The sun rises above the horizon, casting light on the untamed but beautiful Stolen Lands. This lawless stretch of beautiful and fertile land is called the Stolen Lands for many reasons. Every surrounding kingdom blames another for stealing the lands from them, natives blame all kingdoms for the theft and the rampant bandit population just like to steal: who said they couldn't steal land. As generations have passed, no one really knows who owns the Stolen Lands, only that they are the largest swathe of untamed and unclaimed land in the entire world. Those who border the land keep envious eyes on the land and their neighbors. Unfortunately no one can seem to claim these lands, the bandits and monsters overrunning the wildlands keeping honest settlers away from the rich land. These lawless heathens also pose enough of a threat to keep those lands who border the Stolen Lands from claiming it, the resources it would take could drain a kingdom of it's wealth and leave it vulnerable to attack. The Stolen Lands are home to endless dangers and yet, filled to the brim with endless opportunity.<br/><br/>It was that opportunity that has drawn scores of people to heed the call of the Swordlords. Desiring to take control of the Stolen Lands once in for all but not wanting to send their armies in to claim it, the crafty Swordlords have offered wealth and adventure to anyone brave enough to seek it. They offer a charter to any group brave enough to explore the entire region, face any dangers in the area and return with land claims to the Swordlords. Numerous groups have set off from Restov, with a charter in hand:<br/><br/>Be it known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them to by the Office of Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area of 30 miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg's Trading Post. The bearer of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The price for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day Talistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority of Lord Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.<br/><br/>Armed with their charter, these groups headed into the wildlands. This is the tale of one of these groups. Bound together by fate, these brave souls take their charter in hand and head into the wilderness. The first and only stop in Stolen Lands on the way to the unexplored Greenbelt is Oleg's Trading post. One unkempt dirt road marked with worn wagon trails is the only guide to the place. From what information given to our noble adventurers, they know and can see upon approach that Oleg's is more than a simple trading post. A large, highly defensible wooden pallisade of strong looking wood surrounds the entire former border fort. Though looking a little run down, the converted former fort has been occupied and converted into the last waystation before heading off into the deep dark of the Greenbelt. Walking up the worn dirt road towards the front gate of the trading post, it is swung ajar so anyone can enter and yet there is very little visible activity. That is not surprising as the adventurers were informed that most likely there was going to be very little activity. Few people wandered this far south and to the waystation: no one but hunters, trappers or criminals. As the party approaches, the sound of a shoddy hammer ringing can be heard.<br/><br/>Stepping through the main gate, the rest of the converted fort is visible. Directly to the front is an open market yard, currently occupied by one simple wooden cart. To the immediate right, there is a small lodging area made of simple wood and thatch roofing. The sound of the hammering comes from the hunched over form currently working atop the roof. To the left, a large stable for horses, the smell giving the buildings function away to the adventurers. In the back right of the fort is a larger, more sturdy looking main hall, most likely the home of Oleg and his wife.<br/><br/>Speaking of the pair who run the trading post, Oleg was at work on the roof, his hammer swinging furiously. His wife was working slowly a pot of stew hanging over a roasting fire. The information around Restov painted the pair as very plain and they seemed that way. Oleg was said to have lived in Restov originally but became disillusioned with society and moved to the most remote location he could find. Even if his trading post was in a terribly inconvientant place away from people or the main river, he didn't care. The less people Oleg saw, the better for him. He had accepted a charter to rebuild this fort and he only desired to do so, while providing a decent life for his loving wife. Svetlana was a lot nicer than her husband and that became very evident as she immediately offers a warm smile to the adventurers when they arrive.<br/><br/>Svetlana quickly moves away from her stew pot and moves quickly across the empty courtyard to approach the adventurers as they approach. Her warm emerald eyes sparkle as she takes in the sight of the adventurers and she bows her head slightly.<br/><br/>“Welcome, welcome please come in! I am so excited you are here! I have been waiting for this day for a long time.” She said excitedly as she continued to look over the group of adventurers before her “Come please, I have stew and bread, wine for the weary. I am so glad you have come to our aid!” She says emphatically as he motions to two large tables just on the other side of the market yard “Please sit while I fetch my husband” His excitement is unabated as she hustles over to small guest house and calls up to her husband, her voice clear and loud over the hammering “OLEGGGGGGG GET DOWN HERE!!!”<br/><br/>Looking up sharply, the ringing of the hammer ceased as Oleg quickly rose from where he was patching a hole in the roof. He looked out across the yard to the see the adventurers and understood their purpose here. The day had come. Oleg slowly heaved his old bones, covered by hardened workers muscles, down the ladder on the side of the house and moved to stand by his wife. He was sweaty and covered in dirt. His serious, no nonsense eyes looked over the adventurers and he said in a deep voice “Thanks for coming, the extra help is appreciated” He said earnestly though let a out a little huff “Though the idea of you Restov types coming down here ain't exactly ideal.....” He let that linger, quickly letting his wife take over the conversation as he knew he didn't wanna get started down that train of though and offend the adventurers.<br/><br/><br/><br/>