Far to the west of the Great Plains of Urkania, with it's two mighty rivers and great waring cities, is the peaceful mountain-ringed Kingdom of Hyperion. A once prosperous land now fallen on hard times since the closing of the only pass through the Iron Alps, which separate the Great Lords of the East from the western Land of Rawain and it's profitable sea routes across the western ocean.
During the reign of the present (Impoverisht the First) Kings' father, the pass fell under the control of Orcs belonging to the "Blood Hammer" clan, and all trade now goes by sea. King Impoverisht does maintain a garrison at the base of the pass to protect his people from the Orc raiders that, more and more often, come down from the mountains to steal animals and women. And it is from this Garrison that many a brave party of Adventurers have set off to seek fame and fortune. Most, never to be seen again, although their screams often carry down the vale on a windless night. Still, there are always more bright young adventurers, and none are ever turned away from The Keep on the Borderlands
Expeditionaries are sort for a foray into the enemies territory, to search out entrances to the Caverns of Chaos. So that eradication of the Goblin Menace might begin in earnest. An unexpected alliance is formed with a surviving (though interbred) town, Goldberg, largly due to the heroism of Arioch Shadancer, or so the Elven Church is preaching
A valiant team of Adventurers (predominantly once more eldritch in composition) has ventured deep into the Western Alps, and returned with the dread confirmation of our worst fears. There is indeed an evil human Wizard and mystical Warrior Combination to unite the Goblin clans against the Eastern Kingdoms. The first of which would be Hyperion herself. It is suggested on the streets of the Kings City, that what is required now is for some brave Hero's to step up and hunt these vermin down like the dogs they are. There would be gold and princesses a plenty for the successful applicants.
I am glad to announce that the recent expedition to seek advice from the Prophet of Lake Wyrm has been successful. Any Characters who would like to post an account of their deeds that day should PM it to Mike via Diatribe. However, there were two expeditions on the day, the first met with some ill luck, but provided valuable reconnaissance which helped the second party immensely. Of the 9 players that left the Keep 2 were killed (although one was carried back to the Keep and Raised from the Dead), 2 deserted their party and decided to follow a local Witch creature(Dryad), and the survivors earned between 2 and 5 Xp.
A large number of Kobolds were Killed, as well as Imps, Dragonmen, Elves, and Pushmepullyous(Siamese Centaurs), and of cause 1 (small) Dragon.
Several brave souls have fallen in this mission to the Oracle. An Evil Dryad has enslaved much of the area including those that were late of the Keep, it is unclear what allegiance the infestation of Kobolds have if any. It is also proven that Dragons are not extinct, they may have, as some believe, been hibernating. The expeditionaries were aided in their gathering of the evidentials of said existence by one Gaynor (hence forth "the Damned") who was passing and did stop to slay the Wyrm. After some other troubles the Oracle was in deed reached. And it was learned that a Warlock, with Deamonic allies had taken over several Orc tribes and was spreading his influence with the aim of taking over the world. And that even at that moment his lieutenant was seeking an audience with the Dryad Witch. Our valiant champions did at that stage decide to retire from the area to better safeguard the Oracles warning.
After hearing vile stories of Grave Robbers a party of adventurers headed south to protect a distant village. The forests of the lowland were infested with all manner of unsavoury life forms. But across the river bridge, on the far side of the village, was the land of the dead. Some of those dead were unwilling to stay put, but thankfully now, their reluctance to cross the bridge has been restored.