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?))
Greetings, oh wise elder! I have arrived in this swampy town seeking wisdom beyond my own. It seems that fate has brought us together. I am ready to hear your words and learn from your experiences. My name is Barend, a 20-year-old Man from a small fishing village. Barend comes from a long line of fishermen, and since he was old enough to hold a net, he has been helping his father and grandfather with their catch. Barend loves the sea and the creatures that live in it, and dreams of one day becoming a great fisherman like his ancestors.
However, fate had different plans for Barend. One day, a group of Cannonist attacked the fishing village, burning down houses and killing many of the villagers, including Barend's father and grandfather. Barend and his mother barely escaped with their lives, and were taken in by a nearby town of refugees.
As they tried to rebuild their lives, the news came that more Cannonist where coming, and that a great war was looming. The town's leaders decided to send their able-bodied men and women to join the army of the Duke, to defend their land and people.
Barend's mother begged the leaders to exempt her son from the draft, as he was too young and had already lost his father and grandfather to the war. But the leaders were desperate for soldiers, and eventually forced Barend to join the army, claiming that every able-bodied person was needed to fight for their survival.
Now Barend finds himself torn between his love for the sea and his duty as a soldier. He has never held a sword, let alone fought a battle, and he fears for his life and his mother's safety. But he also knows that he has to do his part to protect his people and honor his father's and grandfather's sacrifice.
"Oh, I just, uh…" you stutter, tensing up. You eye the crone, then back outside the tent. For a moment, the air thickens with anticipation, until…
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