Hero player, tell me a bit about your character. I think it would be very appropriate if we included a friendship in our quest. I have a traveler who decided to become a knight/mercenary to continue exploring the world, but now with the support of a combat group. He's a bit of a family man, a bit of a patriot, but only a little.
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Oh, and he's also into waifus, yes.
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Our characters could become friends through their children meeting. They could even become friends as families and have barbecues on weekends. Do you have a boy or a girl?
During his peaceful life, we can say that he met your character. Or during his travels around the world, whichever you prefer.