The Boat
Story/Questline
Yes
This NPC's sole purpose is to introduce the conflict and storyline, as well as to forcefully introduce you to the combat of the game.
When the player speaks with the NPC for the first time:
^ [Ow]... you there, stranger!
^ We've been boarded in the night!... [ungh]
^ They... they'll want to kidnap our Lady... [ow]... ransom her...
^ Protect her.... [ungh]... save us--!