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.”
((How do you respond?))
PROBLEMS I RAN INTO WITH THIS APPLICATION
Dark Dwarf is not selectable as a race and there is hardly enough room to write an in-depth physical description for my character.
OKAY NOW MY RESPONSE TO THE PROMPT
Miriam stands stiffly by the entrance for a moment, before hesitantly sitting across from the woman.
“What’s the matter? I don’t bite,” the old woman says with a laugh. “I know you’ve stumbled into this place for a reason. So go on, Miriam. Speak!”
Miriam is mildly startled by the fact that the woman knows her name. She does not answer.
The woman laughs again. “Oh, surprised I know your name? I know a lot of things you could never begin to comprehend. And don’t you worry about me spilling your information out to everyone! Just humor this old hag by telling her a story.”
Miriam sighs softly, and, slowly, she begins to speak in a very quiet yet distinct voice. “It’s true that I am not here without reason… I’ve come to this land in flight of conflict.”
“Oh? Do go on.”
“...The land I was raised in has become ravaged by war… I will fight monsters, mindless beasts, and the wicked… But I will not be pressured into killing innocent people for the sake of politics.”
The woman cackles. “Well, isn’t that grand and noble! Don’t want to waste your energy on something that doesn’t benefit you, hmm?”
Miriam narrows her eyes. “It’s not like that…”
“Then what is it like, eh? Didn’t you have any attachment to your homeland?”
“Of course I did,” Miriam says firmly. “I had a family and friends. But they overlooked their sense of morality, just for the sake of their country. They joined in on the pointless war when they could have worked to diffuse it.” She relaxes slightly. “I, myself, may not be a skilled peacemaker… but it’s worth learning to become one.”
“HAH!” the woman cries. “Well good luck with that! Did you really expect this place to be a refuge? This land is more filled with chaos than you can imagine! Hardly what I’d call a refuge!”
“Oh, believe me, I can imagine,” Miriam says with a hint of bitterness. “And I’m not looking for a refuge. I’m looking for somewhere I can make a difference without killing innocent people. If you are only going to ridicule me, there is no reason for me to remain here.”
And with that, Miriam stands and walks out of the tent, leaving the old hag in silence.
The woman smiles to herself, chuckling. “Well. She’s even more amazing than I hoped she would be.” She hums a tune, blissfully waiting for whenever the next wanderer would enter. There are always be more people that need to be encouraged with a healthy dose of discouragement.
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