Distant Past

This is 500-1,000 years in the past. The events sound alien to characters who travel here, since the histories are very inaccurate..

Political. There is one Lirge human seltlementin the valley of Ri-Laganth, Other towns are known to the northwest, but there is little trust or trade between them. To the entire east and most of the north and south are the high peaks of tlie Kirksham Mountains, and to the southwest is dense forest from which the immediate danger comes: the orc hordes.

Skirmishes with the orcs have been going on since their discovery five years before. It is a matter of time before an all out war. History buffs remember ihat the hordes were stopped by a fanaticai general able to hold thetn off long enough for aid to arrive.

Ri-Laganth is ruled by a theocracy established by the church of Set. The high priest is Vareth, and the army is made up of religious fanatics. Vareth has been provoking this war and is planning to lead his people into a giant sacrifice to his god.

Social. The caste system here is simple. Peasants compose 90% of the population. They do the farming and labor, and form the bulk of the army expected to be lost buying the professional soldiers time to fight. These people have no rights under the church. The religious army comprises the other 10%. They are fanatical warriors (average 4th level), making them a small yet formidable force.

Relations with other settlements are limited, since Vareth doesn't want outside influences, especially now that the war is about to commence. Other races are knowrt of, but none live in the valley. Dwarves and gnomes have come out of the mountains, but the dwarves were treated poorly, and the gnomes were driven away. Elves have been heard of in legends and tales, but they are believed to be a fairy lolk. An eif that shows up here could be treated as an omen.

Religion. The church of Set is an evil religion, and Vareth is a chaotic disciple of it. No other religion is tolerated in this valley. Sacrifices take place every few months, whenever Vareth thinks his control might be slipping. He has the people embracing his religion out of fear of the orcs, but if the orcs slaughter them, Set possesses their souls.

Economic. People are expected to live off whatever the church does not appropriate. Vareth makes sure the the people are always wanting. A few skilled peasants exist and barely survive trading their work for food. Trade is done by bartering, and very little precious metal is found here,

Magic and Technology. The few wizards that exist here are part of the religious army. It is said that Vareth knows some of this art (a wizard-priest?). No spells are known above 8th level. All "name" speils (like Ottos irresistable dance) are unknown.

Technology is crude. Even the ropes are prone to breakmg. Torches are roughly made (one half the burning power), and lanterns do not exlst. Doors are tied shut from the inside. Oniy the temple has locks, and they are very basic (+20% to a pick locks roll), Only Vareth might possess anything made of glass or any sort of precious metal.

Adventure Ideas. The general oi the army held off the orc attack and defied Vareth's orders of noncontact with other humans. He sent for assistance which he eventually received. Toward the end of the battie, he uncovered Vareth's evil plans and defeated the priest. He became ruler long enough to establish a just military goveniment.

Have the heroes meet the general right away. He can draft them, or he can attack them as outsiders working for the orcs. He is fanatical, and the heroes are unlikely to have a decent excuse ready If the characters fight and kiil the general, they have taken away the only chance Ri-Laganth has for victory. They should find out quickly that Vareth has no plans to help defend Lhe city, It's up to them.