In the vast expanse of the Sturmwood, a wild frontier on the empire’s northern edge, settlers like you have been paid by the Empire of Gründe to tame and claim this untamed land. The empire, driven by a hunger for expansion, has decreed that the wilderness of the north is to be absorbed into the Fatherland. For two years, you and other frontierfolk have lived in isolation, scattered across the endless frontier, preparing the land for future colonists and expeditions.

The Empire of Gründe, a powerful force for centuries, has long sought to expand its influence. Under Emperor Karsten IV, this expansion has taken a new direction—northward into the dangerous wilderness of the Sturmwood. The empire, founded on the principles of discipline, order, and conquest, has always viewed the wild lands beyond its borders as both opportunity and threat. Rich in resources and mysterious in nature, the northern reaches are said to be home to creatures and forces unknown, but to the empire, all land must be brought under its control.

To pave the way for future expeditions and settlements, the empire has sent frontierfolk like you—brave or desperate souls paid handsomely to carve out a living and establish a foothold in the north. Your task is to live in the wilderness, clear the forests, and build rudimentary outposts until the empire’s grand colonial expeditions are ready to follow. It’s a hard life, but many have come for the promise of land and wealth. Others, perhaps, to escape the rigidity of life within the empire’s borders.

For two years, you’ve lived in a modest log cabin deep in the woods, part of a scattered network of settlers working to claim this land. Despite the harsh conditions, you’ve found a certain peace in the solitude of the Sturmwood. But on one of your routine hunts through the dense, mist-shrouded forest, that peace is shattered.

A sharp crack echoes through the woods—a tree crashes down, and before you can react, you’re struck, knocked unconscious by the force of its fall. When you finally stir, dazed and disoriented, you find yourself pinned beneath the weight of the tree. As your vision clears, you realize you’re not alone.

A massive black wolf-like beast, larger than any creature you’ve seen, stands before you. Its eyes, glowing with a predatory intelligence, lock onto yours as its sharp fangs gleam in the dim light. This is no ordinary animal—it’s something ancient, something far older than the empire, awakened by the settlers encroaching on its territory.

As you lie trapped beneath the fallen tree, you realize the empire’s push into the wilderness has stirred forces far beyond their control. The frontierfolk may have been paid to claim these lands, but now it’s clear the wilds have their own protectors—and they do not take kindly to intruders.