the boy who had wronged him, threatening him with a rake. Tobias intervened, attempting to quell the conflict, but found himself on the receiving end of punishment when Anderton's son attacked them with a whip. Angered and afraid, Claudius managed to seize the whip and used his wings to deliver a swift kick to Anderton's son, causing a brutal injury.

These events led Claudius to seek refuge in a cabin, where he desperately searched for his sister Eden, who had been lured into the woods by Anderton's son. He discovered her on the verge of being assaulted and took immediate action, wielding a rake to protect her. Tobias joined in the altercation, but Anderton's son attempted to retaliate, leading Claudius to use his wings to defend himself. In the midst of the chaos, Lee Anderton, witnessing the scene, took note of Claudius's extraordinary abilities. Rather than punishing Claudius for injuring his son, Lee Anderton decided to challenge him to a duel the following day at dawn. Claudius, accepting the offer, prepared himself for the fight. The duel took place, with both participants taking flight. Although Claudius put on an impressive display, he ultimately lost. However, during the course of the duel, Lee came to the realization that Claudius was one of his own slave children. In a surprising twist, Lee chose to reward Claudius by allowing him to leave the plantation without any expectation of return. Claudius accepted this unexpected freedom and, the next day, he left the plantation behind, embarking on a new chapter of his life.

In the midst of his travels through Louisiana, Claudius found himself unexpectedly taken captive by the mysterious OG Organization. Little did he know that he would become the very first participant in the groundbreaking Hazelite Eugenics program, also known as the Hazelborns Project. This ambitious initiative was a genetics and eugenics program specifically designed for African-American Avianman, and it was spearheaded by the influential Nixonsens family in collaboration with the U.S. government. The ultimate goal of the Hazelborns Project was to create an elite force of African-American Avianman super-soldiers within the Soldiers of Color in the U.S. Army. However, there was a hidden agenda lurking beneath the surface - the program aimed to replace the existing African-American Avianman population in America with individuals of a different physical appearance. These new recruits would possess a lightly tanned complexion, striking Hazel eyes, and darker hair, all while enjoying exceptional health. Upon his induction into the Hazelborns Project, Claudius was assigned the code name "Aryeh". His life took a drastic turn as he was thrust into a grueling training regimen, meticulously crafted by the program's brilliant scientists. They spared no effort in adjusting Claudius's physiology and honing his skills, molding him into a true supersoldier. Day by day, he pushed his limits, enduring rigorous physical and mental challenges that tested his resolve.

It was during this intense training period that Claudius received the call to arms. The Hazelite program deemed him ready to serve on the front lines of World War I, fighting alongside the legendary Hellfighters Harlem in 1917. As he stepped onto the battlefield, Claudius's transformation into a supersoldier became apparent. His enhanced speed, strength, and agility endowed him with a formidable advantage, making him an invaluable asset to his comrades in arms. For the next two years, Claudius's journey led him to serve as a General in the esteemed French Army. His leadership skills, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers and commanders alike. It was during this time that fate intervened, bringing him face to face with another exceptional individual - Steve McCarthy. Steve, also a member of the Hazelite program, possessed his own unique set of abilities. Together, they formed an indomitable duo, their combined powers and unwavering camaraderie propelling them towards greatness.

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When Claudius reached the age of ten, Cecilla's sanity finally slipped away. She draped a sheet over her head and wandered through the village in a confused state. In a chance encounter, Lydia mistook Lee Anderton for her father, who had freed her from Anderton's plantation. Overjoyed, she clung onto him, mistaking him for her savior. Witnessing this, Claudius realized that the hero Artorius would never come back and that only an ordinary person could save his mother. Driven by desperation, he seized a sword and bravely confronted Lee Anderton. Despite his lack of experience with European weaponry, Claudius found himself surprisingly skilled, as if wielding the blade came naturally to him. He put on a commendable display of courage and skill but, ultimately, was defeated. However, by the end of the altercation, Lee's sons recognized Claudius as their sibling and decided to free him from slavery. They took a newfound interest in the son they had never known.

Claudius, later taken by the OG Organization, was forced to fight in World War I alongside the Hellfighters Harlem. For the next two years, he served as a General in the French Army, leading him to cross paths with Steve McCarthy and eventually become the second member of the Hazelite program.

For 5 years, Claudius feigned warming up to his Anderton's sons while hiding his murderous intent, such as showing Lee proper respect, recognizing the former as his savior from slavery and even learning to get along with Lee. Ultimately, Claudius stabbed Lee, with his wife with the sword of one of his brother possibly father, in the middle of the night while the latter was in his bed, avenging Cecilla and his people's suffering. With one of father possibly father along with slave lover being framed for the murder and being executed by lynching in public, Claudius was able to get away with his revenge and was given the right to inherit his property. A year after his Anderton's murders, Claudius carried his mother along with former Anderton's slaves were exiled to North, Cecilla dies after arrival in North.

In South Carolina in 1926 while he traveling, reveals that Claudius who survived from KKK, one incident due assault of KKK's member at the alleyway, at nighttime he ambushes 5 KKK members were lynching and stabbing and inducing carved a "C" into KKK leader's forehead with trench knife (Nahkampfmesser) by torture and ate their organs while he was on lion form.

### War Arc

Askeladd's role in the series is as the captain of a band of Viking pirates. He is the unlawful murderer of Thors. He's Thorfinn’s ‘boss' even though Thorfinn rarely listens to him, apart from when he gets a chance to fight Askeladd, as that’s the only reason he is in Askeladd’s band. He is a strange sort of mentor figure to Thorfinn and the catalyst that brings about the severe change in personality and demeaner to Canute. He mainly focuses on obtaining more fame and respect amongst his enemies while also trying to protect Wales from a Danish invasion.

When King Sweyn announces an invasion on Wales as a prelude to fight in Ireland, Askeladd is stunned, as he did not foresee this at all and this was the one thing Askeladd never wanted to happen. Floki advices Sweyn as to Askeladd’s reaction to Wales being mentioned, and after Askeladd attempts to dissuade Sweyn from invading, Sweyn hugs Askeladd and secretly gives him a choice, to pick between saving Wales or Canute. Not wanting to lose Wales, or keep Sweyn on the throne a second longer after he insulted his mother, Askeladd feigns madness, declares himself as Artorius reborn and kills the king. He then slaughters dozens of the kings soldiers while laughing maniacally until he finally meets his end at Canute's hands when the prince stabs him, recognizing the ruse the moment his father died.

### Aftermath

Askeladd continues to have an impact on Thorfinn after his death. He often appears in Thorfinn's dreams and nightmares, as noted by Einar, who hears Thorfinn scream out Askeladd's name while in the throes of a nightmare. Thorfinn tells Einar of Askeladd, saying he was the man that killed his father, and that he was a very strong a cruel man. He continues, saying he followed him into battle to get revenge, as he hated him enough to kill him, though he eventually got killed by someone else in front of him. Einar tells Thorfinn no good will come of hating the dead. Thorfinn, recalling Askeladd's last moments (telling him to stay away from the fight, and then to become a true warrior), tells Einar he no longer hates Askeladd, which makes it harder to deal with as he is empty now that his hatred is gone (*Chapter 68*).

Thorfinn eventually remembers his dream, seeing Askeladd there once again. Thorfinn hangs on to a cliff with great difficulty, with warriors waging battle underneath him. Askeladd, sitting on a tall pillar, greets Thorfinn, noting he never learns and always comes back. When Thorfinn asks him if this is Valhalla, he replies that it is the real world — where all the "shit winds up", the final destination of all warriors, an ultimate state of warfare with no winners, losers or end, where everyone is an enemy and where Thorfinn used to live. He explains that Thorfinn escaped, for better or worse, by getting "hollowed out", and that though he is in no position to say so as the man who dragged him there in the first place, that Thorfinn is lucky he was one of the lucky few to leave. He inquires about what fills Thorfinn now that being a warrior, which was all he was, has been drained away. As Thorfinn derails in negativity, he tells him to pay attention to his surroundings, including a tower of corpses reaching for him. Thorfinn kicks them and Askeladd says he should at least hear their curses, as they are all people he killed. As the corpses at the bottom start shooting arrows at Thorfinn, Askeladd hops off his pillar to fight them off. He yells at Thorfinn that now is no time for moping around, as he shouldn't want to end up back there. He tells him to let the corpses hang off of him and climb, that that is his true battle — to go, take those he killed with him, fight his true battle and become a true warrior, echoes of his last words to Thorfinn before his death. When Thorfinn wakes, he swears to never harm another person again and declares that he will make amends for his past deeds and be reborn (*Chapter 71*).

Thorfinn, who had recently sworn off violence, finds himself facing a fight with Snake unless he gives up on helping Arnheid and hands over Gardar. As he ponders how he could make it out of the situation without using violence, fighting or hurting anyone, he sees Askeladd next to him. This vision of Askeladd puts voice to his own concerns, rationalizations and conscience: he doesn't really have a choice, and the violence is justified if it's altruistic and has no lust or hatred behind it. Askeladd asks him if he will hold true to his oath of peace, or surrender to the way of battle to save someone. He asks him which holds the path to being a "true warrior", and which he will choose (*Chapter 85*).

In 1019, when Thorfinn tries to fight off Garm at Jomsborg without killing him, he uses several of Askeladd's tactics, first by verbally taunting Garm and manipulating him into giving in to anger to lead him to make mistakes (*Chapter 155*). As Garm charges straight at him, he grabs him by the wrists and headbutts him, mirroring moves Askeladd had used on him. Thorfinn thinks it is a horrid thought that the things Askeladd taught him are what kept him alive. When Garm comes to, Thorfinn tells him that when the blood rushes to someone's head, their movements become quite simple as they become too fixated on the one mark they're attacking, a lesson he learned from Askeladd (*Chapter 156*).

When Thorfinn stops by Greenland for a few days before setting off for Vinland, he spoke to Leif. Leif remarks he is all grown up and that Thors would be proud if he could see him now. When Leif tells him "Follow your heart, my son", Thorfinn sees a smiling Thors and a smirking Askeladd behind Leif (*Chapter 176*).

## Relationships

Thorfinn - Askeladd's relationship with Thorfinn is very hard to define. He is most often manipulative and indifferent with Thorfinn, but also sometimes takes on a bit of a mentor's role, offering him advice and trying to lead him to the correct conclusions. Originally, Askeladd lets Thorfinn tag along with his band because he shows promise and determination, and he knows Thorfinn only wants to kill him in a proper warriors' duel and will not try anything underhanded that would put his life at risk. Thorfinn takes care of himself and is a valuable, fearless fighter that is disposable to Askeladd, who only has to entertain him with occasional duels to have him do anything he wants, including perilous things like delivering messages to potentially aggressive soldiers, killing commanders, taking on the mighty Thorkell one-on-one, or running into a burning forest to rescue Prince Canute.

Askeladd acts indifferent when Thorfinn appears to have failed or died in these situations, though he typically seems pleasantly surprised when he finds out he has succeeded or survived. Although he knows Thorfinn hates him for killing Thors dishonorably, he trusts Thorfinn to undertake his tasks to the best of his abilities as long as he is promised his duels, and seems to have a high opinion of Thorfinn's skills in situations other than duels against him. Askeladd can be quite cruel to Thorfinn, for example taunting him about his father to make him lose his cool when they duel, not holding back in duels when Thorfinn has lost and is already down (even as a child), and insulting him. On the other hand, he frequently offers Thorfinn advice, telling him how to improve and that his emotions and thirst for revenge blind him. He also occasionally talks to him in a more amicable fashion, such as telling Thorfinn of the Roman ruins around them, which prompts Thorfinn to remind him he is not one of them and that he hates him. Thorfinn is aware Askeladd thought he was manipulating him, and Askeladd admits that Thorfinn will likely beat him someday as he grows up and Askeladd grows old, but this does not change the status quo of their relationship.

It is insinuated that Askeladd may see some of himself in Thorfinn, as he too sought vengeance against the person who hurt his parent and he also despises Vikings and their lifestyle. After his last duel with Thorfinn, he tells him he will give him a lesson on how to kill a man you truly hate, and tells him of how he killed his own father as a child. He insinuates that either Thorfinn does not actually hate him, and/or that his lack of success after a decade means he needs to use his head. When he is fighting off Sweyn's men in a suicidal battle, Askeladd yells at the rushing Thorfinn to stay out of things, a moment of inattention that costs him his life. It is not known if this was to protect Thorfinn or to keep him from interfering and messing up his last ditch plan. His last words to Thorfinn are wise advice rather than taunts. He offers Thorfinn the chance to take his life before he dies, tells him to let go of things and move on, and that his real battle is to be a true warrior and go farther than Thors did. Later, when Thorfinn lets go of his hate, he comes to see Askeladd as a bit of a fatherly figure and often dreams of him or thinks of him when he needs to make difficult decisions or employ certain tactics.

Bjorn - Bjorn, who has been in Askeladd's band for over a decade, is Askeladd's subordinate, right-hand man, and possibly his only true friend. When Bjorn states he's in it for the killing and not the money, Asleladd laughs and says that's why he likes him. When Askeladd asks him why he stuck with him all these years, Bjorn simply replies that he wanted to follow him. Despite Bjorn's efforts, Askeladd keeps him at arms' length and Bjorn knows very little about him, other than the fact that he is Danish (which he is in reality only half correct about). Askeladd is however closer and more open with Bjorn than the rest of his men, often speaking and laughing with him and even offering up his thoughts about certain things (such his suspicions about Floki's true plans).

On Bjorn's end, although he inherently trusts him, Bjorn is unafraid to approach Askeladd to offer his own thoughts, advice and doubts or to question him about his thoughts and actions. When Askeladd suspects his band will turn on him, he does not doubt Bjorn's loyalty and tasks him with protecting the prince, knowing Bjorn will put his life on the line to carry the task through and will not hesitate to fight and kill his former brothers in arms if he has to. Even after Askeladd boldly proclaims he despises all Danes, Bjorn is unshaken and carries out his orders. When it is made clear Bjorn will not recover from the gut wound he received from Atli while attempting to spirit Canute away, Askeladd agrees to have a duel with him, granting him a warrior's death and a chance to die with his sword in hand. Askeladd is visibly horrified when he misses the sure kill. Bjorn tells him he only wanted to be his friend, and Askeladd admits Bjorn was his only friend before finishing him off. Whether Askeladd meant it or simply said what Bjorn wanted to hear is unspecified. He carries away Bjorn's body himself.

Canute

Lydia - Askeladd's mother was named Lydia and his father was named Olaf. He also had a number of half-siblings through Olaf. Through Lydia, he is descended from Lucius Artorius Castus, a Roman Hero and the basis for the King Arthur legend.

Olaf - Olaf was Askeladd's father.

Thors

Thorkell

Floki

Atli

Ragnar

## Abilities

**Master swordsman**: Askeladd was a highly skilled swordsman, displaying a talent for this at age 11, when he defended his mother from his father Olaf. Despite being middle-aged at the time of his death, he survived combat against multiple opponents at once, including King Sweyn's royal guards.

**Ranged weapons**: Askeladd had skill with throwing hatchets and throwing knives, although they were not his primary weapons.

**Leadership skills:** Askeladd is also a master tactician as well as a skilled politician. His ability to manipulate those around him turned a horde of pirates and raiders into a close-knit group wholly loyal to him. He has shown himself capable of turning enemies into allies, as seen with Thorfinn, Thorkell, and Prince Canute.

Askeladd could also instantly read a man just by looking at his face, an ability he claimed to have picked up from living 40 years among wicked men.

## Battles & Duels

### Battles

* 991: Battle of Maldon.
* ~1002: Faroe Islands ambush.
* 1008: Eastern England (East Anglia) village raid.
* 1012: Frankish Fortress.
* 1013: Battle of London Bridge.
* 1013 (November): Farming village raid (ninety miles west of London, near Bath).
* 1013 (November): Marlborough forest battle (near Bath).
* 1013 (December): Northern Mercian village raid (Earldom of Mercia, Central England).
* 1013 (December): Band mutiny.
* 1014 (January): King's Feast's regicide.

### Duels

**Askeladd versus Thors**

Thors challenges Askeladd after recognising Askeladd as the leader by his scent, and Askeladd proclaims they have the same scent. Askeladd starts the duel off by cutting the rope to the mast, in order to seemingly disappear to get a sneak attack in, however he only managed to graze Thors. They then swing their blades together and clash, until Askeladd notices Thors was aiming for his blade, in order to weaken and destroy it. Askeladd realises that this must mean that Thors’ blade must be just as weak, and let’s Thors hit his chest armour in order to shatter Thors’ blade. This, however, was all a part of Thors’ plan, in order to make Askeladd drop his guard and do a big swing with his sword. Thors swiftly hits Askeladd’s elbow, knocks his sword out of his hand, and takes it for his own. Thors then claims to have won the duel, and throws the sword into the water below them. Askeladd admits to Thors winning the duel, but after Bjorn takes a young Thorfinn as a hostage, Thors is littered with arrows from above, and killed.

**Askeladd** **versus** Thorfinn

* **First duel:** Thorfinn, age 6, asks Askeladd for a duel. He attacks him with a sword much too heavy for him, and Askeladd has no problems defeating him.
* **Second duel:** Thorfinn, age 6, asks Askeladd for a duel, yielding his father's dagger, and after practising with it in the wood, manages to throw the dagger at Askeladd and suprise him.
* **Third duel:** In 1012, Thorfinn, age ~16, asks Askeladd for a duel as his reward for killing the commander of the defending Frankish forces Jabbathe's troops had been attacking. Askeladd grants him his request once they reach Gorm's village in the winter. Askeladd provokes Thorfinn by pretending to not remember killing his father, and once he smugly says that he does remember him, he makes fun of him and calls him a fool. Askeladd easily defeats Thorfinn.
* **Fourth duel:** In 1014, Thorfinn, now nearly 18, asks Askeladd for a duel as his reward for defeating Thorkell. However, Thorfinn’s arm is still broken from his duel with Thorkell, and Askeladd’s easily and swiftly defeats Thorfinn without his weapon. He beat him until he was knocked him unconscious, but was stopped from supposedly being about to stab Thorfinn by Canute.

*Note: These are Askeladd's known duels with Thorfinn. Others may have occurred.*

## Targets

* Hazel Lincoln Roche Davis (Attempting, Caused)
* Eilas Maximilien Smith (Attempting, Caused)

## People Killed

* Slave Owner
* Slave Owner's wife
* Slave Owner's older son
* Slave Owner's young son
* K. Bridge (Caused)
* Numerous Counts of English Soldiers (Caused and Direct)
* A few of Ragnar's troops (1 direct others caused)
* 5+ Members of U.S. Forces

## Killed By

* Hazel Lincoln Roche Davis (Caused)
* Eilas Maximilien Smith (Caused)
* Himself (Caused)
* K. Bridge (Out of Mercy)

## Trivia

* Askeladd is named after the Norwegian fairy-tale character *Askeladden.* Askeladden appears in many stories and is the youngest son that no one expects anything from, but in the end, he's the one who succeeds. Usually not through brute strength but by wits, a dose of luck or some other kind of trickery.