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, I just... stumbled upon this town in my travels," you say, trying to maintain composure. The dim light of the tent casts eerie shadows as you glance around nervously. "I didn't expect anyone to be expecting me. My name is John Smith, and I come from a realm far from here."
You find a seat on the offered cushion, its fabric worn and faded. The old hag's eyes seem to penetrate your very soul as she listens intently. "I was born into nobility, my parents were esteemed figures in the court. But fate had other plans, and my journey brought me to this mysterious land."
As you speak, memories of a distant kingdom flood your mind – towering castles, lush gardens, and a life of privilege. "My family sought power and influence, but I sought something more. A yearning for adventure led me away from the opulence of the court to explore the unknown."
The candles flicker, casting an ethereal glow on the hag's face. "And now, I find myself in this peculiar town, drawn by forces beyond my understanding. What brings me here, I cannot fathom, but perhaps you, wise one, hold the key to unraveling this enigma."
You pause, studying the hag's reaction. "As for magic, it eludes me. I come from a realm where the arcane arts were a distant mystery. My journey has been one of discovery, though not of magical prowess. I am but a wanderer seeking purpose in the twists of fate."
The swampy air seems to hold its breath as the hag continues to scrutinize you. "So, wise one, what secrets do you hold? Why did you expect me, and what role do I play in the unfolding tale of this peculiar town?"