A lush field of blades painted green and gold dueled under the waning evening sun, whilst orange and violet clouds blended and swirled and mingled, beautifully decorating the horizon as eagles and ravens frolicked about. The evening was like most others in the Eastern Marches of Starfall, beautiful, yet quiet and peaceful.
Unbeknownst to whomever may see it, these lands held a secret, only known to the more unsavory scoundrels of the realm. The broker-lord, Merry, has been hiding in these lands, out of sight and mind of the Crown of Starfall. Broker-lords earn their bread by representing outlaws and criminals, by providing services such as turning in bounties for them and providing sanctuary and food. Broker-lords often have sprawling networks of agents and connections, and Merry was no different, operating out of his inn that he owned as a front for his true business.
However, the broker-lord has mysteriously gone dark in recent weeks, his agents send him messenger-crows that go unreturned, and many of his clients that work under him have grown agitated, wondering why Merry hasn't sent them their due payment.
Three of his clients, particularly combat-hardened men, who were close to the broker, decided to investigate for themselves. They traveled across the realm, over river and rock, grotto and plain, and through leaves and pathways.