The Heroes of Howe Sound

Howe Sound is a region that has remained outside of the influence of the nine realms for as long as any from those lands can remember. A place where regular winter storms smash against the rocky coastline and bring down trees in the forests; Damaging and dangerous to any denizens foolish enough to settle beneath the boughs of a conk laden tree. The evergreens grow proud and tall in this region, shading out much of the underbrush in areas, making it a perfect habitat for Amber Dragons. These tempestuous beasts are unpredictable and may be as gentle as a lamb one week and may spontaneously decide to lay waste to a village another. Due to their large numbers and elusive nature they have been largely left alone and their proliferation has dissuaded many a would-be settler from establishing themselves in the area. There are rumours that tribes of elves, orcs, kobolds, and goblins have existed in the forested regions for some time. Though they do not trade with the established villages of the southwest. The southwestern plains were once home to a bustling colony of Strongheart Halflings, they lived with the great beasts of the plains for many years, until they were routed by an invading force of Gnolls. They did not abandon the region though, they have moved onto Gambier Island and have shifted to fishing the Salish Sea. Though they still harbour a deep grudge against the Gnolls and have not forgotten this affront. Between the two settlements sits Anvil Island and the long abandoned Mindelspar Castle. Originally built by the Dwarven lord Tanvar Mindelspar 300 years ago, to serve as a protective stronghold for his people who sought to mine the surrounding mountains. It was sieged and conquered by mountain giants 136 years after its founding. The giants, after laying waste to Mindelspar's forces, returned to their mountain homes. Silencing the clatter of pick axes and the ringing of anvils that had echoed up into their mountain homes and sealing off the Dwarven mines.

Two other abandoned towers rest upon the Southern coastline. The creators of which are long forgotten. Few chroniclers have visited this land and listened to the stories of its people. Rumours of great mages erecting floating spires of magic and power often pass the lips of conspiratory friends at cafes. While others spin yarns about great kingdoms washed away by the flood triggered by the Aboleth invasion of 297 but none know for certain. The towers hold silent vigil over the sea and passing sailors do little more than speculate as to their creation. None wishing to spend too much time in these unpredictable waters, where the Kraken lurks and is known to lay waste to vessels that linger too long.

75 years ago a new presence was found in this quiet and often forgotten region of the world. Agatha Strongjaw. After looting the lair of the great wyrm Ashradalon, she needed to hide herself away from any that might direct the Ancient Red Dragons gaze in her direction. It is said that the dragons are always aware of the location of every coin, gem, bauble, and trinket within their horde. The two backpacks full of coins and treasure missing, sent the great beast into a fury. Its ire was felt by any foolish enough to be caught near its lair in the years following. Since then, cultists and kobold minions have been scouring the countryside in search of any information about the burglar that dared invade the lair of their master. Agatha being no fool, knew she must hide herself away, so she set out for a corner of the globe that few have dared to enter. The rumours of Howe Sound being a region of chaos, danger, and anonymity struck a chord with Agatha. So, accompanied by the Cavejaw sisters she made tracks for this vastly unknown and forgotten region. They settled down on the shores of Shawnigan lake, where they quickly succumbed to the calling that beckons to most of the Dwarven tribes; To take up pick and hammer and to delve into the Earth. They struck silver in a short while and the richness of the vein acted as a beckoning call to others that wished to create a new life for themselves. Those who wished to seek riches and to escape from the drudgery of life within the kingdoms. In short while, a small village had cropped up on the edge of the lake, many thought it would quickly fall to the temper of the neighbouring Amber Dragons but with the coming of Gareth Emberheart and the protection of Gorm Gulthyn the village has existed in relative peace for some time now.

20 years after the vein of silver was discovered the mine has run dry, many abandoned the village to seek fortunes elsewhere, but those who stayed have grown accustomed to the peace that is found in the wilds. A motley crew of individuals now calls this place home, the first mixed settlement to become established in the region. Agatha, not being inclined towards politics did not seek to establish herself as a baron, lord or mayor. She prefers to work with her hands and not her words, so she has dedicated herself to crafting a great cathedral to Gorm Gulthyn. Instead, the town has elected a council of elders from among their own members and have established a fragile trade route to the neighbouring settlements and kingdoms outside of the region. It has existed in relative peace for some time, but as of recently a sickness has swept through the town and the residents have sent missive to the rulers of the nine realms for aid. Seeking heroes to come and aid them in their plight, to investigate the nature of this blight, be it sickness or curse, and to put an end to it. A summons has been put out by the council of the nine kingdoms, will you answer its call?