Quayle

Quayle is a gnome found on the paved road near the city gate. He will join the party and there is no quest required to complete if you want him to stay as long as needed in your party. His starting equipment is a club, a sling and 20 bullets.

In-game biography
"When asked about his past, Quayle talks for a good hour of his worship of Baravar Cloakshadow, how he is well on his way to mastering sorcery, and just generally how incredible smart he is compared to everyone else in the party. He was apparently encouraged to strike out on his own as soon as he came of age because, as he claims, he was simply too gifted to remain in that stifling environment. You get the feeling, however, that no one was terribly broken up over his leaving. He says that he has apprenticed in the arts of magic and the worship of Baravar under a gnome named Gifos, though it was not long ago before this teacher also sent him on his way. Since then, Quayle has wandered the Sword Coast looking for people who were willing to accept his wisdom and instruction. It has likely been a long walk."