The Chain of Acheron

Ever since the Second Concord of Yore in 1922 N.E., the city of Bard's Gate has flourished. Whilst neither as beautiful nor as historic as the great cities of Reme and Tyr, the capital of the Kingdom of Yore has grown over the centuries from a muddy, beleaguered, military stronghold into a thriving merchant's paradise. It lies at the confluence between the Rivers Lyre and Stoneheart, and holds a reputation as a bastion of freedom... at least, until recently.
Lodged between the Freedlands and Zobeck to the north, the rich Borderland Provinces to the east, the trade routes of Nuria Natal and Lankhmar to the south, and the bazaars and wealthy sultans of the Sundered Kingdoms to the west, Bard's Gate has naturally become a focus for trade in these rare times of peace. It is no longer a rare sight to see merchant skyships docking from faraway Xiatian and Vasilea. Under the wise rule of King Ovar, the kingdom has unified its once hostile neighbours in an alliance of mutual prosperity and shared values. But there is trouble brewing within its high, stone walls.
Those who visit the city for the first time will be struck by an overt military presence. Soldiers walk the streets, bearing arms openly and oppressing the citizenry. None of these soldiers wear the badge of the city. The people are reluctant to criticise their government, and for a city renowned for its cosmopolitan and open nature, the tight security and watchful presence of armed men may seem jarringly out of place. Visitors are commanded to surrender weapons upon entry, rather than simply binding them with peace knots as in other city states. Newcomers are interrogated about their buiness within the city walls, curfews are strictly enforced, and non-humans are treated with suspicion.
For the Chain of Acheron is at large in the city of Bard's Gate. A hellish mercenary company of fearsome renown, which has over the ages variously helped resist the incursions of Rhulad Sengar and the host of Lether, the Ghoul Imperium, and the Rune Giants of Xin Shalast, the Chain was recruited by Ovar to help resist increasing aggressions by the Akrin Orcs of the Giant Marches.
But the Orcs went strangely quiet, without so much as a skirmish. Still, the Chain demanded payment. Refusing to pay, but lacking the necessary military force to expel the Chain, Ovar has been caught in a stalemate. The Chain remains in the city, under rule of the mysterious "Captain”, effectively placing Bard's Gate under military rule until they receive their dues. Ovar is stubborn, but he cannot hope to defeat the Chain. Still, the mercenary company bides its time, and has not yet moved to seize power from the king. Some believe the Chain has an agenda of its own. Rumours abound, but none knows the truth of it. And any resistance movements are swiftly and brutally dealt with.
The Chain itself mostly comprises human recruits, but there are many tieflings in its ranks, especially amongst its officers. It is rich and well equipped, with many battle mages and war machines in its arsenal. Its roots are lost to history, but common legend tells that the Chain was formed in the Plane of Acheron itself, or perhaps created by one of the Lords of Hell. Disciplined and loyal, its ruthless efficiency in battle is well known, and the very name of the Chain instils fear in the hearts of those who hear it. Exactly what it wants of Bard's Gate and the Kingdom of Yore, nobody is certain. One thing is for sure, though - the Chain does not bring with it good news.
FREEDOM TO BEAR ARMS IN THE CITY OF BARD's GATE IS GRANTED TO:
Royal Personages
Knights of the Realm
Paladins of the Ascendants
The City Guard
Diplomats of the Yorish Concord
Links of the Chain of Acheron