Ísarr Asparsson

Ísarr Asparsson, known as The Devils' Fiddle, is a fictional character said to have once traveled in the close company of some of the most famous Skalds and Bards of Wyrminster in recent memory.

Some people put full stock in the original songs and tales of the Devils' Fiddle and believe he was a real person, while others claim that the man is entirely fictional and a mere stand-in for every greedy and opportunistic ne'r-do-well a good story needs. Many agree, however, that The Devils' Fiddle makes a popular villain.

Description
As the tales go, Ísarr Asparsson was a young, lithe man with long, unkempt hair the color of blanched wheat.

Depending on the story told, he could also change his shape and radiate magical light or darkness in equal measure. All versions agree that he was never seen far from a cask of wine or without an instrument in hand, particularly the hardingfele.

As Fiction
It is not known whether the tale of Asparsson was based on any particular individual, but many Huskarls that tell the tale are taught to swear by the man's existence.

The original verse is a very young story compared to other local heroic legends, but it maintains strong popularity among bards across the whole of Wyrminster, mainly for the fact that all versions trace back to the Fraternity of Hralag, a group of wanderers who went on to become a bardic guild sponsored by the Seat of the High King, who identify Asparsson as a former member.

Many of the original members included variations of Ísarr Asparsson into their tales of adventure, where he often served the roles of raucous drunkard, lazy trickster, and eventually a greedy and malignant villain.

Regardless of whether the story is based on one person and many adventures put together, or multiple people and a handful of adventures, the Fraternity sticks to the opinion of their teachings: the tales are true. Be not like Asparsson or his fate could happen to you.