Ingolf is a broad-shouldered goliath with a mane of dark braids tipped in beads of polished bone and colored glass. His skin bears bold, swirling markings that he paints over in bright pigments before each performance, exaggerating his natural goliath patterns. He dresses in layered furs stitched with feathers and scraps of colored cloth, making him stand out among Midgard’s otherwise practical folk.
He plays a hollow stone flute that wails like wind through cliffs, but he often punctuates his songs with dramatic gestures, exaggerated bows, and even acrobatics when drunk enough. Ingolf believes music should dazzle, not simply honor, and he openly mocks the solemnity of Veyra Thunderchant’s chants.
“You’ll hear him before you want to. Ingolf Stonesong, the bard. Broad as a cliff but twice as loud. He paints his skin with colors like some pufflin dancer, braids glass beads and bird feathers in his hair, and struts through Skjaldgardr as if the whole town were his stage. Plays that stone flute of his until your ears ache — though I’ll admit, the children love him for it.
He keeps score of every clap and cheer like it’s some contest, and he’ll tell you how many he got compared to Veyra Thunderchant, whether you asked or not. Folk say he’s a fool, but he’s got charm enough to pack a tavern, and a grin so wide you almost forgive him for it.”