The Elder Scrolls: Tamriel

A youthful Redguard in his late teens, Ataf has a lean, wiry build that suggests more agility than strength. His skin is a deep bronze, smooth and sun-warmed, and his wide, earnest eyes shimmer with a golden-brown hue that catches the light when he smiles—which is often. His short, tightly coiled hair is kept neat and trimmed, though a few rebellious curls always seem to escape at the temples. He dresses in the standard robes of the Bards College, though his are a bit more worn at the edges, often spotted with ink or a faint dusting of flour from running errands through the city. He wears a simple leather satchel slung crosswise over his chest, crammed with parchment, tuning tools, and half-written songs. His lute is second-hand but clearly cherished, its surface scratched from use but polished every morning before class. He walks with a spring in his step and carries the bright-eyed energy of someone who still believes the world wants to hear his song.

Ataf is open-hearted, eager, and genuinely kind—sometimes to a fault. He greets everyone with the same warm enthusiasm, whether they’re a high-ranking courtier or a grumpy fishmonger on the docks. Though nervous around those he admires, he’s driven by a desire to be liked and respected, and he thrives on encouragement like a plant soaking in sun. He asks too many questions, speaks a bit too fast when excited, and apologizes quickly when he thinks he’s overstepped. But beneath that youthful awkwardness is a well of raw talent and an infectious optimism that draws people in. He sees music as a bridge between souls, not just performance, and believes that even the simplest tune can change someone’s day—or life. While still figuring out who he is, Ataf's sincerity and determination make it clear he’s someone to watch... and someone you’ll want to root for.

Ataf was born in the port city of Hegathe, but left Hammerfell at a young age after his mother—herself a former minstrel—enrolled him in the Bards College, hoping to nurture his bright spirit and tireless curiosity. Being the youngest student in Solitude’s hallowed halls was both a gift and a burden; where others saw potential, he often felt pressure. Still, Ataf embraced the opportunity with boundless enthusiasm, throwing himself into every lesson, from the history of the Direnni to the tuning of rare Dwemer strings. He struggles sometimes with confidence, especially when compared to older, more refined performers like Aia Arria, but he makes up for in kindness and effort what he lacks in polish. Solitude’s courtyards and markets are his favorite haunts between classes, where he listens to the cadence of everyday life, always trying to capture it in a melody of his own.