SYNOPSIS

Since time immemorial the nomadic tribes of the plains have both warred and traded with one another. Great leaders have risen and fallen and the rich oral history of this people is testament to the feats of long forgotten heroes. They have herded aurochs and horses in accordance with the traditions of a culture that has remained unchanged for generations. But times are changing.

Along the banks of the great rivers criss-crossing the plains, settled peoples have progressively embraced a more sedentary lifestyle. They grow crops and have begun to domesticate the near-wild beasts that the tribes have thus far built their culture around. The relationship with the nomads is uneasy: sometimes peaceable and built on trade and exchange, but at other times subject unsettled by the raiding of some of the tribes. The settled peoples have attempted to bargain with some of the tribes, seeking the protection of these mighty warriors and forming unsteady alliances. Furthermore, to the south an empire is rising: it's settlements are hewn from stone and it is slowly acquiring bronze technology from a mysterious foreign power.

Conflicts between the tribes is increasing: it is against this backdrop that the characters find themselves, members of a tribe- The Hulun- about to begin war with its greatest rivals, the Tribe of the Raven. As the tribes warriors set off to war, the characters find themselves the most capable warriors amongst those left behind: the very young, the very old and the lame. It is the perfect time for a skirmishing group to take advantage of their vulnerability, and kidnap some tribespeople as hostages or maybe slaves. The first task of the characters is to track down the hostages, free them and bring the perpetrators to justice... perhaps uncovering a much bigger plot in the progress.

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I would like to set up a 1st level campaign in a world of a my own creation for inexperienced members of the forum (like me!). The first adventure I have written is a straight forward wilderness exploration leading to a simple rescue mission, with lots of role play opportunities along the way. The idea is that we all help each other out and have some fun but the tone will be fairly serious. Hopefully the players will enjoy it enough to stick around and take the story forward: I have lots of possible ideas planned but would like this to grow organically to meet the players (and their characters) requirements.

To begin with there will be limitations on class and race (e.g all human). To begin with characters will not be using money or buying fancy equipment. Hopefully, as the campaign progresses and characters are exposed to more sophisticated civilisations these restrictions will slacken, allowing the characters to develop in tandem with the campaign.