Illustration for 'Eldeen Spring', chapter 4 of 'Lynn d' Vadalis', by Syltorian. Here Sir Pentar Marktaros, an early tutor of Lynn attempts to get her to read the minds of people in a tavern to detect concealed darkness. This is a power, as it transpires, that she utterly lacks (despite her inquisitiveness and all her other supernatural gifts), due to her determination to see the good in everything. She has no sense of prudence, and is far too idealistic for her own good. This gets her in trouble later on in the story.

Lynn d'Vadalis IV: Eldeen Spring image by dashinvaine LYNN EYED HER OPPONENT CAREFULLY, her body in a defensive crouch. She had to beat him: they all relied on her.  But her challenger was good. His eyes gleamed with fierce, predatory battle fever, terrifying in his shifter’s face. He did not intend to let his prey escape, and he had all the advantages on his side. He was older than her, stronger too, and more experienced, and he was equally determined to win this encounter.    His reddish fur stood up with the excitement of the combat, enhancing the red whirls of battle-paintings on his chest, and his sharpened teeth gleamed in the taunting smile. The young weretouched was enjoying himself, toying with her, and held his staff calmly in his strong hands, ready to move wherever she went. He was practiced, and would not make the error of using the pole like a club.    It all depended on her now. Her own eyes were gleaming with

Eberron setting credit: Keith Baker, Paizo/ Wizards of the Coast.