Uther The Founders Journey Summary

In an age that marked the beginning of the ages and the progress of trade, Uther The Founder demonstrated his prescience by beginning his kingdom, at first little more than a settlement, at one edge of what would become a prominent trade route. The route, which took a path landlocked by mountains on one side and swamp giving way to a shallow lake on the other, was also the only known entrance to a large and peaceful civilization of strange interdependent elves living atop the mountains and Dwarves, living under them, that had long ago conquered the mysteries of the land. Through the generations this route prospered, and the kingdom of Uther grew in size, importance, and wealth. After Uther's passing, his kingdom continued to thrive, and each
The Scouts who were sent to investigate (at least those who returned), told stories of the ghastly transformation of the Highlands. The spires, towers, castles, and innumerable edifices that had dominated the mountainous region seemed, overnight, to have suffered centuries of decay. The land itself was populated by roaming creatures that appeared as corruptions of those who had formerly occupied the region. Xuther acted immediately, sending the considerable strength of his forces to bear in an effort to solve this mystery and reopen the route on which his kingdom depended. The entirety of Xuther’s forces, several thousands strong, was never seen again - though, in the coming years, wandering creatures resembling soldiers of the kingdom and wearing the corrupted uniforms and equipment of the lost soldiers were rumored to be
After several attempts, one exploration party finally returned indicating that, for no reason they could ascertain, the route seemed passable - though it was eerily uninhabited. Luther put his long thought out plan into action. His first action was to enlist local tradesmen and investors to join forces with an established trade caravan that would spread the word once the route reopened. However, Luther found that others lacked his resolve and were fearful of the endeavor. He therefore offered further financial incentives to the point that he was now dependent upon the success of his plan. This spurred participation from tradespeople from a considerable distance. However, investors were not so easily swayed. Thus, Luther made it known that his 10-year-old son Monarch, (for in an effort to manufacture his legacy, it is the name Luther, arrogantly breaking with tradition, gave his heir), and eldest daughter, Greta, aged 16, were to join the caravan as a demonstration of his confidence. As desired, this genetic collateral convinced many, and his project was funded. Though if truth be told, those more intimate with Luther's resolve knew that he gave little thought for his children, and would dismissively sacrifice them on the altar of his ambition. Thus, the “Caravan of Luther’s Light” departed to an accompanying first annual “Celebration of Luther’s Light”