Sure, The Spoiler could just run up to the cask and open it before the mortal could blink, but there was no style to that.  Or he could easily end the mortal du Tremont's life, but that would be needlessly cruel.  So he thought of a better approach.<br/><br/>"So, we meet again for the first time for the last time!"  The Spoiler strode toward du Tremont with his trademark smile.  "Sylvester du Tremont, that is quite an interesting cask, isn't it?  And you've come a long way to find it.  I'm afraid it doesn't contain any riches or ancient knowledge, nothing that would give you wealth or station.  But still, I would ask you to leave the cask untouched.  I cannot pay you in gold or gems, but I can pay you in information.  And you should know from my clothing and my sudden appearance that I am a strange and powerful being.  I can answer any three questions you wish, du Tremont.  Any three things that you think it worth knowing, information you can use to achieve what that cask cannot give you."