Meet Shroudbringer: Storm-Forged Disciple of Shar
Every character has a story, and Wade's was a tale etched in both triumph and tragedy. From prosperous merchant to forsaken beggar, Shroudbringer's journey took him through shadows deeper than the night itself. But within those shadows, he discovered something greater—his destiny reborn under the watchful eyes of Shar, the Lady of Loss.
"The kind of character I have in mind is a Goliath Cleric of Shar. His family descends from cloud giants. His name is Shroudbringer. A guy who was once a wealthy merchant in leagues with a powerful trade company. His business was in selling silver, and silver products— a symbol of Selune. The trade company ended up stabbing him in the back (figuratively), and his business ran into the ground fast. He became a beggar on the city streets before long, and that’s when the clerics of Shar found him, eager to teach him the ways of the Lady of Loss.
The inspiration for the character is that of a thunderstorm cloud at twilight. His skin would be a hue of light blue and purple, with yellow eyes that match the color of lightning behind thick storm clouds. His head would be bald, with a thick, well-kept beard. I think I would like the hair color to be black, or white if the character looks too washed out with so many dark colors and armor… I’d need your artistic opinion on that!
His build would be kinda like old Kratos from God of War. I’m thinking chainmail armor beneath a purple robe. He wields a shield that looks like the symbol of Shar and a shadowy whip that deals necrotic damage. Feel free to add any jewelry or tattoos or other details that reflect Shar or anything related to her."
- Wade
Character Highlights:
- Race: Goliath (Cloud Giant Ancestry)
- Complexion: Mystical shades of blue and purple
- Eyes: Bright, storm-lit yellow
- Hair: Bald with a thick, meticulously maintained beard (artistically chosen as black or white for contrast)
- Build: Warrior-like, reminiscent of old Kratos
- Armor & Accessories: Chainmail, shield of Shar, and storm-infused whip
- Setting: A twilight storm, symbolic of his divine transformation
The Birth of Shroudbringer
Wade envisioned Shroudbringer as a man of contrasts: from a wealthy merchant associated with Selûne, betrayed and cast into darkness, to a devoted cleric of Shar, the Lady of Loss. The transformation from merchant to divine warrior needed to be powerful, both visually and emotionally.
He came to us with a rich backstory and vivid inspirations—old Kratos’s imposing physique, the ethereal hues of storm-wreathed giants, and the dark ceremonial attire of Shar's clergy. 
Crafting the Storm’s Fury
The core challenge lay in balancing Shroudbringer’s fearsome past and his mystical rebirth. His artwork had to command respect and awe, highlighting the inner turmoil and divine empowerment that reshaped his fate. It was essential to capture both his intensity and the storm that now defined him.
Lightning danced in his eyes and crackled around his whip, each element reinforcing his spiritual rebirth. The armor's gleaming chainmail and intricately carved shield served as reminders of his newfound devotion, grounding him in Shar’s shadowy embrace.
The Artistic Journey: Two Paths, One Storm
First Variation: The Storm’s Champion
Standing strong with his whip coiled like captured lightning and his shield proudly displayed, Shroudbringer embodies strength and authority. Behind him, storms rage—symbolizing the tempestuous journey from ruin to divine empowerment.
Second Variation:
Here, Shroudbringer is more dynamic, caught mid-motion, whip ready to strike. The energy intensifies, showcasing his fierce resolve and readiness for battle, underlining his brutal strength while still hinting at his divine blessing from Shar.
The Moment of Choice
Wade was captivated by the commanding presence and powerful symbolism in the first variation. He felt it perfectly portrayed the essence of Shroudbringer:
"Jan, I’m blown away! Thank you so much!! I think I’m set on the first picture 😃"
The Finished Masterpiece
The finalized portrait of Shroudbringer captures a powerful fusion of loss, power, and divine redemption. His journey from merchant prince to beggar, and finally to the blessed disciple of Shar, resonates deeply—transforming his backstory into an image brimming with intensity and narrative depth.
"This turned out even better than I expected. The level of detail, the way the storm elements blend with the character—it's exactly how I imagined Shroudbringer. The process was smooth, and Jan kept me updated the whole time. I’ll definitely be ordering again!"
- Wade
Ready to Bring Your Character to Life?
If you have a D&D hero, villain, or adventurer whose story demands to be told, I'd be thrilled to work with you! Each commission is a journey of imagination, designed to vividly capture the spirit and soul of your creation.