Archmage

Presently the Archmage stood on the rocky bank of the river, watching and waiting for the boar drakes to come across. Two burst into view, charging right for the elder mage, bellowing, flaming spittle dripping from their jaws as they surged into the water, hardly slowing. Ghaelfain didn't move, except to hold up a hand to gesture to his fellows: wait. Archavain and Elaer in particular watched closely. The beasts were halfway across when suddenly, with speed that would rival a snake striking, he spat a word, and gestured with a clawed hand at the river-- and the river responded. In a flash, it froze into hundreds of spears of ice as long as a man was tall... puncturing both beasts a dozen times in as many places. Blood ran freely, and Ghaelfain released the gesture. Ice dissolved immediately to water, and the fallen creatures were washed away downstream. He nodded politely to his fallen adversaries and stepped back. Two more, after all, were still out there.


Another digital character portrait, this one of Ghaelfain Nareshtt, King Velhirion's adviser, closest friend, and the Archmage of the High Elves. He is depicted here mid-scene during a mission he undertook with Koreal and a host of other wizards and some borrowed faeries to go kill a wyrm who was threatening the country. The elvish equivalent of being in his mid-to-late sixties, Ghaelfain has many years of practice with being courtly, diplomatic, and good at talking down tense situations and smoothing frayed nerves. When around peers or people he doesn't have to impress, Ghaelfain is snarky, slightly cranky, and full of light sarcasm, but generally good natured. Against wizard stereotype, he is remarkably slow to anger (most of the time), but heaven help you if you DO manage to make him mad. He's not the Archmage for no reason.

Alternate titles include: "Ghaelfain Nareshtt" and "Too Damned Old for this Adventure Crap".
Done with Photoshop CS4. (See the cute chibi version here!!: [link] )

Special brushes courtesy of