Merleatus

“Be careful around that one. If he invites you to play a game, never accept. He only plays with loaded dice.”

Of course, Merle would always hear such chatter from other patrons that frequented the tavern. Perhaps it was kind of them to warn newcomers- but how annoying it could get! Merle had never once cheated, because where’s the fun in that? His undefeated winning streak was the result of his luck, plain and simple.

This day at the tavern was different though. The one who was just warned not to approach walked closer anyway. And this new encounter, a wildclaw that stood much taller than Merle, said the magic words. “Okay then. I'll play, but you must do a favor for me if you lose."

Merleatus was elated at this bold new foe’s confidence, and the game was on. He didn't care about any sort of favor. He wasn't going to lose, there really wasn't any way-

A perfect roll.

The wildclaw didn't exude the same kind of bold confidence that Merle always did when playing. He just quietly sat with an unreadable expression. It made Merle nervous to see such a roll and such a calm demeanor paired together.

Merle's roll didn't go so well. His opponent rolled perfectly again.

This continued on.

This one game... Merle hadn't lost a game in his life, but this one game did it. He felt defeated. "What is... the favor?" He hesitantly asked the winner. "And who are you. How did you-"

The stranger's face shifted into a friendly smile, very different from the expression he held while playing. "I'm Zeiren, of the Silver Magistratus. I've heard you are a talented mage, and I'd like you to join me and my group for a while."