Wanderlust
Overview
Wanderlust, written by Steve Winter and Mary Kirchoff, is the second book in the Meetings Sextet of the Dragonlance saga. This light-hearted and adventurous tale focuses on the first true quest of the unlikely trio of Tasslehoff Burrfoot, Flint Fireforge, and Tanis Half-Elven, showing how their bond began through chaos, mishap, and heartwarming camaraderie.
A mix of kender mischief, dwarven grumbling, and elven exasperation, Wanderlust is an endearing tale about friendship, foolishness, and unexpected heroics.
Main Characters
Tasslehoff Burrfoot – The ever-curious kender whose irrepressible spirit leads the group into one magical disaster after another. His knack for finding trouble (and keys) drives the entire adventure.
Flint Fireforge – The gruff, no-nonsense dwarf who serves as the exasperated guardian figure. He tries (and fails) to keep Tasslehoff in line while secretly caring deeply for him.
Tanis Half-Elven – The reluctant peacekeeper caught between two extremes. Though more level-headed than his companions, he finds himself repeatedly dragged into chaos.
Phineas – A bumbling, self-serving would-be mage whose magical blunders propel much of the plot. He’s comic relief and a plot catalyst.
Ariadne – A young woman kidnapped as part of a magical scheme. Her rescue becomes the party’s main goal.
Setting
The story travels across several whimsical and mysterious locations in pre-War of the Lance Krynn: forests, villages, ruins, and magical laboratories. The settings are rich in fantasy flavor and filled with unpredictable magical elements that match the novel’s humorous tone.
This wandering adventure captures the early, simpler days of the companions—when the biggest stakes were personal, not epic.
Plot Summary
It all begins with Tasslehoff “borrowing” a magical ring that turns out to be linked to a powerful and chaotic magical force. This small act of kender curiosity triggers a chain of events involving curses, bumbling villains, and a kidnapped girl.
Tanis, Flint, and Tas find themselves reluctantly drawn into a quest to rescue Ariadne and undo the effects of the ring. Along the way, they face magical misfires, haunted ruins, and laughable enemies. Phineas the wannabe mage keeps making things worse, while Tasslehoff somehow always makes things work—if only by accident.
Despite their squabbling, the trio’s loyalty to one another grows. The journey ends with the girl rescued, the ring neutralized, and the foundations of one of Krynn’s greatest friendships solidly laid.
Themes
Friendship Through Adversity – The bond between Tanis, Flint, and Tasslehoff is forged in chaos and deepened through mutual reliance.
Curiosity and Chaos – Tasslehoff’s endless curiosity both creates and solves problems, reinforcing his charm and unpredictability.
Heroism Without Glory – The characters aren’t trying to be heroes—they stumble into heroics by simply doing what’s right.
Magic and Mayhem – The story emphasizes the often unpredictable and dangerous nature of magical objects.
Tone & Style
Wanderlust is humorous, fast-paced, and whimsical. The tone is lighter than many Dragonlance novels, offering a refreshing and joyful escape from epic battles and dark politics.
The writing style leans into witty banter, slapstick magic, and heartwarming interactions, making it perfect for fans of adventure comedy.
Reception
Praised for:
Strong chemistry between beloved characters.
Lighthearted tone and accessible storytelling.
Showcasing the origins of the companions’ bond.
Some critiques:
Plot may feel episodic or meandering.
Less serious or epic than other Dragonlance titles.
Final Thoughts
Wanderlust is a delightful romp through Krynn’s pre-war days, filled with magic gone wrong, mischief gone right, and the spark of lifelong friendship. It reminds readers that even legends begin with laughter, mistakes, and the joy of the road.
Recommended for:
Fans of Tasslehoff Burrfoot and lighthearted fantasy.
Readers who enjoy found-family dynamics and humorous quests.
Dragonlance lovers interested in the roots of the companions’ camaraderie.