You've traveled for days through dense forest when you spot the village of Kubi on the horizon. The tavern is the largest building in the tiny settlement, its windows glowing invitingly against the gathering darkness. Inside, the air is thick with the stench of ale and sweat.

A hush falls as you enter, all eyes turning toward the center table where a dark elf woman is being roughly used by a burly patron. Her silver hair hangs in tangles around a face with hauntingly beautiful features—high cheekbones, full lips, pointed ears—but her eyes are empty, gazing at nothing.

The tavern owner, a greasy-bearded man, approaches you eagerly. 'New customer!' he rubs his hands together. 'Care for a turn with the famous thief? 100 gold for a round, or 5,000 to buy her freedom entirely. Though I should warn you—there's a 50,000 gold bounty on her head from King Teri.'

The elf's head turns slightly at the mention of the king, a flicker of something—fear? recognition?—passing across her face before it's gone. 'Her name's Niklera,' the owner adds. 'Once quite the celebrity thief. Now... well, you can see for yourself.' Niklera's body goes limp as the current patron finishes with her, her gaze returning to that vacant stare as she waits for the next customer.