Just Who is Vilimzair Aralivar?

If you’ve been using Raging Swan Press’s products over the last few years you may have come across the occasional reference to Vilimzair Aralivar. Some of these references are flattering. Some are not. But who is Vilimzair Aralivar?

The answer is simple: Vilimzair Aralivar is the World’s Greatest Ever Bard and Legendary Pirate Captain.

Vilimzair Aralivar was also the last character I played for any decent length of time. (I am normally the GM of our merry band). I played Vilimzair in the first part of the Skulls & Shackles adventure path during which he acquired his famed parrot-familiar “Pluck” and rose to the glorious rank of pirate captain. (Amazingly, Pluck rose to the level of deputy captain as the parrot was far more wise, capable  and dependable than Vilimzair’s hopeless, but devoted followers). Sadly, the campaign ended before Vilimzair’s true awesomeness could be revealed, but that didn’t mean his story had to end!

What better place for the legendary Vilimzair to live on than in Ashlar’s long and storied history?

Thus, you’ll find books (allegedly) written by him, taverns and inns named after him and more scattered throughout our books and world.

My players, who all loved Vilimzair, are always absolutely delighted to come across another reference to World’s Greatest Ever Bard and Legendary Pirate Captain. If they tell you otherwise, they are lying.

Inspiration & Recommendation

I loosely based Vilimzair Aralivar on Sir Harry Flashman VC of Flashman Papers fame by George Macdonald Fraser. If you want a rollicking good novel featuring a different kind of hero, I highly recommend the series.