Introduction to The Bastard

In the old country of Prahv, on a spur of the Darktalon mountains, sits the town of The Bastard. This ancient keep has withstood the ages, with a caretaker garrison to provide upkeep for the monstrous fort. Until fifty years ago, things were calm and pedestrian. Now, it is a bastion against encroaching demonic forces, and the massive walls and gates are put to the test. A nearby barony of gnomes provides for trade and communication, but recently have fallen silent.

Old Gont, the former sergeant and de facto headman of the town, is as tough and unflappable as his iron-shod boots. Even so, he knew the village could not last much longer without trade and food from the world. Every hunting and exploratory party sent out of the fort for the last two months has not returned. Gont consulted with the other ranking people in The Bastard: Matron, the inflammatory cleric of Pelor; Ennis, the burned wizard, whose whole body is badly scarred from a hellhound encounter years ago; Wheezer, the ancient but widely-traveled singer; and the local nobility. In desperation, and after the apparent death of most of the seasoned adventurers, they agree to one last effort to clear a way out - a consortium of inexperienced adventurers will be equipped and sent as a unit to clear the way in small stages.

Enter the mötley crüe:

• Beazal, a disgruntled young man on his way home after being kicked out of his magical college for his light-fingered ways
• Nazgaroth, an Orc with uncanny gentility and self-control
• Torvald, apprentice to Ennis, who has led a naive and sheltered existence, and has never been able to use his magical skills to their potential
• Krieger, former apprentice in holy orders to the knight-errant Troyas, now left to investigate the disappearance of his master
• Friar Gregory, acolyte to Matron and outspoken advocate of more leniency to those of demonic heritage
• Orianna, halfling ranger and scout, tired of half-rations and being cooped up indefinitely

 They are joined now by Zanita, an Elf met in Hollodor's Fane, whose skill with locks and complete lack of survival skills are raising questions, and the desert dwarf Ulric of Kord, who is an enigma wrapped in a mystery.