Nissa Pinefoot, so named due to her always returning home with pine needles between her toes, grew up in Brandybrook. Her earliest memory was playing alone in the old tunnels looking for shortcuts or discarded treasures. Her exploring always lead her to the woods however. Her parents despised the idea of living out there, of being out there, “You can’t have a good home cooked meal if your not at a home now, can you?” they’d chide. But Nissa couldn’t stay away. Sure she loved the parties and festivals the townspeople would hold every other week and she loved getting her hands dirty in the soil of her fathers wheat fields, pulling weeds, digging out roots. It was nothing compared to the thrill of being somewhere new.
As soon as she was old enough, she began taking jobs that required work in the woods. Hunting deer, boar, and rabbit. Finding rare herbs or tracking lost children. Eventually she joined a small ranger corps, leaving home to live in the wilderness keeping an eye out for incoming orc invasions or bandits that would threaten their home. She was one of the only halflings in that position and she had big shoes to fill... no pun intended. The boots that came with the uniform were 8 sizes too big. She crafted her own leather uniform and gear with things she found while out scouting all the while mastering her skills with the bow and sparring with her partner, Nala. They stayed vigilant for many years, but civilization was expanding quickly and by the tenth year the ranger corps wasn’t needed any longer. Upon returning home, she found that her parents had left years ago, one last trip on the Spicy Shrimp, to settle a newfound island across the ocean with the rest of her family, apparently for more profitable crops and better tobacco.
Now Nissa wanders all across Arcas, taking odd jobs that utilize her skills. That started a year ago, and the monotony of meeting new people and all the rules and taxes that come with towns have already started to weigh her down. Maybe it’s time to settle down and actually construct a home somewhere? Somewhere new...
NIssa “Morning” Pinefoot was the last passenger off the ship. She shouldered her pack and continued forward watching all the other passengers get their bearings and go about their way. A well-dressed gentleman pushed his way through towards her.
A haggler, no doubt. Nissa thought.
She gripped her pack tightly as he approached, but he stopped a few steps away and greeted her, arms outstretched.
“Welcome!” he began. “What brings you to this lovely city? Adventure? Wealth? Or some grand aspirations to elevate your place in society?”
“If you must know, i’m here for none of those reasons. Family.”
“Ahh...” the stranger said. “A loved one passed away? Or perhaps a family gathering?”
“No. To find one. Why are you asking?”
“It just so happens that I have friends who are looking for someone just like you. Would you be interested in joining an explorers guild?” he asked
New guilds were popping up almost every day now, most not lasting the week. None however, had recruiters dressed this nicely.
“What is your guilds name?” she asked
“The Roguish Fairy!” the man pronounced, striking a ridiculous, triumphant pose. “The finest ale and most prestigious adventurers can be found in our hall! We’re looking for new faces if your’e interested, but only the bravest, most daring, and unique adventurers are permitted! The pay is good and-“ The man cut himself off and looked back and forth. The halfling was nowhere to be found.
Nissa lost interest in the man almost as soon as he started talking, but curious about his claim of unique adventurers. Misfits always made good family. she thought to herself as she wandered through the crowd. Maybe i’ll look into it after I get a bite to eat.
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