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?)) Example: (In the shadowed realms of the Underdark, a dark elf male named Usui was born. Raised within the strict and complex society of his kin, Usui faced the inherent challenges that come with being a member of the drow. From an early age, he was taught to embrace the art of deception, the pursuit of power, and the worship of their sinister spider goddess, Lolth. However, as Usui grew older, he began to question the oppressive and treacherous ways of his people. Disenchanted with the cruelty and constant power struggles within drow society, he sought a different path—one that diverged from the expectations laid before him. Driven by a desire for freedom and redemption, Usui made a daring escape from the Underdark, leaving behind his former life and family. In the world above, he found himself navigating unfamiliar landscapes and encountering diverse races and cultures. The surface dwellers were wary of him, for the tales of dark elves' malevolence had spread far and wide. Determined to prove himself and shed the shadow of his heritage, Usui embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-redemption. Along the way, he honed his natural talents for stealth and magic, blending into the societies he encountered while also striving to aid those in need. Despite the lingering darkness within him, Usui sought to find balance and harness his abilities for a greater purpose. He joined forces with a band of adventurers, hoping to make a positive impact on the world and perhaps find allies who could help him confront the demons of his past. Through his experiences, Usui gradually learns to rise above the prejudices and expectations associated with his race. He fights against the dark impulses that threaten to consume him, using his newfound strength and resilience to protect others from the encroaching shadows. Ultimately, Usui's journey is a quest for redemption, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of a brighter future—a path that defies the stereotypes of his kind and forges a new legacy for dark elves in a world that often fears them. And that is the tale of how I arrived here today.)
"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…
