Case #007 - Banshee

A Tale Too Beautiful to Behold

I, Althaea Ilphelkiir, am the owner, head curator, head procurer, and a tasteful party host to the most beautiful art gallery in Cendriane. My curated collection is legendary throughout the realms, and an invite to my events is of the greatest honour. Now, one can not run the most prestigious and beautiful galleries without some healthy donations and a few deep-pocketed benefactors. There are those who judged me for the admission prices I charge; but if I am being honest, I am only charging them pennies compared to the worth of the items within! Paintings thought to be lost from time, crafted pottery that can bring a dwarf (if they were ever allowed in!) to tears, and the most beautiful sculptures willed from metal and wood that any elf has seen. It is not a hidden point that many of my wares are magical in nature, but there would be no point in denying that their beauty was beyond this world.

Some say my beauty was on par with my showroom, and who could tell. I am religiously beautiful, and surrounded by items that highlight my own beauty. It’s not my fault that being present to such beauty comes at a cost. Be it the mandatory donations to my art gallery, or the time I require from any who would want to catch my eye. My taste is nearly as expensive as I am.

So WHY was I cursed with this wretched banshee’s curse?! I am beautiful. I am art. I surrounded myself with the same?! Why must I live this life of luxury to be cursed by some cur?! I don’t deserve this. I deserve the praise and parties. I deserve the finer things in life. Not this curse.

It’s been millennia and I still keep my curated beauties alive. I rotate the collections and ensure that everything is clean and proper. Well…. almost everything. Those damn metallic works just remind me of this pointless curse and the wretch who made me this way. It’s not my fault I get visitors who forget to pay their fee and must be removed from the premise. And how could I be blamed at wailing for my beauty, as it is has moved so far inside me?

There exists, in the ruined city of Cendriane, a collection of magic items and ancient art. Now rumour has it from a half crazed elf, that this area is haunted by a greedy banshee who never sleeps, never rests, and is vicious to outsiders. Her complacency can be bought by adventures, but it is not a cheap price. If you place an exorbitant donation in her fountain at the entrance, in the old coins, she seems all too pleased to show you her works. Compliments can take you far after that. Make sure to not ask about any of the magical weapons or statues though! Those who did and survived come back mad, half-dead or worse. Otherwise, it is worth the trip, as her collection is really one of the greatest known to the realms.