Cold Winds

Chapter One: Cold Winds

11/21/3274

Cold winds blow from the north over the lands of Wissenheim once more, as the smell of rot and decay fills the air. The sky is darkened, constant overcast clouds the lands. Karl Fronz, King of Wissenland has heed the word of his forefathers, and knows that the Counts have awakened once again to attack his lands. He has taken a fleet of Cold Coast Buccaneers, a regiment of paladins, and several Kingsguard on an expedition north to the lands of the dead to investigate and possibly stop an invasion. He has left his son, the young Prince Uther, in charge of the city in his absences.

06/3275

No one has heard from the kings expedition since its departure. The Prince struggles to maintain control of his city. The power vacuum has left a void that eager politicians, tribal leaders, and faction heads wish to fill.

An inquisition has formed from the church, Cardinal Martin Weinheissen has announced himself High Inquisitor. He and his crony's galivant through the city and towns, torturing those suspected of having knowledge to the whereabouts of practioners of what they deem to be "dark magic". He intimidates the young prince, telling him that if he dosnt support the inquisition and announce Martin as the Grand crusader of Wissenheim, that his eternal soul will be dammed!

Bryan Blackwell also bothers the young prince for some sliver of power. Though unquestionably loyal to the Fronz's, Bryan continuously tells the king that he should be given control of the army, that he would personally oversee an expedition to find what became of his King. The Prince at this time ignores his pleas, but rumors around the city suggest that Bryan has been hiring "unfavorable" characters to do some "unfavorable" deeds. Although what he has planned is unclear, the fact that he is scheming is not.

After word had spread that the king had not been heard from, the traders union took the opportunity to capitalize on the situation. Though unconfirmed to be a direct command from Mikayla Goldstein, its rumored that she hired bards, smooth talkers, and rogues to post propaganda about the Prince being inept, and that the people should buy supplies, arms, and food in bulk to prepare for a coming invasion. Its no secret however that she is capitalizing immensely from this. The surge in caravans in the country side has lead to an increase in bandit activity, Mikayla attempts to sway the Prince to send the kingsguard and squash the thieves, presumably because she doesn't want to pay for guards herself, or she's the one who hired the bandits?
With news spreading to the other realms of the lands, a vampire hunting party has set up operations within the city. They call themselves the "Silberreich", and are lead by a fallen cleric, Ulfar Stristig. You cant walk down a single street without comming across one of their posters. "Join the Silberreich today! Find glory, riches, and help to keep the land you call home safe!" Their poster also displays a crude picture of a dwarf in fancy armor wielding a massive hammer. Anyone looking for work within the city could always find it at the Silberreich, although dire dangers and beast await any that join.
You have found yourself in Wissenheim, poor and homeless, with only the clothes on your back, at the beginning of what could be its final hour. You were called here, by whispers on a cold wind, "...Wissenheim...". Should you choose to stay and challenge the darkness, glory or death awaits you.