Situated on the Eren River where the Greenshallow waters join, Koln (pop. 425) in one of countless towns eeking out an existence in occupied Eredane. Its people live in simple homes and work the fields, the river or trades for a living. The same family has ruled the town from their large, but not ostentatious, home since before the armies of the Shadow scoured the lands of freedom. The people elect a sheriff annually, although for over a decade the vote has been little more than a formality since the current sheriff is well liked and shows great ability to deal with agents of Izrador. This has been important given the town’s proximity Erenhead and the roads leading into the Kaladrun foothills.

Koln exists in a rare middle ground, close enough to the paths of passing warbands and fey lands that Fell and other wandering monsters are generally taken care of by the opposing armies but far enough out of the way of the main orc forces that they do not suffer constant harassment. Human visitors to the city are greeted with minor suspicion, and are directed to the sheriff’s building to introduce themselves as is local custom. Fey are shunned by the common folk of the town, especially those of outlawed races. Several townsfolk will rush to alert the sheriff should a fey character be spotted, but they will not confront them. Koln deals extensively with the Gnomes from Swift Water, a dozen or so have even taken up permanent residence in town.

The citizens of Koln pay a hefty monthly tithe the Shadow. Like clockwork, a legate named Drugan and about two dozen orcs arrive at month’s end to collect tribute. This usually consists of a myriad of textiles, crops from outlying farms, livestock and other items of worth. Failure to satisfy Drugan has resulted in more than a few deaths, and the town lives in fear of his wrath. Of late, Koln has pleased its dark overseer, and has been left in relative peace until collection time. The town is quite content with its status among the local legates and warleaders, and it does not wish to jeopardize that.

Three days ago, Drugan and his orc patrol arrived in Koln to collect the monthly dues. Overnight, two orc soldiers were killed on the outskirts of town. While there was no immediate evidence as to suggest who was responsible, Drugan nevertheless was furious and immediately began rounding up the townsfolk. Suspicious of a resistance movement growing within Koln, he slaughtered ten men in the square in hopes of using fear to coax out additional information.

It hasn’t worked. The town, either through loyalty or ignorance, has simply failed to produce those responsible for the murder of the orcs. Drugan’s violent invigilation got him nowhere, and yesterday another dozen or so men simply vanished from town.

The atmosphere in the town is tense. Everyone is on edge and most daily activities have ground to a halt. The orcs keep a watchful eye on the inhabitants of the town and fleeing is almost certainty out of the question. Meanwhile, the bodies of the executed townsfolk still litter the town square…destined to rise as Fell if not dealt with sooner than later…

‘Ere we go! The game will begin in and around small human settlement named Koln. Try to give me a rough idea how your character came to be in Koln. Do you live there? Do you work there? Are you hiding there? Was one of the executed/missing men a brother, father or friend? Are you connected to the resistance in some fashion? Do you have any ties to one of the other player characters? Fey characters should be particularity detailed in their reasoning for being in Koln.

I know not everyone can make it Sunday. We will be able to work you into the game later. If you can give me a rough idea of what your character concept is, I will try to work it into the story somewhere, so your later introduction has some historical significance.