Your character has just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As they look around, their gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. They 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.”
She forced a smile through gritted teeth and took a seat across from her on the cushion, crossing her legs, "I come from the city. My father... cast me out... and I need something to heal this." I point to a gash down my arm. "You are meant to be the best healer within 500 leagues of our home. I have some money, please, just let me buy a remedy." I stand up, my eyes pleading for her help.
"I will heal this, but you need to tell me the story that weighs on your heart." the hag says as she begins to reach for different ingredients for a remedy.
"I am Willow of the house of Nytmor. I come from a family of corrupt bankers in the city. My ancestors were wealthy spice merchants who began giving loans to members of the merchant bourgeoise, growing their wealth. They, however, were horribly dishonest and masters of malpractice, killing those who didn't pay them back and giving predatory loans to those in need. However, due to my mother and despite my lineage, I have taken a different path. My mother taught me to have goodness and purity in my heart. However, 2 nights ago everything fell apart. My mother told my father to end a new lucrative business opportunity... They got into a fight, and he killed her. The only reason he tolerated me was because of my mother: he loved her deeply. He killed my mother and sent a guard to kill me. I got away, but not before his sword tasted my flesh. I don't want my old life back, I need something new, but I don't know what to do..." A tear rolls down her eye.
"Rest your cursed heart" the hag said, "let me put this on you." She slathers a smelly ointment on Willow's wound... "You can stay here tonight."
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