The Avaricious Harpy

Grim Wraithe Stjerna

Grim Wraithe Stjerna

The Víkíngr, reaver of the sea, hunter of Pirates.
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You find yourself standing in the entryway of a tavern. There are eight beings in the common room. You can see stairs leading to the second floor, and you assume room for rent.

Two of the patrons, male humans, are flirting with the bar maid. The tavern master, another human male; much older and weathered, is behind the bar, wiping down the well worn bar top, two giant hogheads of ale can be seen behind him. Without skipping a beat or batting an eye he nods to you, an understanding look in his one good eye.

Looking around the common room you see a female moon elf priest, or you assume as such by the robes and holy symbol she wears openly. She gives you a sly smile and a wink.

Next your eyes land on an armored female dwarf, or you assume she's a female since she is lacking a beard and has her dark brown hair pulled up in a thick top knot. She also gives you a wink.

Your vision shifts to view a female human wearing dark robes and clutching a rod or scepter to her chest. She is sitting in the corner and furtively looking around the room. She sees you and seems to cringe a little and tries to withdraw further into the corner.

Finally you see a hooded figure sitting in front of the fireplace, a glass of wine sitting before them. The figure seems to be the same being who gave you the note and key. There is an open seat across from the robed being...
 
Istar stepped through the door in a dazed stupor , rather confused how she left the Maze to enter directly into the Tavern - many of the patrons might've thought her drunk. Normally she would've been very excited to see another elf , especially a priest , but in her bewilderment she scarcely acknowledged her. However the Paladin still had the presence of mind to recognize what she thought to be the being who had given her the note and key before her 'adventure' through the Maze , and she swiftly sat down on the chair beside them. "How did I get here? I was just in the Maze! How did that doorway lead me here? What was the purpose of exploring the Maze , anyway? And just who are you?" She had the tact to keep her voice low as she fired off her questions , and though her words were quick her tone wasn't aggressive - she seemed inquisitive above all else. Still , she was always suspicious of non-Elves , and she subtly uses her ability to detect evil on the mysterious figure.

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Detect Evil Cast on Hooded Figure
 
As you enter the common room, even if you felt disoriented, none of the patrons paid you undo looks or seemed to suspect anything unusual.

The robed being extended a gloved hand and brought the burgundy liquid into the shadowy area beneath it's hood. The cup was held there while you asked your rapid fire questions. You think you see a hint of a smile behind the cup. "First it was not a maze, you were in a dungeon complex." The voice is hard to pin down to a race or gender or region, as if it were intentionally being neutral. "It is used to test beings of interest who might be useful." For a fleeting moment you catch a glint of eyes. "Which you seem to be so far. As to your first and second question, you stepped through a dimensional door, it instantly transports you from one location to another." Both gloved hands rest on the table, folded primly and comfortably. "Now who I am depends on what you found in the Complex." The hood inclined to point at your pack.

While you listened you felt no evil in the area in front of you in your field of vision. You can see the whole bar and the two male humans with the bar maid from where you sit.

"You are the first of your group to arrive here, even though you were the last to start." The left gloved hand makes a small open palm motion to the center of the table. "If you don't mind, show me anything of interest you found."
 
Istar simply nodded as she learned more about the dungeon complex. It all sounded rather reasonable to her , and she didn't see any reason the mysterious figure would lie to her. She smiled when the being complimented her - or at least that was how she saw it. However , when asked to see what she had discovered she winced slightly , then glanced at the surroundings before leaning in and speaking in a hesitant voice scarcely constituting a whisper. "While I thank you for answering most of my questions , must I show you my findings here? I haven't detected any evil among the patrons , but emptying my pack of valuable items in a crowded tavern is something I wish to avoid. Perhaps if we were in private.." She seemed to think for a moment , then shrugged her pack from her shoulders and placed it on the middle of the table. Despite her delicacy it still produced a quiet metallic clink when set down , which she seemed to wince at. She kept a very tight hold on the pack with both her hands. "Would simply looking into it suffice?" Should the figure choose to look in , inside they would see the gold statue and the short-bow sitting atop the mound of golden coins she had discovered after destroying the creature who's ashes still covered her left sleeve. The two jewels and the other 14 golden coins were inside the pouch on her belt , positioned just in front of her sword on her left side.
 
"Fear not the patrons or master of this place, I vouch for them." That hint of a smile flashes before you again. "You may be working with them soon."

The deep hood of the being before shook slightly. "No it would not." The glass of burgundy liquid swirled gently, not displaying any irritation or anger, just as if that was the thing to do with a wine glass one was not drinking but still held.
"I care not for the trinkets and baubles and coin collected, I wish to know whether or not you collected the trophies that were the aim of this trial."

Indeed you could feel this being was begging quite calm and relaxed about this conversation.
 
Istar raised her eyebrow slightly at the notion she'd be working with the other patrons , but nevertheless gave an agreeable smile and a form nod. If she was to work with them , having and sharing trust would be important. As well , a part of her was rather happy to learn she'd be working with at least one fellow elf. However , when she heard the mysterious figure mention Trophies , she blanched. "There was more than one?" The Elf's words were quiet , but that clearly owed more to shock than any conscious effort at subtlety. When she recovered she pulled the golden statue from her pack with frantic haste , and offered it to the robed being in front of her. "This is the only item I found in the dungeon I'd describe as a trophy , but I also found two gems and a shortbow I believe to be of high-quality , all being guarded by a large skeletal creature." Despite her protential employer's relaxed demeanor her words were only slightly less frantic than her movements - however , she did manage to keep her voice low , and she seemed anxious as opposed to truly fearful.
 
"Yes, there a total of three of those, along with a note explaining the situation. It was in the room you entered into." The unidentifiable voice did seem to contain a small amount of humor as it spoke.

The beings gloved left hand reached out to the shiny gold statue, the other half dismissively waved at the mention of the jewels and bow. "Baubles. Keep them or not, this was the point of the exercise." The hand took the statue and quickly slid it into the sleeve of the robe. You do notice no bulge or shift in the fabric of the sleeve once the statue is in the sleeve. "At least you found one even without having to be told to collect them. And.." The wine glass raised in a toast to you, if you look down you notice a similar glass has appeared before you. "You survived! Which all told is no small feat."
 
Istar's pale complexion took on a reddish hue as she learned of the note - a note she had entirely missed. "Ah." 'I need to be more observant in the future.' She put her laden pack back onto her shoulders as he mentioned - to her pleasure - that she was allowed to keep the two Gems. The Elf grew less embarrassed as the mysterious figure complimented her , smiling proudly. When she noticed the glass before her she returned the being's toast , with hit a hint of victory in her emerald eyes. "It was difficult , but with Corellon's divine aid nothing is impossible. To Corellon Larethian!" With that she would take a very small sip of the wine - she wasn't looking to make herself drunk , and she couldn't be sure what the strength of the burgundy liquid was. She then set the glass back down and looked directly to the figure , that small gleam of victory still in her eyes with the proud smile still gracing her features. "Did I succeed in passing your trials , then?"
 
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The robed being set the wine glass set on the table and noted the expression and most likely the thought behind it. "If you had not passed, you would not have left the dungeon." The implication clear that only those who were not able to meet the standard were left to die in the dungeon. "But you have areas that need improvement, which should you be able to work on with your team." The gloved fingers forming a steeple in front of the being. "Once it is formed."
 
Istar winced at the implication that those not up to standards were left to die. She would've been appalled had she not assumed that only those who could succeed were sent in at all - an assumption strengthened by the fact that she hadn't encountered any corpses. As the figure said she needed improvement a variety of emotions played on her face , from surprise to embarrassment , even genuine acceptance. Such a variety of emotions rendered her feelings on the observation too mixed to discern - the only constant was that she remained cordial. When she did speak , a pleasant smile graced her features. "Then I look forward to meeting this team. I always welcome the opportunity to improve myself." Her statement was truthful , and there wasn't any malice or displeasure in her tone. She picked up her wine glass again , taking just a small sip just as she did before. "May I ask if you are to be part of this team?"
 
You get the feeling a smile, albeit small, is hidden somewhere in the depths of the hood. "That is good, you should look forward to meeting them. That is how I expected you to react." The hood shook slightly from side to side, as if the head beneath was shaking. "You may ask, but I am not." The gloved fingers on the table drummed lightly. "I am more like an intermediary, your team leader will be in contact with me or one of my associates."
 
Istar's brow raised just slightly at the comment , even as she nodded in agreement. "I'm glad to have not disappointed you , then." The notion that the figure she was conversing with was merely an intermediary intrigued her , but what caused her eyes to light with curiosity was the mention of a team leader. "Thank you for answering my questions. If I'm allowed more , may I learn who is to be the team leader? Will they be one of my peers - one of my group , as you stated it - or a more experienced member of the organization such as yourself?"
 
As Giles stepped into the tavern, a smile graced his face, happy to be out of the dungeon. He glanced about the room, giving the bartender a nod in return before walking over towards the figure that gave him the key to the dungeon, sitting down in the nearest unoccupied chair. "Well now, that was far from my specialty. A few too many bugs for my liking." He rather quickly noticed the elf sitting nearby. "Where are my manners? I am Giles Grey, pleased to meet you." With that he extended a had towards Ishtar to shake.
 
"You are allowed." The gloved hands resting in a relaxed steeple. "They will be both. Since you..."

There was a flash of light as the door opened and Giles entered the tavern. "Ah the next member of your team." When the man quickly joined the table, the robed being nodded. "Well not everything will be to your liking, and if it had been your specialty it wouldn't have been much of a test, but you're here now." The being lifted his glass and seemed to drink from it as the introductions happened.
 
Just as Istar was about to learn of the Team Leader , her attention was quickly drawn to the open door. She was quite excited to learn that the man ,who thankfully introduced himself rather quickly , was a member of her team. While she remained mindful enough to keep herself in check , the gleam in her emerald eyes would certainly give her excitement away. As soon as he offered a handshake she extended her own hand to accept it , taking his hand in a delicate grasp. "I'm very happy to meet you , Giles Grey. My name is Istar Valerys - I'm a Paladin of Corellon Larethian." After she introduced herself she released the delicate grasp , recapturing her wine glass and taking a minuscule sip while the cloaked figure spoke. "I wouldn't be too worried about momentarily forgetting your manners , as I recall myself in something of a daze when I exited my dungeon. So I take it you only encountered the Scorpions?" The Elf tactfully avoided mentioning the team , the notes , or the trophies , assuming the mysterious being would wish to speak of that.
 
Giles smiled as Istar shook his hand, then sat down. If he spotted the excitement in the paladin's eyes, he didn't choose to comment on it. "No, I encountered those and a few centipedes. Quite vexing, them." He quickly turned back towards the hooded figure to respond. "Yes, I am aware. Otherwise I wouldn't be down a few flasks. I'd also suggest applying oil to some of the doors. A few seemed to get stuck." As he finished with his response, he reached into a pack, pulled out a book, and began flipping through it.
 
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The impression of a laugh is faintly heard from beneath the hood. "Mr. Grey I will make a note as to the upkeep of the training grounds." Both gloved hands resting on the table, neatly folded on each other. "Since it seems you had a run in or two with the denizens, that leads me to believe you acquired some items of interest." The hand closet to Giles turned over to be palm up, expectantly. "Did you find my note and trophies?"
 
Istar giggled at the comment about the doorways , though she quietly stifled her laughter. 'The doorways were very likely stuck on purpose , but the task would have been significantly less difficult had they not been. I believe I'm going to quite enjoy working with Giles!' Despite her thoughts the Elf chose to politely stay silent , knowing she wasn't particularly relevant to the conversation between Giles and the Robed Figure.
 
Giles picked up on the sarcasm rather quickly, knowing that it was part of the test, likely to make sure those that passed were resourceful. "I did find the note, although I would recommend being more specific with your definition of trophy in the future. I found one that fits the traditional definition, and one that is more geared towards hunting lodges." With that, he opened up his bag, revealing the statue and centipede head to the robed figure. "As you can see, that could cause some confusion."
 
The robed figure nodded thoughtfully as Giles answered. "Yes. This is true." Peering into the bag and without touching the contents, lifted the shiny gold statue. "But given the nature of our jobs, and the reasons behind them, using your best judgement is required." The shiny statue disappeared into the same sleeve as the other before had. Still leaving no outward race or bulge to tell it was taking up space in the normal sized sleeve. "Which you displayed given the limited nature of the information at hand." If Giles were to look down at the table in front of him, he would see a glass of wine, matching the other two.
The robed figure raised its glass to Giles. "Welcome to the company and your continued success."
 
As the figure sifted through his bag, Giles pulled out an inkwell and a quill, scribbling something down into his book. "Indeed. Although I still hold a bias towards non-violent means." Once the figure raised it's glass, Giles looked up from his book to see a wine glass in front of him. Picking it up with a smooth, relaxed motion, he raised it in kind. "If everything is diplomatic and straightforward, that is all but certain." And with that, he took a brief sip of wine.
 
Istar's features reddened just enough to be noticeable as it became apparent that Giles had more success with his task , though she remained smiling. 'Though he seemed to have had far less of a challenge than I. Elves aren't that much better than humans.. are they? Perhaps it's merely my divine abilities granted to me as a Paladin.. but what , then , are Giles' abilities? Is he a Cleric?' Her mouth hung slightly open for a moment as if she were going to say something , but it quickly snapped shut when the robed figure proposed a toast. "To your success , Giles," she stated just before taking a sip of her wine. If either of the two were to look at her , they may see the slight traces of confusion and embarrassment underlying her ever-pleasant smile.
 
After the toast was complete the robed figure nodded. "Aye, less violent also means less questions and less complications. So those means are preferable, however sometimes diplomacy needs to be forceful." The gloved hands gently rested around the base of wine glass, and while the tone had not changed the implication behind the words were evident.

'Get the job done, no matter what.'

The robed figure looked to Istar and nodded slowly, as if picking up on hidden confusion and embarrassment. "Please feel free to speak your mind."
 
Istar's eyes widened at what she saw to be a callous disregard for life. By the time she was bidden to speak , shock had replaced her embarrassment - though she remained just as confused. Still , she politely nodded at the invitation to share her opinion. "Thank you for allowing me to speak. I'd like to preface by saying that this is not a criticism of your methods or your philosophy , and that I fully understand that bloodshef is a very swift way of solving disputes.. However , should we not be more concerned with preserving life? I feel I'd be correct in saying that all present in this tavern aren't butchers. In fact , the only living beings I've ever killed are wild beasts - such as the scorpions I encountered in your 'training grounds'. I personally would wish seek a peacable resolution in every scenario , regardless of what the most swift or efficient course of action may be - or who my foes are , even if they're Orcs or Drow. After all , isn't life the most precious commodity?"
 
The robed figure nodded slowly as you speak, expressing your concerns. "Life can be a commodity, and is sometimes the goal of your jobs." The robed figure leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. "However our patrons do not ask for details and we provide none. Just results." The gloved right hand gestured to both of you as the figure spoke, before returning to the table. "Which you have shown you are capable of providing. And getting results is what matters. Nameless Intent is in the business of providing results in a timely manner for those who can afford it." The hood turned to regard both of you in turn, from the depths of shadows you caught the faintest glimpse of light reflected off of what you assume are eyes. "The manner in which you provide those results is of little consequence to me, to our patrons, or to most others in our organization. But you were specifically chosen to join, so you must bring something of worth to us." The tone and timbre of the voice did not change. "And what if you Master Grey, do you share these concerns?"
 
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