Orkyst

Once, a strong castle watched from the steep cliffs of the Murr Shore and kept the people safe from pirates and invaders. For many generations, it was abandoned, and it fell to ruin. When its new settlers returned after long centuries, little more than crumbled walls and old foundations were left of the castle. They rebuilt what they could and settled within the old castle walls. The settlement grew into the small fishing village of Orkyst on the rocky shore of Murr.   The village is ruled by Baron Hordock, an old warrior whose grandfather was granted the castle as payment for military service. Hordock was raised with countless stories about the old castle. Some say this was the castle of the legendary Humbard "Orc-Foe" Rockbreaker, a hero from old tales. Legend has it that he built a castle to protect the people of Murr against the raiding orcs, and it was in this very place that he almost single-handedly defended the walls against hordes of orcs beyond count. Then again, most lords on the Murr Shore claim to rule from Humbard’s fabled castle. In truth, it is not certain that Humbard ever truly existed.   Other stories tell of the castle in its heyday and how it was built on orcish burial grounds. At night, the ghosts of the orcs haunted the residents until they jumped from the towers and cliffs to perish on the rocks below or be taken by the sea. After that, the place was abandoned. After many centuries, the orcs' ghosts passed on, and the place became quiet and peaceful once again.   There are many similar tales told over the history of this place. One theme that all stories have in common is a fear and hatred for orcs. However, they were always of times long past—bedtime stories told to little children. But times are changing. The orcs are growing numerous again and are encroaching on human lands. Raids happen more frequently, and the ruined walls of the old castle offer barely enough protection. Rumors are spreading that some of the Lords of Murr are speaking of peace with the orcs. In Orkyst, the people are still fearful of them and slow to trust them.