Your character has just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As they look around, their gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. They 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?))
*Shifting uncomfortably on the cushion, Robert's eyes dart between the floating candles and the witch's piercing gaze.* Robert says "There must be some mistake... I'm only nineteen, and I've never met you before - I'm Robert Quadbriefs, and until three months ago, I was just a simple noodle shop apprentice in the Capital District," *Robert appears to get many goosebumps*
He continues "My master... he disappeared one night after receiving a mysterious letter, leaving only a cryptic note about a 'greater destiny' for our humble shop. I've been tracking him across the provinces, following rumors and whispers that led me to this swamp," *Robert continues, absentmindedly touching the small burn scar on his shoulder from years of working over hot cooking fires.*
*The young man leans forward, his voice dropping to a whisper.* He quietly says "But how did you know to expect me? Did my master pass through here? He's like a father to me - taught me everything I know about the art of noodle-making, even his secret spicy broth recipe that won the Emperor's favor last spring."
