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{{Greyhawk Character
{{Greyhawk Character
|image=
|image=[[Image:Melfandkeak.jpg]]
|caption=
|caption=Melf (right), speaking with [[Keak]], as depicted in ''[[Artifact of Evil]]'' (1986). <br>Art by Clyde Caldwell.
|name=Melf, Prince Brightflame
|name=Melf, Prince Brightflame
|home=[[Celene]]
|home=[[Celene]]
|gender=Male
|gender=Male
|race=Grey [[Elf]]
|race=Grey [[elf]]
|class=Fighter/ Wizard
|class=Fighter 13/Wizard 12
|alignment=
|alignment=Neutral good (chaotic good tendencies)
|age=200+/-
|age=200+/-
}}
}}
'''Melf''', also known as '''Prince Brightflame''', is a grey elven archmage. Melf is a native of the elven kingdom of [[Celene]], and is recognized by many as the leader of the [[Knights of Luna]].


'''Melf''', also known as '''Prince Brightflame''', is a [[Elf|grey elven]] archmage, and was originally a player character of [[Luke Gygax]] in [[Gary Gygax]]'s home campaign. Melf is a native of the elven kingdom of [[Celene]], and is recognized by many as the leader of the [[Knights of Luna]].
In [[Gary Gygax]]'s 1986 novel ''[[Artifact of Evil]]'', Melf is also known as Melf of the Arrow. He seems to acknowledge that Melf is not his real name, but says "it is a simple name, as good as any."  
 
In Gary Gygax's 1986 novel ''[[Artifact of Evil]]'', Melf is also known as Melf of the Arrow. He seems to acknowledge that Melf is not his real name, but says "it is a simple name, as good as any."
 
==Creative origins==
Melf was one of the original player characters that explored [[Gary Gygax]]'s dungeons of [[Greyhawk|Castle Greyhawk]]. He was created by Gygax's son, Lucion Paul (Luke) Gygax.
 
Gary Gygax later recalled an incident during those early days of role-playing:
:"In punishment for crimes against nature, Melf was commanded to rise before dawn each morning for a year, [and] frolic merrily at dawn singing:
::''When the sun in the morning peeps over the hill
::''and caresses the rosebuds on my windowsill,
::''my heart fills with gladness when I hear the trill
::''of the birds in the treetops around any old hill.
::''Tra-la-la, fiddle-dee-dee-dee,
::''it gives me a pain to dance and sing this, must I do it again?
::''Tra-la-la, fiddle-dee-dee-dee, there’s penance to do,
::''how happy I'll be when it’s finally through!"<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Stormberg  | first = Paul J.  | title = Thus Spake Gary Gygax: Ye Secrets of Oerth Revealed  | journal = The Oerth Journal  | issue = 12  | page = 8  | date = July 2002}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
Melf is 5'8", 147&nbsp;lbs, and about 200 years old (appearing in his late 20s in human terms). He changes his appearance from time to time, though he always appears as an elf. 1983's ''[[The Shady Dragon Inn]]'' describes his counterpart Peralay as "left-handed, blond, hazel-eyed, and large for an elf (5'8", 148&nbsp;lbs.)." It says furthermore that Peralay's shield is decorated with "the hunting hawk symbol of his clan" and that his sword, ''Gnoll-Cleaver'', was forged long ago by [[Dwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)|dwarves]].
Melf is 5'8", 147 lbs, and about 200 years old (appearing in his late 20s in human terms). He changes his appearance from time to time, though he always appears as an elf. 1983's ''[[The Shady Dragon Inn]]'' describes his counterpart Peralay as "left-handed, blond, hazel-eyed, and large for an elf (5'8", 148 lbs.)." It says furthermore that Peralay's shield is decorated with "the hunting hawk symbol of his clan" and that his sword, ''Gnoll-Cleaver'', was forged long ago by [[dwarf|dwarves]].  


Prince Brightflame is a strong believer in mediation, diplomacy and open communication, and thus some believe him to be naive. Charming and urbane, Melf enjoys good food, culture, and agreeable persons of the opposite gender.
Prince Brightflame is a strong believer in mediation, diplomacy and open communication, and thus some believe him to be naive. Charming and urbane, Melf enjoys good food, culture, and agreeable persons of the opposite gender.
Line 38: Line 22:


==Relationships==
==Relationships==
An ally of [[Mordenkainen]] and a former member of the [[Citadel of Eight]], in ''Artifact of Evil'' Melf is said to have sworn fealty to Mordenkainen, and he carries the holy symbol of [[Fharlanghn]]. Melf is also a cousin of Queen [[Yolande|Yolande]] of [[Celene]]. He has also been depicted as fighting side-by-side with Prince [[Olinstaad Corond]] of [[Principality of Ulek|Ulek]], presumably during a 586 counteroffensive to regain Principality lands lost to the Empire of the [[Pomarj]] during the [[Greyhawk Wars]].
An ally of [[Mordenkainen]] and a former associate of the [[Citadel of Eight]], in ''Artifact of Evil'' Melf is said to have sworn fealty to Mordenkainen, and he carries the holy symbol of [[Fharlanghn]]. Melf is also a cousin of Queen [[Yolande]] of Celene. He has been depicted as fighting side-by-side with Prince [[Olinstaad Corond]] of [[Principality of Ulek]], presumably during a 586 counteroffensive to regain Principality lands lost to the Empire of the [[Pomarj]] during the [[Greyhawk Wars]].


Although secretive and protective, Melf is on good terms with luminaries such as [[Kieran Jalucian]], King [[Belvor IV]] of [[Furyondy]], and the rulers of [[Dyvers]], Highfolk, and the [[Free City of Greyhawk|City of Greyhawk]]. He and Mordenkainen have much respect for each other, but the two do not cooperate, at least not anymore. The mayor of Highfolk town, [[Tavin Ersteader]], is a former apprentice of Melf.
Although secretive and protective, Melf is on good terms with luminaries such as [[Kieran Jalucian]], King [[Belvor IV]] of [[Furyondy]], and the rulers of [[Dyvers]], [[Highfolk]], and the [[City of Greyhawk]]. He and Mordenkainen have much respect for each other, but the two do not cooperate, at least not anymore. The mayor of [[Highfolk]] town, [[Tavin Ersteader]], is a former apprentice of Melf.


Melf is on good terms with the [[Fellowship of the Torch]], and is often seen in the company of [[Kirilarien Allavesse]] when in [[Free City of Greyhawk|Greyhawk]].
Melf is on good terms with the [[Fellowship of the Torch]], and is often seen in the company of [[Kirilarien Allavesse]] when in [[Free City of Greyhawk|Greyhawk]].
Line 46: Line 30:
Melf was also listed in ''[[Greyhawk Ruins]]'' as one of the rumored members of the [[Ring of Five]].
Melf was also listed in ''[[Greyhawk Ruins]]'' as one of the rumored members of the [[Ring of Five]].


A Prince [[Archosian Brightflame]] of Celene is mentioned in ''[[Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss]]''. This other Prince Brightflame is more than 150 years older than Melf and currently a heroic general battling [[demons]] in the [[Abyss]].
A Prince [[Archosian Brightflame]] of Celene is mentioned in ''[[Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss]]''. This other Prince Brightflame is more than 150 years older than Melf and currently a heroic general battling [[demon]]s in the [[Abyss]].


There is some apocryphal evidence that Melf and [[Warduke]] may know each other. In 1983's ''[[The Shady Dragon Inn]]'' (a Mystara-based supplement for Basic D&D), Warduke is mentioned as being a member of the same adventuring party as an elf named "Peralay," both of whom had action figures for TSR's 1983 toy line. The fact that the Peralay figure was originally released under the name "Melf" and Warduke's resurgence in ''[[Greyhawk]]'' continuity provide a topic of apocryphal interest.
There is some apocryphal evidence that Melf and [[Warduke]] may know each other. In 1983's ''The Shady Dragon Inn'', [[Warduke]] is mentioned as being a member of the same adventuring party as an elf named "Peralay," both of whom had action figures for TSR's 1983 toy line. The fact that the Peralay figure was originally released under the name "Melf" and Warduke's retcon into ''[[Greyhawk]]'' continuity provide a topic of apocryphal interest.


==Home==
==Home==
According to ''[[From the Ashes]]'', Melf represents the Knights of Luna in Greyhawk. The ''[[Greyhawk Player's Guide]]'' says he is currently living in exile from Celene, sometimes in the City of Greyhawk.
According to ''[[From the Ashes]]'', Melf represents the Knights of Luna in Greyhawk. The ''[[Player's Guide]]'' says he is currently living in exile from Celene, sometimes in the City of Greyhawk.
 
==History==


==Spells==
==Spells==
Line 63: Line 49:


==Collectibles==
==Collectibles==
In 1983, a Melf action figure was released as part of [[LJN]]'s ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' toy line. However, the figure was eventually renamed as "Peralay."
In 1983, a Melf action figure was released as part of LJN's ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' toy line. However, the figure was eventually renamed as "Peralay."
 
==Creative origins==
[[Image:melf02.png|200px|thumb|right|LGN's Melf/ Peralay action figure.]]
Melf was originally played by Lucion Paul Gygax in [[Gary Gygax]]'s home campaign. The name "Melf" was the result of Lucion Gygax not coming up with a name for his character, only having on his character sheet "M elf," - "male elf."
 
Gary Gygax later recalled an amusing incident during those early days of role-playing:
:"In punishment for crimes against nature, Melf was commanded to rise before dawn each morning for a year, [and] frolic merrily at dawn singing:
::''When the sun in the morning peeps over the hill
::''and caresses the rosebuds on my windowsill,
::''my heart fills with gladness when I hear the trill
::''of the birds in the treetops around any old hill.
::''Tra-la-la, fiddle-dee-dee-dee,
::''it gives me a pain to dance and sing this, must I do it again?
::''Tra-la-la, fiddle-dee-dee-dee, there’s penance to do,
::''how happy I'll be when it’s finally through!"
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Melf.jpg|AC1 *The Shady Dragon Inn*
File:Melf01.jpg|[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer|LGG]] p120, "*Princes Corond and Brightflame*"
</gallery>
 


==References==
==References==
====Citations====
====Citations====
<references />
<references />
====Bibliography====
====Bibliography====
*Brown, Anne. ''Player's Guide'' (TSR, 1998).
*[[Brown, Anne]]. ''[[Player's Guide]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
*Gray, Michael L. ''[[Quest for the Heartstone]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1984.
*Gray, Michael L. ''[[Quest for the Heartstone]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1984.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Artifact of Evil'' (TSR, 1986).
*Gygax, Gary. ''[[Artifact of Evil]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1986.
*Heard, Bruce. "Spells Between the Covers." (''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #82 (TSR, 1984).
*Heard, Bruce. "Spells Between the Covers." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #82. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1984.
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]'' ([[Wizards of the Coast]], 2000).
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
*Mobley, Blake, and Timothy B Brown. ''[[Greyhawk Ruins]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
*Mobley, Blake, and Timothy B Brown. ''[[Greyhawk Ruins]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
*Mona, Erik, and Gary Holian. "Wheels within Wheels: Greyhawk's Circle of Eight." ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #0 ([[Paizo Publishing]], 2000). Available online: [http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LGJcircleof8pdf.zip]
*[[Mona, Erik]], and [[Gary Holian]]. "Wheels Within Wheels: Greyhawk's Circle of Eight." ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #0. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Available online: [http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LGJcircleof8pdf.zip]
*[[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[From the Ashes (Dungeons & Dragons)|From the Ashes]]'' (TSR, 1993).
*[[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[From the Ashes]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*Smith, Carl. ''[[The Shady Dragon Inn]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
*Smith, Carl. ''[[The Shady Dragon Inn]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
*Stark, Ed, [[James Jacobs (game designer)|James Jacobs]], and [[Erik Mona]]. ''[[Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2006. Page 149.
*Stark, Ed, [[James Jacobs]], and [[Erik Mona]]. ''[[Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2006. Page 149.
 
====Zavoda Index Entry====
The [[Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index]] page has a list of sources, abbreviations, and a link to the full index.
<pre>Melf (Prince Brightflame)[NPC]
AOE - 126,131-134,136-139,141-155,196-200,210,218,219,
236,325,326,333
DRG#68 - 24
DRG#82 - 59
DRG#191 - 68
FTAC - 1,68,69,71,87
FTAR#13
        LGG - 53,120,159
LGJ#0 - 5,11
NA - 168,175,176,198
PGTG - 26,27
TAB - 35,70
WGR1 - 3
WGR4 - 41
</pre>
 






[[Category:Greyhawk characters]]
[[Category:Characters of Celene]]
[[Category:Characters of Celene]]
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Characters of Greyhawk]]
[[Category:Elven characters]]
[[Category:Fighters]]
[[Category:Knights of Luna]]
[[Category:Ring of Five members]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Fighters]]

Revision as of 13:07, 22 January 2019

Greyhawk Character
Melf, Prince Brightflame
Melf (right), speaking with Keak, as depicted in Artifact of Evil (1986).
Art by Clyde Caldwell.
General info
Home:Celene
Alignment:Neutral good (chaotic good tendencies)
Gender:Male
Species:Grey elf
Class:Fighter 13/Wizard 12
Dates
Age:200+/-

Melf, also known as Prince Brightflame, is a grey elven archmage. Melf is a native of the elven kingdom of Celene, and is recognized by many as the leader of the Knights of Luna.

In Gary Gygax's 1986 novel Artifact of Evil, Melf is also known as Melf of the Arrow. He seems to acknowledge that Melf is not his real name, but says "it is a simple name, as good as any."

Description

Melf is 5'8", 147 lbs, and about 200 years old (appearing in his late 20s in human terms). He changes his appearance from time to time, though he always appears as an elf. 1983's The Shady Dragon Inn describes his counterpart Peralay as "left-handed, blond, hazel-eyed, and large for an elf (5'8", 148 lbs.)." It says furthermore that Peralay's shield is decorated with "the hunting hawk symbol of his clan" and that his sword, Gnoll-Cleaver, was forged long ago by dwarves.

Prince Brightflame is a strong believer in mediation, diplomacy and open communication, and thus some believe him to be naive. Charming and urbane, Melf enjoys good food, culture, and agreeable persons of the opposite gender.

Melf is vastly knowledgeable and experienced. He specializes in Iuz and buried evils, and is strongly opposed to both Iuz and the Scarlet Brotherhood.

Relationships

An ally of Mordenkainen and a former associate of the Citadel of Eight, in Artifact of Evil Melf is said to have sworn fealty to Mordenkainen, and he carries the holy symbol of Fharlanghn. Melf is also a cousin of Queen Yolande of Celene. He has been depicted as fighting side-by-side with Prince Olinstaad Corond of Principality of Ulek, presumably during a 586 counteroffensive to regain Principality lands lost to the Empire of the Pomarj during the Greyhawk Wars.

Although secretive and protective, Melf is on good terms with luminaries such as Kieran Jalucian, King Belvor IV of Furyondy, and the rulers of Dyvers, Highfolk, and the City of Greyhawk. He and Mordenkainen have much respect for each other, but the two do not cooperate, at least not anymore. The mayor of Highfolk town, Tavin Ersteader, is a former apprentice of Melf.

Melf is on good terms with the Fellowship of the Torch, and is often seen in the company of Kirilarien Allavesse when in Greyhawk.

Melf was also listed in Greyhawk Ruins as one of the rumored members of the Ring of Five.

A Prince Archosian Brightflame of Celene is mentioned in Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss. This other Prince Brightflame is more than 150 years older than Melf and currently a heroic general battling demons in the Abyss.

There is some apocryphal evidence that Melf and Warduke may know each other. In 1983's The Shady Dragon Inn, Warduke is mentioned as being a member of the same adventuring party as an elf named "Peralay," both of whom had action figures for TSR's 1983 toy line. The fact that the Peralay figure was originally released under the name "Melf" and Warduke's retcon into Greyhawk continuity provide a topic of apocryphal interest.

Home

According to From the Ashes, Melf represents the Knights of Luna in Greyhawk. The Player's Guide says he is currently living in exile from Celene, sometimes in the City of Greyhawk.

History

Spells

Melf is responsible for developing such spells as Melf's Acid Arrow, Melf's Unicorn Arrow, and Melf's Minute Meteors.

Writings

Melf is known to have authored or co-authored the following works:

  • Treatise of Universal Astronomy
  • Weapons of the Ether (with Mordenkainen)

Collectibles

In 1983, a Melf action figure was released as part of LJN's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons toy line. However, the figure was eventually renamed as "Peralay."

Creative origins

LGN's Melf/ Peralay action figure.

Melf was originally played by Lucion Paul Gygax in Gary Gygax's home campaign. The name "Melf" was the result of Lucion Gygax not coming up with a name for his character, only having on his character sheet "M elf," - "male elf."

Gary Gygax later recalled an amusing incident during those early days of role-playing:

"In punishment for crimes against nature, Melf was commanded to rise before dawn each morning for a year, [and] frolic merrily at dawn singing:
When the sun in the morning peeps over the hill
and caresses the rosebuds on my windowsill,
my heart fills with gladness when I hear the trill
of the birds in the treetops around any old hill.
Tra-la-la, fiddle-dee-dee-dee,
it gives me a pain to dance and sing this, must I do it again?
Tra-la-la, fiddle-dee-dee-dee, there’s penance to do,
how happy I'll be when it’s finally through!"
  • AC1 *The Shady Dragon Inn*
    AC1 *The Shady Dragon Inn*
  • LGG p120, "*Princes Corond and Brightflame*"
    LGG p120, "*Princes Corond and Brightflame*"


References

Citations

Bibliography

Zavoda Index Entry

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index page has a list of sources, abbreviations, and a link to the full index. 

Melf (Prince Brightflame)[NPC]
	AOE - 126,131-134,136-139,141-155,196-200,210,218,219,
		236,325,326,333
	DRG#68 - 24
	DRG#82 - 59
	DRG#191 - 68
	FTAC - 1,68,69,71,87
	FTAR#13
        LGG - 53,120,159
	LGJ#0 - 5,11
	NA - 168,175,176,198
	PGTG - 26,27
	TAB - 35,70
	WGR1 - 3
	WGR4 - 41
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