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Herstory Heroines and Villaineses

© Johnnie Lohmann

Women as the protagonist, or antagonist, can add a different flavor to the story. In real life we know that historically, women have not held too many leading roles, with a few very notable exceptions, however, in a fictional setting there is nothing to say you can not use them in any capacity as you would use a mail character. (And if you DO find such games as say you should not, I would personally avoid that game like it was a potential plague carrier). Female barbarians, knights, archmages, even political figures, all can add a new twist to the campaign. Below I have given several mythological examples of women heros and Villains.
I have purposely stayed away from the damsel in distress stereotype. While certainly many examples exist that would provide a campaign setting, I'd rather grant my women their power, and move on from there.

Aeval - The Fairy Queen of Munster in Celtic mythology. She held court to determine if husbands were fulfilling their "husbandly duty. Aeval can be encountered in many settings, as friend or foe. However if you intend to use her in her "official" capacity, please do so with respect. Games are supposed to be about fun, and adult themes should be handled without embarrasing players, or not at all.

Ain - Celtic. Wrote the Brehon Laws with her sister protecting womens rights. Writing them was one thing, these sisters will need help enforcing them ..

Brogla - From Australian aborginal mythology, was such an accomplished dancer that the spirits took her to be with them. She may be encountered in passing, as a local curiosity, or perhaps as a trainer for those wishing to study dancing as a fighting form.

Carman - A destructive evil witch in the Celtic mythology. She is ancountered as a foe in a good campaign, and it is appropriate to give her any and all combat and necromantic spells.

Ciuteoteo - Aztec female spirits of the underworld who bring disease to children. They are the spirits of women who became warriors or who died in childbirth. They are usually encountered as antagonists whom the players mut appease to end plagues affecting children.

Elen - A Celtic heroine who magically built highways in Ireland so that soldiers could gather. the party may meet her while she is building these roads. Perhaps she needs help in gathering rare components ..

Gestinanna - A Mesopotamian seerest who interprets the nightmares her brother Dimuzu was having as meaning he was under attack by demons. He went into hiding. Though the demons interogated her she refused to reveal his where abouts. Later she rescued him from them. As clearly this was an unlikely feat alone, she makes an excellent patron/employer.

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