remained wild, despite numerous attempts by colonists from both north and
south to claim and civilize it. Taldor made the most ambitious attempt to settle
this realm, but even that great nation failed to tame the wilderness that lies in a green
swath between Brevoy and the River Kindoms proper. This region is known as the
Stolen Lands, as the wilds are viewd as territory unfairly claimed (and lost) by the
other. It has lain fallow for decades since the previous attempt at colonization, and
some whisper that the time is ripe for another attempt.
Yet before the Stolen Lands can be claimed, they must be known. Old ruins, monuments
to previous failures, dot the landscape, home now to all manner of savage humanoid tribe
and ravenous glowering monstrosity. Bandits and barbarians are the closest thing to
civilization an explorer can expect to encounter in these deadly but beautiful wilds.
—from Taldan historian Gustav Devarr's “Kingdoms of the Lost†Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg's Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by swod or rope.
So witnessed on this 24th day of Gozran, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority graned by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
Sarenith 25th, Late Spring, A Bright and Early Morning, Oleg's Trade Post, Northern Greenbelt
The charter members of the group have now been out into the Greenbelt for two long explores. Nearly all of the Greenbelt, including pieces of the Narlmarches and the Kamelands, has been explored in the region immediately south of Oleg's Trade Post. The area explored, under the charter from the Sword Lords, stretches nearly 60 miles south into the wilds, and encompasses an swatch over 80 miles wide. Forest and hills, plains and rivers, ruins and monster lairs all are bound within the Greenbelt. Yet one problem persists that plagues all those who call the area home -- The Stag Lord.
Rumors say he is a monster of a man, who wears a great stag helm, some say he is no man at all but an evil fey half beast-half humanoid. His bandits have terrorized the region, including Oleg's for months on end. However his numbers have grown smaller thank to our heroes. Kressel, one his lieutenants is dead, and a dozen or more bandits have met the same fate. The time is at hand to press once more, a third time, into the Greenbelt, but instead of exploring the wilds, its time to free them from the Stag Lord's grip.
We find our four heroes enjoying a fine meal at Svetlana's table inside Oleg's home. Seated with them are the local folks of import, Oleg Leveton himself of course, Jhod Kavken the Priest of Erastil, and Kesten Garess a noble soldier from Brevoy and acting guard for the Trade Post.
Svetlana has just cleared away the plates, leaving warm mugs of honey mead, and a few scraps of ham and eggs behind for those still eating. The plan has been talked about over the meal several times, but Kesten asks once more. "So let me get this right? You are taking Jhod to this ruined temple you found south of here and then leaving him alone in the woods while you head further south to assault the Stag Lord's stronghold? You are brave men, there is no doubt to that."