First person you talk to says "let's spar".
This NPC is located within a few tiles of where you start, and doesn't seem particularly formidable, but is too powerful for the main character.
Can kill main character in about 3-4 rounds consistently.
Can't be harmed by main characters attacks of magic.
Escape option is disabled.
Normally, sparring is non-lethal combat, so getting killed in a friendly fight seems a bit off.
I was expecting this to be some sort of training to help newbs, rather than a trap.
I figured the NPC was placed there to somehow join the party, so any interactions I presumed would be beneficial.