Introduction to Chalice of Souls

Emrath is an ancient realm surrounding an inland sea. The climate is enviable for a country this far north, and forests abound. Small hamlets and villages dot lush meadows. Three major cities can be found, Thamruul, Gilgrad, and Anscath, with the latter as the capital. Legend has it that Emrath was founded by Weylon the Braveheart and his mighty warriors of olde at the dawn of the fourth cycle.
He arose like a phoenix during a dark age of turmoil. Brother fought brother, crops failed, and monsters of myth roamed - killing freely.
Aided by the enchantress Samorn, Weylon overthrew an evil king who was fond of sacrificing his own people on a whim.
Embodying the virtues of honour, bravery, temperance, and wisdom, he gained followers easily. And not only did he embody these virtues in himself, he required it of his followers.
He made friends of enemies, and devotees of his followers. His feats include both slaying the Black Dragon Ganix and befriending the Bronze Dragon Calder.
He bested the fey Queen in a battle of wits and legend has it he conversed with death itself.
It was in this conversation with death that the respect for the cycle of nature came to be, and his scribe Eamon, the original Ourborite, preached these teachings to all who would hear. King Weylon reigned for more than fifty years and ushered in a golden age of prosperity.
Emrath’s is now ruled by King Graham, who is advised by three orders. The Ourborites advise him in matters of nature and religion. The Scribes of Eulas unlock the secrets of the world. And the Silver Order advises in matters of war.
Emrath’s relationship with dragons has been strong to this day. The silver order is led by none other than the Silver Dragon Argonvost. A being of legendary virtue and skill.
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It is now the eighteen hundredth and twenty third year of the 4th cycle, and our allies to the west; Yenir, Tyrallia, and Vardarya have fallen.
In their ruins lies the foul stench of undeath.
To the east, we have been forced to make peace with the warlord Strahd von Zarovich, and our ally Delmor has been lost.
Vampiric influence began as a whisper; empty graves, the unexplained missing, and eyes glowing from the darkness
A century now past, funeral by pyre is reserved for all but those wealthy enough to afford iron bound vaults. It is not safe to leave the city at night. Missing children are met with tired indifference. The outrage and shock dried up long ago.
The orbourites pray for the wheel to turn and the cycle to again bring prosperity.
The Silver Order prepare for war, afraid that the hand of some god is wrenching the tail of the ourberous from its mouth. Worse yet, the patriarch of their order is missing somewhere in the new country of Barovia.
Neither have the ear of King Graham. His faith of late has been placed in the hands of the Scribes of Eolas in the hopes that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword and that knowledge will triumph over evil.

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Our story starts under the strangest of circumstances. A creature of neither flesh nor blood has been captured on the outskirts of the city. It has been brought before the war council of the Silver Order.
Lord Domnall McTavish, a regal grey haired man presides. The fighters and paladins of Arganvostagh look on, weary but curious. In the center of the room, below the dias, sits the creature.