Characters we play in role-playing games can feel like close companions and friends that we have to say goodbye to at the end of a campaign.
Two characters that I hold in my heart are Coyotl, the strangely upbeat Shadar-Kai pirate, and Tian, the straightforward but mischievous elven beastheart.
Coyotl
Coyotl’s journey took her from the Shadowfell to a spelljammer ship traveling through the Astral Plane. Despite being a Shadar-Kai, a race of elves known for being gothic and brooding, she was upbeat and fascinated by the point of view of her human companion, Leone de Chevalier. She gave me the chance to explore subverting people’s expectations of established Forgotten Realms races.
Tian
In contrast to Coyotl, Tian was an elf from the Desert Wastes on my gaming group’s homebrew world, Suibos. She had traveled to the sea to become a sailor with her faithful companion Dervis at her side.
She told people she left the Wastes for a chance to prove herself to her mother, ruler of the Bloodthrone. In truth, she had left to avoid the political machinations of her relatives and the other nations around them. I was able to explore her close bond with Dervis, her best friend, a sentient giant scorpion, and the fun combat options teaming up provided.
Picture References:
“Courageous Minnow.” September 26, 2025. https://discord.com/channels/@me/1002673976885129227/1421217218116714547 Midjourney Bot generated the image based on the prompt Fantasy Merchant Ship.
McElhinney, R. (2022). Suibos with Labels [Digital Drawing].
McElhinney, S. (2024). Coyotl [3D Render].
“Tian & Dervis.” September 26, 2025. https://discord.com/channels/@me/1002673976885129227/1421226636526878934 Midjourney Bot generated the image based on the prompt Female Elf Bloodhunter With Their Giant Scorpion Friend.
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