The kingdom of Riverlend was a beautiful country that was often the idyllic envy of its neighbors. The majestic peaks in the east give birth to the mighty Lenestra river that flows to the lush farmlands of the west. The charming rural villages toiled happily under the protection of their hinterland lords. For many years life was good for the people of Riverland, but as history teaches, darkness can descend into even the most peaceful of lands.
With the death of the old king Ivar, a bloody civil war broke out through the previously quiet kingdom. Instead of following his wishes, two factions emerged between the conqueror Anvard, and the survivors of his coup attempt. War raged from the streets of the capital of Tarek, to the lowlands of the Lenestra valley. Bodies beyond counting soiled the earth in a sea of violence that threatened to engulf the entire country. Even minor lords that aligned with neither faction took advantage of the chaos to settle old scores. Nowhere seemed safe.
Out of the ashes of war, Anvard emerged victorious. He had cast his enemies down, and secured his throne. But at a terrible cost. Though battle no longer plagued his lands, Riverlend was not as it once was.
Even with the war 25 years in the past the scars of conflict linger, threatening to open into new wounds. Years of warfare had neglected roads, and other civic infrastructure to the point that areas that had been safe for generations found themselves beset by monsters from the dark corners of the realm. The few travelers that remain whisper of Wyverns swarming down from the north, as they huddle around their camp fires. Veteran soldiers from all sides found themselves without purpose or leadership. Bands of men who once served proudly under the banners of their lords have descended into common banditry. And for every village put to the torch previously, it seemed that the gods punished Riverlend with harsh winters. Food is scarce, and hunger runs rampant among the lowborn. Any voice of anger raised against their new ruler was quickly cut down by the newly formed Order of Inquisition. For all their claims of rooting out the new evils that infested the land, only critics of Anvard seemed to end up on their torture racks.
In such dark times does the small village Whitefield find itself. Most of its able bodied menfolk were taken by the war, as was their previous lord. Those goodly people that remain toil to survive in a land turned dark. But for all their hearty resilience, even they cannot stand against every threat that this new Riverlend throws at them. Highwaymen nip at their edges, bleeding them by inches. And for those that die, even the grave will grant them no peace. For the dead do not rest easily in the graveyards of Whitefield. The people need champions to rise to the occasion, and see these menaces driven back.
Last edited by POstrer, December 24 2023 16:35:31. Secured game article. You most log in to contribute.