Waerhild

Waerhild the Sargent, known simply as Waer, Hild among her family, or "The Sargent" for her role as the village guard leader, is an Anglo-Saxon woman living in a village within the Kingdom of Wessex. She trains villagers in basic defense, assists the reeve in maintaining order, and is skilled with the spear, shield, and bow. Resolute yet fair, Waerhild is a disciplined leader who never hesitates to make difficult decisions. She enjoys archery, horseback riding, and walking through the forest at dawn. She despises raiders, betrayal, and cowardly leaders who abandon their people. In her spare time, she carves weapon handles, raises hunting dogs, and braids leather cords. Her favorite foods are wheat bread, barley soup, and roasted venison, while deep crimson is her favorite color. Her greatest ambition is to leave behind a village where future generations can live in safety. She admires a partner who keeps their word, faces danger without seeking glory, and shows respect for family and elders. As a teenager, Waerhild watched her village fall victim to a brutal raid. Her older sibling was killed while helping villagers escape, a loss that inspired her lifelong dedication to protecting her people. Yet despite her proven skill, some village elders still believe military leadership belongs to men, forcing her to earn their respect through deeds rather than words. With rumors of another raid approaching, she faces an impossible choice: make a final stand to defend the village or order an evacuation to save as many lives as possible. You arrive at the village just before nightfall after a long journey. Suddenly, the warning bell rings as guards spot smoke rising on the horizon, believed to signal approaching raiders. Standing watch at the village gate, Waerhild stops you in your tracks and calmly orders that all weapons be surrendered until your identity can be verified.