With a sudden shocking clatter
that caused me great distress
I turned to see a group in the corner
louder than the rest

Such a boisterous group
I don’t know how I first missed them.
Quaffing drinks and laughing loud,
I couldn’t just dismiss them.

Peering from my perch of safety
on the far side of the bar
I spied as best I could
gaining knowledge from afar

They were planning something big
That was plain enough to tell,
But they kept their intentions hidden
despite their obnoxious yells.

Based on the monstrous ruckus
though there were not but four,
it would be easy to assume
that there surely must be more

Such a cast of characters
This group in front of me,
Now I tell you true, my friends
this is what I did see


The first was clad in armor
of a battle tested steel,
shouting playful insults
between bites of her hot meal.

The second was a wizard,
which was not hard to see,
with a beard so long and flowing
it was getting in his cheese

The third was clothed in habit
and wore a holy sign
But I could have sworn that drinking
was forbidden by the divine

The fourth was a bald man
much more shifty than the rest
Acting awful innocent
reaching t'wards the wench’s….arms...


A seasoned group of heroes that seem
much more tough than me
perhaps I could join in their group
and find work easily

If I could hear what they’re about
I won’t have cause to moan
So, I think I'll try to join the party
so I won’t be on my own

After listening for a while
I finally heard it: “Gold!”
and if I at first was curious
I most certainly was sold

As I moved closer to the back
I could hear them much more clear
and I finally knew what it was
they were discussing in their cheer

maps were scattered 'cross the table
and they had locations marked
what must be destinations
to which they’d soon embark

It seems there had been rumors
about robbers on the road
stealing merchant’s treasures
and looting all their loads

This gave me an idea,
but perhaps it was the booze,
I screwed up my courage
since I felt I could not loose.

If I could find a way for them
to let me tag along
then I’d hang back and earn some gold
while simply singing songs

“I want to join your party”
I loudly did declare
though much without surprise
the entire party stared

“I could offer you my service,
I think a bard could help your tone"
I hope they let me join the party
so I won't be on my own.

“We’re busy kid” The bald man barked
as he shooed me on my way
but the one in habit gave me a chance
“What is it you have to say?”

“What lovely folks, I’ve heard you talk
and I think your quest sounds grand.
If I may, I’d like to join your cause
and maybe lend a hand?”

“I think I could be of some use
to you upon your quest
Go on, give me a shot,
just put me to the test"


“What skills have you” the fighter asked
with a dagger, mace, or sword?
Do you think that you could fight off
an angry orcish horde?”

“What knows thou of the ancient lore”
the wizened wizard posed
“You wouldn’t know that much of any
arcane symbols I suppose?”

“How versed are you in the healing arts?
The cleric kindly questioned
“Can you handle the undead
with plague or worse infections?”

“Or what about traps or locks?
Have you any sort of stealth”
The Bald man sneered and sat
in his chair, smiling to himself.


Now what have I gone and done
I am having some second thoughts
maybe Lady Luck is not with me
and is smashed on the rocks

perhaps I’m ill prepared to reap
these foolish seeds that I have sewn
Oh I have to join this party
I can’t do this on my own



I thought about their words
honestly quite disheartened,
but I gave it a whirl and picked up my head
and this wisdom I imparted.

“It seems that you are very well versed
in a variety of valuable skills,
each member aiding the rest
and a special niche fulfills,”

“But it seems there is a spot
in your group that you have missed.
For who in your group records your tales?
the fighter with her fists?”

"While you have swords, and magic,
and some questionable tools by your side
Who is going to know your names,
or your adventures after you die?"

“It just so happens that I can record
your adventure as it unfolds
and weave it into a song so fine
that it rivals the worth of gold”

“And lucky for you, I’m willing to come
and chronicle for thee,
All I request is a cut of your share
and I’ll consider that my fee”


There you have it friends,
I think I’ve made my point
If you give this bard a chance
I know I will not disappoint

I know that I’m a bit long winded
and I don’t mean to drone
but won’t you let me join the party
so I don’t have to be alone


The group turned to discuss
and whispered in muffled tones
And I started to fear that I might
end up completely on my own

But they turned to me with smiles so bright
“That’s exactly what we need,
a hero amounts to nothing
if not remembered for their deeds

“Come join our party, lad,”
The group began to cheer
“come read our maps and lend a hand,
we’ve got a spot right here”

So down I sat with my new friends
and we planned an adventure grand,
and we figured what needed done
before we traversed the land.

I will follow these fools through danger
that they will face for me
and I’ll hang back and enjoy myself
and tread most carefully

But first we need some armor
our blades we must all hone
Now that I’ve joined the party,
I won’t be all on my own