Murfles

(a.k.a. Hruda the Sharp-Tongued)

Murfles, posing as Hruda Murfles—the sharp-tongued daughter of Mother Screng—is an undercover agent of Good stationed in the seedy village of Nulb. Despite her rough, unappealing demeanor, Murfles is a highly capable adventurer, bard, and an ally of Otis and Canoness Y'dey. Operating covertly to monitor the activities of the Temple of Elemental Evil, Murfles serves as a key player in the fight against the spreading influence of darkness.

Physical Description

Murfles appears as an unassuming, weathered woman with a pinched face, stringy dark hair, and sunken eyes that give her a perpetually irritable expression. Though she looks human to most, her subtle half-elven features—slightly pointed ears and an air of grace—hint at her true heritage. She dresses plainly in worn skirts and shawls, blending perfectly into the downtrodden atmosphere of Nulb.

• Summary: Murfles’ disheveled and unattractive appearance conceals her cunning intellect, physical prowess, and her heritage as a half-elf.

Personality

Murfles is sharp-tongued, pragmatic, and fiercely loyal to the cause of Good. Her "Hruda" persona is brash and cantankerous, designed to deflect suspicion and mask her true role. Underneath, she is calculating and deeply compassionate, though her years of covert work have made her somewhat cynical.

“If I had a coin for every idiot who thought they could outwit me, I’d own this village—and the next one.”

Motivations

Murfles adopts a grating persona to maintain her cover but remains steadfast in her dedication to the cause of Good.

• Protect and assist Canoness Y'dey in her mission to monitor the Temple.
• Serve as a hidden blade of Furyondy and Veluna, striking only when necessary.
• Ensure the safety of those in Nulb who might be redeemed, and subtly encourage goodness without revealing her true self.

Background

Murfles hails from Furyondy and was trained as a bard specializing in espionage and subtle manipulation. Her bond with Otis, Canoness Y'dey, and the broader coalition of Good grew through her adventuring career. She was chosen for her role in Nulb because of her ability to operate effectively under harsh and dangerous conditions.

“You’ve got the face of a fool and the courage of a hero. Let’s hope the second one keeps you alive.”

Connection to Otis and Y'dey

Murfles’ background as a bard and agent of Furyondy uniquely qualifies her for her dangerous mission in Nulb.

• Worked closely with Otis in covert missions and battle against the Temple’s forces during the Battle of Emridy Meadows.
• Trusted by Canoness Y'dey to assist her in the dual roles of observation and subtle intervention.

Role in Nulb

Murfles plays her part as Hruda, the "ugly" daughter of Mother Screng, with unerring commitment. Her sharp tongue and irritable demeanor keep most villagers from prying too deeply into her business. She covertly assists adventurers and keeps Otis informed of any developments, ensuring that the Good-aligned forces stay one step ahead of the Temple.

Tasks in Nulb

As "Hruda," Murfles balances her role as an undercover agent with her duty to assist Canoness Y'dey and report critical intelligence.

• Gathering intelligence on cultist activity.
• Subtly aiding adventurers who prove themselves to be trustworthy.
• Reporting findings to Otis and indirectly to the Archcleric of Veluna.

Relationships

Murfles maintains close bonds with her allies in the fight against Evil while keeping an uneasy truce with Nulb’s unsavory inhabitants.

• Canoness Y'dey (Mother Screng): Murfles is Y'dey’s closest ally in Nulb, assisting with the mission to monitor the Temple. She serves as a protective companion and logistical support, handling tasks that might draw too much attention to Y'dey herself.
• Otis: A trusted friend and fellow agent of Good, Otis relies on Murfles to act as an extra set of eyes and ears in Nulb.
• Villagers of Nulb: Murfles maintains a contentious relationship with the villagers, who tolerate her for her herbal remedies and association with Mother Screng.

“Don’t let my looks fool you. I’m uglier on the inside when I need to be.”

DM Only Section

Hidden Identity

Show spoiler

Murfles’ identity as an agent of Furyondy and Veluna is known only to Otis and Canoness Y'dey. The villagers view her as nothing more than a disagreeable woman and are unaware of her covert role. Her cover is critical to the success of the mission, and she will not compromise it unless absolutely necessary.

Strategic Role

Murfles is a critical piece in the larger strategy to monitor the Temple’s activity. Through her reports to Otis and her subtle guidance of adventurers, she ensures that Good-aligned forces remain informed and prepared for any major threats.

Actions in the Event of a Temple Attack

• Murfles will not intervene openly unless Otis specifically orders her to act.
• She will provide subtle aid to adventurers, such as lending her silver-tipped arrows or offering her knowledge of the area.

Character Role in the Campaign

Murfles can serve as a source of cryptic hints and information for adventurers. Her cantankerous demeanor adds a layer of complexity to interactions, and her true role as an agent of Good can provide an intriguing twist for players to uncover.

Adventure Hooks

• Lost Intelligence: One of Murfles’ homing pigeons goes missing, carrying critical intelligence about Temple activity. The party must track it down.
• Silent Ally: If the players prove themselves trustworthy, Murfles discreetly offers them her silver-tipped arrows and warns them about cult activity in the area.
• Spy in Danger: A villain suspects Hruda of being more than she seems and targets her. The party must protect Murfles without exposing her identity.

Final Notes

Murfles is a subtle but vital ally for Good-aligned adventurers. Her sharp tongue and gruff exterior mask a cunning mind and a steadfast dedication to the cause of Good. Players who earn her trust may find an invaluable ally lurking behind the guise of the ill-tempered "Hruda."

“Mother says I’m the reason she’s so old. I say she’s the reason I’m so mean.”

Hruda the Hag by 3orcs

Hruda (Murfles)

Medium humanoid (half-elf), Level 2 Fighter/Level 2 Rogue

• Armor Class 12 (Unarmored; Dex) or 16 (Leather Armor, carried)
• Hit Points 12 (2d10 + 2d8 + 4)
• Speed 30 ft.
• STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA
• 15 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 15 (+2) | 9 (-1) | 11 (+0) | 14 (+2)
• Saving Throws Str +4, Dex +6
• Skills Acrobatics +6, Stealth +6, Perception +2, Sleight of Hand +6, Insight +2
• Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12
• Languages Common, Elvish, Goblin

Abilities

• Cunning Action. As a bonus action, Hruda can Dash, Disengage, or Hide.
• Second Wind (1/Short Rest). As a bonus action, Hruda can regain 1d10 + 2 HP.
• Fighting Style: Dueling. When wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons, Hruda gains a +2 bonus to damage rolls.
• Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Hruda deals an extra 1d6 damage when she has advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is within 5 ft. of the target and she doesn’t have disadvantage.

Actions

• Multiattack. Hruda makes two melee attacks.
• Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
• Hit: 1d6 + 4 piercing damage.
• Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target.
• Hit: 1d4 + 4 piercing damage.

Equipment

• Shortsword (carried under robe).
• Dagger.
• Leather armor (AC 12 + Dex, when worn).
• A purse containing 9 sp, 5 gp, and 2 pp.

Alignment

Neutral good

Current Location

3. Mother Screng’s Herb Shop

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Half-Elves

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Oeridian Oerid

Sex

female

Eyes

sunken hazel

Hair

stringy dark hair

Height

5'6"

Quotes & Catchphrases

“Oh, you’ve got yourself in a mess, haven’t you? Lucky for you, I specialize in un-messing things—for a price.”