Final answer:
The purpose of this paragraph is to introduce the narrator's intention to tell a story that may seem wild and unbelievable, but is based on real events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of this paragraph is to introduce the narrator's intention to tell a story that may seem wild and unbelievable, but is based on real events. The narrator acknowledges that some may find the events horrifying, while others may dismiss them as insignificant. The paragraph sets the stage for the suspense and mystery that will unfold in the rest of the story.