New Player Onboarding

Welcome to Balendra!

The following information is intended to get you up to speed on the campaign's background, places, and people.

Resistance

Twenty-five years ago, a group of adventurers retired and settled in the small village of Brighton. Initially serving as its protectors, the adventurers eventually became part of the community. They rarely brought up their shred past, though each would occasionally tell stories in the inn or play some critical part in preventing disaster in Brighton. These heroes acted as mentors for some of the village’s younger residents.

Brighton is on the southern border of Balendra, a Duchy of the Shieldlands with a troubled past. Twelve years past, Duke Tomas Barrett was killed when evil humanoids attacked the capital of Balen and laid siege to Bear Keep. In the aftermath of this defeat, Douglass Paxton (Barrett’s right hand man) assumed the role of Duke and took control of Balendra. His ruling hand has not been as steady nor measured as his predecessor, and the people are slowly growing tired of living life beneath a petty tyrant.

Places

The following list of places and geographical features describe some of the more prominent locations in or near the Duchy of Balendra.

Balen

Balen is the capital of Balendra. Once a noble city, it has since devolved into a place of ruin and chaos under the rule of Duke Paxton. Evil humanoids walk freely in the streets and the people of the city live in fear of them.

Bear Forest

Bear Forest defines Balendra’s southern border. It is rumored to be inhabited by a population of bears and bear-like creatures.

Bear Keep

The seat of Balendra’s power is Bear Keep. Situated on a hill overlooking the city of Balen, it was once a symbol of justice and honor. Under the rule of Douglass Paxton, it has become much less than that.

Black Run

The Black Run is a stream that descends from the Yellow Hills in the east, through the Black Woode, and eventually connects to the Ritensa River in the west.

The Black Woode

The Black Woode is a small forested area in the highlands north of Balendra’s capital. Once largely peaceful, it has become a place of darkness and fear since Duke Barrett’s death.

Brighton

A small and prosperous village on the southern border of Balendra, Brighton was never officially part of the Duchy.

Filven

The northernmost town in Balendra, Filven sits on the shores of the Ritensa River. There is a ferry here which can take travelers north across the river.

Kestal

Balendra’s southern-most town of Kestal is a miserable place. It subsists largely on tanning and leathercraft, which lends the entire metropolis an acrid odor of industry.

Mithalen

Mithalen is a small town that serves the needs of Balendra’s silver mines. The mines themselves are rumored to be tapped out. Despite this, the Duke continues to conscript folk to work the mines, and many of these poor souls have vanished without a trace.

Ritensa River

The Ritensa River is a wide and powerful waterway that forms the majority of Balendra’s western border.

The Small Dog Inn

The Small Dog Inn is one of Kestal’s rough-and-tumble inns, frequented by thieves and rapscallions of the worst possible definition.

The Yellow Hills

The Yellow Hills define Balendra’s border to the east. The Hills themselves are wild and unsettled, and bands of orcs, goblins, and gnolls call them home.

People

The following list details characters who are known to the heroes, either through direct encounter or via hearsay.

Barrett, Etienne

Tomas Barrett’s missing son and heir. Presumed dead.

Barrett, Tomas

The former duke of Balendra, Tomas was killed twelve years ago when his keep was besieged by an evil army.

Benholdt

An unhappy young human male who wishes to spark a revolution in Balendra.

Calver, Vorland

A priest of Pelor and one of Brighton’s elders.

Farle, Sergeant

A sergeant in Balendra’s army, it was Farle who offered to speak to the Duke on their behalf if the villagers swore fealty to Balendra.

Firebeard, Yori

A former adventuring companion of Brighton’s elders. He hasn’t been seen since before Duke Barrett was killed.

Knott, Pellos

A rogue and one of Brighton’s elders. He is currently being held in the dungeons beneath Bear Keep.

Paxton, Douglass

The current duke of Balendra. Paxton is considered to be an evil man, and his stewardship of Balendra has only confirmed this.

Redpoppy, Trina

A druid and one of Brighton’s elders. Currently missing.

Woodwind, Lora

A bard and one of Brighton’s elders. Currently missing.