#rolan wizard

Thought I would put down some more of my brainrot thoughts about our fav grumpy Tiefling.

Some of these definitely aren't original, just sort of my take on them.

Has an almost completely imperceptible interdental lisp, like to the regular ear you would not hear it. However, it sneaks out sometimes if he's sick or extremely exhausted.

Fit as hell. That man is pure definition under those robes. I think in part it's genetic, but also he does make it a point to keep himself in shape, especially once he's no longer constantly on the move after residing permanently at Ramazith's tower. Loves running and swimming (the latter I have seen in another headcanon post and its perfect).

Incredibly touch-starved. Constantly caught between freezing at touch because he doesn't know how to respond and wanting it vehemently. Over time, after being in a relationship with tav/companion, he will get more comfortable and will velcro himself to them, especially in bed.

Absolute coffee snob. Takes pride in the ritual of making good coffee. Once, when visiting the tower, Tav said they didn't mind instant and Rolan felt physically ill.

Fantastic navigational skills.

Say he's a red wine drinker because it's classy and mysterious, but would absolutely prefer a chardonnay or a pinot gris.

Was abandoned as a baby because he was a Teifling. Either from an elf/human/half-elf mother who had a child with a Tiefling and didn't know their genetics were dominant, or from the idea (that I saw in another post) that there are dormant infernal genes that beings can carry and can be randomly expressed. Either way, that was why we was abandoned.

As a result, and I think he's always kind of known this, he has an odd relationship with his body and sometimes he forgets that parts of him are infernal and it makes him incredibly self-conscious sometimes.

Is a 100% a sorcerer (I think Gale is too but thats for another post). When we meet him, he is clearly a man in his 30s at least, who has never had any formal wizard training and has made his own spells. We see in the Lorroakin fight that he has 'Rolan's' spells' that are different to the normal iterations for spellcasters. He pulls a light show at the Tielfing party and then next time you see him, he's rescued all the Tielfing children with his magic. It's clearly innate to him.

Because it's innate, he never seeks another apprenticeship after Lorroakin, partly because of the trauma and partly because he knows that he can do something others can't. There are gaps in his knowledge and actual training, yes, but in those times, I think after The Netherbrain, he's comfortable enough to reach out to Gale for assistance.

I have a very expansive almost isekai headcanon that this painting slots right into. I know everyone focuses on his grumpiness and bitterness, as those emotions are a major part of his storyline, but we see some real moments of joy and confidence in himself in the game and I like to think that, when he isn’t running from danger, isn’t fearing for Cal and Lia, and finally feels SAFE, relaxed Rolan looks like this sometimes. Enjoying a drink with his lover at a bar, in a suit he knows they adore (and he looks incredible in. He knows he does.)

Also, it looks like an old fashioned, but it’s probably a negroni. I received an epic Cameo from George Taylor last year, who was drinking a negroni at him one as he evoked Rolan in all his glory, so that’s canon now, ha!

The painting took me way too long, and it’s very very messy close up because I got really lost with it. I think it’s unfinished, and his hair is awful (I’m usually so much better at hair!) but I’m sharing it anyway. I hope you enjoy it! What are some of your fun headcanons for Rolan?

- suit reference was a fashion shoot with Austin Butler

- bar reference is Marble Bar in Sydney

- procreate + Apple Pencil, and some stamp brushes for outlines including the bottles, lampshades, staircase, plants, ceiling and barside patterns.

From the edge of the deep green sea 🌊

I've never been so

Wonderfully-me-you-want-some-more

And all I want is to keep it like this

Wave after wave after wave

It's all for her

I know this can't be wrong I say

And I'll lie to keep her happy

As long as I know that you know

That today I belong

Right here with you

When I say I over render, this is what I mean.

Enjoying this one coming together, and I followed some colour blend and colour palette tutorials on YouTube which really helped build the final palette for this one! Zoom in for messy details (it’s a work in progress)