Friday, January 27, 2023 Strange Companions (Herda D&D Part 2)

We have been traveling for a couple days now. I do not speak much, but my companions have no such restraint and I have learned much about them. It seems that none of them knew each other before embarking on this quest together. The most talkative one is a Lightfoot halfling named Finbul Quickfoot. He is no taller than I, but has not my girth. He styles himself a “rogue,” and I suppose this means him to be one for whom rules do not mean much. He talks and moves quickly, has a ready wit and is impetuous. He is fond of telling us tales of his life as an urchin. I think he exaggerates. He asked me once to demonstrate the use of the hex-blade. I ignored him. Then he asked if he could use it himself. I glared at him. He’s friendly, but exhausting.

The human’s name is Sir Kelsier, a knighted paladin. I wondered what a paladin was, but didn’t want to ask. Over time I have gleaned that he has taken some sort of oath to fight evil and to uphold what is good and right – impressive words that fill me with some apprehension. I should be crafting tools and weapons. Am I prepared to fight? He is not as open as Finbul and seems full of secrets, but enjoys a good laugh. Kelsier has a sarcastic way about him that is very dwarfian; I don’t think he knows how often his humor makes me smile.

The last member of our strange company is a cleric who is an elven halfling. His name is Radagast the Abandoned. He says he was dropped off at a temple as a baby and never knew his parents. He is always wary and doesn’t trust easily. I do not say this as speculation – he told us as much our first night on the road. He likes to engage Kelsier in conversation about religious matters and I overheard him say, “There is only one God, creator of the heavens and the earth, and we must worship Him only.” Since Kelsier (and the dwarves) worship many gods, this was a provoking statement. I would like to hear more about this one God of his.

Last night after we ate, I finally asked the question that had been in my mind since we started. “What is the reason we have come together? What is our quest?” They all stared at me, surprised that I had spoken. Finbul said, “We do not know yet.” Kelsier added, “We must be prepared for anything.” I was silently aghast at this revelation. Radagast must have sense my dismay, for he spoke words of comfort: “Be at ease, friend Herda. God will give you what you need in the moment you need it.”

I do not know what lies ahead, but after two days of contemplation, I am resolved to meet it with courage. Let it be soon, I thought, let it be soon.

It was.

The plot thickens, but not very much yet. Stay tune!

I Am Herda Part 1
I Am Herda Part 3

I have a quest to delete this in the morning. Easy peasy.