Gelf

Gelf, so far as he knows, comes from humble backgrounds. He was told that his parents were poor peasants, barely able to eke out a living for their family. Gelf's unplanned arrival into the family and land of Faerûn did not bode well for the family, so he was left, wrapped in rags, on the beggar's altar at the temple of Tymora.

Unable to allow one so young to die without a chance at life, the clerics and scholars of the temple took it upon themselves to raise Gelf in the ways of a Tymoran priest, trusting to luck and the Fair Maid's favour.

From an early age Gelf showed promise, being quick and agile, and gifted with wisdom rare in one so young. Although he was by no means the brightest of students, he did well in his studies by a combination of hard work, enthusiasm and the taking of well-chosen risks. Encouraged by the priests, it became clear that he might grow to be a man of action in the faith. Seeing this potential the brother and sister hood began preparing him for travels in the wider lands.

So, the story begins...

Word reached the temple that Raksha, a fair Lady of their faith who had left some months earlier, had need of a new holy symbol, the last having been consumed in a mighty battle against evil in the town of Tulbeg, many days travel to the south of the Dales. After much debate it was decided that, although young for such a task, Gelf might be despatched, in the company of a well armed merchant train, to bring a replacement to their valued sister. Gelf was able to bring his knowledge and faith to bear during the long journey, tending the wounded after an orc ambush. In doing so he saved the life of a minor nobleman's son. On hearing that he was destined to meet with the Company of the Righteous Fist, the man whose life Gelf had saved spoke:
"So, you're to meet The Fist, Eh!" He offered up his own, fine suit of mail to Gelf. "You'd better be taking this son, you'll be needing it more than I from what I hear of the Fist!"
Grateful, but puzzled, Gelf accepted the gift.

On reaching the town of Tulbeg, he found the Fist were recovering from a disastrous battle in which two of their number, (Braenard Fyneman - a Gondite cleric - and Arakel Silthorn an elven ranger) had been lost. Gelf met the fair Raksha, and was tempted into joining them by the promise of adventure and danger - an irresistible combination for one so young.

Overly eager to impress and emboldened by his swiftness in battle, he tends to rush in where even Rufus might think once! He surely lives by the motto, "Risk All or Gain Nought". Nevertheless, with Raksha's guidance, he is beginning to establish himself within the company, dreaming of glory and the Lady's smile…