Chronocida

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?))

"You'd most likely pass in your sleep as I tell you. But I guess I can open up to someone after all these years. If you insist. I am I highlander born to a simple family. My father had a farm that myself and my 6 other brothers and 3 sisters helped run. I was my father's eldest. As the oldest, I had most of the responsibility. If one of my siblings was out of line, I was punished. This tough upbringing hardened me physically and mentally. I trained myself to be bigger than my father. To intimidate him. I woke up earlier, took on even more work. More than I could handle. I learned how to cook and eat healthier from my mother. How to survive and take care of myself. It paid off. I was respected not only by my father, but by my entire village. Years ago, I had found my father owed a large sum of money to people you do not want to owe money to. They came to our humble farm with axes and are torches. My father stumbled outside and began pleading for his life. He just needed more time. I watched from the window as my mother came out running to beg them to leave. They refused. And they killed my mother. I ran outside and combined my strength and rage to tackle the two men to the ground. Tears burned my eyes and my face. I will never forget the lifeless look on my mothers face, and those men that day. My life changed that day. For better or for worse. My father ended up selling the farm, and moved into Heartlander territory, trying to put his farm life behind him, and a better future for his children in front of him. I bid farewell to my family, and I've adventured for the past year to try and find a place that I can protect from danger. I still feel guilt to this day about my mother. She was innocent. I've vowed to myself to protect innocent people. I've travelled far and wide in search of jobs in a garrison, or simple village to protect. I'm still traveling to this day. And that is why I am here."

"Ah." The lady says. "You seem very different from the highlanders I've seen. You are one that wants peace."

"No. I want people who hurt others without justification dead."

"Well. It seems like a hard job to complete now. May I interest you in rabbit stew? It's my special recipe!"

"I suppose so. Thank you for your kindness. I hope I will be able to repay you some day."

*After eating and chatting with the hag. Matianak sleeps in the village tavern and continues on his journey the following morning in search of a town or city that needs protecting.*