You all come from either Wesland or Karubai (Wesland is predominantly human, Karubai is predominantly elven - ruled by Emperor Noon Hirani IV). These are two neighbouring countries that have been on the brink of war for many years.
Very recently, the king of Wesland was deposed in a miltary coup by his Lord Protector (the '2nd In command'). Around the same time, some of the royalist outer villages of Wesland were ransacked, apparently by the Lord Protector's loyal men. However, this is not where you are. You have gone to the new country - a 10 week journey by boat and not embarked upon lightly. This place is called Dhorgumlund - at least that's the name of the one country that has been 'colonised'.
Dhurghumlund is known in myth as the place where dragons went to die. People have lived there for decades but in the age of countries, it's a baby. First colonised by the dwarves [although you know know this is not true and the people of Heredwaith were here before them], drawn by the lure of ores and minerals, many of the country's names are theirs. The main port, Pen Duras, apparently means "new stone" but the older dwarves snigger that it actually means something else…..Most of the country is heavily bounded by a harsh mountain range, which has lured many travellers but tales are few of those who returned.
Pen Duras is a multicultural town. Everything is here but never with style: when the infrequent ships from Wesland and Karubai arrive, they are greeted by pimps, whores, gamblers and the like. But not everyone here is so seedy - they are mostly honest citizens once you get past the docks and many worthy causes are being worked and battled for.
It is the beginning of the new forntier - the true cities of Dhorgumlund lie further inland. Galent is the capital, connected to Pen Duras by river and to Rin Duras (a large mining community) by road and river.
Upon your arrival to Pen Duras, one of the most obvious things is the number of opportunities - there are many people and notice boards asking for help, services and such: "Honest souls and stout hearts required to aid the Shire Reeve in policing Pen Duras - apply to Rian Grooces at the townhall", "Worthy archers needed to help protect boats bound for Galent", "Bar jobs - good wages, any race may apply", "Brave hearts and arms needed for a journey to Stetterick; something is amiss there and danger seems likely. 50 gold pieces a man plus any treasures you may find. Apply to Beryn Lock at the Inn of the Wyrm"
And so on………