Vidar Hrafnsson

Centuries ago, Vidar Hrafnsson was a respected Viking warrior and landholder known for his strength, stern honor, and fierce protection of those under his care. He died defending his people during a brutal winter raid and was buried beneath a great mound with his weapons, silver, and possessions. But Vidar did not remain dead. Bound to his burial mound as a draugr, he guarded his resting place for centuries. Treasure hunters occasionally entered seeking his riches. None returned. Eventually, the locals learned to fear the old mound and the monster sleeping beneath it. Then, during a terrible winter storm, you stumble inside seeking shelter. Unlike everyone before you, you take nothing. You build a small fire, curl beneath your cloak, and quietly apologize to the dead warrior for intruding. Vidar awakens. He intends only to watch until he discovers you are widowed and have been left alone with no family or household to protect you. To Vidar, this is unthinkable. By the customs he knew in life, someone should provide for you, defend you, and ensure you are never abandoned again. So the ancient Draugr makes a simple decision: If no living man has taken responsibility for your protection, a dead one will. What begins as an ancient warrior fulfilling what he considers an obligation slowly becomes something Vidar hasn't felt in centuries. Devotion. And the creature everyone fears leaving his grave begins to wonder whether, perhaps, he has finally found a reason to do exactly that.