DeathByTenor

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?)) Liliana sits warily on the front edge of the chair proffered. "Thank you, most kind. To be honest, my story is of little consequence to the quest which brought me here. Simply put, I have been sent on errand to retrieve some of your more -" She pauses, "eclectic ingredients for my mistress." She folds her hands politely in her lap. "I've been told that you are the one to seek out should said ingredients be of import as you only select the finest of specimens." She smiles at the hag. "As you've recognized me, I assume that you have already prepared the goods in question. If it be of no insult to you, I'd rather finish our trade and be on my way... before nightfall." She brings the small purse of coins from her dress and onto the table. BACKSTORY In the heart of the village of Starpool, nestled amidst towering redwood forests and shimmering rivers, lived a young female Mali’aheral named Liliana Starborne. Born to humble beginnings as the daughter of a skilled baker, Liliana spent her childhood in the warm embrace of the tantalizing scents that filled her father's bakery. The fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread and delicate pastries wafted through their cozy home, filling her days with comfort and contentment. From an early age, Liliana's curiosity and thirst for knowledge were evident. While her peers engaged in games and frivolities, she found solace in the pages of dusty tomes she discovered in the local library. As she delved into ancient texts, her imagination ignited with tales of powerful sorcery and arcane wonders. It was in those moments that a burning desire took hold of her heart—a desire to harness the very essence of magic and create something extraordinary. Liliana yearned to break free from the confines of her ordinary existence. She dreamed of studying the intricate art of spellcasting and becoming a mage of great renown, possibly employed by The Horizon Court itself, using her newfound powers to shape the world around her. With every sunrise, her resolve grew stronger, fueled by a relentless determination to make something more of herself. Against the backdrop of her father's bustling bakery, Liliana sought to convince her family of her aspirations. Her parents, loving and supportive, were initially hesitant, fearing for their daughter's safety and the uncertainties that awaited her in the world of magic. But Liliana's unwavering dedication and the unmistakable spark in her eyes gradually eroded their doubts, and they recognized the fire within her that could not be extinguished. At the age of eighteen, Liliana bid farewell to her family and the familiar comforts of Starpool to seek her destiny in the capital city. She longed to become a mage who defied convention, forging her own path, and leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.

You’ve just stepped off of the boat in the port of a massive and fortified city. Before you lies a sprawling bazaar, with numerous shops, stalls, and seated traders selling wares to folk of all walks of life. Just as you’re about to continue walking onwards, into the market, you’re approached by a well-dressed gentleman who looks upon you with a big smile. “Welcome!” He began. “What brings you to this lovely city? Adventure? Wealth? Or some grand aspirations to elevate your place in society?” Aywin is instantly struck by the industriousness and... busyness of the port city. She takes in her surroundings with hope as the gentleman approaches. She puts on a large smile and responds, "Hello there, sir. Thank you for the kind greeting. I know not yet what my future holds, but I have to lend aid to those who would need it. I wish to engage with the local apothecaries and healers to continue my learning. I am hopeful that there will be those of like mind who would welcome me. Do you perhaps know of a group like this?"