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?))
Ecard studies the woman for a moment, he does not sense any malice present in her tone. He carefully unbuckles his sheath from his belt and gently sets his sword down within arm's reach. He surveys his surroundings momentarily ensuring that they are alone before taking a seat. He groans as he makes himself comfortable, his muscles weary from his travels. "My name is Ecard, though, it seems you may already know that" Ecard Pauses for a moment, weighing his words carefully. "I am the last surviving member of my name. For generations my ancestors have been robbers, theives and brigands. Greedy and cruel, acting only for themselves. My father, Ernhard, used to say that to be born with the gift of strength, will and fortitude, is to be born with the resposibility to protect all that is good and pure in the world". To that end, he tried to stand up for something more, something good. He tried to convince them all that we could make an honest living and protect that which is good in the world. He spoke of responsibilty, to use our gifts of strenght and will to better ther realm. He had a few convinced.... No less than a week later he and those few were found dead, left out for the crows. Stabbed in the back by those he called friend or family. They called him a traitor and a coward. I left that night in the dark hours of the morning. I swore to myself that day that I would bring his dream to reality. One day the Blackthorne name will mean something. Ecard Gently lifts up the sleave of his mail shirtm revealing a brand of a shield with antlers. Gently glazing over it with a rough, callus hand. "My father used to have this stupid iron shield with antlers on it, I dont know where he got it but he swore that it protected him, more than a mere shield. call it luck, fate, many would call it delusion....but he told me story of how he had seen an enemy bind him in the reflection of the metal, or how it had protected him from an arrow whilst on his back" Ecards face saddens at the memories of his fathers stories. "Not long after his death I gave myself this in his honor, a promise, I give my heart and soul to this cause so long as I live. I do think that it will make a fitting crest one day, don you think?". His face brightens slightly at the thought. "Anyway, I am here because I cannot do this alone. I need allies, people that know what it is to struggle. Only those who have seen the darkness in the world can truly understand the importance of this quest. I felt drawn to this place though I know not why. Can you help me?"
