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?))
'Oh, oi jus’, uh…" ye stutter, tensin’ up. Ye eye t’a crone, t’en glance back outside t’a tent. Fer a momen', t’a air thickens wit’ anticipation, until ye finally gather t’a courage to sit on t’a cushion.
"Well, it all started when oi received a mysterious letter," ye begin, yer voice waverin’. "It mentioned this town and said oi had a destiny to fulfil here. Oi’ve been travelin’ ever since, hopin’ to unravel t’a mystery and understand meh purpose."
The old hag nods knowingly, her eyes gleaming in the candlelight. "Yes, yes, I've seen it in the cards. Your journey is one of great importance, and I shall help you. But first, you must trust me."
Ye take a deep breath, t’a smell of rotted wood and wet moss fillin’ yer nostrils. Ye glance around t’a tattered ten', noticin’ t’a shelves cluttered wit’ strange, dusty artifacts, and t’a walls lined wit’ ancient symbols. As yer eyes adjust to t’a dim light, ye find yer curiosity slowly overcome yer anxiety.
"Alrigh'," ye say 'esitantly, "Oi'll trust ye." Yer voice grows steadier as ye continue. "T’a letter mentioned a hidden artifact in this town. It’s said to hold immense power, somethin’ that could change t’a world. Oi believe oi’m meant to find it, but Oi don’t know where to begin."
The old hag leans forward, her eyes never leaving yours. "The artifact you seek is indeed hidden in this town, protected by the spirits of the swamp. They have guarded it for centuries, waiting for the one who is worthy to claim it." Her voice drops to a whisper. "You must prove yourself to the spirits, young one. Only then will they reveal the artifact's location.
Ye feel a shiver run down yer spine. "‘Ow do Oi prove meself to t’a spirits?"
The hag reaches out, her bony hand trembling slightly as she hands you a small leather pouch. "Inside, you will find a sacred charm. Wear it around your neck, and the spirits will sense your intentions. Venture deep into the swamp, and there, you will find a sacred grove. Complete the trials that await you, and the spirits will know you are the one they've been waiting for.
Ye grasp t’a pouch, feelin’ its weight in yer hand, and nod determinedly. As ye stand up to leave, the hag adds one final warning, "Remember, the swamp is treacherous. Trust in yourself, and do not waver in your purpose."
Wit’ a newfound sense of determination, ye exit t’a tent and step back into t’a gloomy town. T’a journey ahead will be challengin’, but ye can’t shake t’a feelin’ that this is exactly where ye're mean' to be.
