The Irrepressible Wanderer

Introduction

Tasslehoff Burrfoot, better known as Tas, is a force of nature, an embodiment of curiosity, mischief, and unshakable optimism. He is a kender, a race known for their fearless nature, insatiable curiosity, and complete inability to understand concepts like ownership or personal boundaries. Where others see danger, Tas sees an adventure. Where others feel fear, he feels excitement.

Though often dismissed as a nuisance, Tas is one of the most beloved and important members of the Heroes of the Lance. His keen eyes, quick hands, and boundless enthusiasm make him both an asset and a source of endless frustration. Yet beneath his reckless exterior lies a heart of gold, a friend who would walk through fire for those he loves—even if he does so while asking an endless stream of questions.

Tas is not a warrior, not a knight, not a leader—but he is a hero all the same, proving that bravery is not just about standing tall in battle, but about facing the world with an open heart and an unbreakable spirit.

Physical Appearance

Tasslehoff is short, even for a kender, standing just over three feet tall. His bright hazel eyes sparkle with mischief and wonder, constantly darting from one interesting thing to another. His light brown hair is kept in a topknot, a traditional style among kender, signifying adventure and independence.

He dresses in a mishmash of colorful, patched-together clothing, with a dozen or more pouches, belts, and pockets strapped across his small frame, each stuffed with “borrowed” trinkets, maps, and random objects that he found “just lying around.”

Despite his small size and childlike demeanor, he moves with confidence and agility, able to dart through battlefields, slip past enemies, and disappear when needed—though disappearing is never his preference.

Personality and Traits

Tas’s defining trait is his unshakable optimism and boundless curiosity.

• Fearless Beyond Reason – Tas is completely incapable of feeling fear, making him shockingly brave in situations that terrify others.
• Endlessly Curious – He asks endless questions, much to the irritation of his friends.
• Infuriatingly Honest – Tas does not understand lies, meaning he often says things exactly as they are, regardless of whether he should.
• Master of Distraction – He can confuse enemies, talk his way out of danger, or unintentionally cause chaos wherever he goes.
• Loyal to His Friends – Though he wanders constantly, he always comes back to those he loves.

Despite his lighthearted nature, Tas is not just comic relief—he has moments of deep wisdom and insight, often seeing things others miss simply because he views the world differently.

Abilities and Skills

Tas may not be a warrior or a spellcaster, but his unique talents make him an invaluable companion.

• Lockpicking and Trap Disarming – He can open any lock and disarm traps with ease, a skill that has saved his friends more times than they care to count.
• Pickpocketing (Unintentional and Otherwise) – Items just seem to end up in his pouches, though he insists he was just keeping them safe.
• Master Storyteller – His wild exaggerations and endless stories have both entertained allies and confused enemies.
• Stealth and Agility – He is shockingly quick and nimble, able to slip away from danger effortlessly.
• Mapmaking and Exploration – He has an uncanny sense of direction and is one of the best mapmakers in Krynn.

Though he carries weapons, he rarely fights directly, instead outwitting foes, avoiding combat, or distracting enemies long enough for his allies to strike.

Weapons and Equipment

Tas carries more items than any sane person should, many of which are completely useless—but occasionally lifesaving.

• The Hoopak – A signature kender weapon, both a staff and a sling, allowing him to strike from a distance or defend himself up close.
• A Hundred Little Pouches – Each filled with trinkets, keys, maps, and “borrowed” items.
• Magical Items (Acquired by Accident) – Over time, Tas has “found” various magical artifacts, though he rarely understands their true power.
• Endless Maps – He collects maps of every place he visits, creating some of the most accurate (and wildly exaggerated) charts in Krynn.

His most valuable tool, however, is his wit and natural ability to get out of trouble.

Character Arc and Evolution

1. The Wanderlust-Filled Kender – Setting Out on Adventure

Like all kender, Tas grew up with an insatiable desire to explore, leaving his home in Kendermore to see the world and “find interesting things.”

His initial journey was purely for fun, but soon, he found himself caught up in something far greater than just adventure.

2. The War of the Lance – Tasslehoff the Hero

During the War of the Lance, Tasslehoff proved that even the smallest heroes could make the biggest difference.

• He faced dragons without fear, even taunting them to their faces.
• He accidentally stole vital war plans, helping turn the tide of battle.
• He saved his friends countless times, usually by sheer luck or quick thinking.
• He stood by Sturm Brightblade, witnessing one of the most tragic moments of the war.
• He traveled to places no kender had ever been, simply because he wanted to see what was there.

Despite being considered foolish, Tas played a pivotal role in the war, proving that courage is not about knowing fear—it’s about never backing down when it matters most.

3. Sturm’s Death – The First Time Tasslehoff Cried

One of the most defining moments in Tasslehoff’s life was the death of Sturm Brightblade, his gruff but beloved friend.

• When Sturm was struck down, Tasslehoff, for the first time in his life, felt sadness and grief he didn’t understand.
• He cried, confused at the depth of his own emotions, realizing that even kender, who never feel fear, can feel loss.
• From that moment on, he carried Sturm’s memory with him, understanding that some adventures come with a cost.

This event shaped Tas in ways no one expected, proving that even the most carefree souls carry burdens of the past.

4. The War of Souls – Tasslehoff’s Greatest Sacrifice

Though Tasslehoff never thought of himself as a hero, he proved it in the end when he made the ultimate sacrifice.

• He traveled through time, realizing that without his interference, Krynn would fall into darkness.
• He chose to die so that others could live, accepting fate with his usual kender optimism.
• Though his story ended, his spirit and legend lived on, proving that even the smallest hands can change the fate of the world.

Tas never sought power, never sought glory—he simply followed his heart, and in doing so, became one of Krynn’s greatest heroes.