Varah Regular

Varah, David Rakowski's free gothic initials font from 1990, treats the caps like illuminated manuscript panels with a stern medieval rhythm. Each letter sits inside a dark rectangular frame, while pointed arches, petal shapes, and small rosette-like details repeat across the set so the font reads more like carved ornament than plain lettering.

It works well for book covers, poster titles, band marks, chapter openers, and monograms where a single letter or short word can carry the mood. As a free font, Varah feels most at home in brief display settings, especially title cards and drop caps, because the enclosed letters and botanical tracery need room to show.