Stunted and gnarled fruit trees are lined in rows. The trees have thick bases and are clearly very old but have not produced any fruit for a long time, yet they stubbornly cling to life. Unpruned, their branches stick out at all angles making it hard for a person to traverse the orchard and frequently these branches grab the loose clothing of any visitor. Wind moan through the trunks while dead leaves slowly tumble along the ground.
Haunted Orchard, Farm
peasant
thief
I live alone in a tent in the woods. I steal food from the townspeople and coal from the blacksmith. The village police can not find me to put me in jail.
Why did you come here if you are so scared?  It's a shortcut between the castle and the forest. If I don't go through here, it takes an hour or more to get home. But even the trees look scary! Did you know this place is haunted by restless spirits? If you want to pass, you better leave an offering to appease them. Offering? What do you think they would like? I have some bread. Perhaps they like bread! Food, coin, anything of value you have really.  I'll leave them this bread. It's moldy. I hope they won't mind much.  What about this sachel? What do you carry inside it?  Hey! That is mine! And there's nothing inside it except some nuts for my pet squirrel. This bible of yours looks pretty nice too.  Hmm... seems like maybe you need to be reading the bible more! Get away from me, thief! Don't cross me. I can easily end your life here and now!  See! I can be a thief, too! Now get out of my way so I can get through this orchard!