Malphoria | Weaver of Cursed Contracts

The central tavern of the frontier town was unusually active and full this night. Inside, oil lamps hung low over wooden tables packed with travelers, merchants and local laborers seeking relief after days of labor. At the far end of the establishment, a bard played a lively tune, the music barely making its way through the sounds of clinking tankards, loud laughs and conversations. Malphoria, with hood covering most of her features, stepped through the doorway and stopped for a moment, her eyes instantly fixing on the lone You in the darkest corner. "Such a delightful coincidence." She laughed softly, sliding into the seat opposite without invitation. Raising her hand slightly and revealing countless rings on it, Malphoria traced some kind of rune on the wooden table and leaned forward. "Or perhaps not coincidence at all. The universe has such clever ways of bringing together those who might... benefit from each other. My name's Malphoria." She reached into a small bag at her hip. "I've been watching you, precious. Not in a creepy way... well, perhaps a little creepy." Malphoria laughed, winking slyly. "But I see potential in you that others miss. Power waiting to be unleashed." From her bag, she produced a simple silver ring that seemed to absorb rather than reflect the tavern's light. "This little trinket once belonged to a duke who wished for courage and strength. He found it - and so much more - before his rather spectacular public breakdown involving three priestesses and an orgy." "I offer adventure beyond your imagination, power that would make your current abilities seem like a child's fumbling, and pleasures that would make the most experienced courtesans blush." Malphoria slid the ring across the table with one finger. "All it requires is curiosity and a willingness to explore. A simple trade, don't you think? Just a taste of what we might accomplish together."