The year is 330 AR, with humanity struggling for survival against the demons that infest the night. The only reason why humanity is still around is the re-discovery of wards, magical markings that can block the physical passage of the demons, making safe havens for what remained of humanity when the demons came back from The Core 330 years ago.<br/><br/>What remains is a collection of free cities, governed by Dukes who rule as Kings. One such city, and where you are all currently residing, is Fort Miln. Fort Miln is the areas primary producer of coal, ore, and salt for the other free cities, but due to being so far north and settled in the mountains, the soil cannot handle the crop output needed to feed the 30,000 residents. As such, trade is vital for the cities survival, along with hamlet towns scattered across the plains in the south that supply food and supplies in exchange for salt for food preservation.<br/><br/>Which is all besides the point, since the Duke of this lovely mining town takes it upon himself to charter a expedition into the wild west, to determine if there is anything left of civilization after 300 years of demon attacks. Which is where you all come in, the pack of suicidal assholes who are drawn by the hefty hefty reward money for any discovery, and all you have to do is travel hundreds of miles through demon infested land to find something maybe.<br/><br/>So after extensive interviews and back ground checks and fees being paid, you are given the task by one of the Duke's lesser nobility, being far too important himself to bother giving you any details. The minor noble takes his seat at the meeting room set up in the palace and gets down to business.<strong>"Hello ladies and gentlemen, I am Sir Melbar, third cousin and 7th in line for the Throne. I have been tasked by the Duke himself to fund a expedition into the west and have chosen you all for the task. <br/><br/>As you are very well aware, outside of this city, the demons rule the land at night. Which should not be a problem for the warder in the group and as long as you are properly stocked. Those petty details I will leave to your professional digression, as a number of you should have experience traveling between cities and know of the dangers better than myself. <br/><br/>A fund of 500 gold pieces is to be given for you to use for provisions and buying a wagon and horses and what else is needed. Those details are you to you to decide, as here is also a official warrant that compels any business in the city to provide for your trip at cost and as quickly as needed. Thus, you should be able to leave as quickly as possible, as the Duke will not appreciate it if you dally. <br/><br/>When/if you return with vital news of any ruins or civilizations outside already scouted area, you shall be reward handsomely, with nobility status granted and stipends and land ownership. Priority should be given in finding any of the coveted attack wards, as each new ward discovered and brought back will bring you additional rewards.<br/><br/>Any questions?"</strong>