[DnD Series] Who is the author of Volo’s Guide to Monster?

At today’s Tavern Talk, a gentleman with a gentlemanly appearance approached your adventuring party…

And that’s how you get to know Volo, the second most famous character in the world of Forgotten Realm. Welcome to Tavern Talk, and today let’s learn about this special person!

Volothamp Geddarm is a legendary scholar of the human race, with the appearance of a handsome nobleman in his 40s. He hails from the distant land of Calimshan, famous for its trade and whispers at the docks. This has contributed to Volo becoming a gregarious person and a collector of stories. He also gradually got into the habit of writing to preserve the amazing things he discovered along the journey. Thanks to close relationships, most especially the great magician Elminster of Waterdeep, whose notes were compiled into famous guidebooks, and were widely accepted.

On the outside, Volothamp Geddarm is said to be a pompous, polite person who always dresses up when possible. Usually, he will wear a beret with feathers and an eye-catching scarf. He also possesses a charming voice that matches his hobby of standing in front of crowds. This helps Volo always become the center of attention, although sometimes this overconfidence has sometimes dragged him into unnecessary trouble. Indeed, Volothamp has many friendships, especially with nobles throughout the Sword Coast. His face is always welcomed at every party in large and small pubs, most notably the Yawning Portal.

Despite his impulsive personality and sometimes over-exaggerating stories, especially about himself, one thing that cannot be denied about Volo is his profound knowledge and good nature. It must be said that he is a famous magician not because he possesses powerful magic or boundless abilities. Volothamp Geddarm is best known for his understanding of everything around him. He is a historian, a person who recorded many famous documents not only in the D&D fantasy universe but also in real life, most notably the book Volo’s Guide to Monsters. As someone who travels around here and there, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Volo himself is a living dictionary with its own history pages. His knowledge is not only based on books, but also gathered through urban legends, songs and even nonsense.

According to the words of Elminsterthe editor of most of Volo’s books, this famous author is also a person willing to pursue knowledge recklessly, as well as always taking notes in the most careless and hasty way possible. Elminster himself had to refine and correct many details that were distorted by Volo himself and or secrets that could shock readers. Even his adaptations and humor of the words were harshly criticized by scholars as they reduced the accuracy of the events mentioned. Even so, Volothamp left behind a huge intellectual legacy in many aspects. His most famous works include Complete Monster Book, Waterdeep Guide, Sword Coast Handbook, to the Guide collection of many other places. Elminster also had to admit that Volo was a master of listening for information, and the magician always gave the most sincere praise to his friend in the prefaces.

A day’s worth of studying takes a lot of wisdom, it must be said that Volo is a true explorer, he has traveled to many places to gain more knowledge. From famous strongholds to desolate lands full of dangers, Volo has set foot there, leaving behind clues and stories that have appeared here. He visited several places such as Candlekeep, the kingdom of Amn, Icewind Dale or the Underdark, not to mention the many times Volo stopped in Waterdeep just to party and meet old friends.

It must be said that Volothamp is not a powerful magician or a fighter, but he is a master at finding a way out for himself. His magic is only mid-range, mostly used for keeping notes, finding information, and escaping. If a battle or tragedy suddenly occurs, Volo will quickly be in a position that is safer than anyone else, but also has the clearest view to observe the entire incident. His survival skills have also reached a certain level, along with his ability to observe and reason. Especially in residential areas, he showed himself to be a talented diplomat and could easily get along with anyone he wanted. Many times it was his witty words and talent for improvisation that pulled him out of scandals before they could happen. Volo also has many talents, the most typical is probably the ability to drink all night long. Although he sometimes annoyed others, these skills actually helped him a lot in his adventures.

Thanks to his knowledge and network of friends everywhere, Volothamp is truly a friend and valuable ally to anyone. His appearance in the Waterdeep Dragon Heist campaign and the Baldur’s gate 3 game are both really important, as he not only provides necessary information to players but also valuable equipment and upgrades. As a generous, friendly person and of course, passionate about knowledge, he will also be willing to accompany adventurers to solve mysteries everywhere.