The year is 1374 DR. Sixteen years have passed since the Time of Troubles, when the gods were made humble, and forced to wander the Realms as mortals. With the ascension of the mad god Cyric, Prince of Lies, and the recent return of the tyrant god Bane, Lord of Darkness, the future of Faerûn seems increasingly uncertain. It falls to bold individuals who possess an abundance of cunning, might, and determination to shape the future... should they be up to the challenge.

The tromping of boots stirs you from your restful slumber as the early evening approaches. Prying you eyelids open, you direct your attention at the ground below your vantage point upon a hefty tree's branch. The mouth of the muddy cavern vomits forth several gangs of orcs, armed and as barbaric in manner as they have ever been. Inhaling sharply, you stretch your neck and observe as they disperse to go about their duties.

An unexpected development gives you pause as you are formulating a plan of action. Occasionally, a group of orcs is accompanied by one or two humanoid creatures of remarkable musculature contrasted starkly by their rotund bellies and clumsy movements. You recognize these as ogres; the most diminutive and buffoonish of giantkin. Ogre slaves are the worklizards of Underdark industry, their dumb brawn an invaluable contribution to a multitude of projects. They are also a much beloved staple of the arena - the crowd never tires of watching gladiators be pulled apart and devoured raw.