Quests

Long ago, as war ravaged the southern lands, three refugees fled into the untamed north. Carrying little but loss and fragile hope, they sought peace and a quiet place to begin again.

After a long and dangerous journey, the group discovered a tranquil location where they decided to set up camp and rest.

This location seemed to have everything: fresh running water, fertile soil, and not a monster in sight. It was an easy decision to stay longer.

Before long, the campsite was much more comfortable, but more refugees were on their way, and there wasn't enough food for everyone. Fortunately, the nearby river was teeming with fish, and the woods to the north were abundant with game.

Unwilling to turn anyone away, the growing campsite quickly filled. We needed more wood and food to expand it.

With adequate food and timber, our small community was growing quickly.

Our humble campsite could no longer support our growing community. We decided to replace it with a town square to unite our settlement and welcome new refugees.

With adequate food and timber, our small campsite had quickly grown into a thriving hamlet.

As our hamlet blossomed, so too did our problems. Before long, we encountered some violent creatures in the area, and it was decided we needed guards to protect us.

While out foraging in the forest, a young couple spotted a small group of goblins approaching town. We had only a short while to make sure we were ready!

Objective: Pay the Soldiers' Demands

Shortly after our encounter with the goblins, soldiers from our old home Ashenholt arrived demanding we pay taxes. We fled Ashenholt to avoid the endless war and corruption, but we were in no position to defy them.

Objective: Acquire gold across the river and pay the soldiers' demands

As a poor community with little wealth, Ashenholt never expected us to meet their outrageous demands. They sought only to extort and control us. Little did they know that traces of gold had been discovered in the north, on the other side of the river.

Clearly surprised that we had managed to pay their outrageous demands, the Ashenholt soldiers departed. At the same time, our newfound goldmine brought fresh prosperity to the villagers.

Thank you for playing the Hearth and Hamlet Demo. You may continue to explore, but don't forget to wishlist!

Over time, people from kingdoms near and far heard of the free town of your town. But as our population grew, we began to attract the attention of larger and more dangerous groups of enemies.

The corrupt monarch of Ashenholt has sent his soldiers back to our village. This time they demand 40,000 gold in tribute and ongoing taxes, while refusing to spare even a single soldier to protect us.

Safe behind our new walls, a visiting merchant spread tales of the vast wealth to be made in foreign kingdoms. With an upgraded market, we could commission our own trade expeditions.

Over the years it had become clear that our once-humble hamlet now had greater ambitions. We decided it was time to seek out educated minds to help us build our future.

Once again the kingdom of Ashenholt sent soldiers demanding taxes. Stunned by our town’s growth since their last visit, their demands were outrageous and their forces far more numerous.

If we ever hoped to break free from Ashenholt’s grip, we needed stronger walls to defend ourselves.

The Rubescairn Magicians had long served the great kingdoms of the world. If we wished to recruit one to our cause, we would first need to expand our fishing infrastructure, construct a ship, and voyage to Rubescairn with a generous gift. Their knowledge was not given freely.

Impressed by the strong economic growth of your town and swayed by the charisma and diplomacy of our noble emissary, the magicians struck a rare bargain: one educated wizard in exchange for supplying food to Rubescairn for the next 50 years.

While we awaited the arrival of our new wizard, a mysterious woman claimed that ancient magic lies hidden within the forgotten ruins of the swamp. She has offered to share its secrets - for a price. We would need to trade with other nations for the magic required to uncover these mysteries.

Our newly acquired wizard was amazed by the wealth of magic in the region. He has convinced the Archmage of Rubescairn to allow the construction of a Magic Academy within the city.

What began as a haven for refugees fleeing the wars in the south had grown into a free city that now holds the allegiance of people from many corners of the world.

An emissary from Ashenholt has arrived once more, demanding even higher taxes. To our horror, they also demanded that one in every five able-bodied men be conscripted into their military. We feigned acceptance while quietly mustering a force strong enough to refuse them.

Enraged by our refusal to hand over our sons and fathers to die in a foreign war, the Ashenholt army prepared to crush our resistance.

We were no longer subject to the whims of our powerful neighbors. We resolved that if Ashenholt returned, they would face a true kingdom, fully prepared to defend itself.

In time, our persistent harvesting of the swamp's magics stirred an ancient evil. Forgotten souls from a lost civilization rose, semi-preserved, from the mire. Our weapons had little effect, and they were too numerous for our wizards. Only through divine might could we hope to turn them back.

With our newly consecrated weapons keeping the undead at bay, the call went out for brave heroes to venture into the sunken ruins and destroy the source of the undead.

Our heroes valiantly located and destroyed an ancient evil deep within the swamp ruins. Once more, our city flourished in peace.

For your town to remain a free and independent city, we needed to establish stronger relationships with the foreign kingdoms of Ankhet-Nar, Crimsonvale, and Ironrend, and secure their recognition of our sovereign rule.

We already enjoyed close ties with the wizards of Rubescairn, so we turned our attention to Ankhet-Nar. Prizing wealth and education, we sought to suitably impress their Matriarch.

Impressed by our kingdom's knowledge and ingenuity, along with our High Lady's charm, the Ankhet-Nar Matriarch pledged her friendship to the rising kingdom of your town.

Next, we sought to strengthen our relationship with the Holy Kingdom of Crimsonvale, a realm built on faith and divine rule.

Admiring our faith and recent victories over evil, the Monarchy of Crimsonvale was pleased to recognise your town as a sovereign kingdom.

Finally, with Ashenholt weakened and locked in an ongoing war with the Kingdom of Ironrend, an opportunity presented itself to forge a strong diplomatic bond with the Duchess of Ironrend.

Leveraging our superior military might and masterful negotiations, we established a fragile peace between Ironrend and Ashenholt, winning the respect of the Ironrend Duchess herself.

Having secured the recognition of the foreign kingdoms, we prepared to crown the first King and Queen of your town. A grand castle would stand as the enduring symbol of our sovereignty.