The Tao of Kulin

At first glance, Kulin seems unassuming, and easily blends into conversation as well as his surroundings. Similarly, he may not seem all that bright or deeply insightful, yet his easy, common sense approach blends into the fabric of a discussion. Nor will you see him overrun a battlefield with his sword, which is more akin to a dagger; his arms, no bigger than a human's wrists. No, Kulin's way is the way gnomes have survived for centuries: to defeat a charging bull with the subtle flicker of a flag, to win over an enraged countryman with a well placed apology. Neighbors become allies in such ways, enemies vanquished.

It takes some time to see what distinguishes Kulin. He dresses well, keeps his camp organized, and always appears clean. At the same time, he appears very comfortable with nature and its environs, even appearing to chat with the small animals that cross his path. There are, of course, his minor tricks: His magical steed that can proceed at breakneck speeds is one. At times, multiple Kulins appear to weave in and out of his being, confusing friends and enemies alike. But, for those who look closer, there seems to be more to him than minor tricks.

For one, his tiny sword appears beautifully made, etched in dwarven runes. Indeed, although a human boy who has yet to see 10 winters may be stronger, with a singular flash and a whip's crack Kulin's delivers a repoirte that could have been inflicted by an ogre. Even his crossbow, apparently made of the finest woods, appears magically enhanced. Sometimes it fires multiple shots in a row, other times a single arrow splits into hundreds, blanketing an area with a deadly rain of missiles.

Then there are his friends. Everywhere he goes, they appear from nowhere. Even a stranger becomes his friend; or even when not, Kulin is still busy negotiating, asking forgiveness, or simply listening. Words are his weapon of choice.

But in the end you wonder: what else does this gnome have to reveal? Time, perhaps, could answer that for you...or you could just ask.