Meet the Character: Eirloch

Character art by HSJ Williams

Eirloch was a character that I did not plan in any way. But he stepped into the story and made himself at home there, and I didn’t really have any say in the matter. But I’m glad he did because I just love him to pieces and I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes an appearance in future stories.

A member of the Winter Fae, Eirloch is a rifinn, (which is the Icelandic word for “raven”). He is an elf with enormous raven’s wings protruding from his back. (Yes, I probably did steal some inspiration for his character from Vax’ildan from Critical Role… hush, you).

With his four companions, Eirloch stands guard on the Vetirheim side of the Celshike Gate, a portal that can lead to any realm, but only opens from the Faerthain side. Since the Winter and Summer realms experience an uneasy truce that has suffered in recent years, the Winter King has insisted on keeping the outpost at the Celshike Gate constantly under guard.

Eirloch has an intimidating presence and exudes confidence as the obvious leader of his squadron of guards. He is easy to talk to, even for Echo, who often gets tongue-tied even with people she knows fairly well. And though gives off an air of stony indifference, a wry sense of humor lurks behind his soldier’s facade.

While the Summer Court often refers to the Winter Fae as “the dark court” or “the unseelie host” Echo soon finds that Eirloch and his companions are not the capricious villains she expected them to be. And though they do attempt to make an inequitable bargain with her, she discovers that Eirloch is honorable in his dealings. In many ways, she is treated better by the Winter Fae than by those of the Summer Court.