A principal character from the Ring of Steel, a Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms campaign set in and around Harrowdale. “Rough and rowdy, Marlykan found much to like in Velarsburg’s only tavern. Although the bawdiest songs he knew were apparently too tame for the locals, who shouted out their own lyrics, off-key of course, the bevy of young maids gathered at his feet who cooed about his talent feed his ego nicely. But, one figured seemed out of place. A beautiful, moon elven sword-maiden moved from table to table trying to engage the locals, but seemed to spend most of her time in an effort to keep their hands from creeping under her skirt or into her bodice. She had slapped a few of the more insistent ones, an nearly started a bawl when a local girl objected to her “advances” toward her man, then got even more offended when she rejected him. Announcing that he needed to rest his voice at the end of the last camp song he knew, to cries of disappointment from the girls at his feet, Marlykan carefully waded through them toward the bar, his lute still in hand. Most of the young maids found refuge on a willing lap and disbursed into the crowd, but a few tagged along in his wake, still cooing about his musical talents, while whispering and giggling amongst themselves. “You, bard,” a sharp female voice called to him, just as he got his first sip of ale. “Have you traveled this area much?” Marlykan turned to see the moon elf pushing her way through the gaggle of local girls. She was even more beautiful close-up, but bore an expression of distain and annoyance. “Marlykan Dahast, minstrel of Harrowdale, at your service,” he greeted in a formal tone that was decidedly out of place for the surroundings. “And yes... I’ve ‘been around’ quite a bit,” his innuendo seemed lost on the elf, but drew a new round of giggles from girls. Bards were known to be worldly, and he loved to play the part for all it was worth. “What do you know of the Elven Court?” she questioned. “Less than you, I would image,” he replied, caught off guard. “Are you not from the Court?” he asked, quickly regaining his suave demeanor. “I was. I want to know of about the drow!” she nearly demanded. “Ah!” he replied, trying to recall every rumor and tavern tale he had heard about them. “They appeared shortly after the elves abandoned the Court, and were well entrenched before anyone even knew they were there.” Her expression went from annoyance to outrage at his remark, and he took a deep draw from his ale, as he realized a change in tact was called for…” A black stain on the reputation of the noble sun elven house, Marlykan was raised by his mother in Harrowdale town and schooled at the House of the Singing Harp. Talented at both music and mischief, he delights in living down to his father’s family’s opinion of him. But, his suave demeanor and nonchalant façade hid his longing to be accepted, by them… or anyone. Taking to the Ring of Steel as willing adventurer, Marlykan’s motives often seem less altruistic then many of the others, but his actions speak of a commitment to the greater good no less resolved… even when he belittles them himself. The third image from my second pass through the Ring of Steel characters. My previous attempt at Marlykan was pretty lame! I tried to give him a romantic rogue look that fits his personally better. Thanks for looking... Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions always welcome and appriciated! Credits: Michael 3.0 by DAZ with mats from Devoss Vandenberg by GillBrooks, Estio Curls by AprilYSH, Millenium Beard 2 by DAZ, M3 Poet Shirt by DAZ & Lourdes Mercado with mats from Rom Bar’o by Moyra, Wildwoods Traveler Pack M3D3 & waist wrap from World Traveler accessories for the M3 and D3 Poet Shirt by DAZ & royloo with mats from Wildwoods Fae by Laurie S, Musical Lyre by DAZ, Elven Blade from RDNA Bladez2 by Traveler, pose from DM Fantasy Realms by Danie, marforno & Abraham, and Mystic Hollow by DAZ & Laurie S.