Rise

Lord Valadihr. “The Everlasting Winter”, “Master of the Northern Realms”, “The Frigid Lord”. The White Dragon Tyrant of the lands of Valdaria.   For over three hundred years, this monster has reigned over the frozen continent that sits on the northernmost edge of the World of Grae, still holding on to his seat of power on this forsaken corner of the globe. Having lived through the Draconic Wars and escaped the near extinction of his species, the Dragon Valadihr and his cults of fanatical zealots now lord over the various villages and clans scattered all across the continent. Valdaria is a place of oppression and fear for those unfortunate enough to live there. Their crops and livelihoods subject to seizure by those claiming to do so in their Dragon-Lord’s name, even their own children stolen in the night to be taken into the cults and indoctrinated to serve Valadihr, nothing is safe from the frigid claws of the great white dragon and his followers. And any sort of resistance, however slight, is met with swift and disproportionate retribution. The people suffer. The people cry for justice. The people cry for liberation from their Tyrant-Lord Dragon.   It is in this frigid, frozen oppression that the spark of rebellion will begin.   The village of Silentcreek lies within the lower regions of Serpentmouth Pass within the Nordrok Mountains. It is a small, unassuming village, like most within the lands of Valdaria. It’s population is barely over one hundred souls, and the Clan Raunuk that resides there is considered to be small and insignificant, even amongst its peers. The only advantage Silentcreek had over the other villages of Eastern Valdaria was it’s relative seclusion and the difficulty one would face should they choose to travel there. This was problematic for trade and inter-clan relations, however it provided the distinct advantage of being too far out of the way for Valadihr’s minions to make regular visits to. Once, perhaps twice a year would the residents of Silentcreek play host to the zealous cultists of the Everlasting Winter. These visits are unpleasant, but manageable. The zealots come, they collect what they claim is due as homage to their Lord Valadihr, they may remain a day or two eating, drinking and cursing the small village life, and then they leave.   This is the way of things. It is not ideal, but it is life in Valdaria. The Clan Raunuk is far better off than most in this regard, the other, larger villages getting far more frequent visits from not only cultists, but Drakes, wrymlings and even the half dozen or so Draconic children who roam the continent to carry out their father’s will. Silentcreek has never had any of that. They simply put up with these lesser thugs once or twice a year and spend the rest of their lives happily isolated.   That is, until now.   A small but vital caravan has gone missing on its way to the village of Silentcreek, carrying much needed supplies from the neighboring villages. Supplies imperative to the Clan Raunuk’s survival through the upcoming winter months. And so a band of scouts, hunters and other concerned villagers have been assembled to locate the missing caravan.   However, unbeknownst to them, their simple task will have echoes throughout history, and their fates may very well shape a nation.