Keep on the Shadowfell
For as long as anyone can remember, Cormyr has stood proudly amidst the forests and rivers of Faerun's heart, a beacon of unbowed righteousness in troubled times, and a model of prosperity to all those who would enjoy peace and harmony.
The schemes of corrupt nobles, treacherous Sembians, and ambitious Zhentarim have all done their best to unseat the Obarskyrs and forever change the face of Cormyr, but all such wicked plots have been thwarted time and time again. Whatever the threat, whatever the reason, Cormyr's true sons and daughters have stood their ground in the face of calamity and beaten back the enemies that have come knocking. The people of Cormyr have seen one threat after another vanish into the mists of history; all the while, Cormyr has continued to grow and expand its power, increasingly willing to seek out potential threats and deal them a crippling blow before more underhanded agendas can find their way into the houses of nobles or the dens of criminals.
The legacy of Cormyr is one of might, and even the kingdom's enemies have been forced to admit (though rarely in the presence of others) that such a nation will never buckle under the pressures of outside elements.
Now, however, a shadow has fallen over Cormyr, and the common folk have begun to stir. Dark tidings have spread across the winds, and though they have not traveled far, there have been many ears that have listened with rapt attention to these rumors. Amidst the typical talk of Netherese attacks and Sembian double-crossings has come a new rumor - that a small town, not too far from Arabel, has been cursed, and that the skies in that area have been darkening for unnatural reasons. The superstitious claim it is a catastrophe waiting to happen, while the skeptical shake their heads and snort. Still, the rumors have persisted for weeks now; up and down the trail, the story spreads, and it works its way into every tavern.
The whispers endure, and soon they are whispers no longer. Something, indeed, has befallen this poor town, yet the Crown turns a blind eye, its attention locked on its greater enemies. Surely, there must be more to this story. If only there were those willing to investigate...
