from the introduction: In the northern reaches, above the Ododharaun mountains, and along the northern fork of the Oakenrun river lies a modest settlement as remote and far away from the commonly traveled roads as can be. So far does it lie from the normal merchant trails that few have had opportunity to pass through this eccentric village, and for those accustomed to the opulent life that avails itself to the ambitious city dweller, they might even call it backward.