Battedrouge

You’ve just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As you look around, your gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. You duck and step into a tattered tent, illuminated by a series of candles suspended in the air. At the back of the tent, an old hag raises her head, “What brings you to this dingy town? she begins, then pauses to study your face—”Ah, it’s you. I’ve been expecting you. Sit,” she gestures at a cushion, “Tell me your story.”

((How do you respond?))

"Long ago," I begin, my voice filled with a mix of sorrow and determination, "I was but a young hunter, born into a humble village nestled deep within the heart of a dense forest. The echoes of my parents' laughter and the warmth of their love enveloped my childhood. They taught me the ways of the hunt, passing down the sacred knowledge from generation to generation." A shadow passes over my face as I continue, "However, when I was fifteen, tragedy struck our village. A merciless horde descended upon us, engulfing our homes in a raging inferno. The flames devoured everything, consuming not only the physical structures but also the lives of those dear to me." I pause briefly, composing myself before forging ahead. "In that nightmarish chaos, I fought to protect my family, but it was futile. Their lives were taken, leaving me orphaned, filled with a seething rage and an unquenchable thirst for vengeance. From that day forward, I dedicated myself to the path of the hunter. I roamed the wilderness, honing my skills and seeking the truth behind the attack on my village. I tracked down leads, followed whispers on the wind, and faced countless dangers, all driven by the burning desire to unravel the secrets that lay hidden in the ashes." My gaze locks with the old hag's, my voice gaining an edge of determination. "Now, I find myself drawn to this town, guided by an unspoken force that compels me to uncover the truth, to bring justice to the darkness that lies within. So, wise one, share with me your insights. Guide me on this path of retribution and redemption, for I am the hunter who will not rest until my parents' souls find peace and my village's legacy is avenged."