Fortress: the Last Stronghold(2 min read)

History of the Empire,
Year 528, reign of the 23rd Emperor

The young Empress Femina I announced her betrothal to the elven Count Lufu Aelfsong. Unfortunately, the joyous evening was darkened by reports of a growing evil to the south-west, in the lands of her cousin Duke Celine Vindicare.

When the Empress next received reports of the assassination of Vindicare and then the massacre of Lady Pedo and her party she could no longer delay. The armies were raised, and the eight Defenders set forth, the very next morning after the royal wedding.

duty – faith – love – power – revenge

History of the Empire,
Year 533

War. Only you five of the original defenders remain. The war began five years ago, when you were all friends – you have not seen each other since it started.

Succession. You are the Empress’ greatest allies – her husband, her cousin, her uncle, her sister-in-law, and her personal champion. The Empress is on her deathbed.

Defeat. Each of your once great armies is decimated, the empire in tatters. Your retreat ends at the Fortress – the last stronghold.

A two-session character-driven fantasy game for five players.
For the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.
By Sly Gryphon & Nick Kabilafkas

The remaining defenders

Of the original eight defenders, only you remain; the others – Deth, Othere, and Magos – have fallen. Five years ago, you were the closest of friends, but time, and war, changes everything. Now you must rediscover each other and find out which bonds have endured – and which have not.

	General Dueté Aelfsong NG Female High Elf, Fighter (Eldritch Knight) 10 Sister-in-law of the Empress. Commander general of the imperial army. Defender of the South.
	Sir Fei, Commander of the Paladin LG Female Human, Paladin (Oath of Devotion) 9 Personal champion of the Empress. Commander of the holy paladins. Defender of the West.
	Count Lufu Aelfsong NG Male Half-elf, Barbarian 2 / Cleric (Tempest) 8 Husband of the Empress. Holy chosen of God. Defender of the East.
	Prince Poer Imperare LN Male Human, Wizard (Conjurer) 9 Uncle of the Empress. Crown prince and heir to the Empire. Defender of the North.
	Duke Vindicare, Martyn Imperare NG Male Half-elf, Rogue (Thief) 4 / Fighter (Champion) 5 Cousin of the Empress. Youngest of the Defenders. Defender of the Nor’west.

Imperial family tree

Showing the Imperare royal dynasty with the crown colours of each monarch, following absolute primogeniture (where the firstborn child inherits, irrespective of gender), as well as the Aelfsong and Othere families.

Characters are indicated with blue underline.