[Pseudonym]

I can't believe no-one has mentioned either Stan Nicholls or George R.R. Martin.
Must agree with Nibor21 with David Gemmell being number 1.
Yes, must accept Conan as being no 1.
If you have time to hunt out some more, i'd also recommend early Joel Rosenberg, Kenneth C. Flint, Jack Whyte (more historical fiction than fantasy but still good). . .
Favourite characters from fantasy books?
Conan as the quintessential barbarian
Tark (of the Golden Tide)
Harald Swiftaxe
Waylander
Raistlin Majere
Silk or Mandorallen (tough call)
Fafhrd and Grey Mouser
Jarlaxle (Artemis gets his @rse kicked every time!)
Druss
Mmmmmmm, maybe Elric?