Centuries ago, the war to end all wars finally did just that. Light triumphed over darkness, good over evil, et cetera, et cetera. There was probably a parade or something. As a result, those dastardly and evil creatures of darkness were banished, relegated to a far away and fractured continent and kept from ever returning to the lands of light through powerful magics.

This overwhelming victory ushered in a time of relative peace that has lasted longer than any in known history. That isn’t to say there weren’t wars and disputes and conflict, just that they tend to exist on a more reasonable scale these days. Humanoids killing other humanoids for land or resources is a tragedy, but it’s nothing compared to the world losing itself to the things that go bump in the night.

As a result of finally NOT being mired in a constant struggle for survival against forces of darkness hellbent on total annihilation, the world has changed significantly. Technology is advancing, with rumors that the gnomes of Gildenhall might have cracked something called steam power. Magic in the world, once the only way we could compete with the darkness, is slowly beginning to fade. We’ll circle back around to that later.

In times past, the rich and powerful would often sponsor troupes of singers, players, and actors to travel their realm. These players would entertain the subjects of the realm, spreading the good name of their benefactor and generally distracting the peasantry from that constant struggle for survival we just mentioned.

Some still maintain this tradition, though most consider it dated and out of fashion. Instead, as the magic ever-so-slowly bleeds out of the world, a new trend has taken the place of troupers and bards: treasure hunters. The rich and powerful sponsor talented bands of the brave and reckless; strong and foolhardy adventurers who delve into the wilds, exploring places with names like “The Plaguelands” or “The Bay of Bones”.

As luck would have it, a new and powerful noble has recently decided to try his hand at sponsoring just such a group…