Ekkill Crowsbane

Introduction
Ekkill is a somewhat polarizing figure amongst the free folk. To his friends, he is a mighty, brave and cunning leader who puts the safety of those he loves before his own. To his enemies, he's a ruthless, blood-crazed madman. The truth, as it is wont to be, lies somewhere in the middle.

Appearance and Character
At 5'8, Ekkill looks from a distance to be quite the unimpressive man. But up close, most men would sooner shit themselves and run off than dare to challenge him. With arms as big as logs and bulky, muscle packed body, he's truly a sight to see. A twitchy man, Ekkill is rarely able to keep still, always raring for a fight. His muddy eyes blink often, and he scratches his ginger beard frequently. Ekkill wears a steel helmet and black clothing, and his sigil is a dead crow on a field of white.

History
Ekkill was born to the spearwife Bloody Alette, a fierce raider both north and south of the wall. Fiercely defiant to any man or woman who tried to tell her what to do, Alette lived clanless all her life. She didn't live life alone, though. She led the Shieldbangers: a group of fierce outcasts and daring warriors who frequently raided both north and south of the wall, and garnered an infamous reputation. When the Shieldbangers ambushed a Night's Watch ranging party, Alette noticed a particularly powerful looking man among them. She decided this man would be a worthy father to give her a son, so she raped him and killed him.

Ekkill was born in the very same spot where his father had died, in the haunted forest near the mouth of the Antler River. His name was given to him in honour of his mother's achievement.

Ekkill was raised from birth to be a warrior, and as a boy was much like a squire to his mother, carrying her equipment for her and constantly training with her. At the early age of ten, Ekkill joined the Shieldbangers, and soon proved his worth. He quickly gained an intimate understanding of battle; how to fight, formations to keep his men from being killed, and how to lead them. While he became bigger and stronger than other boys his age, they grew taller and leaner. He easily overpowered other boys, which caught the attention of many girls.

Ekkill's first son, Dagr, was born when he was only twelve years old to a girl of sixteen from one of the ice river clans. He named his firstborn in honour of his mother, who plunged a dragon glass  dagger into the heart of the girl's father. It is Dagr's most prized possession.

Ekkill's second son, Helmut, was born when he was fourteen to a girl of the Nightrunner clan. The girl was by most accounts quite ugly, but Ekkill favoured her "big tits", as he put it. Helmut gained his name because on the day of his birth, his father killed a man with a nice helmet. The name stuck, and Ekkill still it wears to this day.

Ekkill's third and fourth sons, Bognir and Hadr, were mothered by a northern noble girl called Daenys, who had travelled north to escape marriage to some senile old lord. Ekkill considers her to be his greatest love, but she tragically died in childbirth to her twin sons. Her death caused a great deal of sadness to Ekkill, and he calmed down somewhat after her passing.

Ekkill's final son, Ubin, was born to a Crowkiller woman, who some say looked a great deal like Daenys. However, the gods were cruel and she died in childbirth as well.

In 386 AC, when Ekkill was nineteen years old, his mother's skull was split open by a thenn axe. Ever since, Ekkill has hated Thenns bitterly. After defeating the Thenns who killed Alette, Ekkill became the new leader of the Shieldbangers. Soon after their victory, they found several families that the Thenns had kept prisoner to eat. Refusing to turn them away, Ekkill instead established the Crowkiller clan, named for Ekkill's love of killing crows-- where any outcast or adventurer was welcome.

They spent much of their time wandering the far north, mostly fighting Thenns and Crows and raiding southern villages, until all eyes turned toward a much greater prize: Hardhome.

Recent Events
Ekkill, his Shieldbangers, and the Crowkiller Clan have marched east from the Haunted Forest and are now encamped outside the walls of Hardhome. They hope to take it peacefully-- but will not hesitate to use force if they must.

Household
The Shieldbangers: Ekkill's elite warrior force, these men have more than proven their skills on the battlefield.

- Born 378 AC; Dagr, Ekkill's firstborn son and heir, is a gifted fighter, but lacks his father's great strength. Still, his prowess is well known in the true north. He was named in honour of his grandmother, who plunged a dragon glass dagger into the heart of his maternal grandfather. He shares his father's ginger hair, but is taller and leaner, and his face is covered in short stubble. He's considered to be quite handsome. Wields a sword and shield.

-Born 380 AC; Helmut is mocked as being Ekkill's ugliest son, but has the muscle to shut up those who do so. Stronger than Dagr and smarter than Bognir, Helmut is nonetheless respected for his abilities. His long jet black hair and bushy beard somewhat compensate for his off-putting appearance. He is proficient with an axe, and a decent brawler. Wields an axe and shield.

-Born 386 AC; Bognir is by far the strongest of Ekkill's sons, but also by far the stupidest. He is the only one of the brothers unable to read, and he has no clue how to lead an army. He does have one considerable advantage, however; his strength surpasses even than that of his father, and he is a dreaded warrior on the battlefield. He has the blue eyes and brown hair of his mother, with long hair and a short beard. Wields a carved wooden club and shield.

-Born 386 AC; Hadr is in many ways the antithesis of his twin brother, Bognir; he is quick of both mind and in a fight, shares his father's military genius, and is quite a kind man. He hates raiding, but is willing to fight to protect the clan. He shares the blue eyes and brown hair of Bognir, with short locks and a moustache. He is Ekkill's favoured son, and it is rumoured that he may be named heir instead of Dagr. Wields a sword and shield.

-Born 394 AC; Ubin is a gentle soul, a far cry from his brothers. He records the deeds of the Shieldbangers in a leather bound book entitled "The Shieldbanger Saga". What he lacks in combat prowess, he makes up for with intelligence and charisma. Though only thirteen, he is the chief diplomat of the Crowkillers, and for good reason. He is well-liked by virtually everyone he knows. He is slight in stature, with short blonde hair. Despite his relative weakness, however, he still fights spear and shield alongside the others.

-Styr Icewalker: An outcast until he joined the Crowkillers, Styr is a steadfast warrior. He is exceedingly kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend, or make a new one. He is large in stature, with short, light brown hair and an average beard. He wields an axe and shield.

-Tryggvi: A middle-aged man, and complete lunatic, Tryggvi gets along well amongst the Shieldbangers. He has patches of hair blown in every direction and a long brown moustache. Wields spear and shield.

-Cotter the Crow: A night's watch deserter, Cotter sought the freedom of life beyond the wall. He's only twenty years old, but a promising warrior and welcome member of the Shieldbangers. Fights with sword and shield.

-Red Orell: Orell is a raid master, and skilled warrior. He's quick and deadly; if you see him, it's likely too late. He appeared randomly one day and saved Ubin's life from a Thenn axe. He's been a valued member of the Shieldbangers since. Completely hairless save for a patch of black hair on his chin. Fights with sword and shield.