Session Zero

Muershaden: The Incursion

Two score and four years past, a band of travelers met east of Lokistan at a tavern simply called The Griff where a union was formed to help protect the land from raids sent from the Gate, the narrow and deadly 7-day passage through the Black Rock Mountains that connects the Savage Land and Kraymorden, the eastern half of Muershaden that represents the more fertile side of the land.

The travelers rose in strength and with the blessing of the Handaris Council, traveled to the Savage Land through Tanseria.

The story is told, through Sephers and bards, in public and ruling houses throughout the land. The Savage Land held its own rule and was tamed into siding with the traveler heroes to close a demon gate. The heroes were welcomed back into Muershaden, lauded by the council, given titles and accolades for their audacious achievements as they rose the ire of Tanseria.
Though with any great acts of heroism fought afar, with no great or visible threat to the Muershaden people, very quickly, the pomp fades. The tales of giants and a pernicious queen, were no longer the first tales sung in the taverns. Any demons making it out of the Savage Land would have been vanquished by the armies of Muershaden. The stories of politics in the ruling houses of the cities again take hold. The industry to the north and west against the fertile lands in the east and south creates divide. The cold contest of the Tanseria Queen and those that side with her, becomes the wall against lands still savage. They sing of the Gate that continues to exist yet does not allow travel. Many await for it to again open up and assault Kraymorden.

Presently.

Over the years Queen Bashira slowly returned to the Handaris Council. She had been vocal about the travelers and asked for accountability, but the council never truly understood what for, and felt the Chaos Gem, still in the hands of traveler, Precious, was something best addressed by the Council of Mages. The queen was rumored to have kept herself busy in ways of old, likely with giants. It was inferred she used enlarge spells, but then also said she uses shrink spells on her suiters. It’s said in secret, not in many taverns, as the drow blend in all corners of Muershaden.

Without common wars, hostilities have grown through the years. The houses fight inside their cities, and they divide from a place of alliance on both sides of the Chasm. Ruling members pass unexpectedly, new elections are held, and new dynastic figures seize the stage.

To protect their fiefdoms, rulers recall their soldiers from the Crimson Guard, the Kraymorden forces based out of Buelstapher, the capital of Kramorden. Rule becomes subjective and local. Prominent houses in and on the outskirts of cities hire personal forces for protection and to secure their businesses and trade.

The Andrac Empire retains their peacekeeping forces, Lorman’s Shield, though dissent steals into the west. In the past years Andracia, the northern most city and the hub of the richest metals, has become obstinate in their trade. Their claims of protecting the land from the unnaturals in the north is a cost that will be shared by all of Muershaden. Cornstone and Kahledrag have made public that the Andracians can eat their metal come winter.

The Church of Pelor, the most respected of churches through the centuries of Muershaden, has become fractured. Branches of the church have taken up against the free use of magic. The peaceful intent of the religion now raises a firm hand to seek out and suppress schools of magic and private tutelages. In Hondaris, on the right side of the Chasm, the Council of Mages has opened an inquiry into the churches actions. It has created tension on the left side of the Chasm, but it’s becoming an open action in the east to control magic where resistance is fractured.

To enhance the disorder in Kraymorden, the Gate again leaks unsavory enemies into the land. A great fog spreads from the Gate to the Tanserian River, thought natural at first, though continues to linger after weeks.

The Handaris Council has given one man a title and stipend. Falan Stormshield has taken to Kraymorden, gathering a contingent of soldiers so they may use force where needed. They grow in number, though it is said many are given little choice to join if a prominent house doesn’t already employ them. He reported to Estrawilia and then Sandrypha and is likely moving east to investigate and guard against the Gate.

Kraymorden has fallen into further chaos than what they’ve known in decades. The houses guard their wealth and are willing to pay for secure trade. They’re willing to pay to protect their houses and families.

The state of Kraymorden attracts many each week. They come to satisfy their curiosities, and offer their services for the good of the land, and make a name for themselves. The come looking for pay.

Korhan is a mordent town just east of Lokistan where many gather to accept offers of employment or even adventure. The great tavern there is known as The Griff, the place where the travelers met more than 2 decades past. Dusk falls on the town. Many are gathering at tavern. Every race is present. Good and evil, lawful and unruly. Alliances are made. Bounties discussed. Work offered.