So, you have found me at last, child. I have been waiting a long, long time.

I am Iphenos, a celestial scholar and student of the world. I have learned much in my travels, more than any in Hadran could ever hope to know. You have come to me for help, I know. You seek some great weapon or magical item to aid you against the encroaching goblins, the newly made vampire that feeds off of you, or perhaps you believe the legends about the dragon who sleeps in the caverns of the Drachenfange Hills. I will help you, child. I will give you the greatest boon within my power to grant. I will give you knowledge.

This town growing in the valley beneath me, do you know of its history? I shall tell you, then. Barnacus was little more than a farming village and haven to river-borne travelers until sixty-two years ago. The town had been ravaged several times by rough bands of goblins and other creatures, and they had been robbed of gold, grain, and children by bandits and thieves. Among the villagers, one man realized the need to organize Barnacus against these threats. His family had long acted as councilors and advisors to the village, but Amric Acoma recognized the need for stronger leadership. He organized a militia and later strengthened it into a standing army. He began passing laws protecting the citizens from thieves and ruffians, and his army enforced his laws. Gradually, peace began to settle in the valley. With the protection of the Acoma army, Barnacus began to grow and prosper. People began to wander into the village and settle there, well satisfied with the security and fairness of Amric's rule. In time, the people of Barnacus began to call him Magistrate, and though he fretted beneath the title at first, he came to accept it as he came to rule Barnacus - with heart and skill. In this endeavor, he was aided by his friend, Lyanna. A Biata, Lyanna was also a powerful earth scholar who helped establish the Healer's Circle and founded the Healer's Guild.

When Amric handed his title down to his son, Borric, the village had grown into a small town. Nearby settlements began to swear fealty to the Magistry of Barnacus, and the population grew and swelled. Borric trained his army in the town's defense and helped the population organize into guilds. He arranged for surplus crops to be stored in warehouses against siege and famine. Under his rule, Barnacus attained a reputation as a prosperous, secure place to dwell. Unfortunately, that reputation made the fledgling city a target. Orc raiders came down out of the Teriel Forest more frequently. The army found itself harried by the undead legions controlled by fledgling necromancers. Legends of the old Hadran Empire were whispered, and auguries grew darker and more indistinct. Still, Borric and his army withstood all attacks, and Barnacus prospered. Lyanna disappeared, leaving her fledgling daughter, Cleora, in charge of the Healer's Guild. Borric tragically died his final death, leaving Barnacus in the hands of his son, Amalric.

Since then, Amalric has taken a major role in the occurrences of the Hadran River valley. Even as he has risen, however, the orc lordling, Serga, has found the legendary spear Alkarg, and his massive host threatened to crush Barnacus into nonexistence. A new vampire, Rastabahn, has also established himself in these hills, and he no doubt will use the citizens of Barnacus as his cattle. There are also portents of greater matters stirring here, in the heart of the old Empire, so close to ancient and terrible magics. Watch well, child. Keep your eyes open. Matters are not as they seem.

What, you want to know more? Look to the stars, then, for your destiny and the fate of Barnacus. You will see me again, have no fear. You will never find my little cave again, but I will be watching. Oh, yes. I watch you all.