Gears of Time

"All is dust before the sands of time." -Archmage Delivan 3 months before the first gun was invented.
Across the pole, through the wastes. That is where one must travel. For what greets any that would survive to see salvation of that wretched place is not a great forest of pine. It is not a plain spanning the horizon, ready for fresh souls. It is not the cold embrace of death the ocean could provide. Beyond the horizon, beyond the snow, stands a mighty wall. A bullwark of civilization that has stood the tests of time. Beyond lies the continent of Meplaes. Small by common understanding the people that live here do so in constant vigil. It is their duty to uphold their lives and stave of the dark.
Five Fortress cities form the spine of this region. Great monuments to the stalwart residents within. To the south lies Snowthain, the border that keeps out the cold. To the east is the vigilant fortress of Etherwatch. To the north the mighty walls of Irongate. Together they repel the dark. At the continent's heart lies Steelgate with the dutiful Iron Chain at its side. Finally, Steamworth, the hope that wards off stagnation. These are dark times for the continent, but they have been for years. What is needed to break the stalemate?